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Inmarsat Plc

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FY2017 Annual Report · Inmarsat Plc
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7

MAKING A  
DIFFERENCE

on land, at sea and in the air

INMARSAT PLC
ANNUAL REPORT  
AND ACCOUNTS 2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
Our investor proposition
Inmarsat’s track record, unique capabilities and differentiated 
market position ensures we will remain well placed to capture 
significant medium-term growth opportunities available to us 
in each of our chosen markets

  Unique and 
market-leading 
position in 
mobility

  Long-standing 
and sustainable 
advantage in 
global coverage

  High-performance 
mobility-designed 
L-band satellites, 
supported by 
secure networks 
and technology

  GX, a unique 
global, mobile, 
high bandwidth 
network, will be 
augmented by 
new, low-cost 
technologies 
in the future

ENTERPRISE
 › Growth in 

Machine2Machine 
revenues
 › Decline in 

legacy services

GOVERNMENT
 › Material revenue 
growth in 2017
 › New contract wins 

more than offsetting 
the pressures of 
ongoing budgetary 
constraints

AVIATION
 › Double digit revenue 
growth throughout 
2017

 › Continued commercial 
momentum in In-Flight 
Connectivity
 › Another strong 

performance from 
our core businesses

MARITIME
 › Steady operational 
progress and return to 
quarterly year-on-year 
revenue growth
 › Fleet Xpress gaining 
increasing market 
traction, with over 
2,600 vessels on 
FX by year end 
(2016: 335 vessels)

 › Resilient 

FleetBroadband 
performance 

08 Learn more about how 

we performed in our 
CEO’s review

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report | Introduction

01 

As the industry leader and pioneer 
of mobile satellite communications, 
Inmarsat has been powering 
global connectivity for nearly 
four decades

We make a difference to our 
customers by making their businesses 
more efficient and effective and by 
helping them to remain safe and 
more connected

Strategic Report
IFC  Our investor proposition
02  Group at a glance
04  The life cycle of a satellite
06  Chairman’s statement
08  Chief Executive’s strategic review
12  Our strategy
14  Our business model
16  Our KPIs
18  Market trends
20  Business overview – Maritime
24  Business overview – Government
28  Business overview – Aviation
32  Business overview – Enterprise
36  Business overview – Central services
38  Chief Financial Officer’s review
42  Resources and relationships
50  Risk management
51  Principal risks and uncertainties
55  Viability statement

Governance
56  Chairman’s introduction
57  Governance at work
58  Board of Directors
61 
75  Relations with shareholders
76  Directors’ remuneration report
99  Report of the Directors
103  Directors’ responsibility statement

Executive management board

Financial Statements
104  Financial statements index
105 
Independent Auditor’s report
112  Consolidated income statement
113  Consolidated statement  
of comprehensive income

114  Consolidated balance sheet
115  Consolidated statement  
of changes in equity

116  Consolidated cash flow statement
117  Notes to the consolidated  
financial statements

154  Company financial statements
156  Notes to the Company  
financial statements

157  Glossary
159  Additional information

REVENUE

$1,400.2m

ADJUSTED EBITDA1,2

$751.4m

2017

2016

2015

$1,400.2m

$1,329.0m

$1,274.1m

2017

2016

2015

$751.4m

$794.8m

$726.0m

CASH CAPEX2

$598.7m

PROFIT AFTER TAX

$182.3m

2017

2016

2015

$598.7m

$412.9m

$493.6m

2017

2016

2015

$182.3m

$243.4m

$282.0m

1  EBITDA is adjusted for a one-off restructuring charge of $19.9m
2  These represent alternative performance measures (‘APMs’). Please refer to note 2 in the Financial Statements

GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report02

Strategic Report | Group at a glance

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

GROUP AT A GLANCE
Making a difference across 
our chosen end markets

Our four business units provide unrivalled global, mobile connectivity to our customers

MARITIME

GOVERNMENT

AVIATION

ENTERPRISE

Inmarsat offers the most reliable 
and resilient communications 
solutions to the maritime industry. 
From the largest commercial 
fleets to coastal vessels, our 
services are based on our long 
track record of managing global 
networks and consequently, 
a unique understanding of the 
challenges of living and working 
in a maritime environment.

Our secure, globally available 
services and products are 
helping to drive an evolution in:
 › Vessel performance 
and efficiency

 › Safety management 
and monitoring

 › Crew welfare

Inmarsat remains a key partner 
to many governments around 
the world. In nations like the U.S., 
we aim to augment a government’s 
existing communications networks 
and ensure that, wherever they 
need to be, our secure, reliable 
and powerful mobile satellite 
networks are always available.

Our mission-critical voice, 
video and data communications 
solutions help governments 
on land, at sea and in the air to:
 › Maintain their security
 › Ensure public safety
 › Deliver remote health, 

education and other crucial 
services in regions where 
terrestrial networks are not 
able to reach

Inmarsat has been providing 
connectivity services to both 
the cockpit and the cabin for 
many years. We provide cabin 
connectivity to the Business 
and General Aviation (‘BGA’) 
sectors and more recently to 
the Commercial Aviation sector, 
through In-Flight Connectivity. 
Our connectivity products in the 
Safety and Operational Services 
sector ensure safe and secure 
communications between the 
cockpit and air traffic control.

Our unique position in the 
Aviation market is supported by:
 › Benefits of owner economics
 › Long track record serving 
the Aviation industry
 › Continual innovation 

and product development 
in this sector

Inmarsat provides the 
widest portfolio of global voice, 
broadband data, Machine2Machine 
(‘M2M’) and value-added services 
in the market. We see significant 
growth opportunities in the 
medium-term from emerging 
new Internet of Things (‘IoT’) 
markets in sectors such as mining, 
smart cities, smart agriculture, 
logistics and transportation.

Inmarsat has the ability to:
 › Extend the range of 

terrestrial networks and 
narrow the digital divide

 › Enhance resiliency 
and redundancy 

 › Provide capabilities such 
as broadcast services and 
precision navigation services 

20

Maritime 
business overview

24

Government 
business overview

28

Aviation 
business overview

32

Enterprise 
business overview

REVENUE

EBITDA

$1,259.0m

$902.4m

Maritime

$564.7m

45% of group

Maritime

$441.9m

49% of group

Government

$366.7m

29% of group

Government

$265.2m

30% of group

Aviation

$195.0m

15% of group

Aviation

$103.4m

11% of group

Enterprise

$132.6m

11% of group

Enterprise

$91.9m

10% of group

Revenue and EBITDA excluding Central Services and Ligado

1,700+
Employees

Based in 
50 locations 
across every 
continent

4
Core values

Passionate, 
Open, 
Enterprising, 
Market-driven

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report | Group at a glance

03 

1

  I-5 F1 

o   Position 62.6E

10

I-3 F1 

o   Position 64.5E

2

  I-5 F2 

o   Position 55W

3

  I-5 F3 

o   Position 179.6E

I-3 F2 

11

o   Position 15.5W

12

I-3 F3 

o   Position 178E

5

  S EAN    o   Position 39E

4

  I-5 F4 

o   Position 83E

13

I-3 F5 

o   Position 54W

6

7

8

9

I-4 F1 

o   Position 143.5E

 I-4 F2 

o   Position 63.9E

 I-4 F3 

 Position 98W

  I-4 F4/Alphasat 

o   Position 24.9E

An unrivalled portfolio
Through our best in class networks we help our customers to communicate where 
terrestrial telecom networks lack reliability or coverage; on land, at sea or in the air.

INMARSAT SATELLITES IN GEOSTATIONARY ORBIT

6

135°E

12

3

180°

135°W

4

90°E

10

1

7

5

45°E

0°

45°W

13

2

90°W

8

9

11

13

GEOSTATIONARY SATELLITES – THREE 
SATELLITES PROVIDE GLOBAL COVERAGE

10

SATELLITE ACCESS STATIONS

99.9%

L-BAND SATELLITE AND GROUND  
NETWORK AVAILABILITY MEETING  
THE GLOBAL MARITIME DISTRESS AND  
SAFETY SYSTEM (‘GMDSS’) STANDARDS

1

2

3

4

5

6

 7

 8

 9

 10

 11

 12  13

Global Xpress – the first  
global, high bandwidth  
satellite network  

The European Aviation  
Network – a unique asset  

GX, based on our four Inmarsat-5 satellites 
currently in orbit, is a global, mobile, high 
bandwidth network, which will be further 
augmented by new, low-cost technologies 
in the future. The GX network is fully 
operational, following the launch of 
the fourth I-5 satellite in 2017.

The integrated S-band satellite and 
air-to-ground network, the EAN, will be 
a compelling and unique proposition for 
commercial aviation customers in Europe, 
compared to other satellite-only offerings. 
The network delivers higher capacity, wider 
coverage, superior cost per bit, faster speeds 
and lower latency, with smaller and lighter 
equipment which can be installed quickly, 
more cost effectively and with less fuel drag.

High-performance  
mobility-designed L-band 
satellites – supported by secure 
networks and technology  

Our L-band networks, through eight 
Inmarsat-3 and Inmarsat-4 satellites, have 
helped Inmarsat to establish and develop 
a loyal customer and distribution base 
over time. The Inmarsat-6 satellites comprise 
two dual payload (L-band and Ka-band) 
satellites due to be launched at the start of the 
next decade. This will ensure the reorientation 
of our L-band capabilities towards new growth 
opportunities uniquely addressable by a 
cutting edge global network, with a small, 
low-cost, highly reliable and agile device 
to deliver our services to end users.

GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report 
 
 
04

Strategic Report | The life cycle of a satellite

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

THE LIFE CYCLE OF A SATELLITE
Harnessing innovation and  
technology at every stage of the  
journey, from design to launch  
and beyond

 10km

per second

The rocket vehicle has 
to achieve what’s called 
‘burn-out velocity’ 
of 10km/s (22,300mph)

In-orbit 
testing

Travel to 
final orbit

The spacecraft travels 
12m km (7.5m miles) 
before reaching its 
geostationary orbit.

Build

Launch

Planning 
and concept

The spacecraft ‘bus’ 
(the main body) 
is designed. The 
payload (the section 
that provides comms 
for the customers) 
is specific for each 
mission so development 
time can vary. 

Design 
development

The combined 
design/development 
phase is 1.5 years.

Manufacture 
and testing

The build phase 
is approx. two years. 
Integration and 
testing is six months.

Many teams are 
involved in the design 
and manufacture of 
each satellite. That’s 
hundreds of people 
for each project.

C

o

n

c

e

pt to operational 3–5 yea r s

Global Xpress investment

$2bn

Projected operational l i f e s p a n   1

2

–

5

0  y e ars

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report | The life cycle of a satellite

05 

Operates in geostationary orbit at

35,786km

Deorbiting 
A spacecraft is ‘raised’ 
to ‘graveyard orbit’, 
a circular orbit 
that is higher 
than operational 
geostationary orbit

Fuel carried for  
station-keeping 
throughout lifespan

200kg

 Kilometres travelled

1,500,000,000

Over 15 years, 
the spacecraft will 
travel around the 
earth for a total 
of 1.5 billion km –  
roughly the same as 
1,951 round trips 
from the Earth 
to the Moon! 

Average number 
of manoeuvres 
each year (I-5 satellite)

1,460

Operate & lease satellite capacity

End of life & future planning

Space debris

In collaboration with several 
agencies around the globe, 
we continually monitor 
close approach of objects 
near our fleet. On average, 
we have to take avoiding 
action 20 times per year. 

Disposal

We monitor the spacecraft 
long enough to confirm it 
has reached the graveyard 
orbit and then passivate. 
This means we check the 
satellite has no energy 
left and this typically 
takes a few days.

Fuel carried

Positioning

The spacecraft typically 
carries over 2,000kg (2 tonnes) 
of propellant into space –  
most of this is used to raise 
the orbit after separating from 
the launch vehicle, leaving 
only 200kg for station-keeping 
for the remaining lifespan.

The spacecraft’s position is 
constantly monitored 24/7 
from our Satellite Control Centre. 
When a manoeuvre is required, 
thrusters accelerate the satellite 
to the required position. The average 
manoeuvre uses 10g of propellant 
(I-5 satellites).

Sensors

Typically a spacecraft has sensors 
to detect the sun, the stars, the earth 
(typically older spacecraft only), 
and the spacecraft’s own rotation. 
It takes roughly a tenth of a second 
for the signal to propagate from 
the satellite to the ground.

Projected operational l i f e s p a n   1

2

–

5

0  y e ars

GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report06

Strategic Report | Chairman’s statement

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT
Continuing to deliver

We remain well placed 
to access future 
growth opportunities

We have seen solid progress in 2017 towards 
our objectives of building a significant new mobile 
broadband business with our new Global Xpress 
constellation, as well as investing in establishing 
a leadership position in the largest growth 
opportunity in the commercial satellite sector, 
In-Flight Connectivity for the commercial 
aviation sector. In our core business overall, 
particularly in Maritime, Aviation and Government, 
we have seen solid steady performance in the 
face of growing competition.

OUR RESPONSE TO 
SECTOR HEADWINDS

However, we have been hit with headwinds as well, 
which have negatively affected our share price. 
Some of these derive from issues in the sector 
we are in. Firstly, there is growing overcapacity 
in the fixed satellite space, derived from declining 
video and telecoms revenues, markets we 
are not in. Secondly, companies in the sector 
who are financially stressed have dropped prices. 
As a result of these factors, fixed satellite 
operators are attempting to enter the higher 
growth mobile satellite space where we operate.

We believe these trends were predictable and 
known. It was contemplated as we invested further, 
over the last few years, so as to maintain leadership 
in the mobile satellite sector of commercial 
satellites. The mobile satellite sector is 
fundamentally distinct from the fixed sector and 
the services needed to address this market will take 
many years for competitors to develop. Our moves 
in broadband mobile satellite are made from a 
position of strength in the maritime and aviation 
sectors, where we have had a presence and been a 
leader for decades. These are healthy and growing 
segments in the commercial satellite sector and 
our moves in 2017 and leading into 2018 uniquely 
position us to lead and accelerate growth in these 
emerging opportunities in the years ahead.

OVERVIEW OF OUR 
PERFORMANCE IN 2017

The management team has been following the 
strategic plans outlined in our previous annual 
reports and commented on in our quarterly 
reporting and in 2017 executed well on those 
plans to drive future growth opportunities. 
Major accomplishments for the year include 
two successful satellite launches, a set of 
new service launches across land, sea and air, 
as well as tremendous progress on the build, 

ANDREW SUKAWATY
CHAIRMAN

licensing and sales of our soon to be launched 
European Aviation Network. We have built up 
our presence and costs in aviation so that we 
are in a position to successfully support and 
grow that business in the years ahead.

While certainly there were operational and sector 
challenges in 2017, overall the management 
team has executed well and achieved our primary 
strategic objectives for positioning the business 
for growth. This will be laid out in more detail on the 
following pages of this report by Rupert Pearce, 
in his CEO review and in the strategy section.

BALANCING INVESTMENT 
IN GROWTH WITH 
SHAREHOLDER RETURNS

In light of this year’s share price performance, 
we have also stood back and assessed our plans 
and performance. We have met extensively with 
shareholders and listened. It is clear from this 
feedback that there is growing concern about the 
impact of our medium to long-term investments 
on the short-term financial performance of the 
business and the implications for our financial 
strength downstream. It is important to emphasise 
that our business remains on a solid footing 
financially and the Board remains supportive of the 
investment path we are on. However, we will continue 
to assess various paths to enhance our progress 
over the short term, as well as the long-term, 
to address the concerns which have been raised.

That brings me to the Board’s decision on the 
dividend going forward. During 2017, particularly in 
the second half of the year, two elements started 
to become clearer. Firstly, the Board’s conviction 
around our opportunity to build our position in the 
emerging and substantial In-Flight Connectivity 
segment continued to grow and, secondly, 
the continued lack of visibility and uncertainty 
around the future cash contribution from Ligado 
Networks. With these factors in mind, particularly 
their potential impact on our short to medium-term 
cash flow profile, the Board took the decision 
to reduce the level of annual (full year) dividend 
payments to shareholders to 20.00 cents ($) 
per share.

Inmarsat is pleased that it has paid over $2.1bn to 
shareholders in dividends since our IPO in 2005. 
However, given the magnitude of solid growth 
opportunities before us and the other reasons 
stated, adjusting our dividend to address this capital 
requirement is in the Company’s best interest.

The dividend will remain at these levels until 
our cash flow grows sufficiently, to make future 
increases in the dividend appropriate. Whilst 
this was an extremely difficult decision for 
the Board to take, we had to ensure the right 
balance between providing our shareholders 
with attractive cash returns and doing what is 
right for the business – in particular, by supporting 
our growth prospects with a clear and targeted 
investment programme.

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report | Chairman’s statement

07 

THE INMARSAT 
INVESTMENT THESIS

Standing back from all of this you can see that 
we are investing with the belief that broadband 
connectivity will greatly expand in the markets 
we serve, those with little or no terrestrial wired 
or wireless connectivity. This of course is at sea, 
in the air and in remote, less densely populated 
environments. This is broadly our investment 
thesis and supports our purpose of ‘enabling 
a connected world’. We believe we are best 
positioned to be a leader in this often overlooked 
global opportunity. Translated to more specifics, 
this means that we believe more consumers on 
aircraft will demand connectivity on their smart 
phone or laptop. We believe that ship owners 
and mariners will have greater increased need 
for high speed connectivity for ships generally 
and also in what is being referred to as ‘Smart’ or 
automated ships. We believe that government 
and aid workers in remote environments, will 
demand the same kind of connectivity they 
experience everywhere else, in order to stay 
connected and function. Our resources are 
focused on investments that ride this trend.

BOARD DEVELOPMENTS

Early last year, two of our long-standing Directors 
retired from the Board, with one having been 
appointed at the time of our IPO in 2005 and 
the second in 2006. We would like to thank 
Stephen Davidson and Kathleen Flaherty for 
their significant contributions to the success 
of Inmarsat over more than a decade.

Joining the Board during 2017 is Warren Finegold. 
Warren has tremendous experience in the 
telecoms sector, having recently retired 
as a senior executive with Vodafone, as well as 
significant experience in investment banking. 
His biography can be found on page 61.

We have asked Sir Bryan Carsberg, a long-standing 
Director at Inmarsat, to stay on the Board, while 
recognising he is no longer deemed independent 
due to his tenure with us. Bryan will continue 
to participate in the Audit and Remuneration 
Committees, but no longer as a formal member. 
He will remain as a member of the Telecoms 
Regulatory Committee. The Board however, 
still maintains significantly more than a majority 
of its Directors as independents. We believe that 
Sir Bryan’s contributions and insights continue 
to be extremely valuable for the Inmarsat Board.

Our Board is diverse in experience, gender and 
nationality. For a global technology business 
we believe this is essential to achieving a 
high level performance for the Board, as well 
as the Company as a whole. When we review 
Board succession, and the appointment of new 
Non-Executive Directors, diversity consideration 

is part of the hiring process. We have recently 
published our Gender Pay Report which looks 
across our business to ensure there is no 
unconscious bias in any of our decision making 
and we report separately our UK employee statistics 
to the UK Government. A copy of the report can 
be found on our website. There has been much work 
done during 2017 on our talent management 
and internal succession planning and we are 
delighted progress has been made on these key 
areas to support opportunities for our staff.

We would like to assure our shareholders that we 
strive to meet the highest standards in terms of 
the governance standards we utilise to conduct 
our business. Last year, while our Remuneration 
Policy received a solidly supportive vote, the 
implementation of that Policy however received 
significant opposition. In light of that, we have 
consulted with shareholders and reviewed our 
remuneration implementation. As a result we 
have listened to the comments received and 
made significant changes which are highlighted 
in our Remuneration Report on page 76.

Your Board continues to function well and we 
completed our annual assessment of this during 
the course of 2017. More details are provided 
in the Governance Report on page 56.

SUMMARY

We believe Inmarsat is on the right course 
to continue to grow profit and prosper for our 
customers, staff and shareholders. We have 
maintained our leadership in maritime and 
aviation while making significant unprecedented 
investments to allow us to focus in those sectors 
we believe we can profitably grow. Despite these 
forward looking investments, we remain solid 
financially. However, we need to be mindful of 
financial market concerns for the sector and the 
growing investments required to capitalise on these 
growth opportunities and the Board is focused 
on these areas as part of its 2018 priorities.

We would like to thank our customers for 
continuing to trust and rely on us for their 
often mission critical connectivity. We take our 
commitment to reliability and quality deeply 
seriously, not only for the safety services 
we provide at sea and in the air, but also for our 
commercial services. We also would like to thank 
our staff for their dedication and commitment 
which allows us to continue to succeed. Lastly, 
I would like to thank our shareholders who have 
supported the continued evolution of our business 
into new and essential growth opportunities.

ANDREW SUKAWATY  
CHAIRMAN

9 March 2018

2017 AWARDS

SMART4SEA
Category: Excellence Award 2017
Winner: Fleet Xpress

Mobile Satellite Users  
Association’s 2017 Mobility 
Innovation Awards
Category: Top Government Mobility 
Satcom Innovation
Winner: Wideband Streaming L-band

Seatrade 2017
Category: Digital Technology Award
Winner: Fleet Xpress

IMC Golden Shield Excellence 
Awards 2017 – UK Chapter
Category: Maritime Security Services Provider
Winner: Inmarsat

Inflight Magazine Asia  
Pacific Awards
Category: Connectivity Enablement
Winner: GX Aviation

APEX Awards 2017
Category: Best Inflight Connectivity Innovation
Winner: European Aviation Network

Civil Aviation Administration  
of China
Category: Product Innovation
Winner: GX Aviation

Airline Public Communication  
Alliance China
Category: Product Innovation
Winner: GX Aviation

World Travel Awards 2017
Category: World’s Leading Inflight 
Internet Service Provider
Winner: Inmarsat

GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report08

Strategic Report | Chief Executive’s strategic review

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S STRATEGIC REVIEW
Making a difference

RUPERT PEARCE
CHIEF EXECUTIVE  
OFFICER

OUR RESULTS

5.4%

INCREASE IN REVENUE

$142m

GLOBAL XPRESS REVENUE

Inmarsat delivered further 
operational and strategic 
progress in 2017, comprising 
both gratifying near term 
revenue growth as well as 
several important strategic 
proof-points around exciting 
medium-term growth 
opportunities, especially in 
In-Flight Connectivity (‘IFC’)

STRONG PERFORMANCE 
ACROSS OUR BUSINESS 
UNITS THROUGHOUT 2017

Our solid operational progress supported 
the Group in delivering revenue growth 
of over 5% for the year, with our investment 
in Global Xpress, our high bandwidth global 
mobile satellite network, starting to show 
material returns, generating over $140m 
of revenue in the year.

Indeed, there were strong performances 
across our business units throughout 2017:
 › In Maritime, we made important strategic 
progress in securing the long-term future for 
Fleet Xpress, with significant commitments 
signed with leading distribution partners. 
After a challenging year in 2016, which 
continued into Q1 2017, we delivered 
quarter-on-quarter growth for three 
consecutive quarters and year-on-year 
revenue growth in the fourth quarter

 › In Government, we delivered on our strategy 
to increase our contracted revenue base 
and diversify our customer and product base, 
supported by another excellent operational 
performance during the year

 › In Aviation, we further established our 

market position in IFC through commercial 
momentum and strategic investment, 
and our core business delivered double 
digit revenue growth throughout 2017
 › Enterprise continues to make progress 
notwithstanding challenges, by focusing 
on mobility applications. We remain 
optimistic about the long-term future 
demand for M2M connectivity in the 
emerging global Internet of Things 
(‘IoT’) market

We also delivered several notable successes 
in the development of our global networks –  
in particular:
 › We successfully launched our fourth 

GX satellite in May 2017, to provide global 
in-orbit redundancy and additional 
capacity and capabilities into new 
regional growth opportunities 

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report | Chief Executive’s strategic review

09 

 › Our S-band satellite was also successfully 

launched in June 2017, to become an integral 
part of our new European Aviation Network 
(‘EAN’), to be combined with a complementary 
air-to-ground component network 
recently completed by Deutsche Telekom 
and expected to be launched in 2018
 › We completed the design and procurement 
of our fifth GX satellite, announced and 
initiated in July 2017 and expected to 
be launched in late 2019, and our two 
replacement Inmarsat-6 satellites remain 
on track for their launches in 2020 and 
2021, respectively and

 › We procured launchers for two of 

these satellite programmes: comprising 
Arianespace’s Ariane-5 for GX-5 (2019) 
and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ H-IIA 
rocket for Inmarsat-6F1 (2020)

These planned investments in our network 
infrastructure drove an increase in capital 
expenditure in 2017, which was the primary 
driver behind the reduction in free cash flow 
in the year.

Adjusted EBITDA for the Group declined by 
5.5%, in the year, with revenue growth offset 
by further planned investment in IFC market 
capture and service delivery and in developing 
our networks and back office infrastructure, 
as well as changes in revenue mix.

SIGNIFICANT ACTIONS TAKEN 
LEADING TO MAJOR CHANGES 
TO THE ORGANISATION DURING 
THE YEAR

There were a number of significant 
people-related actions carried out during 
the year, which led to major organisational 
developments across our business.

During the fourth quarter, we initiated a 
headcount reduction programme to reduce 
our legacy costs, ensuring that we have the 

capacity to invest in new skills to support 
the future growth of the business. Whilst this 
was unsettling for many of our staff, it was an 
exercise that had to be undertaken to ensure 
the business has a solid functional backbone 
from which to support our growth in the future.

There were also a number of changes to our 
Executive Management team during the year. 
Leo Mondale, President of our Aviation Business 
Unit, and Michele Franci, our Chief Technology 
Officer, both left the business in 2017. I would 
like to thank both Leo and Michele for their 
significant contributions to the business over 
the years and I wish them all the very best 
for the future.

Phil Balaam, previously our Chief Strategy 
Officer, replaced Leo as the President of our 
Aviation Business Unit, running our global 
Aviation IFC and core businesses, and 
Peter Hadinger, previously President of our 
U.S. Government Business Unit, steps up to 
become our new Chief Technology Officer. 
Susan Miller in consequence steps up to 
become the President of our U.S. Government 
Business Unit, bringing together our wholesale 
and retail U.S. Government sales activities 
under one roof, and stepping up onto Inmarsat’s 
Executive Team. I am pleased to say that Phil, 
Peter and Susan are all vastly experienced 
and highly skilled operators in the satellite 
industry and I am extremely confident that 
they will help to further drive the performance 
and development of the key parts of the 
business that they now lead. 

At the end of the year, we also created a 
new division within the business, the Product 
Group, led by Nick Thexton as our Chief Product 
Officer, who joined us last year from YouView 
and previously spent many years in a number 
of senior roles at Cisco Systems and NDS. 
Nick also joined Inmarsat’s Executive Team. 
This newly created product team has 
been established through a spin-out of 
our end-to-end product development and 

management activities in our current technology 
division, our business units and our finance 
division, bringing together all product-related 
activities under one roof, and the addition of our 
nascent and fast-growing digital services team. 
We believe this will provide more focus and 
agility in our product and service innovation, 
development and life cycle management, 
both digital and non-digital. The team will 
work as a catalyst between the business units 
and the central functions, focusing on the 
strategic and commercial value of these 
services, as well as driving a multi-disciplinary 
approach to building them. Our technology 
division’s focus will tighten to global networks 
and operating systems.

INMARSAT REMAINS WELL 
POSITIONED TO CAPTURE 
SIGNIFICANT GROWTH 
OPPORTUNITIES

Our performance in 2017, supported by the 
impact of these organisational developments, 
will help to ensure that Inmarsat remains well 
positioned to capture the significant growth 
opportunities that will become available 
in the coming years, as a result of two major 
demand drivers.

Firstly, the current demand for global 
mobile satellite broadband services continues 
to grow more rapidly than in many other 
satellite segments. Secondly, lower speed, 
high resistance satellite connectivity services 
to support emerging IoT applications offers 
significant growth potential over the 
medium to long-term.

Both of these areas will be driven by further 
growth in demand for mobile connectivity 
services in the Maritime, Government, 
Aviation and Enterprise markets, supported 
by the ongoing surge in data utilisation 
by users on the move and around the world.

OUR CONFIDENCE ABOUT THE FUTURE 
IS BASED ON OUR STRONG TRACK RECORD, 
UNIQUE CAPABILITIES AND DIFFERENTIATED 
MARKET POSITION

GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report10

Strategic Report | Chief Executive’s strategic review

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S STRATEGIC REVIEW
CONTINUED

In Maritime, we are confident that our future 
growth will be founded on continued progress 
in penetrating the maritime VSAT markets 
and by diversification of our L-band business 
into new market segments. In Government, 
we remain well-placed to capture value over 
the medium-term as the trusted provider 
of unique space-based capabilities to 
governments as and when near-term budgetary 
and operational tempo headwinds start to ease. 
In Enterprise, future growth is targeted in the 
emerging IoT opportunity, where we expect 
satellite services to play a substantial global 
role over the medium-term. Finally, we expect 
that Aviation will be the largest individual growth 
driver for the overall business in the coming 
years, through the consistent double-digit 
growth trajectory of our core Aviation business 
(composed of services to the Business and 
General Aviation segment and the Safety and 
Operational Services segment) and through 
the significant medium-term growth potential 
of our fast-emerging and substantial IFC 
Aviation business.

With two complementary global satellite 
communications networks (each with in-orbit 
redundancy), we are fully focused on mobility 
markets. With a 38-year history and reputation 
of delivering reliable and agile connectivity 
services to customers, we are very well positioned 
to retain and capture a leading market position 
in both global mobile broadband and satellite 
IoT markets. Our confidence is supported by our: 
 › Unrivalled presence in key end markets, 
with a disciplined focus on end users for 
whom our services are highly differentiated 
and mission critical, supported by strong 
local market access and licensing, following 
many years of relationship-building and 
investment. We are the current global leaders 
in the supply of satellite telecommunications 
services to the maritime, government and 
aviation sectors

 › Long-standing and sustainable 

advantage in global coverage, enabling 
our customers to utilise a seamless, 
consistent service wherever they are in 
the world, ensuring they have reliable, 
always-on connectivity across our truly 
global technology platforms

 › Owner economics, ensuring we provide 

a high quality service to customers, meeting 
their capacity requirements and delivering 
for them an optimised value proposition 

 › Established global distribution networks, 
both through direct and indirect channels, 
providing a diversified route to market, 
global access and reach, specialisation 
and customer intimacy

 › A clear technology roadmap, based on 

an open network architecture, enabling the 
agglomeration of diverse future technologies, 
as appropriate, with a unique ability to:

 – Augment our global GX network 

through new, agile, lower cost technologies, 
focused on areas of high demand, to 
remain a leader in coverage, capability, 
capacity and cost. This will translate 
over the medium-term into high relative 
returns on investment and ensure we 
continue to efficiently deliver a lower cost 
per bit to our customers, while maintaining 
tight control over the timing and extent 
of our capex. As a consequence we expect 
infrastructure capex to meaningfully 
moderate after 2020

 – Renew our valuable and differentiated 

L-band services with the current 
investment in the Inmarsat-6 generation 
of satellites, which will replace our 
Inmarsat-4 series. This will also help us to 
pursue complementary medium-term 
L-band growth opportunities in 
emerging global IoT markets and 
other new opportunities

16 MAY 2017
Inmarsat confirms successful launch of fourth 
Global Xpress satellite. Inmarsat-5 F4 (‘I-5 F4’) 
was launched by SpaceX on a Falcon 9 rocket 
from historic launch pad 39A at NASA’s 
Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

02 JUNE 2017
Inmarsat awards contract 
for the construction of 
our fifth Global Xpress 
(‘GX’) satellite to Thales 
Alenia Space.

2017

Highlights

22 FEBRUARY 2017
Inmarsat awarded UK Space Agency 
grant funding, to develop satellite 
application programmes that address 
pressing social concerns in Nigeria, 
the Philippines and Indonesia.

24 MAY 2017
Inmarsat and BSNL open Indian GSPS satellite gateway. Under 
licence from India’s Department of Telecommunications (‘DOT’), 
the new GSPS gateway, located in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 
will enable BSNL and Inmarsat to meet the most demanding 
requirements of satphone users throughout the country.

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report | Chief Executive’s strategic review

11 

WE ARE TARGETING MID-SINGLE DIGIT PERCENTAGE 
REVENUE GROWTH (EXCLUDING LIGADO) ON 
AVERAGE OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS

A STRATEGY DESIGNED TO 
FUTURE PROOF OUR BUSINESS 

Given Inmarsat’s track record, unique capabilities 
and differentiated market position, we are well 
placed to continue to grow our revenues in 
2018 and beyond and to capture significant 
medium-term growth opportunities available 
to us in each of our chosen markets.

This will be supported by our strategy, 
outlined in more detail on the next few pages 
of this report, which is to be an ‘enabler for 
the connected world’. This strategy is based 
on the following priorities:
 › Capturing the maximum number 

of broadband platforms

 › Re-positioning our L-band services 

for new growth

 › Establishing our digital platform  

and business

 › Creating a high-performance 

organisation and

 › Transforming our operating environment

Based on our future delivery against these 
strategic objectives, we remain confident 
in the medium to long-term growth outlook 
for the business. This confidence reflects the 
strong long-term growth anticipated in our 
key mobile satellite communications markets, 
our market-leading global broadband GX 
capabilities, our unique competitive position 
within each of the fast-growing Aviation markets, 
the resilience and agility of our established 
L-band business and its future growth potential, 
the power of our global distribution channels 
and our full-service global mobile offering.

Building on the strong positive momentum 
achieved in 2017, and based on our recent 
contract wins in a number of markets, 
we expect to deliver further revenue growth 
in the short term, to come mainly from 
material new GX revenue streams. We expect 
our L-band business to remain resilient over 
the medium-term, given its differentiated 
characteristics, with future growth coming from 
the emergence of new market opportunities, 
such as IoT, services to smaller vessels and 
aircraft, and next generation maritime 
and aviation safety services.

We are targeting mid-single digit percentage 
revenue growth (excluding Ligado) on average 
over the next five years, with EBITDA and free 
cash flow generation (both excluding Ligado) 
expected to steadily improve as a result of the 
combined impact of this growing revenue base, 
an improved revenue mix, tightly managed 
overhead costs and new, lower cost, satellite 
technologies being implemented. We expect 
these factors to drive a meaningful moderation 
in our annual infrastructure capex over 
the medium-term.

Finally, I would like to thank our employees for 
their support and hard work over the past year, 
in particular for their willingness to embrace 
change. And I would like to thank our partners, 
customers, shareholders and other stakeholders 
for the trust and support they continue 
to give us.

RUPERT PEARCE  
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

9 March 2018

24 OCTOBER 2017
Inmarsat is Official 
Satellite Communications 
Partner to the 2017-18 
Volvo Ocean Race.

29 JUNE 2017
Inmarsat confirms successful launch 
of S-band satellite. Inmarsat S EAN, 
was launched on an Ariane 5 rocket 
by Arianespace from Kourou 
in French Guiana.

06 SEPTEMBER 2017
Télécoms Sans Frontières’ 
first deployment with 
GX is to the West Indies 
in the aftermath of 
Hurricane Irma.

12 SEPTEMBER 2017
Inmarsat selects Mitsubishi 
Heavy Industries (‘MHI’) 
as the launch provider for 
the first satellite in the 
Inmarsat-6 fleet.

22 NOVEMBER 2017
Inmarsat opens office at 
world-leading Norwegian 
Maritime Competence 
Center (‘NMCC’) based 
in Ålesund.

GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report12

Strategic Report | Our strategy

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

OUR STRATEGY
Enabling the connected world

Our strategy is to deliver on 
our purpose of ‘enabling the 
connected world’ by meeting 
the remote and mobile 
connectivity requirements 
of our customers, reliably, 
securely and globally

Our strategy is founded on our continued 
drive to pioneer innovation in mobile satellite 
communications services, to ensure we deliver 
higher data rates to increasingly smaller and 
lighter mobile terminals. Our seamless global 
coverage and market-leading consistency 
in network reliability remains attractive to 
government, military and enterprise-level 
users whose operations require mission and 
business critical communications support.

Looking ahead, inherent in our purpose is an 
ambition to develop from being a mobile satellite 
communications operator to becoming a 
powerful, proactive digital enabler operating 
diversified networks and platforms across which 
we deliver highly-integrated, value-added digital 
solutions and services to our target markets and 
customers. By focusing on becoming an ‘enabler 
for the connected world’, we will be at the forefront 
of supporting our customers, as their requirements 
for higher levels of secure and reliable bandwidth, 
on a global basis, continues in the future.

OUR STRATEGIC VISION

 5

TRANSFORM 
OUR OPERATING 
ENVIRONMENT

 1

CAPTURE THE 
MAXIMUM NUMBER 
OF BROADBAND 
PLATFORMS

OUR 
PURPOSE
Enabling the 
connected world

O

U

R FIVE STRATEG I C   P R I O

R I T IE S

 2

REPOSITION 
L-BAND FOR 
NEW GROWTH

CREATE A  
HIGH-PERFORMANCE 
ORGANISATION

ESTABLISH OUR 
DIGITAL PLATFORM 
AND BUSINESS

 4

 3

WE WILL ACHIEVE OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES BY:

Defining connectivity at sea

Defining the connected aircraft

Solving our customers’ hardest 
connectivity challenges

Becoming the leading IoT 
connectivity partner

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report | Our strategy

13 

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

PROGRESS IN 2017 – KEY HIGHLIGHTS

 1

CAPTURE 
THE MAXIMUM 
NUMBER OF 
BROADBAND 
PLATFORMS

 2

RE-POSITION 
L-BAND FOR 
NEW GROWTH

 › Maintain a market-leading position in our mid-market 
merchant maritime heartland with Fleet Xpress (‘FX’)
 › Expand GX into high-end maritime VSAT markets
 › Maintain our BGA heartland position with JetConneX (‘JX’)
 › Become the leading player in global IFC, with GX and EAN
 › Become the leading provider of Comsatcoms and 
 › Establish a strong position in the energy satcoms market

MilSatComs to government

 › Manage the future trajectory of legacy L-band services
 › Drive Fleet One into new scaled maritime markets
 › Extend Fleetbroadband (‘FB’) into GMDSS compliance
 › Drive SwiftBroadband-Safety into new high-growth 
 › Become the leading satellite player in global IoT markets

aviation markets

 3

ESTABLISH 
OUR DIGITAL 
PLATFORM 
AND BUSINESS

 › Digitise and virtualise our networks and service offerings
 › Launch a variety of digital products
 › Establish our end-to-end digital services platform
 › Develop compelling tools and value adds on our platform
 › Grow a Global Certified Application Partner ecosystem
 › Innovate around digital business models and partnerships
 › Establish a position around big data, information and AI

(2016: 335)

 › GX generated revenue of $142.3m in 2017 (2016: $78.5m)
 › FX installed on over 2,600 vessels at the end of 2017 
 › JX installed on 165 aircraft in 2017 (2016: 0), 
generating revenue of $4.4m (2016: $0.3m)
 › Over 1,300 aircraft under signed contract for IFC services 
with GX, including 194 aircraft installed with GX terminals
 › Growth of U.S. Government business supported by our 
contract with Boeing, as the exclusive provider of GX 
milsatcoms to the U.S. Government 

portion of Inmarsat’s revenue base

 › L-band connectivity continues to contribute a significant 
 › Fleet One now installed on over 3,000 vessels
 › Further progress made on ensuring FB is GMDSS compliant
 › Continued product development on SwiftBroadband-Safety 
 › Further progress made on development initiatives in M2M 

to ensure it is a compelling product on launch

around long-term IoT opportunities

and product development in this area

 › Central Product group established to drive digitisation 
 › Initial steps taken to implement product delivery priorities 
 › Early stage origination of development of a long-term 
 › Review of product portfolio underway to optimise 

product and digital roadmap

for each part of the business

value proposition

 4

CREATE A HIGH- 
PERFORMANCE 
ORGANISATION

 5

TRANSFORM 
OUR OPERATING 
ENVIRONMENT

to the skills we need

employee value proposition

 › Develop strategic resourcing plans to enable access 
 › Attract and retain the best people via a compelling 
 › Deliver excellence on talent management, career 
development and performance management
 › Align reward and recognition to support high-performance
 › Refresh and invigorate our culture and values

of the business

for imminent launch

 › Strategic resourcing plans developed for each part 
 › Employee value proposition developed in preparation 
 › Talent management and career development programmes 
 › New performance management process implemented, 
with reward and recognition processes being reviewed
 › Initial steps taken to refresh our culture and values

launched across the organisation

 › Deliver best-in-class satellite and network operations
 › Implement enabling, light-touch core processes
 › Support with modern, work-aligned IT systems
 › Deliver best-in-class service delivery, assurance and support
 › Align our global locations with our growth potential
 › Manage-out legacy proactively to intensify focus 
 › Enhance project management capability
 › Continue our investment in modern, agile and 

of resources on growth

collaborative working environments

L-band networks

 › Two satellite launches successfully completed during the year
 › 99.9% service availability continued to be delivered by our 
 › Headcount reduction programme carried out in Q4 2017 
to reduce our legacy costs, ensuring that we have the 
capacity to invest in new skills to support the future growth 
of the business

 › 24/7 cyber operations continued to be improved
 › Our ‘One IT’ programme, driving technology efficiency 
across the organisation, continues to be rolled out

Measuring our progress
We measure progress towards our strategic vision using both financial 
and non-financial key performance indicators and robust risk management. 
These measures help us maintain a regular check against major milestones 
within each of our strategic priorities allowing us to flex and adjust as required 
to improve delivery and execution.

16

51

Key performance  
indicators

Our principal risks 
and uncertainties

GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report14

Strategic Report | Our business model

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

OUR BUSINESS MODEL
Placing our customers at the  
centre of everything we do

Delivering value 
through our strategy

Our business model 
has been designed to 
ensure we consistently 
deliver a high-quality 
service delivery for 
our customers

1

Capture maximum number 
of broadband platforms

We will become a market leader for 
broadband services on the move.

 2

Re-position L-band 
for new growth

We will continue to be a market 
leader in our L-band markets.

 3

Establish our digital 
platform and business

We will become a digital 
services enabler.

 4

Create a high-performance 
organisation

We will continue to be an energising 
and inspiring place to work.

 5

Transform our 
operating environment

We will become a more efficient 
and effective organisation.

Gaining competitive advantage 
through our resources and relationships

Our competitive advantage comes from our 
networks, our innovative technology, the expertise 
of our people and the strength and breadth of our 
partnership ecosystem

Market leading networks

L-BAND
Our resilient L-band networks, based on 
our lnmarsat-3 and lnmarsat-4 satellite 
constellations, will continue to support 
the evolving mobile communications 
requirements in our key customer segments.

Our new Inmarsat-6 satellites will 
support our growth ambitions.

DUAL PAYLOAD
The Inmarsat-6 satellites comprise two 
dual payload (L-band and Ka-band) satellites 
due to be launched at the start of the next 
decade. This will ensure the reorientation of 
our L-band capabilities towards new growth 
opportunities, as well as providing additional 
capacity to the existing GX network.

KA-BAND
Global Xpress (‘GX’), based on our 4 Inmarsat-5 
satellites currently in orbit, is the world’s 
first global, mobile, high bandwidth network, 
designed to support our customers’ high 
bandwidth connectivity requirements.

S-BAND
The integrated S-band satellite and 
air-to-ground network, the EAN, will be 
a compelling and unique proposition 
for commercial aviation customers 
in Europe.

GX-5 is currently being built.

Supported by:

Our technology

Best-in-class partner ecosystem

We continue to invest in innovation 
to deliver market-winning solutions 
to our customers and differentiate 
our propositions.

46

Read more

Our relationships with our partners, 
from suppliers to distributors, help us 
to strengthen our service offering.

46

Read more

Highly skilled workforce

Our financial resources

Our people have the skills, competencies 
and experience to deliver our business 
objectives and create value. Our culture 
and values are focused on innovation 
and performance excellence.

42

Read more

We use our balance sheet to support the 
organic and inorganic investment needed 
to deliver our strategic imperatives.

38

Read more

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report | Our business model

15 

Our value chain 

By operating global satellite networks and fully optimised 
ground infrastructure networks, supported by market-leading 
distribution partnerships, we provide our customers with 
global coverage to any device

Maritime

D E V E LOPERS

Enterprise

Aviation

CUSTOMERS

P
A

R

T

N

E

R

S

S
R
E
LI
P
SUP

Government

Our products, services and solutions enable our customers to operate safely, 
securely and efficiently and to deliver innovative communications services to their 
users across our four customer-focused business segments.

20

Read more about  
our Business Units

Our revenue streams

Our four business units, Maritime, Government, Aviation and Enterprise, 
are our interfaces with our customers and drive the Group’s revenue.

+

Delivering value 
for our stakeholders

We are committed to 
creating and delivering 
sustained value for all 
our stakeholders

Shareholders and bondholders

We aim to drive profitable growth to 
help deliver value for our shareholders 
and bondholders.

Customers and partners

We focus on the key drivers of value 
for our partners and customers such 
as security, reliability and seamless 
delivery with global coverage  
and mobility.

Employees

We have a strong culture, underpinned 
by our values and our commitment 
to diversity, and we are focused on 
our employees’ career development, 
making internal promotions  
where possible.

Communities

We are proud of our public service 
ethos and the part we play in ensuring 
the safety of the public and particularly 
the maritime community.

GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report16

Strategic Report | Key performance indicators

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Measuring success against our  
key strategic priorities

Financial KPIs

REVENUE
Total Group revenue generated 
from operations including 
Ligado Networks.

Why it is important
Revenue growth validates our 
business model, by demonstrating 
our ability to develop our customer 
base and increase ARPU across 
our product portfolio.

 1    2

ADJUSTED EBITDA
EBITDA is total Group profit before 
net financing costs, taxation, 
depreciation and amortisation, 
gains/losses on disposal of assets, 
impairment losses and share 
of profit of associates. Adjusted 
EBITDA is a new measure for 
2017 which excludes the one-off 
restructuring charge of $19.9m. 
Refer to CFO report on page 39 
for the reconciliation of EBITDA 
to statutory profit.

Why it is important
EBITDA is a commonly used industry 
term to help our shareholders 
understand contributions made 
by our business units. It reflects 
how the effect of growing revenues 
and cost management deliver 
value for our shareholders.

 1    2    3    5

$1,400.2m 

5.4%

2017

2016

2015

$1,400.2m

$1,329.0m

$1,274.1m

Link to risks and remuneration
The achievement of this KPI 
depends on successful execution 
of all our strategic priorities and 
minimisation of the majority of 
our risks. Incentive plans include 
revenue as a performance metric 
so this will be measured to determine 
incentive plan payments.

CASH CAPEX
Cash capital expenditure is 
the cash flow relating to tangible 
and intangible asset additions; 
it includes capitalised labour costs 
and excludes capitalised interest. 
Refer to note 5 on page 124 for 
the reconciliation of cash capex 
to total capital expenditure.

Why it is important
Cash capex indicates our 
continued investment in growth 
and development of our network 
and infrastructure, as well 
as our investment in the future 
technologies of the business.

 1    2    3    5

$598.7m 

45.0%

2017

2016

2015

$598.7m

$412.9m

$493.6m

Link to risks and remuneration
The achievement of this KPI 
depends on successful execution 
of our strategic priorities and 
careful management of risks 
3, 6, 9 and 11 in particular. Incentive 
plans include financial metrics 
as performance metrics so this 
KPI will contribute to determining 
incentive plan payments.

$751.4m 

5.5%

2017

2016

2015

$751.4m

$794.8m

$726.0m

Link to risks and remuneration
The achievement of this KPI 
depends on successful execution 
of our strategic priorities and 
minimisation of all our principal 
risks. Incentive plans include 
EBITDA as one of the financial 
performance metrics so it will be 
measured as a basis for incentive 
plan payments.

GX REVENUE
Revenue generated from the sale 
of airtime and other related services 
on the Global Xpress network.

Why it is important
Growth in GX revenue demonstrates 
our ability to transition our customer 
base and attract new customers 
to a higher bandwidth, higher value 
platform, thereby ensuring we 
develop our customer relationships 
and deliver value for our shareholders. 
We have previously declared a 
target of $500m of GX revenues 
by the end of 2020.

 1    3    5

ADJUSTED EPS
Adjusted Group profit after tax 
attributable to equity holders of the 
Company divided by the weighted 
average number of shares in issue 
(excluding shares held by the 
employee trust). Refer to note 27 
on page 141 for the calculation 
of EPS and Adjusted EPS.

Why it is important
Growth in adjusted EPS is a measure 
of our ability to deliver profitable 
growth by increasing our revenue 
and delivering cost efficiencies 
across the Group, thereby delivering 
value for our shareholders.

 1    2    5

$142.3m 

81.3%

2017

2016

2015

$0m

$142.3m

$78.5m

Link to risks and remuneration
The achievement of this KPI depends 
on successful execution of our 
strategic priorities and minimisation 
particularly of certain risks 
(numbers 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 in particular). 
Incentive plans include GX revenue 
and delivery either incorporated 
within the overall revenue target 
or within the performance share 
plan strategic objective metric.

$0.42 per share  35.4%

2017

2016

2015

$0.42

$0.65

$0.63

Link to risks and remuneration
The achievement of this KPI 
depends on successful execution 
of our strategic priorities and 
minimisation of the majority 
of our principal risks. Incentive 
plans include financial metrics as 
performance metrics so this KPI 
will contribute to determining 
incentive plan payments.

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report | Key performance indicators

17 

Non-financial KPIs

SATELLITE NETWORK 
AVAILABILITY
Ongoing investment in our space 
and ground infrastructure ensures 
that customers are supported 
by an overall 99.9% L-band 
network availability which meets 
the GMDSS requirements set by the 
International Maritime Organization.

Why it is important
Ensuring our network is available 
and reliable is essential in providing 
the required quality of service 
to our customers. This reliability 
is critical for safety at sea and 
aviation cockpit services.

 1    2    5

EMPLOYEE TURNOVER
Voluntary employee turnover 
is calculated as the number 
of voluntary leavers in a year 
(permanent employees) divided 
by the average headcount 
during the year.

Why it is important
Some level of turnover is healthy 
to enable a refresh of our skills base 
and create new opportunities for 
our people to progress. However, 
keeping it at a reasonable level is 
important to sustain engagement, 
retain key skills and knowledge 
and avoid unnecessary disruption 
and recruitment costs.

 4

99.9%

2017

2016

2015

99.9%

99.9%

99.9%

Link to risks and remuneration
The risks for this KPI are specifically 
numbers 6 and 9. Incentive plans 
have this KPI indirectly linked to 
all the financial metrics as without 
this KPI meeting the required 
reliability levels, our financial 
targets can be affected.

9.7%

2017

2016

2015

9.7%

8.4%

Link to risks and remuneration
The risk for this KPI is specifically 
number 12, however employee 
performance affects multiple 
other risks. One of our priority 
areas is a focus on Inmarsat as 
a high-performing Company 
and this will be part of individual 
incentive objectives as well as 
part of the LTIP objectives for 
the CEO and his team.

EMISSIONS
We set an interim target to reduce 
Scope 1 and 2 emissions (market 
based) by 10% from 2016 to 2017. 
We are currently undergoing a 
Scope 3 screening exercise with 
the aim to set a science-based 
emissions reduction target.

Why it is important
This is a new KPI for 2017. 
Although the direct activities of 
the Group are judged to have a low 
environmental impact, we understand 
that, unless urgent action is taken 
to limit global temperatures to 
2C (35.6F) above pre-industrial 
levels, climate change presents 
significant and systemic risks.

 4    5

EMPLOYEE 
ENGAGEMENT
Employee engagement describes 
an employee’s level of commitment 
and enthusiasm to their work and 
their company.

Why it is important
This is a new KPI for 2017. It is 
important as higher levels 
of employee engagement have 
been proven to positively impact 
business performance.

 4

9,711.7 tCO2e 

17%*

2017

2016

2015

9,711.7 tCO2e

11,723.6 tCO2e

14,988.0 tCO2e

Link to risks and remuneration
The achievement of this 
KPI is linked to our corporate 
responsibility to reduce global 
greenhouse gas emissions and 
avoid the worst effects of climate 
change. This KPI is included 
within bonus objectives for 
relevant staff.

* Absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions

7.4/10
Average of first year’s 
survey results

Link to risks and remuneration
The achievement of high levels 
of employee engagement will 
contribute to our drive for a 
high-performance organisation 
and therefore underpins the delivery 
of all our strategic priorities. Many of 
our risks are affected if we do not 
have engaged staff. There are 
specific objectives in short and 
long-term incentive plans to 
measure this KPI.

Our KPIs are fundamentally connected with our key strategic priorities, 
and therefore help us to measure our success in delivering these priorities.

 1

 2

 3

Capture maximum number  
of broadband platforms

Reposition L-band 
for new growth

Establish our digital platform 
and business

 4

 5

Create a high-performing 
organisation

Transform our operating 
environment

12 Read more about 

our strategy

50 Find out more 

about our risks 76 See our full 

remuneration 
report

GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report18

Strategic Report | Our markets

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

MARKET TRENDS  
Significant growth opportunities

KEY MARKET TRENDS AND 
INMARSAT’S POSITION

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
Satellite communications operators, like 
Inmarsat, own and operate fleets of satellites as 
a communications network, distributing services 
either directly to end customers or with the 
support of third party service providers and 
distributors. There are two primary categories 
of satellite operators:
 › Mobile satellite services (‘MSS’) operators, 
including Inmarsat, typically operating in L-, 
Ka- or S-frequency bands, and focusing on 
communications for mobility applications 
in commercial and governmental markets
 › Fixed satellite services (‘FSS’) operators 
operate in Ka-, Ku- and C-bands, and focus 
on communications for fixed applications 
in media, telecoms, corporate and 
governmental markets

MSS and FSS operators use satellites that 
are located in geostationary orbit, orbiting 
35,786km above the Earth, medium earth orbit, 
orbiting approximately 8,000 to 16,000km 
above the Earth and low earth orbit, orbiting 
approximately 480 to 1,600km above  
the Earth.

Inmarsat’s satellites are in geostationary 
orbit, orbiting the Earth above the equator 
at the same speed as the Earth rotates, 
and therefore remain above the same point 
relative to the Earth’s surface. This means 
that a satellite system of just three satellites 
is enough to achieve global coverage. 
For satellite operators in middle and low 
earth orbits, given their closer proximity 
to Earth and the technological challenges 
of landing traffic from those positions, 
many more satellites are required to 
achieve global coverage.

FIXED SATELLITE OPERATORS’ 
MARKETS REMAIN UNDER PRESSURE, 
WHILST GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES 
REMAIN IN MOBILITY
Unlike fixed satellite operators, Inmarsat has 
no exposure to slower growth, structurally 
challenged markets, in particular video and 
fixed point telecommunications, and is therefore 
highly differentiated from these operators.

As evidence of this, Inmarsat outperformed 
the listed fixed service operator peer group, 
in terms of revenue growth, in recent years. 
Further validation of the growth prospects 
of mobility is that most of the fixed satellite 
operators are looking to enter mobility markets 
to support their future growth profile.

Inmarsat has a unique position in mobility, 
with a long-standing and sustainable 
advantage in coverage, high-performance 
mobility-designed satellites, unique and 
highly secure networks and technology, 
embedded safety services and a  
market-leading distribution network.

ONGOING SURGE IN DEMAND FOR 
BROADBAND DATA ON THE MOVE
The major long-term trend in our industry is 
the significant ongoing surge in demand for 
broadband data. In each of Inmarsat’s core 
market segments, customers continue to 
utilise more of our products, which have been 
uniquely designed to deliver truly pervasive, 
highly reliable broadband data on the move.

Broadband data is increasingly becoming 
a mission-critical enabler of our customers’ 
businesses, to help drive their commercial 
and operational progress. Our customers’ 
demand for data is being accelerated by the 
emergence of the ‘internet of things’ which 
is proliferating billions of smart devices and 
extending the requirement for highly secure, 
highly reliable connectivity into many new 
areas of the global economy.

Inmarsat is already at the forefront 
of providing this connectivity and we will 
continue to support our customers as 
their requirements continue to develop 
over the medium to long-term.

INMARSAT HAS A UNIQUE POSITION IN MOBILITY, 
WITH A LONG-STANDING AND SUSTAINABLE 
ADVANTAGE IN COVERAGE, HIGH-PERFORMANCE 
MOBILITY-DESIGNED SATELLITES

MOBILITY RELATIVELY  
WELL-INSULATED FROM RISK 
OF FUTURE OVER-SUPPLY
Satellite operators are progressively adopting 
HTS technology, with HTS capacity expected 
to grow from less than 700 Gbps in 2015 
to approximately 3,600 Gbps in 2020 while 
demand is now expected to exceed 1,500 Gbps 
by 2020, the majority of which is expected to 
come the utilisation of consumer broadband 
in North America (source: Euroconsult).

Consequently, most of the competing satellite 
systems planning to launch in the coming years 
have not been designed and will not therefore 
be optimised, for mobility markets. We expect 
Inmarsat’s core global maritime, aviation 
and government mobility markets will remain 
relatively well insulated from this threat.

Furthermore, much of the capacity to be 
delivered by these new satellite systems 
may be ‘stranded’ over areas of low demand, 
so negatively impacting the economics 
of these systems.

INCREASING INTEGRATION 
WITH TERRESTRIAL NETWORKS 
AND ECOSYSTEMS
In a world increasingly reliant on coverage 
and connectivity to perform mission-critical 
tasks via applications and solutions, mobile 
satellite communications services can offer 
a powerful complementary capability to 
terrestrial networks, delivering a complete 
package to end-users, and providing high 
levels of resilience.

The reach of terrestrial networks has 
extended geographically, working seamlessly 
with global satellite communications networks, 
providing customers with the end-to-end 
services they require. Consequently, the closer 
integration of satellite with broader information 
and communications ecosystems is therefore 
expected to lead to the increasing importance 
of value-added services and new business 
models in the industry.

Inmarsat will look to collaborate with terrestrial 
operators to provide holistic solutions and 
applications for end-user customers. For example, 
we announced in March 2017 our participation 
in AT&T’s consortium for the First Responder 
Network Authority contract in the U.S., with 
a view to delivering a wide portfolio of satellite 
communication solutions and value-added 
services, as part of the AT&T’s national 
network solution.

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report | Our markets

19 

In-Flight Connectivity: a growth market
The major growth opportunity for Inmarsat in the coming years is the provision 
of IFC services to customers in the commercial air transport segment

According to 2017 research conducted 
by Inmarsat in conjunction with the 
London School of Economics, connectivity 
is transforming aviation markets, with 
related ancillary revenues from activities 
like targeted advertising, e-commerce 
and the delivery of premium content and 
entertainment becoming increasingly 
important to airline profitability.

This research forecasts that airlines will 
be gatekeepers to a $130bn incremental 
market opportunity for all related parties 
by 2035, empowered by IFC services, 
with the airlines themselves capturing 
around 25% of this value. This will be 
driven by digitalisation across the industry, 
consistent growth in passenger demand 
for connectivity and new technologies, 
powered by satellite communications and 
air-to-ground networks. Consequently, 
the retail value for satellite operators and 
services providers delivering IFC connectivity 
services to the industry is predicted to grow 
from around $1bn in 2017 to $5.4bn by 2026 
(source: Euroconsult).

Inmarsat, with a current estimated segment 
share in IFC of over 30% (excluding North 
America and based on our signed aircraft 
under contract for GX Aviation services), 
is targeting to become the market leader 
in this rapidly developing market segment.

With our unique global broadband networks 
(including both GX and our integrated satellite/
air-to-ground, the EAN), complemented by 
our global high resilience and safety networks 
(deployed across our SwiftBroadband (‘SB’)
and SB-Safety services) and supported by 
our strong and highly experienced distribution 
channel and hardware partners (as well as our 
own newly created direct sales, marketing and 
service delivery capability), we are well-placed 
to continue to drive towards market leadership 
in this high-growth sector over the coming 
years. Although we currently remain in the 
market capture and infrastructure investment 
phase regarding the global IFC opportunity, 
we remain confident that over the medium-term 
our IFC business will become highly profitable 
and cash generative on a long-term, 
sustained basis.

WE ARE TARGETING 
TO BECOME THE 
MARKET LEADER 
IN THIS RAPIDLY 
DEVELOPING 
MARKET SEGMENT

 20,000+

PREDICTED INCREASE IN THE 
NUMBER OF CONNECTED AIRCRAFT 
IN OPERATION BY THE MIDDLE OF 
THE NEXT DECADE

GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report20

Strategic Report | Business overview 

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

COMMERCIAL 
SHIPPING
VSAT

COMMERCIAL 
SHIPPING
MID MARKET

PROVIDING SAFER,
SMARTER AND 
GREENER SHIPPING

SMALLER VESSELS

SAFETY AND 
CYBER SECURITY

Latest forecast0700080009001000TEXTCALL$11.25$10.65$12.30Track market priceLog catchTIME CAUGHT08:00LOCATIONATLANTIC [27]PORTCORUÑATYPEHERRINGVessel performancePROPELLERME/GEARAUX ENG/GENBATTERYHULLOptimumrefuellingscheduleDetect vulnerabilitiesALARMCREWTRACKERInmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report | Business overview 

21 

BUSINESS  
OVERVIEW  
MARITIME

We continue to expect 
the business efficiency and 
effectiveness that our services 
drive to underpin strong demand 
from merchant shipping fleets

REVENUE

$564.7m

2017

2016

EBITDA

$564.7m

$575.3m

$441.9m

2017

2016

$441.9m

$454.8m

FLEETBROADBAND (STANDALONE) 
INSTALLED VESSELS

36,105

2017

2016

36,105

38,088

VSAT INSTALLED VESSELS

4,332

2017

2016

4,332

3,028

MAKING A DIFFERENCE  
IN GREENER SHIPPING 
TRANSFORMING EFFICIENCY AND 
OPERATIONS – ENVIRONMENTAL 
COMPLIANCE

Monitoring ships’ energy consumption and 
emissions is required by law in many parts of the 
world. With fuel soaking up 46% of running costs 
on average (source: Drewry), shipping companies 
have another powerful incentive to make sure 
their vessels are running efficiently.

Rolls-Royce’s Energy Management System collects 
data from a multitude of ship control systems and 
equipment sensors. Using Inmarsat’s high speed 
always-on broadband service Fleet Xpress (‘FX’), 
this data will now be aggregated and reported 
in real time – meaning any inefficiencies can be 
flagged and immediately dealt with, often remotely. 
But Fleet Xpress is more than just a connectivity 
pipe. Our investment in the Inmarsat Gateway 
is creating an application ecosystem where 
accredited innovators develop content-rich 
solutions integrated with our network.

Additionally, flexible control of bandwidth will 
allow ship managers to choose whether to dedicate 
part of their service to specific vessel efficiency 
measures, or for the application itself to trigger 
bandwidth dynamically. Together, these technological 
advances will enable safer, smarter, greener and 
more efficient vessels.

1,000m

TONNES OF CO2 EMITTED ANNUALLY 
BY MARITIME TRANSPORT (SOURCE: IMO)

GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report22

Strategic Report | Business overview 

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

BUSINESS OVERVIEW – MARITIME
CONTINUED

After a challenging year 
in 2016, which continued 
into Q1 2017, Maritime 
delivered three consecutive 
quarters of sequential growth, 
including year-on-year 
growth in Q4 2017, with 
revenues for the year as 
a whole consequently 
declining by 1.8%

THE VSAT MARKET –  
MARKET OUTLOOK AND 
OUR PERFORMANCE IN 2017

The major opportunity for Inmarsat in maritime 
is in the high bandwidth Very Small Aperture 
Terminal (‘VSAT’) segment. The addressable 
market for VSAT services is expected to double 
over the next decade, from around 20,000 
vessels today to around 40,000 vessels at the 
start of the next decade, with the market worth 
around $1bn at that point1.

With our large legacy user base (to migrate 
to VSAT services), global distribution network, 
unique product and service range, and trusted 
heritage, Inmarsat remains in a strong position 
to be able to garner a leading position in this 
major market opportunity. Our high bandwidth 
GX-based product, Fleet Xpress (‘FX’), continues 
to establish itself as the leading service proposition 
in this market, with fast-growing revenues from 
both our direct sales channel and, increasingly, 
through our long-established distribution partner 
community. We now have more than 10,000 ships 

committed to Fleet Xpress over the coming years, 
including both commitments from our key strategic 
distribution partners as well as vessels committed 
to be migrated from our interim VSAT product, 
XpressLink (‘XL’), to Fleet Xpress, ensuring 
a strong foundation for growth going forward.

Revenue from our VSAT products, XL and FX, 
increased by 20.9% in 2017, including 18.3% 
growth in Q4, 25.8% in Q3, 21.0% in Q2 and 17.7% in 
Q1, highlighting the on-going increase in customer 
usage of our high bandwidth products. There were 
4,332 VSAT vessels at the end of the year (2016: 
3,028), including 2,614 FX vessels (2016: 335).

The VSAT installation order book has also 
increased, rising to around 720 vessels at 
the end of 2017, from around 500 at the end of 
2016. The pace of FX installations continued 
to accelerate, driven by the continued ramp-up 
of our internal installation capability and the 
growing engagement of our distribution partners. 
The overall proportion of completely new customer 
installations remained high during the year at 
26%, (Q4: 31%, Q3: 25%, Q2: 22%, Q1: 19%).

1.2m

1.2 MILLION SEAFARERS 
RELY ON INMARSAT SAFETY 
SERVICES EVERY DAY

MARITIME BUSINESS RESULTS

Revenue

Direct costs

Gross margin

Indirect costs 

EBITDA

EBITDA margin %

Cash capex

PRODUCT PORTFOLIO

Full year

FleetBroadband 
(‘FB’) – Standalone

VSAT (XL and FX)

Fleet One 

Other products

Year ended 31 December

2017
$m

564.7

(86.4)

478.3

(36.4)

441.9

 78.3%

43.4

2016
$m

575.3

(79.5)

495.8

(41.0)

454.8

79.1%

 43.8

Change

(1.8%)

(8.7%)

(3.5%)

11.2%

(2.8%)

–

0.9%

Revenue ($m)

Number of vessels

Average revenue
per user (‘ARPU’) ($)

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

349.2

124.4

5.0

86.1

368.2

102.9

3.2

101.0

36,105

38,088

4,332

3,083

n/a

3,028

1,276

n/a

780

2,885

100

n/a

787

3,112

98

n/a

INSTALLED FLEET XPRESS INSTALLATIONS

FY 2017

Q4 2017

Q3 2017

Q2 2017

Q1 2017

Opening balance of installed FX vessels 

XpressLink migrations

FleetBroadband upgrades

New customers

Total installations & migrations 
during period

Closing balance of installed FX vessels

335

876

833

570

2,279

2,614

1,963

241

208

202

651

2,614

1,337

200

267

159

626

1,963

808

198

213

118

529

1,337

335

237

145

91

473

808

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report | Business overview 

23 

By the end of 2017, 624 installed FX vessels 
were with our distribution partners (Q3: 423, 
Q2: 243, Q1: 97).

As anticipated, VSAT Average Revenue per User 
(‘ARPU’) declined by 7.3% to $2,885 per month in 
2017, reflecting the on-going impact of wholesalers 
continuing to increase their share of this mix, a trend 
which is expected to accelerate. Retail ARPU 
for XL vessels remained stable during the year 
at around $3,000 per month, with around 1,700 
vessels to be migrated to FX in the coming years.

THE MID-MARKET –  
MARKET OUTLOOK AND 
OUR PERFORMANCE IN 2017

The mid-market segment in Maritime is where 
Inmarsat has been a leader for many years, with 
our core L-band product, FleetBroadband (‘FB’) 
setting the standard for maritime connectivity 
services. This segment comprises the merchant, 
offshore, high-end fishing and high-end leisure 
sub-segments and numbers around 60,000 
vessels today, with a total segment value at 
retail of around $540m1. Over the medium-term, 
we expect a moderate decline in the size of this 
segment, driven principally by the migration of 
vessels into the VSAT segment (see above) on 
an ARPU accretive basis. In the mid-market 
segment, we expect FB to continue to be highly 
competitive, bolstered by material cost, form 
factor and capability improvements which will 
become available following the launch of our 
Inmarsat-6 series satellites in the early 2020s 
and which will maintain our position as the 
leading L-band services innovator.

FB performed solidly in 2017. Vessels using the 
product declined to 36,105 at the end of 2017, from 
38,088 at the end of 2016. Around 40% of this 
decline in FB vessel numbers (around 830 vessels) 
related to the managed, ARPU-accretive migration 
of these vessels up to FX. The remainder (around 
1,100 mainly low ARPU vessels) were lost as a result 
of scrappage and increased competition at the 
low end of the market (which we are addressing 
through new service propositions, including 
Fleet One). As a result of these factors, 
FB revenues declined by 5.1% in 2017.

FB ARPU has remained resilient over the year 
at around $780 per month, with the positive 
impact of customers moving to higher value 
packages within FB, broadly offsetting a number 
of customers with higher value FB packages 
migrating to FX, a trend which is expected 
to continue in the coming years.

Revenue from our mainly lower margin and 
legacy products declined by 14.8% in 2017 
with the decline in our legacy services partially 

1  Source: Inmarsat, Clarksons, Euroconsult, Futurenautics. 

All estimated market sizes are retail

Cyber resilience at sea
In today’s connected world, the threat of cyber crime is very real. The high profile attack 
on A.P. Moller-Maersk in 2017 is reported to have cost the company between $200m and 
$300m*. Satellite connectivity has driven the growth of computer systems controlling 
navigation and operations, bringing a new level of sophistication to shipping. Meanwhile, 
crew are bringing on board more devices and consuming more content. The threat from 
malicious attacks to a ship’s infrastructure has never been so real. It can have a substantial 
effect on the safety of crew, security of data and theft of valuable cargo, which is why cyber 
resilience at sea is essential. Inmarsat’s Fleet Secure, powered by the Trustwave Unified 
Threat Management system, gives vessel operators the tools they need to protect their 
fleet from cyber attack, detect vulnerabilities and respond to threats. With Fleet Secure 
as a Managed Service and seamlessly integrated into Fleet Xpress, there is peace of 
mind and complete visibility and protection of vessels today and in the future.

* Financial Times

offset by increased sales of FX terminals which 
contributed an increase in revenue of $7.1m 
in 2017. FX and Fleet One terminal sales become 
a regular feature of our revenue mix, as we 
further our efforts to capture and build share 
in the VSAT and Smaller Vessel markets.

2016, predominantly as a result of increased 
vessel numbers. Fleet One’s customer base 
grew to 3,083 vessels by the end of the year, 
an increase of around 800 from the end 
of 2016. Fleet One’s average ARPU increased 
year-on-year to $100 per month for 2017.

THE SMALLER VESSEL MARKET –  
MARKET OUTLOOK AND OUR 
PERFORMANCE IN 2017

The size of the addressable market in smaller 
vessels, which includes fishing and leisure vessels, 
is around 690,000 vessels today, and is expected 
to see moderate growth over the next decade 
to around 725,000 vessels, valuing the market 
at around $780m1. We see significant potential 
in the medium to long-term to serve this large 
market, where the small form-factor, low cost 
and unique service capabilities of our newly 
launched L-band offering, Fleet One, will have 
sustained differentiation.

Fleet One delivered $5.0m of airtime and 
equipment revenue in 2017, up from $3.2m in 

MARITIME COSTS, MARGINS 
AND CAPEX

Against the backdrop of flat revenues, direct 
costs increased by $6.9m in the year, reflecting 
a change in revenue mix, due to the impact of 
lower margin FX and Fleet One terminal sales to 
capture market share. Indirect costs decreased 
by $4.6m in the year, driven by the impact of 
an internal reorganisation in July 2016, which 
moved costs of c. $4m during 2016 from 
Maritime into Central Services.

As a result of the above factors, EBITDA in 2017 
declined by $13.0m, 2.9%. EBITDA margin 
decreased to 78.2% in the year, (from 79.1% 
in 2016). Maritime capex was relatively flat 
for the year. 

GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report24

Strategic Report | Business overview 

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

AID WORKER

CIVILIAN

ENGINEER

MEDIC

FOREIGN 
AFFAIRS

HELPING GOVERNMENTS 
MAKE MISSION-CRITICAL 
DECISIONS

LIVE-STREAM
VIDEO UPDATE

SATELLITE
PHONE

DEFENCE AND INTEL

ARMY

NAVY

AIR FORCE

BORDER
PROTECTION

Current operationsStatusreportCoastguard Humanitarian supportEmergency responseCIVILIAN

ENGINEER

AID WORKER

MEDIC

FOREIGN 

AFFAIRS

HELPING GOVERNMENTS 

MAKE MISSION-CRITICAL 

DECISIONS

LIVE-STREAM

VIDEO UPDATE

SATELLITE

PHONE

DEFENCE AND INTEL

ARMY

NAVY

AIR FORCE

BORDER

PROTECTION

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report | Business overview 

25 

BUSINESS  
OVERVIEW  
GOVERNMENT

In Government, we delivered 
on our strategy to diversify our 
contractual revenue base and 
product base, supported by 
another excellent operational 
performance in 2017

REVENUE

$366.7m

2017

2016

EBITDA

$366.7m

$330.5m

$265.2m

2017

2016

$265.2m

$244.0m

MAKING A DIFFERENCE  
IN AIRBORNE SURVEILLANCE 
TRANSFORMING SAFETY 
AND SECURITY – AIRBORNE 
SURVEILLANCE

Tactical Unmanned Air Vehicles (‘UAVs’) are 
widely used for surveillance – by military forces, 
safety and security organisations and many 
enterprises. But LALE (low altitude long endurance) 
UAV operators have faced frustrating limitations 
because the satellite technology that could 
extend sorties beyond line of sight (‘BLOS’) has 
been too big, heavy and power-draining for 
the compact airframes.

Until now. Inmarsat SB-UAV couples a significantly 
reduced technical terminal with SwiftBroadband 
always-on data up to 200 kbps – with the 
only limit being the UAV’s range. Compression 
software makes it possible to send high-quality 
video in real-time, for full and immediate 
situational awareness. SB-UAV is transforming 
airborne communications, no more so than at 
sea where only satellite networks can reach.

1.45kg

WEIGHT OF THE COBHAM AVIATOR UAV 200

Current operationsStatusreportCoastguard Humanitarian supportEmergency responseGovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report26

Strategic Report | Business overview 

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

BUSINESS OVERVIEW – GOVERNMENT
CONTINUED

Government and military 
satellite communications 
global capacity revenues 
are expected to grow 
from around $800m in 
2017 to nearly $1.4bn 
by 2025, on a wholesale 
basis (source: NSR)

 11.0%

REVENUE GROWTH DELIVERED 
BY OUR GOVERNMENT BUSINESS 
IN 2017

MARKET OUTLOOK

The growth of Government and military 
satellite communications will be driven by 
internationalisation of demand beyond 
the established space-equipped nations, 
major events, budgetary stimulus, technology 
obsolescence and new opportunities emerging 
from a structural shift from government 
procurement of proprietary space infrastructure 
to the acquisition by governments of off-the-shelf 
services from commercial partners to replace 
or complement proprietary capabilities. We 
also believe that many governments will embrace 
the power of space-based communications 
in areas of high policy importance such as 
first response and emergency readiness and 
interoperability, e-citizenship, bridging the digital 
divide, security and efficiency of infrastructure 
(including energy and water systems) and 
next generation transportation and logistics 
networks. Consequently, government agencies’ 
operational reliance on commercially-provided 
space-based capabilities is expected to become 
an increasingly common feature of the industry.

Inmarsat is well placed to participate in this 
potential emerging new government market 
segment over the long-term, having invested 
significantly in MILSATCOM augmentation 
in recent years, both in Ka-band and L-band, 
in particular to ensure that GX is fully fungible with 
the U.S. Government’s proprietary satellite system 
in the future. In particular, Inmarsat’s ability 
to augment existing military satellite systems 
through the global availability of its end-to-end 
L-band and Ka-band networks is delivering 
highly resilient communication capabilities with 
increased flexibility and robustness in support 
of mission-critical applications.

By combining mission-focused product 
innovation with mature customer relationships 
and understanding, we will continue to deliver 
clear competitive differentiation and diversify 
into new verticals and geographies.

The resilience of satellite communications 
continues to be a focus for policy attention 
and investment within NATO and Five-Eyes 
countries. Major government agencies 
have acknowledged the need to rely upon 
commercial satellite communications as part 
of an integrated satellite communications 
architecture. This strategy focuses on 
delivering a global user experience, with unique 
government features, across all government 
service platforms. To meet this need, Inmarsat 
provides trusted end-to-end managed 
communications on a global basis – ‘SATCOM 
as a Service’ – to proactively support 
government customers’ desire for innovation 
and agility in acquisition.

Inmarsat continues to work with its 
technology partners to deliver innovative 
products and services built to meet the 
expanding requirements of the Defence and 
Intelligence Community as well as civilian 
agencies, such as coast guard, immigration, 
border protection, diplomatic, VIP, public 
safety and emergency responders.

Notable innovations have included Military-Ka 
for manned/unmanned Airborne Intelligence 
Surveillance & Reconnaissance (‘AISR’), 
which delivers high data rates to and from 
Ka-band-equipped U.S. aircraft, adding new 
trusted capabilities for national security. 
In addition, the launch of new aeronautical 
terminals have expedited access to the 
GX global network and provided a more 
connected experience in the air and  
on the sea.

Inmarsat has also extended its innovation in 
the high mobility government L-band market 
with products and services tailored to specific 
customers’ needs, further enhancing military 
satellite systems. Evidence of this is continued 
high utilisation of Inmarsat’s unique L-band 
Tactical Satellite service (‘L-TAC’) – a highly 
resilient communication service that 

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS RESULTS

Revenue

Direct costs

Gross margin

Indirect costs

EBITDA

EBITDA margin %

Cash capex

Year ended 31 December

2017
$m

366.7

(54.4)

312.3

(47.0)

265.3

72.3%

9.9

2016
$m

330.5

(41.2)

289.3

(45.3)

244.0

73.8%

Change

11.0%

32.0%

8.0%

3.8%

8.7%

–

6.1

62.3%

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report | Business overview 

27 

provides robust, low-cost, beyond-line-of-sight 
mobile capability, using existing tactical radios. 
In addition, micro antennas, as small as 12.5cm, 
are delivering extremely high data rates and 
are now operationally deployed to support 
small intelligence platforms.

PERFORMANCE IN 2017

Our Government business delivered revenue 
growth of 11.0% in 2017, reflecting another 
strong operational performance. Despite 
several years of strong revenue growth in 
Government, budget and operational tempo 
headwinds persist with many of our core 
customers. Consequently, near-term future 
revenue growth is expected to be modest, 
as the Boeing take or pay contract reduces 
to a normalised level, the exceptional revenues 
of 2017 are not repeated and contract wins 
continue to be lumpy and irregular.

U.S. Government revenues grew by 21.4% 
in 2017, driven by the impact of short-term 
higher operational tempo activity during 
Q3, a material new business win in Q2 and 
approximately nine months of revenue from 
the U.S. Navy Commercial Broadband Satellite 
Program Satellite Services Contract (‘CSSC’). 
In addition, there was another full year of 
revenue from our Take or Pay contract with 
Boeing, which is expected to decline to 
normalised levels that will be established 
in the next few years.

Outside the U.S., Government revenues fell 
by 5.1% in 2017, mainly reflecting a material 
reduction in exceptional operational revenues 
outside the U.S. from Q3 2017, which had 
been received since Q3 2015.

Direct costs during 2017 increased by $13.2m, 
32.0%, including an increase of $5.5m, due 
to the increased contribution from the CSSC 
contract, which is relatively low margin, and 
the challenging comparator, as outlined above. 
Indirect costs increased by $1.7m, or 3.8% 
in the year. EBITDA increased by $21.3m, 
8.7%, in the year and EBITDA margin declined 
to 72.3% in 2017.

Indirect costs increased by $1.7m, or 3.8% 
in the year. EBITDA increased by $21.3m, 
8.7%, in the year and EBITDA margin declined 
to 72.3% in 2017.

Head of State and VVIP aircraft communications
In an era of constant political scrutiny via social media and the 24 hour news cycle, 
Heads of State and senior government officials cannot afford to be offline when they are 
in-flight. They need ‘office in the sky’ connectivity for multiple devices, voice and video, 
secure VPN, as well as IP TV and streaming ser vices, so they can stay informed and 
respond effectively to fast moving events.

Inmarsat Global Xpress delivers seamless, reliable high-speed broadband wherever they fly. 
Combined with Eclipse’s Aero+ Flexibility solution, bandwidth can be assigned to different 
zones in the plane – for example, accompanying journalists can pay to access data or 
the whole allocation can be directed to the HoS if they are handling a crisis – all without 
impacting safety services in the cockpit.

So today, global leaders are travelling safe in the knowledge they will never be in the dark.

INMARSAT IS WELL PLACED TO 
PARTICIPATE IN EMERGING NEW 
GOVERNMENT MARKET SEGMENTS

GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report28

Strategic Report | Business overview 

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

SAFETY AND 
OPERATIONAL 
SERVICES

ENABLING SAFER
MORE CONNECTED
FLIGHTS 

COMMERCIAL
AVIATION

BUSINESS AND
GENERAL AVIATION

$130bn

ESTIMATED GLOBAL MARKET  
BY 2035

$30bn

PREDICTED VALUE TO AIRLINES 
OF IN-FLIGHT CONNECTIVITY

Fleet managementSERVICEREFUELFLEETPassenger In-Flight ConnectivityLIVE STREAMCALL/TEXTINTERNET/EMAILOptimise safe flight pathsReal-time weather updatesWIND SPEEDVISIBILITYBlack boxin ‘the cloud’SAFETY AND 

OPERATIONAL 

SERVICES

ENABLING SAFER

MORE CONNECTED

FLIGHTS 

BUSINESS AND

GENERAL AVIATION

COMMERCIAL

AVIATION

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report | Business overview 

29 

BUSINESS  
OVERVIEW  
AVIATION

Inmarsat has been providing 
connectivity services to 
the cockpits and cabins 
of our Aviation customers 
for many years

REVENUE

$195.0m

2017

2016

EBITDA

$195.0m

$142.6m

$103.4m

2017

2016

$103.4m

$97.4m

ACTIVE SWIFTBROADBAND AIRCRAFT 
IN BUSINESS AND GENERAL AVIATION

3,818

2017

2016

3,818

3,609

NUMBER OF INSTALLED GX TERMINALS 
ON COMMERCIAL AIRLINES

194

2017

2016

20

194

MAKING A DIFFERENCE  
IN AIRLINE REVENUE MODELS  
TRANSFORMING WHOLE 
INDUSTRIES – OPPORTUNITIES 
IN ANCILLARY REVENUES

We know the appetite for in-flight broadband is 
there – 60% of respondents in the 2017 Inmarsat 
In-Flight Connectivity Survey considered it a 
necessity, not a luxury – but what is passenger 
connectivity worth to the global airline industry?

In the first research study of its kind, the London 
School of Economics and Political Science (‘LSE’), 
in association with Inmarsat, developed an 
independent forecasting model to predict how 
broadband-enabled ancillary revenues are set 
to take off. The result: Airlines are the gatekeepers 
of a staggering $130bn* of ancillary revenues 
by 2035, of which the airlines themselves will 
potentially benefit by $30bn*.

Reliable, high-quality broadband connectivity is 
the catalyst for targeted advertising, content and 
e-commerce revenue opportunities. Once airlines 
can offer uninterrupted broadband services, each 
passenger can be worth $4* more per flight – that’s 
a potential 2,000% rise within the next 17 years.

* Source: Sky High Economics report

Fleet managementSERVICEREFUELFLEETPassenger In-Flight ConnectivityLIVE STREAMCALL/TEXTINTERNET/EMAILOptimise safe flight pathsReal-time weather updatesWIND SPEEDVISIBILITYBlack boxin ‘the cloud’GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report30

Strategic Report | Business overview 

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

BUSINESS OVERVIEW – AVIATION
CONTINUED

We expect that Aviation 
will be the largest 
individual growth driver 
in the coming years

BUSINESS AND GENERAL 
AVIATION (‘BGA’) AND SAFETY 
AND OPERATIONS SERVICES 
(‘SOS’) – MARKET OUTLOOK

The retail value of the BGA segment is expected 
to more than treble in size, from $250m in 
2017 to $1bn by 2026 (source: Euroconsult), 
driven by a continued steady increase in aircraft 
and an increased bandwidth requirement per 
aircraft, partly driven by innovation in cabin 
and cockpit applications.

The SOS segment is expected to more than 
double in size from $55m in 2017 to $150m in 
2026 (source: Inmarsat internal estimates), 
on a wholesale basis. This is driven by the 
transition of legacy communications systems 
to next generation IP networks, key regulatory 
mandates coming into force over the 
medium-term, the rise of next generation 
safety services, the increasing prevalence 
of cockpit satellite communications and 
revolutionary ‘connected aircraft’ services 
becoming the norm in the industry.

Inmarsat has strong legacy market positions and 
new product offerings in both of these markets, 
as well as an exceptionally experienced and 
capable distribution channel to market, and 
we expect to continue to deliver strong revenue 
and profit growth, based on further product 
and service upgrades which will drive customer 
usage in the future. Specifically, we believe that 
SwiftBroadband has room to continue to grow 
in both the BGA and SOS segments, especially in 
the fast-emerging smaller aircraft sub-segment 
and for connected aircraft applications, that 
JetConneX (our GX Aviation service offering for 

 36.7%

REVENUE GROWTH DELIVERED 
BY OUR AVIATION BUSINESS 
IN 2017

the BGA segment) has exceptional immediate 
growth potential in the BGA segment, and that 
our soon-to-be-launched SB-Safety product 
has strong medium-term growth potential 
in the SOS segment, including for both next 
generation safety services and air traffic 
management services (for example, in the 
European IRIS project).

IN-FLIGHT CONNECTIVITY 
(‘IFC’) – MARKET OUTLOOK

As outlined on page 19, the major growth 
opportunity for Inmarsat in the coming years 
is the provision of IFC services to customers 
in the commercial air transport segment.

There is expected to be a ramp-up in the number  
of connected aircraft in operation in the future 
– from 6,000 in 2015 to over 20,000 by the 
middle of the next decade (source: Valour). 
Over 70% of these new aircraft are expected to 
be based in the relatively nascent IFC markets 
of Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and 
Latin America. These regions will drive the 
majority of the future growth of the global 
air transport industry and are therefore key 
target areas for Inmarsat.

CORE BUSINESS PERFORMANCE 
IN 2017

Revenue in our Core business, which comprises 
SwiftBroadband and JetConneX for BGA, 
Classic Aero for SOS and other legacy products, 
increased by $19.2m to $132.5m in 2017.

AVIATION BUSINESS RESULTS

In BGA, SwiftBroadband revenues grew by 16.2% 
in 2017 to $75.3m (2016: $64.8m), driven by an 
increase in number of installed aircraft and higher 
average revenue per aircraft (‘ARPA’), which 
increased to $1,665 per month, from $1,496 per 
month at the end of 2016, as a result of higher 
airtime usage. By the end of 2017, there were 
3,8181 active aircraft with SwiftBroadband 
services in BGA (2016: 3,609). The installation 
programme for JetConneX, our new GX-based 
product for the BGA market, gained continued 
traction during the year, with 165 terminals now 
installed, generating airtime revenue of $4.6m 
in 2017 (2016: $0.3m). JetConneX is now line fit 
on the five large OEM platforms (Gulfstream, 
Bombardier, Dassault, Embraer and Cessna), 
which we expect to drive accelerated growth 
over the medium-term.

In SOS, our Classic Aero product delivered 
revenue growth of 15.2% to $41.8m in 2017, 
(2016: $36.3m), with an increase in number 
of total aircraft to 9,224 (2016: 8,951) and as 
a result of higher ARPA, which increased to 
$380 per month, from $338 per month in 2016, 
reflecting higher customer airtime usage.

Revenue in our other legacy products in our 
core business decreased slightly to $11.0m 
in 2017 (2016: $12.4m).

IFC PERFORMANCE IN 2017

IFC revenues, comprising our SwiftBroadband- 
based IFC services for commercial aviation, 
as well as our GX Aviation services for IFC, 
grew by $33.2m to $62.5m in 2017.

Revenue

Direct costs

Gross margin

Indirect costs

EBITDA

EBITDA margin %

Cash capex

Revenue

Direct costs

Gross margin

Indirect costs

EBITDA

Year ended 31 December

2017
$m

195.0

(26.1)

168.9

(65.5)

103.4

53.0%

130.9

2016
$m

142.6

(3.2)

139.4

(42.0)

97.4

68.3%

153.0

Change

36.7%

715.6%

21.2%

56.0%

6.2%

–

(14.4%)

Year ended 31 December

Core

IFC

2017
$m

132.5

(1.0)

131.5

2016
$m

113.3

0.0

113.3

2017
$m

62.5

(25.1)

37.4

2016
$m

29.3

(3.2)

26.1

(9.8)

(10.0)

(55.7)

(32.0)

121.7

103.3

(18.3)

(5.9)

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report | Business overview 

31 

Our SwiftBroadband-based IFC services in 
commercial aviation, delivered revenue growth 
of 41.6% to $39.0m in 2017 (2016: $27.6m). 
This growth was driven by increased usage 
by a number of key customers during the year, 
with around 900 active aircraft currently using 
the service. Over the medium term, we expect 
to transition a portion of these customers 
onto GX for Aviation IFC services.

A substantial number of airlines signed up for 
the provision of GX for Aviation IFC services 
during 2017, including Qatar Airways, Avianca, 
AirAsia, Philippine Airlines and Air Astana, and 
we now have over 1,300 aircraft expected under 
signed contracts for IFC services, (2016: 950 
aircraft), with around 3,000 aircraft in our new 
business pipeline.

During the year, several customers made 
progress with their GX terminal installation 
programmes, including Deutsche Lufthansa 
Group, and we continue to support them 
in preparation for active service. There were 
194 GX-installed aircraft across a number of 
our customers at the end of 2017 (from 20 
at the end of 2016 – all of which are directly 
related to Lufthansa). Consequently, $23.6m 
of GX-related IFC revenue was generated in 
2017, (2016: $1.6m). The vast majority of 
this revenue was relatively low margin 
installation revenue.

The complementary ground component of 
the EAN is now complete, and we are working to 
activate aircraft for trials, with European roll-out 
of the service expected to take place into 2019. 
We now have substantially all the required 
regulatory authorisations for this phase.

AVIATION COSTS, MARGINS 
AND CAPEX

Direct costs in our Core business remained fairly 
immaterial at $1.0m in 2017, given the dynamics 
of this business (which are based on the sales 
of airtime through partners and resellers). Indirect 
costs in the Core business remained stable 
at $9.8m, with EBITDA increasing to $121.7m 
during the year (2016:$103.3m), reflecting 
revenue growth and related operational 
gearing in that business.

In IFC, direct costs increased to $25.1m in 
2017 (2016: $3.2m), as a result of additional 
lower margin GX installation revenues being 
added to the revenue mix. Indirect costs 
in IFC increased by $23.7m to $55.7m, due 
to increased headcount and other overhead 
costs associated with the pursuit and delivery 

1  SwiftBroadband and Classic Aero usage figures, including 
ARPU, previously based on number of SIMs, not aircraft

Safety in the skies
Over the last 15 years, global air transport passenger levels have soared from 1.6 billion to 
3.8 billion*. That’s only been possible because satellite communication in the cockpit has 
enabled airlines to safely put more planes in the sky at any one time and open up more routes.

Improved Air Traffic Control (‘ATC’) and operational benefits such as better fleet management 
and increased efficiency have saved the airline industry an astounding $3bn* over that time.

With passenger numbers predicted to double by 2035, Inmarsat is transforming aviation 
connectivity again. SwiftBroadband-Safety offers high-speed, secure IP connectivity 
globally to further optimise flight operations and support a host of new safety applications –  
as well as delivering even more savings for the industry.

* Source: inmarsataviation.com/benefits/heliosstudy

of the major growth opportunities in IFC. 
Consequently, EBITDA in IFC, during the current 
phase of investment in market capture and 
delivery, declined to $(18.3)m (2016: $(5.9)m).

EBITDA for the overall Aviation business 
increased by $6.0m, 6.2%, in 2017, with EBITDA 
margin declining to 53.0% in the year, from 
68.3% in 2016, reflecting the changing revenue 
mix and higher indirect costs in IFC.

We continue to believe that Aviation EBITDA 
margins will remain negatively impacted in the 
short term by our efforts to build our market 
position in IFC. Revenues will initially be low 
margin installation revenues rather than higher 
margin air time revenues, as we drive equipment 
installation programmes for certain customers. 
In addition, indirect Aviation costs will continue 
to rise in the short term (albeit more slowly than 
in 2016 and 2017) as we continue to invest in 
IFC market capture and delivery.

However, over the medium-term we expect 
IFC margins to rebuild as higher margin airtime 
revenues come to the fore and as our indirect 
costs to support the business stabilise in 
support of a business that can then scale.

As previously outlined, we believe that, over the 
years 2016 to 2021, EBITDA margins in Aviation 
will fall from over 60% in 2016 to around 50% 
in 2017 and then to around 40% in 2018, after 
which higher revenues, improved revenue mix 
and more stable indirect costs start to deliver 
a return to 2016 margins in Aviation.

Cash capex decreased by $22.1m in the year, 
as a result of significant infrastructure investment 
in the S-band satellite in Q4 2016, ahead of its 
launch in Q2 2017.

GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report32

Strategic Report | Business overview 

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

AGRICULTURE

MINING AND 
EXTRACTION

TRANSPORT 
AND LOGISTICS

KEEPING CUSTOMERS 
SAFE AND IN CONTROL

ENERGY AND
UTILITIES

2,275km

LENGTH OF BRAZIL’S NORTH-SOUTH RAILWAY

Real-time crop monitoringNUTRIENTSWEATHERGROWTHPROTECTIONTraffic & operationsGPS TRACKINGCONTACT WORKERMANAGE FLOWMONITOR100%100%100%CONTROLMANAGEEnergy network – Live updateMining pipeline – Live updateSECURITYTEMPERATUREPRESSUREAGRICULTURE

MINING AND 

EXTRACTION

TRANSPORT 

AND LOGISTICS

KEEPING CUSTOMERS 

SAFE AND IN CONTROL

ENERGY AND

UTILITIES

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report | Business overview 

33 

BUSINESS  
OVERVIEW  
ENTERPRISE

We remain optimistic about 
the long-term future demand 
for M2M connectivity in the 
emerging global IoT market

REVENUE

$132.6m

2017

2016

EBITDA

$91.9m

$132.6m

$144.6m

2017

2016

$91.9m

$105.9m

NUMBER OF CONNECTED M2M TERMINALS

358,000

2017

2016

358,000

333,000

NUMBER OF CONNECTED GSPS TERMINALS

180,000

2017

2016

180,000

158,000

MAKING A DIFFERENCE  
IN DEVELOPING INFRASTRUCTURE  
TRANSFORMING EFFICIENCY 
AND OPERATIONS – MANAGING 
BRAZIL’S RAILWAYS

The ability to connect people and things has 
never been so important. Developing countries 
are building the infrastructure required to 
support their economic growth. In Brazil, Valec is 
building the North-South railway line to enable 
the movement of valuable commodities along the 
entire length of the country. To successfully deliver 
this colossal project, Valec needed a better way 
to control the flow of traffic and operations while 
the partially in-use line was completed.

Inmarsat partner Globalsat has installed BGAN 
terminals in rail vehicles so the central operations 
centre can use GPS tracking to pinpoint their 
location and talk to the drivers on push-to-talk 
radio handsets anywhere and at any time, thanks 
to Inmarsat’s highly reliable L-band satellite 
network. The ability to react quickly will improve 
safety and efficiency both during construction 
and once the line is fully operational, helping 
power Brazil’s economic growth.

Real-time crop monitoringNUTRIENTSWEATHERGROWTHPROTECTIONTraffic & operationsGPS TRACKINGCONTACT WORKERMANAGE FLOWMONITOR100%100%100%CONTROLMANAGEEnergy network – Live updateMining pipeline – Live updateSECURITYTEMPERATUREPRESSUREGovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report34

Strategic Report | Business overview 

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

BUSINESS OVERVIEW – ENTERPRISE
CONTINUED

We expect satellite services 
to play a substantial role 
in delivering global IoT 
applications in the future

 9.5%

REVENUE GROWTH  
IN M2M

MARKET OUTLOOK

The emerging digital society will depend 
for its success on connectivity as a critical 
enabler – but the networks needed to support 
new digitally enabled environments such 
as smart cities, intelligent transport systems, 
energy systems, clean water, agriculture, 
e-logistics, tele-medicine and e-government, 
will need pervasive coverage across the 
whole of society, incredible network reliability 
and resilience as well as a range of specialist 
services such as broadcast services and 
precision navigation.

These features demand an enhanced role 
for satellite communications and we believe 
that our small-form factor, cheap, agile, 
resilient and global L-band services are 
perfectly tailored for these needs.

The ability of satellite services to extend the 
range of terrestrial networks and to narrow 
the digital divide, to enhance resiliency and 
redundancy (especially cyber resilience) and 
to provide a range of unique complementary 
capabilities such as broadcast services and 
precision navigation services is expected 
to drive significant medium to longer-term 
growth opportunities for Inmarsat, especially 
in commercial segments such as mining and 
construction, logistics and transportation, 
smart cities and smart agriculture.

In recent years, Inmarsat has successfully 
established a land-based commercial 
mobile satellite services business focused 
on providing highly portable satellite 
communications services to remote 
communities and/or for use when terrestrial 
networks are not available, for example, 
in diverse sectors such as first response, 
media, aid, mining and construction 
and other areas.

ENTERPRISE BUSINESS RESULTS

Revenue

Direct costs

Gross margin

Indirect costs 

EBITDA

EBITDA margin %

Cash capex

Whilst this is still at a very early stage of 
development and it will take some considerable 
time to position and scale our IoT products and 
services for substantial new revenue growth, 
we are confident in the long-term potential 
for our business in this area. In particular, 
we expect significant new growth potential 
over the medium-term to arise from emerging 
new market opportunities associated with 
the ‘digital society’ and/or global 5G 
deployments, including IoT.

M2M – A MAJOR FOUNDATION 
FOR FUTURE GROWTH

Our position in Machine-to-Machine (‘M2M’) 
connectivity continues to provide us with a 
strong foundation from which to nurture and 
grow potential development opportunities 
around ‘Internet of Things’ applications.

During the year, in line with our drive to 
maximise this opportunity, we made a small 
minority investment in Actility, an IoT solutions 
specialist, following our recently established 
partnership with them to extend the reach 
of our satellite networks through the addition 
of a Low Power Wide Area Network extension 
for IoT applications globally.

Inmarsat continues to play a role in the LoRa 
Alliance, which is dedicated to developing 
a global standard for IoT. The LoRa Alliance 
was founded by industry leaders across the 
industry to help enable IoT, M2M, smart city 
and industrial applications. Inmarsat aims 
to provide the LoRa ecosystem with satellite 
connectivity to enable the deployment of 
solutions anywhere an object or device 
needs to be connected.

In addition, we gained further traction in 
facilitating the deployment of IDP services, 
in response to the growth in mission critical 
IoT applications which is driving demand 
for connectivity with unprecedented reach, 
range and reliability on a global basis.

Year ended 31 December

2017
$m

132.6

(23.4)

109.2

(17.3)

91.9

2016
$m

144.6

(18.8)

125.8

(19.9)

105.9

69.3%

73.2%

–

0.4

Change

(8.3%)

24.5%

(13.2%)

(13.1%)

(13.2%)

–

–

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report | Business overview 

35 

2017 PERFORMANCE

In 2017, Enterprise revenues declined 
by 8.3% in the year, as a result of ongoing 
market pressures.

Revenue in our Broadband Global Area 
Network (‘BGAN’) product declined by 
8.0% to $27.8m in the year. Satellite phone 
terminal sales and airtime revenues were 
also down, falling 10.0% to $30.8m.

Whilst both product lines benefited from 
the short term impact of hurricane-related 
activity during Q3, they continue to be 
negatively impacted by an increasingly 
competitive market environment, particularly 
from land-based Ka-band and Ku-band 
and cellular alternatives.

Fixed-to-mobile revenues decreased by 
29.1%, $16.6m, during the year, reflecting a 
continued decline of satellite-based voice 
products, partly driven by an ongoing 
migration to Voice over IP.

M2M revenue increased by 9.5% to $18.3m 
during the year, with the number of connected 
M2M terminals increasing to over 358,000 by 
the end of the year, highlighting continued strong 
demand for M2M in commercial applications.

Direct costs increased by $4.6m, 24.5%, 
in 2017, as a result of a change in revenue mix, 
whilst indirect costs reduced by $2.6m, 
13.1%, in the year. As a result of the increase 
in direct costs, EBITDA was down by $14.0m, 
13.2% in 2017. Consequently, EBITDA margin 
declined to 69.3% in 2017.

Disaster relief communications
When natural disasters strike, the frequent loss of terrestrial networks hampers 
attempts to get help to victims fast. Establishing reliable communications is essential 
to coordinating relief efforts and keeping emergency responders safe in dangerous, 
sometimes hostile environments.

Team Rubicon unites the skills and experience of military veterans with first responders, 
rapidly deploying teams to communities across the globe affected by disasters. Inmarsat 
has transformed the organisation’s ability to channel their resources and maximise their 
impact by providing a whole raft of satcom services – IsatPhone 2 satellite phones and 
IsatData Pro to keep in touch with and track teams on the ground; BGAN and Global Xpress 
to transmit situational reports and video. When the 2017 hurricane season opened with 
three catastrophic storms in quick succession, and Mexico City suffered a 7.1 magnitude 
earthquake, Team Rubicon ran up to 15 simultaneous operations – without a single 
lost connection.

WE CONTINUE TO ESTABLISH A STRONG 
LAND-BASED SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS 
NETWORK TO REMOTE COMMUNITIES

GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report36

Strategic Report | Business overview

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

SATELLITE
INFRASTRUCTURE

ENSURING OUR
NETWORKS SERVE OUR
CUSTOMERS’ NEEDS AND 
ARE AVAILABLE 24/7

ORGANISATIONAL
INFRASTRUCTURE

GROUND
INFRASTRUCTURE

99.9%

L-BAND NETWORK AVAILABILITY

Global network coverageSPEEDTIME SINCE LIFTOFFLAUNCH – Stage 2 Telemetry00:27:04ALTITUDEkm/hkm26943296SATELLITE

INFRASTRUCTURE

ENSURING OUR

NETWORKS SERVE OUR

CUSTOMERS’ NEEDS AND 

ARE AVAILABLE 24/7

ORGANISATIONAL

INFRASTRUCTURE

GROUND

INFRASTRUCTURE

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report | Business overview

37 

BUSINESS OVERVIEW
Central Services

Our Central Services team 
is responsible for managing 
and operating our satellite 
and ground networks and 
supporting the business to 
deliver its strategic priorities

capabilities to deploy into new regional 
growth opportunities. With full global coverage 
established, our future strategy for GX is to 
augment our network with new, low-cost 
technologies which will provide additional 
capacity by adding highly-targeted density. 
This new satellite technology will be able to 
deliver a significant step-up in throughput 
and capacity into key regions of high 
demand at low cost.

TECHNOLOGY

Our Central Technology Office manages and 
operates our satellite and ground infrastructure, 
and manages the design, build and launch of 
our new satellite networks.

Our L-band satellite networks, through eight 
Inmarsat-3 and Inmarsat-4 satellites, have 
helped Inmarsat to establish and develop a 
loyal customer and distribution base over time. 
Our average L-band network availability 
remains at 99.9 per cent, with this reliability 
remaining attractive to government, military 
and enterprise-level users whose operations 
require mission and business critical 
communications support.

The Inmarsat-6 replacement satellites comprise 
two dual payload (L-band and Ka-band) satellites 
to be launched at the start of the next decade. 
This will ensure the reorientation of our L-band 
capabilities towards new growth opportunities 
uniquely addressable by a cutting edge global 
network, with a small, low-cost, highly reliable and 
agile device to deliver our services to end users.

The GX network, based on our four Inmarsat-5 
satellites in Ka-band, is fully operational and has 
been revenue generating since 2016. Our fourth 
GX satellite, launched in 2017, provides in-orbit 
redundancy and additional capacity and 

CENTRAL SERVICES RESULTS

OPERATIONS

Our organisational infrastructure is managed 
and operated by our Central Operations Office, 
with support from our functional teams in 
Finance, HR, Marketing, Legal, Regulatory, 
Compliance, Risk and Governance. 

We continue to drive best practice and 
innovation to drive out cost and complexity 
across our organisation, to become more agile 
and to become easier for partners, customers 
and suppliers to do business with.

In addition, we continue to take action to ensure 
that the organisation’s resources are optimally 
balanced for future growth. For example, 
in Q4 2017, we initiated a headcount reduction 
programme implemented in Q4 2017 to reduce 
our legacy costs, with associated one-off costs 
of $19.9m, ensuring that we have the capacity 
to invest in new skills to support the future 
growth of the business. Actions such as this will 
help to provide a strong backbone to support 
the growth of the business in the future. 

Revenue from Ligado for the year increased by 
$7.3m. $5m of the yearly increase is attributable 
to deferred income recognised. In total, $16.0m 
(2016: $11.0m) of deferred income was recognised 
during the year with the majority reflecting the 
impact of the revenue deferral arising under the 
revised transition agreement finalised in 2016. 

Revenue

Ligado Networks

Other

Total revenue

Direct costs

Gross margin

Indirect costs

Adjusted EBITDA

Restructuring

EBITDA

Cash capex

Year ended 31 December

2017
$m

126.7

14.5

141.2

(16.7)

124.5

(275.5)

(151.0)

(19.9)

(170.9)

414.5

2016
$m

119.4

16.6

136.0

Change

6.1%

12.7%

3.8%

(3.1)

438.7%

132.9

(240.2)

(107.3)

–

(107.3)

209.6

(6.3%)

14.7%

(40.7%)

(59.3%)

97.8%

At 31 December 2017, the Group held $181.8m 
of deferred revenue on the balance sheet in 
respect of expected costs of implementation 
of this agreement. There have been no other 
developments in respect of this agreement 
in the period.

LIGADO NETWORKS

The lack of visibility over the cash payments 
from Ligado beyond the end of 2018 continues. 
Contractually, payments from Ligado will pause 
in 2019 and then resume in 2020 at c. $136m 
per annum, growing thereafter at 3% compound 
over the next 99 years. Should Ligado obtain 
its licence from the Federal Communications 
Commission in 2018, there would be no pause 
in 2019. Any payments not made in 2019, 
together with payments deferred between 2016 
and 2018 (approximately $35m) will be due for 
payment by Ligado with interest at the earlier 
of commissioning their network or 30 June 2021.

Whilst the outlook for Ligado remains uncertain 
there are many ways in which the Ligado position 
could evolve positively for the Group. Ligado 
has been through bankruptcy once already 
with Inmarsat’s contract enduring this event as 
without that contract, Ligado’s stated business 
model and potential high market value are 
not viable. Whilst Inmarsat will continue to adopt 
a prudent approach to Ligado in its financial 
planning, the Group’s contract provides 
material possible upside value.

CENTRAL SERVICES COSTS 
AND CAPEX

Direct costs increased by $13.6m to $16.7m in 2017, 
mainly as a result of increased leasing costs.

Indirect costs increased by $55.3m in the year, 
due to higher underlying central operational 
delivery costs of $41.9m in 2017, relating to 
increased expenditure on the GX network and our 
operational capabilities including Cyber and IT.

We continue to expect a higher level of central 
operational delivery costs, reflecting not 
only the impact of the new GX related ground 
infrastructure being implemented but also 
increased investment in both IT and cyber 
security capabilities across the organisation, 
with the growth in central operational delivery 
costs in 2018 expected to be in the single digits, 
in percentage terms.

Central Services capital expenditure in the year 
increased by $204.9m, due to further expenditure 
on GX, including initial investment in the design 
and build programme for the 5th GX satellite 
and I-6 satellite infrastructure, as well as further 
investment in organisational capability.

Global network coverageSPEEDTIME SINCE LIFTOFFLAUNCH – Stage 2 Telemetry00:27:04ALTITUDEkm/hkm26943296GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report38

Strategic Report | Chief Financial Officer’s review

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER’S REVIEW
Building a strong financial platform

Inmarsat’s financial results in 2017, in particular the 
delivery of further revenue growth during the year, 
supported by our ongoing focus on ensuring the Group 
maintains a strong and flexible balance sheet, helped us 
to further develop a strong platform for future growth

TONY BATES
CHIEF FINANCIAL  
OFFICER

HIGHLIGHTS

5.4%

INCREASE IN GROUP REVENUE

(5.5)%

DECREASE IN ADJUSTED EBITDA

 › Adjusted EPS of 0.42 cents
 › Net debt to EBITDA of 2.8x
 › Nearly $1bn of liquidity

104

Financial  
Statements

GROUP RESULTS

Revenue

Satellite services

Ligado

Total revenue

Direct costs

Gross margin

Indirect costs

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA margin %

Restructuring

EBITDA

Year ended 31 December

2017
$m

2016
$m

1,273.5

1,209.6

126.7

119.4

1,400.2

1,329.0

(207.0)

1,193.2

(441.8)

751.4

53.7%

(19.9)

731.5

(145.6)

1,183.4

(388.6)

794.8

59.8%

–

Change

5.3%

6.1%

5.4%

(42.2%)

0.8%

(13.7%)

(5.5%)

–

–

794.8

(8.0%)

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report | Chief Financial Officer’s review

39 

which is not taxable. In 2016, the effective tax 
rate was impacted by the revaluation of the 
deferred tax liabilities due to a reduction in 
the UK tax rate from 18% to 17% from 2020.

The underlying effective tax rate for the year 
(after removing the impact of the unrealised 
conversion liability on the convertible bonds 
and the revaluation of deferred tax balances) 
was 15.7% (2016: 19.4%). This relatively low 
rate and improvement on 2016 is largely due 
to the benefits from the Patent Box regime in 
the UK secured earlier this year which results 
in some profits being taxed at 10%, rather than 
the statutory rate of 19.25%.

PROFIT AFTER TAX
Profit After Tax (‘PAT’) declined by $61.1m 
in the year, mirroring the decrease in EBITDA 
of $63.3m. The increase in depreciation 
of $57.3m was offset by the decrease in 
net financing costs of $56.2m.

Adjusted PAT, which excludes the impact 
on the income statement of the convertible 
bonds and the restructuring charge of $16.1m, 
declined by $107.7m in 2017. This decline 
largely reflects the $43.4m reduction in 
EBITDA (before restructuring) and the $57.3m 
increase in deprecation with the remaining 
reduction due to the increase in the underlying 
net financing costs of $13.1m offset by the 
lower taxation charge.

EARNINGS PER SHARE
Adjusted basic and diluted earnings per share, 
excluding post-tax restructuring costs, the  
post-tax impact of the early repurchase of 
the 2017 Convertible Bonds and the change 
in the fair value of the conversion liability 
component of the new 2023 Convertible Bonds 
were 42 and 41 cents respectively, compared 
with 65 and 64 cents respectively in 2016.

Basic and diluted earnings per share, 
including the elements outlined above, for 
profit attributable to the equity holders of 
the Company were 40 cents compared with 
54 cents and 53 cents respectively in 2016.

GROUP RESULTS

Group revenues increased in 2017 by $71.2m 
mainly driven by the growth in Aviation, 
as well as Government.

In 2017, direct costs increased by $61.4m, 
rising faster than revenues, in response to the 
changing revenue mix across the business, 
particularly as we sought to capture share in key 
markets, including the addition of installation 
revenues in Aviation (with related direct costs up 
$22.9m in the year), a higher level of equipment 
sales in Maritime and the continued ramp-up of 
the CSSC contract in Government. In addition, 
in Central Services, there were higher costs, 
mainly related to capacity leasing.

Indirect costs in the year grew by $53.2m, 
reflecting increased IFC capability in Aviation 
(an increase of $23.5m in 2017) and higher 
central operational delivery costs (an increase 
of $41.9m in 2017), but a reduction of $12.2m 
in indirect costs elsewhere in the business, 
reflecting tight cost control more generally.

In addition, a headcount reduction programme 
was implemented in Q4 2017, with an associated 
one-off cost of $19.9m, to reduce our legacy 
costs, ensuring that we have the capacity to 
invest in new skills to support the future growth 
of the business. As a result of the above, Adjusted 
EBITDA in 2017, decreased by $43.4m from 
the prior year, and Adjusted EBITDA margin 
decreased to 53.7%, from 59.8% in 2016.

OPERATING PROFIT
As noted above, the one-off costs associated 
with the headcount reduction programme reduced 
operating profit in 2017. In addition, depreciation 
and amortisation for 2017 increased by $57.3m 

due to the I-5 F4 and S-band satellites coming 
into commercial service in the fourth quarter 
of 2017. As a result of these factors, and lower 
Adjusted EBITDA, operating profit for 2017 
decreased by $125.6m compared with 2016.

NET FINANCING COST
On an underlying basis net financing costs 
increased by $13.1m from $86.3m in 2016 
to $99.4m in 2017 due to the higher average 
level of borrowings during the year.

On a reported basis net financing costs for 
2017 decreased by $56.2m to $91.7m with 
the underlying $13.1m increase in net financing 
more than offset by the impact on the income 
statement of the 2017 and 2023 Convertible 
Bonds. There was a net credit of $7.7m in 2017 
due to a decrease in the unrealised conversion 
liability on the 2023 Convertible Bond 
(2016 charge of $28.8m) driven by a fall 
in the convertible bond price over the period 
(see note 9). In addition, in 2016, a $32.8m 
one-off charge was recognised relating to 
the redemption of the 2017 convertible bonds.

TAXATION
The tax charge for 2017 was $47.5m, a decrease 
of $8.3m compared with 2016. This decrease 
is largely driven by the reduced profit in 2017.

The effective tax rate for 2017 was 20.7% 
(2016: 18.6%) compared to an average statutory 
rate for the UK for 2017 of 19.25% (2016: 20%). 
The higher effective tax rate is largely due to 
the revaluation of U.S. related deferred tax assets 
driven by the reduction in the U.S. Federal tax 
rate from 35% to 21% in Q4 2017; the impact of 
this was $9.8m. This deferred tax cost is partially 
offset by the beneficial impact of the unrealised 
conversion liability on the convertible bonds 

RECONCILIATION OF EBITDA TO PROFIT AFTER TAX

Adjusted EBITDA

Restructuring charge

EBITDA

Year ended 31 December

2017
$m

751.4

(19.9)

731.5

2016
$m

794.8

–

794.8

Depreciation and amortisation

(406.7)

(349.4)

Other 

Operating profit

Net financing costs

Taxation charge

Statutory profit after tax

Addback of change in fair value of derivative (2023 convertible bond)

Addback, post-tax, of cost of early redemption of 2017 convertible bond

Addback restructuring charge after tax

Adjusted profit after tax

(3.3)

321.5

(91.7)

(47.5)

182.3

(7.7)

–

16.1

1.7

447.1

(147.9)

(55.8)

243.4

28.8

26.2

–

Change

(5.5%)

–

(8.0%)

16.4%

(294.1%)

(28.1%)

38.0%

14.9%

(25.1%)

126.7%

–

–

190.7

298.4

(36.1%)

GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report40

Strategic Report | Chief Financial Officer’s review

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER’S REVIEW
CONTINUED

GROUP BALANCE SHEET

The table opposite shows the condensed 
consolidated Group Balance Sheet.

The increase in the Group’s non-current 
assets of $269.4m is largely due to our 
ongoing investment in new technology and 
infrastructure, including GX, the S-band 
programme and the I-6 constellation, less 
depreciation of existing assets in service.

The net decrease in current assets of 
$153.2m is due to a decrease in short-term 
deposits which have been used to fund 
additional capital investment in the business. 
The increase in current liabilities of $115.6m 
to $864.5m (2016: $748.9m) largely relates 
to an increase in trade and other payables 
of $76.3m to $584.5m (2016: $508.3m) 
which were impacted by the timing of the 
settlement of trade payables at the end of 
the year. The balance of the increase is due to 
the combination of a draw down in the Ex-Im 
Facilities of $78.4m, which increased current 
borrowings by $21.8m, and an increase in 
provisions of $14.3m relating to the headcount 
reduction programme implemented in the 
fourth quarter.

There has been a decrease in non-current liabilities 
of $14.4m to $2,839.7m (2016: $2,854.1m). 
This is primarily driven by a decrease in derivative 
financial instruments of $25.7m reflecting a 
reduction in the unrealised conversion liability 
on the convertible bonds and a decrease in 
other payables of $16.5m due to the settlement 
of a long-term creditor. These reductions are 
partially offset by an increase in deferred 
tax liabilities of $29.0m due to higher 
capital allowances.

CASH FLOW

During the year, free cash flow decreased by 
$233.3m, mainly due to lower cash generated 
from operations ($31.1m), higher capital 
expenditure ($185.8m) and higher cash interest 
paid ($32.2m) as a result of the refinancing in 
Q3 2016.

The change in working capital has improved by 
$26.8m, driven by the timing of supplier payments 
in Q4 but also by tighter management of inventory 
and more timely collection of receivables.

Cash tax paid decreased to $19.8m (2016: $35.6m) 
due to lower UK profits and a tax refund relating 
to an overpayment in 2016. Cash tax was $27.7m 
lower than tax charged in the income statement 
due mainly to the $9.8m impact of the revaluation 
of the Group’s U.S. deferred tax asset following 
the reduction in U.S. Federal tax rates.

GROUP BALANCE SHEET

Non-current assets

Current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

CASH FLOW1

EBITDA

Non-cash items

Change in working capital

Cash generated from operations

Capital expenditure

Net interest paid

Tax paid

Free cash flow2

Dividends paid to shareholders

Other movement including foreign exchange

Net cash flow

Decrease in cash from/to transfer from short-term deposits with maturity >3 months

Increase/(decrease) in cash from borrowings

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents

At beginning of the period

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

At end of the period (net of bank overdrafts)

Opening net borrowings3

Net cash flow

Non-cash movements4

Closing net borrowings3

At 31 December

2017
$m

4,101.5

858.0

2016
$m

3,832.1

1,011.2

4,959.5

4,843.3

(864.5)

(748.9)

(2,839.7)

(2,854.1)

(3,704.2)

(3,603.0)

1,255.3

1,240.3

Year ended 31 December

2017
$m

731.5

19.8

23.1

774.4

(598.7)

(114.7)

(19.8)

41.2

2016
$m

794.8

14.4

(3.7)

805.5

(412.9)

(82.5)

(35.6)

274.5

(202.9)

(228.5)

(4.7)

(166.4)

53.1

(3.6)

(116.9)

261.5

(116.9)

144.6

7.4

53.4

(395.0)

428.4

86.8

174.7

86.8

261.5

1,894.8

1,985.8

166.4

17.4

(53.4)

(37.6)

2,078.6

1,894.8

1  Cash flow outlined in this table is non-statutory
2  Free cash flow has been defined in note 2 of the financial statements
3  Net borrowings includes the convertible bond, total borrowings less cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments. 

Borrowings exclude accrued interest and any derivative liabilities

4  Non-cash movements relate to the amortisation of deferred financing costs

BASED ON CURRENT MANAGEMENT PLANS, 
INFRASTRUCTURE CAPEX IS EXPECTED 
TO MEANINGFULLY MODERATE AFTER 2020

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report | Chief Financial Officer’s review

41 

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE

Major infrastructure projects1

Success-based capex2

Other capex3

Cash flow timing4

Total cash capital expenditure

Year ended 31 December

2017
$m

423.5

96.6

115.2

(36.6)

598.7

2016
$m

279.2

78.8

92.1

 (37.2)

412.9

1  Major infrastructure projects capex consists of satellite design, build and launch costs and ground network infrastructure costs
2  Success-based capex consists of capital equipment installed on ships, aircraft and other customer platforms
3  Other capex investment primarily includes infrastructure maintenance, IT and capitalised product and service development costs
4  Cash capital expenditure is the cash flow relating to tangible and intangible asset additions, includes capitalised labour costs and 

excludes capitalised interest

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE

The increase in capital expenditure on major 
infrastructure projects in 2017 relates to 
continued investment in the GX and I-6 satellite 
infrastructures. Success-based capex also 
increased in 2017 driven by the acceleration 
in the installation of GX terminals in Aviation 
and Fleet Xpress in Maritime. Other capex 
investment also increased during the year, 
driven by investment in ongoing infrastructure 
maintenance, IT and new product and 
service development.

FUTURE GUIDANCE

We are targeting mid-single digit percentage 
revenue growth (excluding Ligado) on average 
over the next five years, with EBITDA and free 
cash flow generation (both excluding Ligado) 
expected to improve steadily as a result of the 
combined impact of this growing revenue base, 
an improved revenue mix, tightly managed 
overhead costs and new, lower cost, satellite 
technologies being implemented that we expect 
to drive a meaningful moderation in our annual 
infrastructure capex over the medium-term.

Specific financial guidance for the future 
performance of the business is as follows:
 › Group revenue:

 – 2018 revenue, excluding Ligado, 

of $1,300m to $1,500m (unchanged)

 – Annual GX revenues at a run rate of 

$500m by the end of 2020 (unchanged)

 › Group capex:

 – Over 2018 to 2020, we expect that 
capital expenditure will be within a 
range of $500m to $600m per annum

 – Based on current management plans, 
infrastructure capex is expected to 
meaningfully moderate after 2020 
as we bring to bear our next generation 
network augmentation plans and become 
increasingly driven by IFC revenues

 ›  Group leverage:

 – Net Debt: EBITDA to normally remain 

below 3.5x (unchanged)

DIVIDEND

In the course of 2017, and in particular during 
the second half of 2017, two factors have 
become more important, specifically:
 › The lack of visibility over future cash payments 
from Ligado Networks beyond the end of 
2018; and

 › The increasingly clear opportunity that 
exists for Inmarsat in the fast-growing 
and substantial IFC segment in Aviation

Given these factors, and the Board’s requirement 
to ensure that the Group has sufficient financial 
resources to support delivery of a leading 
position in IFC through the current infrastructure 
investment period, the Board has taken a 
decision to reduce the annual dividend 
to 20 cents per share.

The annual dividend is expected to stay at these 
levels until the cash flow of the business rebuilds 
sufficiently to make an increase appropriate, 
having regard to the level of investment 
required to pursue attractive opportunities for 
sustained long-term profitable growth, to providing 
competitive returns to our shareholders and to 
the capital structure of the business. It should 
be noted in this context that the Group has a long, 
established track record of paying substantial 
dividends, having returned over $2.1bn to 
shareholders since our IPO in 2005.

The Board will propose to shareholders a 2017 
final dividend of 12.00 cents per share, based on 
the reduced annual level of dividend of 20 cents 
per share and Inmarsat’s historic allocation of 
60% of the full year dividend to the final dividend. 
Added to the interim dividend already paid of 
21.62 cents per share, the total dividends paid 
and proposed in respect of the year ended 
31 December 2017 will be 33.62 cents per share.

Inmarsat will continue to provide shareholders 
with the option of a scrip dividend alternative for 
dividend payments, and will review this approach 
on a regular basis. At the interim stage, the scrip 
option was taken up by shareholders holding 
a total of 63m shares (13.9% of the then issued 
share capital) with an issue value of $13.7m. 
These shares were issued on 20 October 2017. 
Inmarsat plc now has 457,659,212 shares in issue.

The dividend is to be paid on 25 May 2018 
to ordinary shareholders on the share register 
at the close of business on 20 April 2018. 
Shareholders will be asked to approve the 
final dividend payment at the Annual General 
Meeting on 2 May 2018. Dividend payments 
are made in Pounds Sterling or in shares using 
an exchange rate derived from the WMReuters 
GBP/USD 9am fix (London time) four business 
days prior to the date of announcement of the 
scrip reference price. The 2017 final dividend is 
not recorded as a liability in the financial 
statements at 31 December 2017.

IFRS 15 AND IFRS 16

Inmarsat will be adopting IFRS 15 and 16 for 
the financial year ending 31 December 2018.

The primary impact of IFRS 15 will be in Maritime 
and Aviation where revenue and costs related 
to equipment installation will now be spread over 
the length of the contract, rather than being 
recognised at the time of installation. This is 
expected to have a marginal negative impact on 
revenue, whilst capital expenditure and EBITDA 
are both expected to increase slightly, given that 
installation costs will be capitalised going forward.

IFRS 16, which Inmarsat is adopting a year 
early to avoid restatements impacting in two 
successive years, requires vehicles and properties 
to be accounted for as ‘right-of-use assets’. 
This is expected to have a small positive impact 
on EBITDA, due to lease costs being reclassified 
as depreciation and interest.

GROUP LIQUIDITY AND 
CAPITAL RESOURCES

At 31 December 2017, the Group had cash 
and cash equivalents of $144.9m and available 
but undrawn borrowing facilities of $500.5m 
under our Senior Credit Facility.

TONY BATES  
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

9 March 2018

GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report42

Strategic Report | Resources and relationships

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

RESOURCES AND RELATIONSHIPS
Delivering a positive impact

The Board believes corporate 
and social responsibility 
is an important part of the 
Group’s culture and the 
adoption of good practice 
will have a positive impact 
on the business

Ensuring we act in an ethical manner, taking 
account of our responsibilities – socially and 
environmentally – is important in the way we 
operate and interact with our stakeholders, 
including investors, employees, suppliers and 
business partners. This way of working contributes 
to how we create value for all our shareholders.

This section of our Annual Report is prepared in 
accordance with the Companies, Partnerships and 
Groups (Accounts and Non-Financial Reporting) 
Regulations 2016. Here we provide information 
of Inmarsat’s development, performance 
and position and the impact of our activity 
relating to environmental matters, employees, 
social matters, respect for human rights and 
anti-corruption and anti-bribery matters. 
More information relating to these activities 
can be found on the CSR and investor relations 
sections of our website.

Inmarsat is committed to improving its 
transparency in these areas and, as a result, 
responded to the RobecoSAM Corporate 
Sustainability Assessment for the first time 
in 2017.

MATERIALITY

Inmarsat recognises that its non-financial 
information statement should reflect a fair 
view of the information required by stakeholders 
and therefore we have conducted a materiality 
assessment to ensure that we are reporting on 
material disclosures in a clear and balanced way.

As part of this materiality assessment, we have 
engaged with a number of external and internal 
stakeholders throughout 2017 including a 
number of employees, customers, suppliers 
and shareholders. A summary of the key 
focus areas for the output is shown above.

We held stakeholder interviews and sent 
out quantitative surveys to understand the 
level of stakeholder concern regarding a wide 

KEY STAKEHOLDER RESPONSES (INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL)

Cyber security

Access to services

Fair labour standards

Customer privacy

Internal training and investing in people

Environmental impact of space debris

Satellite launches

Anti-bribery and corruption

Equal opportunities, diversity and outreach activities

Intellectual property rights

Value (rated out of 5)

Internal

External

5.0

5.0

5.0

4.6

5.0

4.5

4.6

4.6

4.6

5.0

5.0

4.7

4.4

4.7

4.1

4.6

4.4

4.3

4.3

3.8

of our key talent, which in turn has informed 
our succession planning and individual 
development plans.

More broadly we have focused on enhancing our 
people’s performance. Following a wide-ranging 
review of our current performance management 
process, and reviewing external best practice, 
we have redefined our performance management 
process and principles and have outlined a new 
‘Be Your Best’ approach that will be launched 
in early 2018. Alongside this, we have redefined 
our total reward philosophy approach for 
launch also in 2018.

The HR team has also continued its own 
transformation journey to delivering excellence 
for the organisation it serves. Core systems 
capability has been enhanced, we have 
rationalised our payroll process, launched 
a new ‘people portal’ and moved to a more 
direct model of resourcing saving $1.7m 
(April 17 to year end).

We also continued to build an effective 
organisation, and in the autumn we consulted 
on and implemented organisational changes 
that rebalanced the mix of skills and capabilities 
we have across the global organisation to 
ensure we have a firm platform for growth.

range of sustainability issues ranging from 
the importance of charitable giving to cyber 
security. The analysis of this has informed 
the content included within this report and we 
have utilised the Global Reporting Initiative 
(‘GRI’) framework to structure a number 
of our disclosures. Our GRI Content Index can 
be found on the CSR section of our website. 
We will continue to engage with our stakeholders 
on an ongoing basis.

OUR PEOPLE

Building a high-performance organisation 
continued to be at the heart of our activity in 
2017. The launch of a comprehensive People 
Strategy ensured sustained focus and progress 
on developing our people and our culture to 
ensure Inmarsat is an engaging and inspiring 
place to work, where everyone can be their best.

We believe that the key to sustained performance 
lies in the quality of our leaders and managers and 
this year we devoted much effort in developing 
leaders at all levels in the business, from the 
Executive Team to more junior managers. This 
involved the delivery and execution of a range of 
activities from tailored leadership development 
programmes, face-to-face and online training and 
development, the creation of a 2018 commercial 
curriculum for senior leaders, and a bespoke RADA 
programme for senior women. This leadership 
work was underpinned by the development of a 
comprehensive talent framework, created through 
the insights gained from a formal assessment 
programme that has supported the identification 

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report | Resources and relationships

43 

CULTURE AND VALUES 
2017 also saw us develop our employee value 
proposition framework and roadmap for launch 
in 2018, underpinned by insights gathered 
from global focus groups and our quarterly 2017 
People Pulse survey, which launched in January. 
These have provided rich feedback to understand 
what our people really value about working at 
Inmarsat, what motivates, inspires and engages 
them. In response to this insight and feedback 
we have continued to extend our employee 
offer with a number of initiatives such as a 
new approach to flexible working, building our 
communications and engagement capability and 
an expanded learning and development offer.

A key pillar of our transformation will be the 
company-wide culture change programme 
that we launched to our global senior leaders 
community in the autumn. This work will help 
to ensure that we all embrace behaviours and 
ways of working which support the delivery 
of excellent business performance and help us 
to become a high-performance organisation.

COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT
Two-way open communications are an 
important part of creating an engaging and 
inspiring culture. We continued to build our 
group internal communications capability 
this year, supporting a rich mix of activities 
that provided opportunities for our people 
to connect with our vision and strategy, 
brand and culture and to share their feedback.

More formally we maintained our engagement 
with elected employee forums in the UK and 
Batam in Indonesia, a Works Council in the 
Netherlands and an Enterprise Agreement in 
Perth, Australia. In 2017 meetings between 
the Executive Team and the UK Staff Forum 
were set quarterly, facilitating open and honest 
communications and two way engagement. 
Some of these meetings were also extended 
to include global representation.

In support of the organisational changes 
announced in the autumn and in accordance 
with legislation and their role as elected 
representative staff bodies, the UK Staff 
Forum and the Netherlands Works council 
were called upon to engage in a formal 
consultation process. We were very appreciative 
of their professionalism and willingness to 
take on an additional workload and work with 
management on this.

Télécoms Sans Frontières (‘TSF’)
In 2000, Inmarsat became the first official partner of Télécoms Sans Frontières (TSF), 
an organisation that responds to the critical need for reliable emergency telecommunications 
services following conflicts or natural disasters. Since then, Inmarsat and TSF have covered 
158 emergency deployments in 72 countries, delivering 1.3 million calls during more than 
10,500 days in the field. Assistance provided by TSF to 830 humanitarian organisations, 
governments and UN agencies has facilitated the aid brought to several million people 
across the globe. Inmarsat and TSF work together to ensure telecommunications support 
is established as soon as possible in an emergency, as well as providing training in areas 
frequently affected to ensure that in the long-term locals can use the equipment if 
another crisis strikes.

CODE OF CONDUCT, ANTI-CORRUPTION 
AND ANTI-BRIBERY AND CORPORATE 
TAX EVASION
Our Code of Ethics requires Directors, 
officers, employees and contractors to 
conduct business with the highest standards 
of personal and professional integrity. A copy 
of our Code is published on our website.

We comply with local laws where we operate and, 
in 2017, we have received no fines or penalties 
associated with non-compliance to any law relating 
to the environment, human rights violations, 
labour standards, anti-corruption or tax.

Across our Group we ensure our employees 
comply with the UK Bribery Act and the U.S. 
Foreign and Corrupt Practices Act. A summary 
of our anti-bribery and anti-corruption policy 
can be found on our website. As part of our 
commitment to preventing bribery and 
establishing a culture that does not tolerate 
corruption wherever and in whatever form it 
takes, we ask our Directors, employees and 
contractors to confirm annually that they 
understand the restrictions outlined in the 

policy and the implications for breaching 
the policy for the business and them 
as individuals. Our anti-bribery policy 
operates in line with current legislation. 
The policy also incorporates guidelines on 
dealing with gifts and accepting and giving 
hospitality. Our latest training module 
on this subject was issued to employees 
in February 2018.

We have separate policies in place dealing 
with ethics, fraud, the use of inside information 
and whistleblowing. These policies are fully 
endorsed and supported by the Board which 
has ultimate oversight.

We ask Directors, employees and contractors 
to confirm they understand these policies 
and how they are applied, once a year 
through the online training platform Nebula 
reaching our global employee base of 
around 2,000.

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Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

RESOURCES AND RELATIONSHIPS
CONTINUED

We have a worldwide anonymous telephone 
service for employees to use if they have 
any concerns. No calls were received by 
the external provider in 2017.

In addition, our internal audit team complete 
regular anti-corruption and anti-bribery risk 
assessments as part of the ongoing internal 
audit programme. All third parties that are 
in contact with Inmarsat during the course of 
any business matter, are also assessed for risks 
related to corruption through visual compliance 
and due diligence checks. We have detailed 
clauses in our contracts with agents, suppliers 
and partners regarding the need to adhere 
to anti-bribery requirements.

Internal Audit has its annual plan in 
conducting reviews of business operations, 
financial and internal controls, IT and cyber 
security, and legal and regulatory compliance. 
Through these reviews Internal Audit assessed 
the key risks, including risks related to bribery 
and corruption, and mitigation activities 
undertaken by management, and reported 
its findings to the Audit Committee. In 2017 
Internal Audit had not identified, or reported, 
or been aware of any incidences of corruption. 
Moreover no legal cases relating to corruption 
have been brought against Inmarsat or 
its employees during the reporting period. 
Moreover, no employees have been dismissed 
or disciplined for corruptions and no business 
partners have had their contracts terminated 
or not renewed due to violations related to 
corruption in the reporting period.

The Company has invested significant time 
and resources, working closely with an expert 
external organisation, to review its processes 
to ensure compliance with the recent new 
legislation regarding corporate tax evasion, 
combining the review with an updated 
assessment of its anti-bribery and corruption 
processes. The work has highlighted where 
improvements can be made to existing 
business processes and practices.

HUMAN RIGHTS
We are committed to respecting the human 
rights of employees, customers, suppliers, 
business partners and the wider communities 
in which we operate.

Inmarsat has had no incidents of 
non-compliances with labour standards or 
of human rights violations (including those 
relating to child labour or forced labour) 
within the reporting period.

* Mercer 2016 Gender Pay in the UK High-tech Industry report

DIVERSITY
In this age of digital evolution we require new 
levels of innovation and creativity, which we 
believe are greatly enhanced by diversity of 
all forms and we are very proud that we have 65 
different nationalities within the Inmarsat Group.

In addition, our core purpose as an organisation 
is to enable the connected world, and in delivering 
our purpose we provide connectivity to an 
increasingly international and diverse customer 
base. In doing so we want to make sure that 
we reflect the society we serve. Not only is this the 
right thing to do, we also believe that doing it well 
will support the building of long-term relationships 
which in turn drive long-term business success.

Creating a great work place with an inclusive 
and diverse culture also helps to attract and 
recruit the best people, and engage and 
motivate our current employees.

To support our vision, we have developed 
a three-year Diversity and Inclusion plan with 
actions at multiple stages of the employee 
life cycle from attraction to recruitment to 
development, and there are a number of initiatives 
focused on ‘life at Inmarsat’ – creating and 
maintaining an engaging and inspiring place to 
work. Recent activities include: STEM Outreach 
initiatives, attracting female graduates via 
partnership with TARGETJobs, focused recruitment 
for experienced hires, mentoring, identifying high 
potentials and accelerating careers, targeted 
development programmes, introducing family 
friendly policies including flexible working, 
designing a new performance management 
approach with calibration to avoid unconscious 
bias, promoting external and internal role 
models, creating International Women’s Day 
awareness and celebrations and hosting the 
International Women’s Network.

When recruiting, we value diversity in its 
broadest definition and work to provide 
opportunities for all, including for disabled 
employees by reviewing the requirements of 
their working environment to accommodate 
practical changes as far as possible to allow 
them to continue in their daily work routine. 
If such changes were unrealistic to implement, 
we would review alternative employment 
options for the individual within the Group.

We do not tolerate discrimination in any  
form – race, gender, age, culture, nationality 
and disability – against our employees, 
either from other employees or third parties.

The gender split across the Group (excluding 
contingency workers) as at 31 December 2017 
is illustrated in the following table.

Diversity of plc Board

Diversity of Executive 
Management Board

Diversity of 
senior managers

Diversity of all other 
employees (excluding 
contingency workers)

Male

10

9

74

Female

2

3

17

1,155

480

The detail of females on the Executive Management 
Board and wider number of senior managers 
represent the definition as set out in the 
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills 
(‘BIS’) requirements. The data points set out 
above are in line with those disclosed last year.

Gender pay
We are committed to being a diverse and 
inclusive organisation where everyone can 
thrive. We encourage diversity, we need it 
to manage complexity and to deliver new 
levels of innovation and creativity demanded 
by the digital world. We are fully supportive 
of the drive to be more open and transparent 
about gender pay, and the focus this brings 
on driving improvements.

At April 2017, we had 756 employees in the UK, 
69% of whom are men and 31% are women, 
compared to 75% male employees in a typical 
high-tech company*. Our analysis shows that 
overall the gap between men and women’s 
earnings is 24.5% (mean) or 24.4% (median) 
based on hourly rates of pay at the snapshot 
date of 5 April 2017. Like many other technology 
companies our gap reflects our challenge 
to attract men and women in equal numbers. 
In fact, our analysis shows that if we had 
equal numbers of men and women at each 
organisational level, the gap would be reduced 
to 8.5%. This 8.5% differential itself is a 
reflection of the types of roles men and women 
are doing within Inmarsat – we typically have 
more men than women in disciplines such 
as engineering and business development, 
which tend to be higher paid in the market 
than functional roles where we tend to have 
more women. In encouraging our women 
in the workplace we equally look to offer the 
same opportunities to all employees.

Whilst there may be understandable reasons 
for the gap, we are keen to rectify the balance as 
part of our new diversity and inclusion strategy. 
The strategy has been developed to create an 
environment that supports women to thrive 
through flexible working practices to enhance 
their development and progression through 
mentoring and to help accelerate their careers 

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report | Resources and relationships

45 

through high-potential programmes. It also 
includes our active involvement and commitment 
to STEM education programmes, the Digital 
Gender Divide and the UN Equals group.

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT SURVEY
In January 2017 we launched a global quarterly 
employee engagement survey that provides 
our Executive Team and line managers with 
information and insight about how positive 
our people are across a range of engagement 
drivers. The survey is a dynamic and interactive 
tool enabling managers to monitor engagement 
and feedback from their teams and respond to 
anonymised comments. The average response 
rate was 82% over the course of the last three 
surveys and we have received thousands of 
comments, showing how engaged our employees 
have been with the survey. These comments 
have complemented quantitative data 
with more qualitative commentary. Group 
engagement score was 7.4/10.

LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Having built strong foundations in the preceding 
few years, 2017 saw increased investment 
in learning and development initiatives across 
our global population. We also believe that our 
leaders and managers are key to the engagement, 
retention and development of our people, 
so leadership development continued to be a 
central focus. In addition to our existing leadership 
programmes we developed and rolled out 
‘The Practical Manager’ – a new programme for 
managers to enhance their understanding of the 
philosophies, principles and policies for managing 
people at work, and launched ‘Great Connections’, 
a programme to improve the frequency and 
quality of career and performance development 
conversations between managers and the 
people in their teams. In addition, considerable 
focus was given to our Executive Team and 
Extended Leadership Team (‘ELT’) via a series 
of development events designed to develop 
highly skilled and cohesive senior leadership.

Inmarsat is an exciting, complex and evolving 
place to work, and so we value sharing knowledge 
and insights across the business to communicate, 
to educate, and to engage. We ran a series 
of Tech Talks to share compelling stories from 
our Chief Technology Office and continued 
to offer comprehensive training on Inmarsat’s 
products and services for our staff as well as 
for our customers and end-users and also used 
the opportunity of these talks to raise other key 
changes in the business such as the new Global 
Data Protection Regulations. We also continued 
to run our Global Induction programme to 
educate and welcome our new joiners.

STEM – City and Islington College
Twenty five students successfully completed the annual Inmarsat Strategy Challenge, 
which aims to bridge the experience gap for high performing STEM students, through tackling 
complex, real world problems that the space sector is supporting. The students from City and 
Islington College’s Sixth Form College and Centre for Applied Sciences were set the challenge 
of how to effectively respond to natural disasters using satellite communications.

We were delighted to launch the Learning Hub, 
our brand new platform for learning to provide 
global access to online training and learning 
interventions. Through the Learning Hub, our 
people can find resources to enhance a wide 
variety of skills: from presenting and public 
speaking to communication; managing 
performance to leading change; project 
management and much more.

We also see value in personalised learning, 
and so in addition to our corporate initiatives 
each business area carries its own budget for 
role-specific training and we provide support 
in the form of education sponsorship.

Two of Inmarsat’s key principles are diversity and 
inclusion, and these are reflected in our attitude 
to learning and development. We encourage 
our people to find opportunities for growth in 
a range of resources and encourage people to 
think beyond the classroom. And when we are 
developing new learning programmes, those 
principles help to ensure growth opportunities 
reach all of our people, no matter where in the 
world they are located.

We monitor the cost efficiency of programmes 
to implement training and therefore monitor 
the business benefits of our training and 
employee development programmes.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
The Inmarsat plc Board receives an annual 
update on health and safety activity across 
the Group. Rupert Pearce, CEO, has been 
identified as having responsibility for health 
and safety issues within the Group and one 
of his 2018 objectives relates to ensuring 
there are appropriate health and safety 
measures in operation across the Group. 
We have a dedicated Health and Safety 
Manager who is located in our London 
headquarters and our subsidiary operations 
have identified managers responsible for 
health and safety.

Our goal is to encourage strong leadership 
in championing the importance of and 
a common-sense approach to health and 
safety in the workplace. We recognise the 
need to provide a safe working environment 
for our employees, contractors and  
any visitors.

During the year we introduced a global 
policy on Electromagnetic Fields (‘EMF’) 
and there is active EMF monitoring 
across the Group.

We had 27 (2016: 18) accidents or near misses 
reported, and again we had no fatalities.

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Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

RESOURCES AND RELATIONSHIPS
CONTINUED

During the year we undertook the 
following activities:
 › A global gap analysis was carried out to 

compare current conditions and practices 
in order to identify gaps and areas in 
need of improvement. Opportunities for 
improvement have already begun and will 
continue as part of our 2018 framework
 › We reviewed our fire strategy at HQ with a view 
to continue this approach into 2018 for all sites

 › We introduced training for shift workers
 › Risk assessments continue to be a key 

focus of our business for different activities 
and legislative requirements
 › Mental health first aid training and 

awareness was once again arranged and 
was well received across our global offices
 › The annual Wellbeing Week, with a focus 
on maintaining a healthy eating lifestyle 
for employees, was again supported by 
offices in all our key hubs

 › We continued to drive improvements 
in operating in a safe operating culture
 › We embedded processes in our corporate 
systems for capturing staff, contractors or 
interns globally who may have a disability 
or mobility impairment to be compliant 
with the Disability Discrimination Act

We continue to monitor the following health 
and safety priorities based on business 
activities and the potential harm to staff:
 › Musculoskeletal disorders and DSE 
(display screen equipment) related  
ill health

 › Working at height
 › Manual handling
 › Lone working
Specific training and awareness materials 
are provided to staff who are affected by 
these identified areas of work.

We introduced an on-line tool for staff to log 
incidents. This will allow us to capture data to 
monitor trends and implement corrective 
action where necessary. This is particularly 
useful for our field engineers and those 
working in shipyards for installations.

In 2017, we participated in several UK local 
government-led meetings with emergency 
service representatives to identify and assess 

risks that may cause an emergency for our 
business and how to respond. Areas covered 
included flooding, pandemic flu, utility 
failures and terrorist attacks.

OUR SATELLITE AND 
GROUND NETWORKS

As part of our business of operating a global 
satellite network, we operate a number of 
ground earth stations, VSAT and telemetry 
and tracking facilities where there are satellite 
dishes which generate radiation. Access to 
these sites is restricted and there are regular 
health and safety checks to ensure that they 
are in protected areas away from access 
by the general public. Personnel who work at 
these sites are provided with relevant training 
as to health and safety issues.

SPACE DEBRIS
As a satellite operator, we have adopted the 
highest industry standards in terms of space 
debris mitigation, including end-of-life 
graveyard manoeuvre plans for the disposal 
of satellites when they reach the end of their 
commercial life. We operate our satellites in 
geosynchronous orbit which is approximately 
36,000km (22,500 miles) above the Earth. 
This orbit has significantly less debris than 
at low earth orbit which is approximately 
700km above the Earth and where several 
MSS operators have their satellite constellations. 
We are also a founding member of the Space 
Data Association (‘SDA’). Along with Intelsat, 
SES and Eutelsat we aim to improve the 
satellite safety of flight and make operations 
in space safer and more reliable.

OUR TECHNOLOGY

We have identified technology as one of the 
key resources supporting our business model. 
While investment in innovation is clearly 
important, having talented and experienced 
teams who understand how technology and 
innovation can work together is essential. 
Our teams monitor what happens in the 
macro environment and see how this affects 
future innovation so we produce services 
our customers want to use.

OUR PARTNERS

Our partners are critical to our business success. 
Our definition of partners encompasses all 
those we work with – manufacturers, suppliers, 
distributors, service providers and end-users. 
We rely on their excellence to support the 
achievement of our business objectives 
and strengthen our service offering.

Our partners can provide local and global 
expertise which supplement our own capabilities.

The roll-out of our Streamline Programme 
for customers is well underway. The Streamline 
Programme encompasses updated terms 
and conditions and agreements for our 
partners which can be accessed through 
a partner portal which contains service and 
product information as well. Many of our 
key customers have transitioned to this new 
way of working. Additionally, all new customers 
are using the Streamline Programme as 
standard. This roll-out will continue into 2018.

The Global Procurement team has been 
working to understand its suppliers much 
better during the year. This has led us to 
undertake a rationalisation of our supply-base 
and we will continue to do this by appointing 
preferred and approved vendors, with whom 
we have standard terms in place.

As part of our ongoing programme of supplier 
due diligence we worked with a third party agency 
who undertook a review of our entire supply 
base to undertake a risk review including credit, 
compliance and other business risk areas. 
We will use this analysis further in identifying 
and mitigating risk in our supply chain and 
the supply chains of our suppliers.

The simplification of our Procure to Pay 
function was further supported by a number 
of enhancements to our core finance system. 
One element of this was the creation of 
a Procurement Portal which enables a new 
way to buy across the Company, ensuring 
we guide employees to the preferred and 
approved suppliers we want them to use. 
This, in conjunction with, the further roll-out 
of Purchasing Cards allows the business to 
acquire the goods and services they need 
using the most cost-effective methods.

A number of corporate deals have been put in 
place during 2017 including the contract for 
a Group-wide travel management company.

In 2017, we published our Modern Slavery 
Policy which can be accessed on our website. 
We are also finalising our supplier code of 
conduct to take into account changes in 
regulations such as corporate tax evasion 
so that appropriate due diligence can be 
undertaken as part of our onboarding and 
ongoing relationships with our suppliers 
and partners generally.

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47 

committed to the provision of International 
Civil Aviation Organisation (‘ICAO’) approved 
satellite safety services, and are expanding 
our safety offerings with our SwiftBroadband- 
Safety service being trialled successfully 
and rolled-out on aircraft during 2017.

In 2017, we continued to support the 
telecommunications relief aid organisation, 
Télécoms Sans Frontières (‘TSF’). We paid 
a $240,000 cash donation and $100,000 
in free airtime. We also paid $115,000 to 
the World Maritime University as part of our 
support for the education of maritime specialists. 
These two payments are our most significant 
charitable payments. The total charitable 
donations amount paid in 2017 was 
approximately $420,000. This amount 
excludes the free airtime and terminals 
we offer to multiple charities as we support 
their endeavours throughout the year.

Our core charitable support remains on the 
work carried out by TSF. TSF runs programmes 
on disaster relief and preparedness, training 
other relief organisations and regional and 
national disaster response agencies about 
the available capabilities for emergency 
telecommunications. We have also 
continued our support for the International 
Telecommunications Union (‘ITU’). In 2017, 
we started to provide support for Team Rubicon 
UK which unites the skills and experiences 
of military veterans with first responders to 
rapidly deploy emergency response teams 
worldwide. 35 individuals from across the 
Inmarsat business were trained as Greyshirts, 
which means they have completed training 
courses to be able to support the charity. We 
supported Team Rubicon deployments in Nepal, 
Sri Lanka, Australia, U.S., UK and the Caribbean 
by providing resources and communications 
equipment and airtime, Our staff were encouraged 
to get involved during Company time and we 
launched our volunteering policy to our global 
workforce in February 2018.

Our CEO, Rupert Pearce serves as Commissioner 
to the Broadband Commission for Digital 
Development. It was set up by the ITU and UNESCO 
with the aim of boosting the importance of 
broadband on the international policy agenda 
and expanding broadband access to accelerate 
progress towards national and international 
development targets, as proposed by the UN. 
He is also a member of the Broadband 
Commission’s Working Groups on Digital 
Entrepreneurship, Vulnerable Countries 
and Digital Health Working Group.

Volvo Ocean Race
Inmarsat is delighted to provide onboard connectivity to the Volvo Ocean Race for the 
fifth consecutive time. Once again, we provide support for the sailors in terms of safety, 
communications and advanced broadcasting. The partnership with Volvo Ocean Race 
allows Inmarsat to showcase our cutting edge, reliable technology that connects 
sailors to the rest of the world, even from the most isolated locations.

MEETING OUR PUBLIC 
RESPONSIBILITY

Our website provides considerable information 
about how we connect with organisations, 
individuals and our different partners to extend 
the reach of our services to support those who 
may need assistance either for humanitarian 
needs or charitable endeavours. You can find 
out more online at inmarsat.com and review 
case studies and updates in our CSR section.

Our maritime heritage is a key reminder to 
us of how we have supported mariners and 
the wider maritime community for 39 years 
and remain focused on doing so in the future. 
We remain the only approved provider of 
satellite communications services for the 
Global Maritime Distress and Safety System 
(‘GMDSS’) and we continue to invest in the 
development of maritime safety services. 
This year, we launched SafetyNET II, an 
enhancement to the Inmarsat C SafetyNET 
system, providing shoreside authorities a 
secure web-based interface with an interactive 
platform to give greater control and flexibility 
of their safety broadcasts. Our Inmarsat C 
SafetyNET service continues to be used to 
provide vital updates on reported pirate activity. 

The service enables ship masters to access 
reports of pirate movements, giving them 
information to know which regions to avoid 
with high pirate activity and allowing them 
to re-route if necessary. SafetyNET also 
broadcasts navigational and meteorological 
warnings and alerts to aid mariners in safety 
of navigation.

The 2017-18 Volvo Ocean Race, of which 
Inmarsat is the official satellite communications 
provider, relies on Inmarsat safety services 
for the crews to maintain communication at 
all times, wherever they are. This year we piloted 
a new web-based system for Rescue Coordination 
Centres (‘RCCs’) which was used by Volvo 
Ocean Race control and RCCs to coordinate 
rescue operations if needed. FleetBroadband, 
Inmarsat C and our handheld phone are all 
standard equipment for each of the yachts. 
Our IsatPhone handheld service was used in the 
last Race to provide emergency communications 
when one of the ships ran aground, with 
the yacht captain praising it for saving the 
crew’s lives.

In addition to maritime safety services, we 
also promote safety services to the aviation 
industry for use in the cockpit. We remain 

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Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

RESOURCES AND RELATIONSHIPS
CONTINUED

Our Universal Service Obligations seek 
to support the use of our services, normally 
payphones, in rural villages in remote regions 
of the world, where terrestrial voice services 
are poor or non-existent.

Our global offices support local causes 
at a corporate and employee level and 
we encourage staff to get involved in local 
community initiatives. Employees across our 
offices are encouraged to support individual 
charities of their choice, and for employees 
in our principal UK office, this is encouraged 
through the UK Government’s tax approved 
contributions scheme.

In 2017, we implemented three major 
international development programmes, 
each of which is supported by the UK Space 
Agency’s International Partnership Programme 
(‘IPP’). The IPP is a fund that supports 
international development objectives aligned to 
the Sustainable Development Goals (‘SDG’) – it 
uses the unique advantages of space based 
systems to provide service and data to 
disadvantaged populations. All of the projects 
must meet defined SDG ambitions and 
demonstrate that the project is the most 
effective way of meeting the international 
development objective.
 › Indonesia fisheries: Enhancing the safety, 
productivity and food security of Indonesian 
fishers and their communities by designing 
and implementing innovative solutions 
for smart satellite technology to promote 
inclusive and sustainable fishing practices 
in Indonesia

 › Philippines: Reducing the impact of natural 
disasters by prepositioning powerful but 
easily deployable equipment, supported 
by effective training to permit the operation 
of disaster response communications
 › Nigeria eHealth: Raising the standard 
of Nigerian healthcare outcomes by 
extending the reach of basic medical 
services into remote areas of the country, 
delivering professional training, data 
collection and disease monitoring in 
areas with poor communications through 
the application of satellite connectivity

EDUCATION

We continued with our funding of the 
Inmarsat Chair of Maritime Education and 
Training at the World Maritime University. 
Our President, Inmarsat Maritime sits on their 
Board of Governors. As part of this partnership 
we conduct a three-day Inmarsat Seminar 

providing information on the Inmarsat satellite 
systems, our maritime safety services, what 
being a GMDSS provider means, how accident 
investigations are handled and how Inmarsat 
supports the welfare of seafarers through 
its services.

As part of some UK Space Association funded 
projects, we are working with the University 
of Leeds on an eHealth project in Nigeria, 
and work with a number of universities and 
research centres on some of our future 
satellite development projects.

Now into its fifth year, this year’s award-winning 
Inmarsat Summer Strategy Challenge concluded 
well. We work with a London exemplar STEM 
focused college to make opportunities available 
to a number of their talented students to complete 
a challenging programme, addressing critical 
real world issues, such as the digital divide 
in Africa, the future of aero safety and forest 
governance in south east Asia. We are seeking 
to pioneer a new model of industry-college 
engagement. Increasingly, experience that 
goes beyond the norm is essential in the route 
to work and Inmarsat’s programme is targeted 
to support deserving students. Additionally, 
the programme with the London-based school 
forms part of Inmarsat’s promotion of STEM 

education to encourage young people to be 
inspired by space-enabled communications 
and to follow careers in the satellite world.

In 2017 we expanded our entry routes into 
Inmarsat for those at the start or early stages 
of their career. In 2018 we will see the start of 
a renewed graduate programme that consists 
of three work streams: engineering, corporate 
and functions, and business development. 
Internships and work experience opportunities 
are improved and have increased and are fully 
transparent for applicants of all backgrounds. 
We are also supporting the UK Government’s 
intent to increase apprenticeships and skills 
provision and we will have our first entry 
of apprentices in 2018.

Recruitment processes for these are managed 
to encourage and support a diverse applicant 
and entry pool.

Utilising TARGETJobs for graduate hiring 
we are partnering with them and other 
engineering employers on their Future Female 
Engineer days to bring more women into the 
sector. More specifically they are supporting 
us in our desire to hire more female graduates 
and we have specified a certain percentage 
of female applicants for consideration. 

Inmarsat Greyshirts
Team Rubicon Training Centre, Chilmark, UK (June 2017)
Team Rubicon help those affected in the immediate aftermath of disasters, when 
infrastructure is overwhelmed. Team Rubicon unites the skills and experiences of military 
veterans with civilian first responders and volunteers, to deploy both domestically and 
internationally. Volunteers are given an initial two day training and those who deploy on 
behalf of Team Rubicon are known as Greyshirts. Inmarsat is very proud to be the first UK 
business to partner with Team Rubicon providing airtime, hardware and employee support.

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49 

We are proud to be sponsoring the Best 
Diversity Strategy Award at the TARGETjobs 
National Graduate Recruitment Awards 2018. 
We also actively engage with young people 
to encourage greater awareness of careers 
available to those with a solid STEM education. 
Our diverse range of initiatives enables a 
broad variety of participants to engage with us. 
These include students from a diverse range 
of socio-economic backgrounds as well as 
highlighting a desire to have more females 
entering into the sector. We are proactive 
in ensuring that the conversations we have 
with young people come before they make 
important study choices that restrict future 
career options. We are passionate about 
highlighting the successes of women in this 
sector and creating inspirational role models.

Our website contains more information on 
the areas of education we support, including, 
for example our continued support for World 
Space Week, an initiative started by the 
United Nations in 1999.

ENVIRONMENT

In 2017 Inmarsat achieved a CDP (formerly 
known as the Carbon Disclosure Project) 
score of B, maintaining our performance from 
2016 and demonstrating that we are managing 
our environmental impact, as well as climate 
change related business risks and opportunities.

Although the direct activities of the Group 
are judged to have a low environmental impact, 
we understand that unless urgent action is 
taken to limit global temperatures to 2C (35.6F) 
above pre-industrial levels, climate change 
presents significant and systemic risks. Within 
our annual CDP response we provide details 
on Inmarsat’s substantive regulatory, physical 
and reputational risks and opportunities relating 
to climate change. For example, rising sea levels 
as a result of climate change could impact 
our satellite access stations and/or land earth 
stations which are located at strategic points 
around the world and act as traffic gateways 
connecting customers using the Inmarsat 
satellites to terrestrial networks. To manage 
this risk, we have established site selection due 
diligence processes which incorporate climatic 
geographical considerations.

Looking beyond our direct climate impact, 
it is important to note that our stakeholders 
identified that working with suppliers to 
reduce emissions in our supply chain should 
be a priority for Inmarsat. As a result, we are 
currently working with our sustainability partner, 

Carbon Credentials, to quantify emissions 
from our indirect (Scope 3) activities with the 
ambition of engaging with our major suppliers 
to set meaningful and ambitious emissions 
reductions targets. This work feeds into our 
ongoing programme to set a science-based 
emission reduction target in line with the UK’s 
commitment under the UN Paris Agreement.

We have approximately 2,000 staff who 
work in over 50 locations around the world. 
Of those offices, warehouses and earth stations, 
over 80% operate from eight locations.

Our environmental principles are to:
 › Provide first-class energy and environmental 

management practices

 › Comply with all relevant global environmental 

legislation and regulatory controls

 › Identify significant environmental and social 
impacts and establish objectives and targets 
for improvement

 › In our main UK site, recycle a minimum of 
90% of generated waste and to constantly 
review the opportunity to use recycled products 

 › Actively encourage the conservation of 

energy, water and natural resources through 
the increased efficiency and introduction 
of new and modern technology 

 › Encourage all employees to be proactive 
in their daily activities by separating their 
waste into dry and wet waste receptacles
 › Ensure that printer cartridges are recycled
 › Switch off lights, computers, phone chargers 
and any other electrical items when not in use

 › Reduce business travel and using more 

site-based technology such as video and 
audio conferencing and

 › Replace inefficient building lighting with 

LED technology

We continue to monitor our energy consumption 
and comply with our social and legal responsibilities 
in terms of carbon emissions. Please see our 
summary of carbon emissions within the Report 
of the Directors on page 100.

In 2017 we set an interim target to reduce 
absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 10% 
compared to 2016. We have over-achieved 
this target with our absolute Scope 1 and 2 
emissions having decreased by 17% since 2016, 
and 35% since 2015 (using the market-based 
Scope 2 accountancy method).

This decrease in emissions is a result of our switch 
to a renewable electricity supply at our London 
headquarters, our largest electricity-consuming 
site, and a number of energy-saving initiatives 
rolled out across the Group.

All new office builds, such as in St Johns (Canada) 
and Batam (Indonesia), are designed with energy 
efficiency in mind. We continue to improve 
operations to ensure they are fine tuned to 
occupational usage, including the efficient 
running of servers at our data centres. Across 
the group LED lighting has been installed where 
appropriate. Video conferencing and other 
collaboration tools allowing visual connectivity 
are being used to reduce the dependency 
on air transport and are a popular means of 
communication with staff working in different 
locations and across different time zones.

At our headquarters in London we are currently 
undertaking a refurbishment that will help 
reduce energy consumption at site. We are in 
the process of replacing the energy-intensive 
chillers on-site with new environmentally 
friendly machines which produce less carbon 
emissions per unit of gas input and operate 
20% more efficiently.

COMMERCIAL WASTE
In the London office and at our major sites, 
we continue a progressive approach to waste 
management. Recycling is managed locally 
in the larger sites with the separation of plastics, 
paper and non-recyclable materials. In the 
head office in London, which is the single 
largest office for the Group, 100% of waste is 
diverted from landfill and this policy has been 
in place since 2009. We separate our waste 
into four streams: recyclable, non-recyclable, 
glass and confidential waste. Confidential 
waste is shredded and pulped to be reused in 
paper products. In 2017 our total waste from 
the London head office increased 72%. This 
increase is something we are addressing and 
working with our London office caterers to 
reduce our impact on the environment and, 
for example, cooking oils are now collected 
and converted to sustainable biofuels.

The Strategic Report, as set out on the 
IFC up to page 55, has been approved by 
the Board.

ALISON HORROCKS  
CHIEF CORPORATE AFFAIRS OFFICER 
AND COMPANY SECRETARY

9 March 2018

GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report50

Strategic Report | Risk management

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

RISK MANAGEMENT
Focus on mitigation

Effective risk management 
is fundamental to our 
ability to meet both our 
short-term and longer- 
term strategic objectives

RISK FRAMEWORK

Risk comes hand-in-hand with business 
opportunity. Risk is not something that should be 
driven out of the business but rather something 
to be identified, intelligently assessed and 
managed. The aim is not to eliminate all risks, 
but to foster a culture supportive of effective 
risk management by encouraging appropriate 
risk taking in order to achieve the Company’s 
objectives. The Group’s approach to risk 
is brought together in an overarching risk 
management policy. This policy together with 
the risk assessment and mitigation process, 
have been implemented in order to evolve 
risk management into more focus on strategic 
and business objectives, focus on mitigation 
of the largest risks, and to comply with ISO 27001 
in support of this ongoing cyber security project. 

RISK MANAGEMENT PROCESS

The policy sets out the Group’s risk appetite as well 
as roles and responsibilities. The Board believes 
that the behaviour of individuals across the 
business is key to under-pinning an effective risk 
management culture. Across the Group, use of 
the Inmarsat Values helps promote the right set 
of values to support effective risk management.

As required by the policy, management operates 
a risk management process to identify, assess, 
mitigate and report significant risks within the 
business and to report to the Board on how 
those risks are being managed. Risks are initially 
identified and reviewed in each business unit 
and area, then on a quarterly basis risk reports 
are formally reviewed by senior management 
on a central Risk Committee representing each 
component part of the business. These risks 
are assessed and consolidated in a systematic 
way to identify the Group’s principal risks. 
The Group’s principal risks are further discussed 
and reviewed by the Executive team, and 
each quarter, the resulting Group risk report 
is discussed by the Audit Committee and the 
Board, who has overall responsibility for the risk 
management framework.

Starting in 2016, risk workshops were held across 
the Group following the new risk assessment and 

mitigation process, and concluded by the end 
of September 2017. The individual risk reports 
are assessed by the Central Risk Committee 
and consolidated into a Group risk report. 
The report includes a much more robust 
description of the Group’s risk profile with 
targeted mitigation actions to reduce the risks. 
Due to the risk assessments focusing more 
on strategic objectives, the new process 
contributes to the achievement of strategic 
goals. Both these objectives based risk 
workshops and risk workshops on information 
assets, using the same process, are important 
components of Inmarsat’s project to obtain 
ISO 27001 certification.

The Board regularly and as part of the financial 
year end process, reviews the Group’s principal 
risks and the actions being taken to mitigate 
those risks. As part of the long range business 
plan and risk management processes particularly, 
the Board determines the level of risk carried 
and the extent of mitigating activity required 
to deliver an acceptable level of risk. The Board 
defines the risk governance framework and 
sets the overall risk strategy and the Audit 
Committee reviews the risk management 
framework and the effectiveness of internal 
controls particularly with regard to financial 

INMARSAT PLC BOARD

AUDIT COMMITTEE

EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT BOARD

 › Defines the risk governance 
framework, risk culture and principles
 › Sets overall risk strategy and policy
 › Approves risk levels
 › Responsible for an effective system 
 › Approves risk decisions that are 
beyond delegated authorities

of internal controls

 › Reviews the risk management 

framework and the effectiveness of 
internal controls, risk management 
systems and major risk initiatives
 › Reviews the internal audit programme 

and reports

 › Reviews the risk management 

framework and the effectiveness of 
internal controls, risk management 
systems and major risk initiatives 
across the Group

CENTRAL RISK COMMITTEE

 › Reviews the risk profile against risk appetite and makes recommendations 
to management in relation to risk profile, strategy and key controls
 › Reviews the sustainability of risk methodologies, metrics and policies
 › Assesses major risk-related projects

BUSINESS OPERATIONS

 › Implement migration strategies

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report | Risk management

51 

controls. This includes reviewing the internal 
audit programme and related reports to 
ensure that all key mitigating controls are 
being periodically reviewed and where issues 
are identified that they are being addressed 
on a timely basis. Assurance on broader risk 
controls is provided by a combination of internal 
management information, internal audits, 
external audits and Board oversight. There is also 
an externally supported whistleblowing facility.

The management of risk is embedded in our 
everyday business activities and culture, with all our 
employees and contractors having an important 
role to play. The diligence applied by our workforce 
to consider risk is reflected in business cases 
which are submitted for approval and ongoing 
projects have risks reported on a regular basis.

PRINCIPAL RISKS

The Group faces a number of risks that may 
adversely affect our strategic and business 
objectives, operations, liquidity, financial 
position, reputation or future performance, 
not all of which are wholly within our control 
or known to us. Some such risks may currently 
be regarded as immaterial and could turn out 
to be material. We accept risk is an inherent part 

of doing business. We manage the risks based 
on a balance of risk and reward determined 
through careful assessment of both the potential 
probability and impact as well as risk appetite. 
Risk appetite is considered as part of the 
compilation of business cases, annual business 
plan and budget and long range business plan. 
There will be a balance of risk and opportunity 
considered as we take our investment decisions. 
We consider reputational as well as financial 
impact, recognising the value attributable to 
our brand. The Group faces a number of ongoing 
operational risks including damage to satellites 
and ground network operations, financial 
planning, potential compliance issues, litigation, 
credit and foreign exchange risk and the risks 
associated with dealing with tax authorities 
in multiple jurisdictions. The importance of 
these risks will vary over time and is kept under 
constant review. Although many of the risks 
influencing our performance are macroeconomic 
and likely to affect the performance of businesses 
generally, others are particular to our operations 
in mobile satellite services.

In accordance with the provisions of the UK 
Corporate Governance Code, the Board has 
taken into consideration the principal risks in 
the context of determining whether to adopt 

the going concern basis of accounting and 
when assessing the prospects of the Group for 
the purpose of preparing the Viability Statement 
which can be found on page 55. The Going 
Concern statement is provided on page 99 
in the Directors’ Report.

Our principal risks are discussed on the next few 
pages and are as summarised in the Preliminary 
Results Statement distributed on 9 March 2018. 
These have been subject to robust assessment 
and review. This summary, however, is not intended 
to be an exhaustive analysis of all risks and 
uncertainties affecting our business and are 
not listed in any order of priority.

In identifying the principal risks set out 
below we have disclosed those risks that we 
currently consider to be the most significant 
to the Group at the date of this Annual Report. 
The risk trend for each principal risk at the 
date of this Annual Report has been assessed 
as either stable, increasing or reducing in size, 
measured in both net impact and net probability 
and compared to a year ago. The principal 
risks are identified below and we have 
indicated against each risk how it principally 
relates to our strategy, noting that all risks 
will impact the strategy to some extent.

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

We show against each 
risk how it links to our 
strategy (see page 12) 
and the movement of 
each risk during the year.

Strategic priorities

 1

 2

Capture maximum number 
of broadband platforms

Reposition L-band for 
new growth opportunities

 3

 4

Establish our data 
platform and business

 5

Transform our operating 
environment

Create a high-performance 
organisation

Movement

Increased

No change

Decreased

Risk

1. Failure to 
expand into 
the broadband 
market by 
attracting new 
customers and 
successfully 
migrating existing 
L-band customers

Link to strategy:

 1

 3

Background and impact
 › We may fail to optimally assess our market, technological 
changes, customer requirements, capacity needs and 
competitors’ strategy and therefore not target market 
opportunities. We may fail to effectively address the 
significant changes going on in the industry, eg price 
and capacity, plus a greater focus on digital enablement. 
We may develop next generation broadband services 
that will not meet these market opportunities or fail 
to meet customer requirements or capacity needs, or 
these developments could have delays or cost overruns 
impacting on our market position, revenue or returns 
on investment. We may fail to roll-out new services 
including migrating existing customers. Competitors 
may launch disruptive technology.

Movement

Mitigation
 › We have professional, experienced teams who focus on 
large scale programmes and develop close relationships 
with third parties we use to deliver them. We critically review 
our detailed business cases before we proceed and regularly 
assess our progress against the original business cases. 
We thoroughly review and approve major development 
of new services or technology. We work closely with our 
partners to ensure our services, technology and capacity 
meet the demand from our customers. We are investing in 
new broadband satellites, Inmarsat-6 and GX-5 to meet 
customer capacity demands. We adapt our product and 
services portfolio to address technological developments. 
We seek to identify new customers and to migrate existing 
customers who would benefit from our new services.
 › We establish the necessary focused sales and marketing 

capability to effectively deliver a good business opportunity 
for Inmarsat and its partners. We have started to focus on 
digital offerings as an additional value add to customers.

GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report52

Strategic Report | Risk management

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

RISK MANAGEMENT
CONTINUED

Risk

2. Failure to at 
least maintain 
our existing 
L-band business

Link to strategy:

 2

 3

Background and impact
 › We may not be able to maintain our market share 

of L-band business or we may fail to keep up with the 
business needs or requirements of our customers. 
The L-band business currently makes up a large portion 
of our revenue stream and is vital to the continued 
growth of the business. We may fail to optimally assess our 
market, technological changes, customer requirements, 
capacity needs and competitors’ strategy and therefore 
not target market opportunities. We may fail to roll-out 
new services including migrating existing customers, 
which could be due to upgrade costs, or our developments 
could have delays or cost overruns. Our competitors 
may provide better products to the market and at 
more competitive prices.

3. Failure to 
successfully 
seize the Aviation 
passenger 
connectivity 
opportunity

Link to strategy:

 1

 3

4. Failure 
to maintain 
and grow 
our Maritime 
business

Link to strategy:

 1

 2

 3

 › We may fail to optimally assess our market, technological 
changes, customer requirements, capacity needs and 
competitors’ strategy to exploit the aviation In-Flight 
Connectivity (‘IFC’) market opportunity. We may fail to 
develop a competitive technology roadmap, competitive 
pricing, obtain applicable licences or fail to deliver on 
or have delays in our contracts. Our competitors may 
provide better products to the market sooner than 
us and at more competitive prices. Our access to 
the market may be restricted by regulatory and 
capacity issues.

 › The risk has increased during 2017 due to competitive 
pressure, potential contract delivery risks and finalising 
market access regulatory risks.

 › We may not be able to grow our existing levels of revenue 
in the maritime industry through either competitor 
pressure, further decline in the overall maritime sector 
or our inability to identify adequate opportunities in the 
maritime market. The Maritime business currently makes 
up a large portion of our revenue stream and is vital 
to the continued growth of the business. We may fail to 
optimally assess our market, technological changes, 
customer requirements, capacity needs and competitors’ 
strategy and exploit market opportunities. We may also 
lose our GMDSS authorisation or a competitor may 
get authorisation. We may fail to roll-out new services 
including migrating existing customers.

5. Failure to 
deliver the 
Solutions 
strategy

Link to strategy:

 › We are aiming to implement a new solutions-based 

strategy rather than being a product-only based solution. 
We may fail to correctly assess market needs. There is 
a risk that the transition to offer solutions and digital 
services may fail, be further delayed, not meet market 
needs, have scalability issues, have cost overruns 
or not go smoothly.

 1

 2

 3

Movement

Mitigation
 › We have professional, experienced teams who focus on 
large scale programmes and develop close relationships 
with the third parties we use to deliver them. We critically 
review our detailed business cases before we proceed 
and regularly assess our progress against the original 
business cases. We thoroughly review and approve major 
development of new services or technology. We work closely 
with our partners to ensure our services, technology and 
capacity meet the demand from our customers. We seek to 
identify new customers and to migrate existing customers 
who would benefit from our new services.

 › To ensure that our product offering remains relevant to our 
customers, we are investing in the next generation of L-band 
satellites (Inmarsat-6), exploring strategies for extending 
the life of our existing L-band satellites, and investing in 
L-band product innovation, for example low price terminals.

 › We are reviewing market opportunities, for example 

IoT and Big Data, to create new business streams which 
will continue to use our L-band services.

 › We work closely with our partners to ensure our services 
and technology meet the demand of our customers 
and that we can identify demand from new customers. 
We are investing in new broadband satellites GX-5 and 
Inmarsat-6 to meet customer capacity demands.
 › We have established the necessary sales and marketing 
capability to effectively deliver an unparalleled IFC 
experience for airlines and passengers. We will ensure 
we deliver on existing contracts. We will ensure that the 
EAN network is operational on a timely basis with the 
satellite component provided by Inmarsat and the ground 
to air capability from Deutsche Telekom as an expert 
delivery partner.

 › We work closely with our partners to ensure our services 
and technology meet the demand of our customers, 
and to identify new customers as well as migrate existing 
customers who would benefit from our new services.
 › We have well-established business relationships with 

partners and have signed some significant strategic alliance 
agreements with well-known and respected maritime 
organisations for long-term Fleet Xpress commitments.
 › We have launched Fleet One to support smaller fishing 

vessels and offer ‘cyber as a service’, both of which provide 
additional market opportunities for us.

 › We are investing in a differentiated platform and service 
offering designed to provide both additional value to our 
customers and enhance our customer relationships.
 › We will build partnerships with software and application 
developers to deliver value added solutions for use on 
our platforms.

 › We are able to encourage these relationships through 
offering open source technology which attracts a wide 
range of interest from different technology partners.

 › We are exploring opportunities for applications 
in maritime, mining, agriculture, transportation,  
logistics, etc. 

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report | Risk management

53 

Movement

Risk

6. Failure 
of satellites  
or networks

Link to strategy:

 1

 2

 3

 5

Background and impact
 › We face risks when we launch our satellites and while 
they are in operation. There are only a few companies 
who provide services to build and launch satellites and 
if they encounter problems, our launch may be delayed 
or fail. Our satellites, our control of them or our network 
may fail technically or be sabotaged. Our network may 
not be able to cope with the demand from users. 
Our network may suffer a cyber attack that damages 
our service offering and reputation.

 › Elements of our ground network may fail or be damaged, 
which may affect our ability to provide services to our 
partners and customers.

 › The risk has decreased during 2017 due to the two 

successful satellite launches, improved ground network 
resilience and continued successful cooperation between 
our space engineering team and satellite manufacturers.

7. Failure 
of critical 
customers and/
or distribution 
channel

Link to strategy:

 1

 2

 5

8. Security risk

Link to strategy:

 1

 2

 3

 4

 5

 › We rely on our distribution channel for part of our 

revenue and they might not sell our services effectively 
or competitively. We have critical GX and FX contracts 
which require careful management to ensure successful 
execution. We may not meet customer needs with 
some declining legacy products.

 › Relying on some critical customers may increase our 
financial exposure if they fail to make payments for 
our services.

 › We provide our services to many government organisations 
around the world which may have conflicting requirements, 
and our revenue may be affected by governments’ 
reduction in spending and their other political priorities. 
We may lose customers due to poor quality service 
delivery or operations, or fail to keep up with the business 
needs of our customers. We may fail to roll-out new 
services including migrating existing customers. 
A competitor may buy a critical customer or partner.
 › We may encounter delays in bringing new products and 
services to market. Our inability to directly control our 
retail company or business specialising in U.S. Government 
contracts, may restrict our business activities.
 › We may suffer damage to satellites, networks, 

information/data, systems, processes and our services 
to customers as a result of malicious or flawed code, 
unauthorised access, service denial, ransom/coercion, 
or security compromise. There is also a significant risk 
of aggregated minor risks having an impact on service 
delivery. Data or IP could be stolen. This could also 
have consequential impact on reputation, business 
plans and operations and future revenue from risk 
averse customers/markets.

 › The risk has increased during 2017 due to the 

continuously increasing external threat. We have 
made considerable progress and continue to invest 
to further reduce the constantly evolving risks.

Mitigation
 › We successfully launched two satellites in 2017; Inmarsat-5 
F4 and Inmarsat S EAN. We have a highly experienced 
space engineering team at satellite manufacturing sites to 
check design, production and testing activities and deploy 
an experienced team to prepare for satellite launches. 
The team is presently involved in the manufacturing and 
testing of the GX5 and Inmarsat-6 satellites.

 › We build in a high degree of redundancy in our satellite 
constellations and ground network. We have 24-hour 
monitoring of our satellites and network by sophisticated 
monitoring systems and knowledgeable staff who ensure 
any necessary action is taken promptly.

 › We buy insurance to compensate for the financial loss 
in the event a satellite or ground network element is 
damaged or lost.

 › We have disaster recovery plans for satellite and network 

operations which are regularly tested to ensure contingency 
plans work.

 › We are focused on ensuring our systems operate with a 

high degree of cyber security protection which is covered 
below in a separate risk.

 › We build strong relationships with all our partners, 

including through the Inmarsat World conference where 
we bring together partners and developers. We provide 
the partners with excellent services to sell in their markets. 
We encourage sharing of information and developing ideas 
through direct meetings with our partners and through 
our regional and global conferences. We have an effective 
credit management process in place, assessing the credit 
risk of new and existing customers.

 › We continue to improve the reliability of our satellites 

and services which are critical to our end-users. We have 
simplified our standard contracts and pricing in order to 
make it easier to do business with us. We promote fair play 
in our distribution channel and will not promote customer 
churn. We introduce new services with common 
technologies and develop more competitive pricing 
strategies. We continue to broaden our customer base 
through sales strategies and new service offerings.

 › Inmarsat Government operates with a proxy board to allow 

it to manage its business in accordance with U.S. requirements 
and compete effectively for U.S. Government business.

 › We maintain industry-standard security measures, and 
have increased our investment in state-of-the-art cyber 
countermeasures and enhanced cyber security operations 
to improve detection and response to incidences. We are 
progressing with a project to obtain ISO 27001 certification. 
We have completed risk assessments on information assets 
across the Group, and as a consequence, we are deploying 
appropriate controls.

 › Through our One IT project we are building a modern computer 
infrastructure that enhances protection of critical assets 
and data. We are improving our processes to be compliant 
with the GDPR legislation.

 › We have improved our incident response capability. 

We have disaster recovery and business continuity plans 
for important elements of our networks; contingency 
plans are tested regularly.

GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report54

Strategic Report | Risk management

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

RISK MANAGEMENT
CONTINUED

Movement

Risk

9. Spectrum, 
orbital slots 
and market 
access risk

Link to strategy:

 1

 2

 5

10. Failure 
of critical 
suppliers

Link to strategy:

 1

 2

 3

 5

11. Failure 
to effectively 
operationally 
deliver products 
and services

Link to strategy:

 1

 2

 3

 5

Background and impact
 › We rely on radio spectrum, which has historically been 

allocated without charge, to provide our services. We must 
agree how it is used in coordination with other satellite 
operators and need to coordinate its ongoing availability. 
We may not be able to coordinate usage in the future  
and/or may be charged for the spectrum which could 
affect our ability to provide services. Channel 
consolidation may drive down prices and ARPU.
 › We require orbital slots to place our satellites in the 
correct position to provide adequate coverage and 
deliver our services. We may not be able to obtain 
adequate orbital slots or we may miss deadlines to 
bring orbital slots into use.

 › Given the nature of the satellite business it is important 
to have access to all areas of the globe and provide 
coverage world-wide. This requires licensing from 
multiple national authorities. We may not be able to 
gain these licences for various reasons. Market access 
may not be allowed in certain countries which restricts 
our services being offered.

 › We rely on a limited number of third party suppliers 

and partners in the production of our satellites, launch 
providers’ systems, terminals and products and we may 
have limited control over availability, quality and delivery 
of these goods. A satellite manufacturer or a supplier 
to the satellite manufacturer, may fail or have serious 
damage to a production facility that delays the delivery 
of our satellite. A satellite launch provider may additionally 
have a launch failure which affects the timing of our 
planned launches. A competitor may buy a critical 
supplier or partner. A critical supplier may fail financially 
or one of their systems may fail.

 › The risk has decreased during 2017 due to work in 

Group Procurement.

 › We may fail to keep up with the developing business 
needs of our customers. We may fail in developing 
products and services that match their needs or 
encounter delays in bringing new products and 
services to market.

 › We may not be able to take to market our products and 
services for various reasons such as network/satellite 
issues, capacity constraints and/or technological 
difficulties which would impact our ability to generate 
revenues. Products may become obsolete.
 › We may fail in our internal processes leading to 

violations of regulations, for example financial reporting 
requirements. An export control violation may affect 
service delivery.

 › The risk has decreased in 2017 due to systematic work 
with improving and documenting existing processes, 
as well as implementing robust new systems and processes.

Mitigation
 › We regularly improve the efficiency of our spectrum 
usage through innovation and system enhancement. 
We also educate and inform regulators and governments 
as to the unique socio-economic contribution of our 
mobile satellite services. We work with organisations such 
as the ITU, and participate in conferences such as the 
World Radio Conference to brief them on the ongoing 
need for our frequency allocations.

 › We negotiate with other companies on orbital slots and 

the ability to achieve better spectrum usage and allocation. 
We monitor spectrum usage and assess whether there 
are benefits to our partners, customers and ourselves 
to migrate higher volume users to GX services.

 › We obtain in-country market access for our distribution 
channel as far as possible and make any licensing 
requirements as straightforward as possible for  
our partners.

 › We work closely with our suppliers to review programme 

plans, delivery quality and timing to ensure that they meet 
our requirements. We have a highly experienced quality 
assurance team at satellite manufacturing sites to check 
design and production activities and also at launch sites 
ahead of our satellite launches.

 › The Group Procurement department’s reviews and actions 
reduce the risk, for example exploring dual sourcing and 
assessing suppliers’ quality, technical know-how 
and financial viability.

 › We can operate in an agile way to seek new satellite 
launch providers if required as we did to secure an 
alternative provider for the delayed Inmarsat S EAN 
satellite launch in 2017.

 › In developing products and services, we have processes 

which we continuously evolve and seek to improve to meet 
the expectations of customers.

 › We liaise closely with third parties across our ecosystem to 
review requirements and then plan our delivery against these.

 › Our systems need to be agile to be able to respond to any 
changing needs and having open network systems enables 
this agility by us and our wider partners.

 › All significant product and service developments are 
subject to approval and regular programme reviews to 
identify critical issues, changes, delivery delays and 
resolutions, and projected cost against budget. We are 
able to prioritise investment activity to focus on new 
requirements if this is felt appropriate.

 › We rely on a close relationship between our customer-facing 
business units, our operations team who deal directly with 
operating new products and services and the engineering 
and product teams.

 › We document and improve our internal processes.
 › We maintain an ongoing informed dialogue with investors, 
and ensure that internal and external expectations 
are aligned.

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic Report | Risk management

55 

Risk

12. Risk to 
people, skills, 
location and 
working 
environment

Link to strategy:

 4

13. Geo-political 
risk

Link to strategy:

 4

 5

Background and impact
 › We may fail to hire skilled people or adequately improve 
skills to maintain and grow our business, or to deliver 
our strategy. We may lose highly technical and specialist 
employees who have very specific skill sets that are vital to 
the business. We may lose knowledge with employees and 
consultants that leave the Company. Brexit negotiations 
outcomes could impact EU citizens working in London and 
UK citizens in Europe. We may lose employee engagement 
and motivation. We may suffer a terrorist attack or a 
natural disaster on one of our network or office locations.

 › The risk has decreased during 2017 due to the 
implementation of the People strategy.

 › Downturns in the economy of a country and/or world economy, 
or closure of capital markets could impact our business, our 
ability to raise financing and impact the delivery of our strategy. 
We could fail to comply with applicable international legislation 
and international reporting requirements.

 › Armed conflicts as well as a low oil price may have large 

effects on world trade and consequently on our business, 
strategy and currency exchange rates.

 › We do a large amount of business with governments across 
the globe including the U.S. Government. Major political 
policy changes and decisions, such as sanctions and Brexit, 
may impact our business. Brexit negotiations outcomes 
could impact EU citizens working in London and UK citizens 
in Europe. We may suffer a terrorist attack or a natural disaster 
on one of our network or office locations. Our staff and their 
families may suffer a local epidemic or global pandemic.

Movement

Mitigation
 › We develop and implement a People strategy where we identify 
key employees, skills and skills gaps to manage the human 
resource effectively and enable delivery of the strategy of the 
Company. We develop and implement recruitment strategies 
to hire people with the new skills needed. Inmarsat’s Brexit 
committee analyses risks and deploys strategies to minimise 
possible impact. The Brexit committee has organised briefing 
sessions for EU citizen employees and Inmarsat is financially 
supporting residency applications. We are in the process 
of reviewing and enhancing our employee proposition 
which focuses on career development, training and reward 
to improve people’s experience of Inmarsat.

 › We ensure the Company is financially robust and resilient 

to economic downturns.

 › We continuously review and adapt our strategy in reaction 
to developing political or economic situations. We assess 
and manage new risks such as the impact of the UK Brexit 
and changes in government, epidemics, for example that 
potentially could impact our people and business. Inmarsat’s 
Brexit committee analyses risks and deploys strategies to 
minimise possible impact.

VIABILITY STATEMENT

In accordance with provision C.2.2 of the UK 
Corporate Governance Code 2014, the Directors 
have assessed the viability of the Group over a 
three year period, taking into account the Group’s 
current position and the potential impact of the 
principal risks documented on pages 51 to 55 
of the Annual Report.

ASSESSMENT PERIOD
The Directors have determined that a three year 
period to 31 December 2020 is an appropriate 
period over which to provide its viability statement. 
This is the key period of focus within the Group’s 
strategic planning process and it reflects 
the period over which the Group has reasonable 
visibility of both customer contracts and 
product development programmes.

ASSESSMENT PROCESS
The Long Range Business Plan (‘the Plan’), 
which is updated annually, formed the basis for 
the viability assessment. The Plan, as a matter 
of routine, takes account of ‘business as 
usual risks’ including slower revenue growth, 
increased operating costs, higher working capital 
requirements and adverse outcomes to disputed 
items. In completing the viability assessment, 
the Plan was tested against a number of severe 
but plausible principal risk scenarios. The scenarios 
were determined by considering which of the 
principal risks to the business outlined above 

contribute significantly to the longer-term viability 
of the Group. The following risks were deemed as 
having the potential to threaten the operational 
viability of the Group:
 › Failure of satellites and our network: Modelled 
the impact of a catastrophic failure to satellites 
in both our I-4 and GX networks

 › Spectrum, Orbital slots and Market access 
risk: Modelled the impact of our inability to 
obtain appropriate licences and market access 
to deliver services across our key networks
 › Security Risk: Modelled the impact of an 
aggressive cyber-attack that penetrates 
our networks and/or key systems

 › Failure of Critical Customers: Modelled 
the impact of the loss of key customers
 › Geo-political risk: Modelled the loss of core 
government contracts due to geo-political 
events outside the control of the Company
 › Failure to expand into the broadband market: 
Modelled the impact of materially lower GX 
growth rates than in the Plan

 › Failure to successfully grasp aviation 

passenger connectivity opportunity: Modelled 
the impact of materially lower Aviation passenger 
connectivity growth rates than in the Plan
 › Failure to at least maintain our existing 
L-band business: Modelled the impact of 
materially lower growth rates than in the Plan

 › Failure to maintain and grow Maritime 

business: Modelled the impact of materially 
lower growth rates than in the Plan

Each scenario was tested and the financial impact 
estimated based upon a combination of internal 
estimates and data available from reliable external 
sources. Mitigation strategies were identified 
and costed in conjunction with internal experts 
to calculate the net likely financial impact of each 
scenario in both isolation and if they were to occur 
concurrently. The Audit Committee reviewed and 
discussed the process undertaken by management.

CONCLUSION
Based on this assessment, the Directors confirm 
that they have a reasonable expectation that 
the Company will be able to continue in operation 
and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the 
period to 31 December 2020.

In reaching this conclusion the Directors noted 
that the Group is exposed to particularly high 
levels of risk when a satellite is launched though 
this is routinely mitigated through launch insurance, 
for which there is a well-developed market. Once 
satellites have been successfully placed into orbit, 
the experience of the last 35 years is that failures 
are rare, which is due in part to the high levels 
of redundancy that are routinely built into the 
satellites and ground network. Looking beyond 
the risks associated with the satellites and our 
network the geographical and sector diversification 
of the Group’s operations helps reduce the risk 
of a loss that might endanger the viability of 
the Group.

GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report56

Governance | Chairman’s introduction

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

CHAIRMAN’S INTRODUCTION 
TO GOVERNANCE

We are committed to 
maintaining the highest 
standards of governance 
at the Board level and 
throughout the Company

The Board is ultimately responsible to shareholders 
for all our activities: for delivering our strategy 
and financial performance in the long-term 
interests of the Company; for efficiently using 
our resources and having regard to social, 
environmental and ethical matters. Setting the 
right cultural tone from the Board, through the 
Executive Directors and Executive Management 
Board throughout the Group is very important.

The Board approves the Group’s governance 
framework with the Board Committees 
contributing their specialist focus to key 
areas such as remuneration policy, internal 
controls and risk management.

Our governance framework reflects the 
requirements of the UK Corporate Governance 
Code (‘the Code’) and the Large and Medium-sized 
Companies and Groups (Accounts and Report) 
(Amendment) Regulations 2013 (‘the Regulations’). 
We comply with the Code with one exception 
that I, as Chairman, was not considered 
independent on appointment because I was 
previously an executive director. However we 
have a strong Senior Independent Director, 
Dr Abe Peled, who provides additional 
independence to respond to any shareholder 
queries and has joined me in several 
shareholder meetings.

During 2017 there were changes in Board 
membership which I’ve summarised in my 
opening Chairman’s statement on page 7 
and also note later in this Report.

The Directors have confirmed by way of 
a statement, on page 103, that they consider 
the Annual Report, taken as a whole, to be fair, 
balanced and understandable. The processes 
including financial controls and reporting, 
and risk management, which underpin and 
support our confidence in making this statement 
are long-established and embedded into our 
business and we continue to make improvements 
in our reporting. In addition, our Internal 
Audit department reviewed the narrative 
sections of the Annual Report. In line with its 
terms of reference, a subset of the Disclosure 
Committee also reviews the Annual Report 
to ensure it contains all necessary disclosures 
to fairly present the Company’s and the 

ANDREW SUKAWATY
CHAIRMAN

Group’s financial condition and results of 
operations. Our external auditors review the 
narrative sections of the Annual Report to 
identify any material inconsistencies with 
the financial statements. Our Board members 
receive drafts of the Annual Report in sufficient 
time to facilitate their review and input.

We are aware of the Financial Reporting Council 
report which encourages the Board to address 
culture, encourage discussion and debate how 
boards and executive management can steer 
corporate behaviour to create a culture that 
will deliver sustainable good performance. 
The Board is very collaborative and collegiate; 
honest and open debate is in evidence at 
all Board meetings. The Board and Executive 
Management Board understand the increasing 
importance which corporate culture plays in 
delivering long-term business and economic 
success and this will be an area of focus for 
the Board. During 2017, we introduced a new 
high-performing culture programme which is 
mentioned in the ‘Our People’ section of the 
Resources and Relationships part of this Annual 
Report. It has already been rolled out to the 
extended leadership team of around 100 senior 
managers across the Group and all employees 
will participate in workshops during 2018 and 
into 2019. We act with integrity and we see 
this within our Board discussions, and how this 

cascades down through the business from the 
Executive Management Board. We are very 
proud of Inmarsat’s brand and are focused 
on protecting its integrity for the future.

As Chairman I am able to call on a broad 
and diverse range of skills and experience 
from all my Directors. The blend of experience, 
nationalities and range of cultural experience 
within the Board is valuable to us as we fulfil our 
duties. The diversity already on our Board allows 
us to be culturally aware and respond where there 
are areas which need greater focus. Succession 
planning for the Non-Executive Directors remains 
a key focus for the Nominations Committee and 
the Board. Warren Finegold joined us in August 
2017 and I’m delighted that he is contributing 
so well so quickly. We will review the size and 
composition of the Board over 2018.

We hope the information in this Report will 
help you to understand how your Board runs 
the Company, manages risks, monitors internal 
controls, and how decisions have been made.

ANDREW SUKAWATY  
CHAIRMAN

9 March 2018

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Governance | Governance at work

57 

GOVERNANCE AT WORK

This section of the 
Annual Report shares 
with you how we operate 
as a Board and explains 
the responsibilities we 
have as Directors to all our 
stakeholders. We describe 
the different Board 
Committees and how they 
are accountable for clearly 
defined responsibilities, 
each headed by a 
Non-Executive Director

The Board is committed to the highest 
standards of governance and it does this 
whilst being responsible for the overall 
conduct of the Group’s business and by 
providing leadership and guidance.

BOARD ACTIVITIES IN 2017
 › Managed the transition of longer-serving 
Directors and welcomed a new addition 
to the Board

 › Reviewed the Group’s strategy to support 
additional investment in aviation In-Flight 
Connectivity opportunities, including 
new satellite commitments
 › Discussions regarding future 

dividend planning

 › Approval of investment in modernisation 
of key operating systems to improve billing 
and IT infrastructure to benefit customers 
and employees

LEADERSHIP

ACCOUNTABILITY

IN THIS SECTION
This section provides an overview of the Board 
and how it and its Committees work together.

Details of the type of activity considered by the 
Board and also some of the core responsibilities 
for certain Directors are also explained.

As part of the Board evaluation process, 
the Directors comment on the wide range of 
discussions it considers and this is reflected 
in the following summary.

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT
It is important to have strong leadership from 
the Board as a whole to support the Executive 
Directors and management in their day-to-day 
running of the business.

The Board supports an open and transparent 
culture which is endorsed by the Executive 
Directors and the Executive Management Team.

SEE PAGES 62 TO 66

IN THIS SECTION
Our Audit Committee Chairman has now 
gone through his second full annual cycle 
and we have a new Committee member 
who joined in August 2017.

The work of the Audit Committee extends 
and expands as the number of new auditing 
and governance requirements grows.

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT
Two of our Board Committees have 
responsibility for oversight of our telecoms 
regulatory requirements and audit reporting.

These are significant areas of focus for our 
business and it is important for stakeholders 
to know that this is recognised at the highest 
level in the Company.

It is critical to know that there is a process 
of accountability running throughout the 
Company with good processes in place 
and defined levels of responsibility.

SEE PAGES 70 TO 74

EFFECTIVENESS

REMUNERATION

IN THIS SECTION
In the Report from the Nominations Committee 
Chairman, we reflect on the elements of how 
the Board is made up, how we plan to ensure 
success in the future and how we make 
sure on an annual basis that we are being 
held accountable to each other as Board 
members and also to our stakeholders.

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT
Having an effective and contributing Board, 
with the right skills, experience and willingness 
to contribute to the Company’s culture, is 
very important to our success as a company 
and therefore to our stakeholders.

It is incumbent on the Board to make sure 
that it is diligent in its succession planning –  
at Board level and also contributing to what 
happens at the Executive Management 
Board level and understanding succession 
planning across the Company.

SEE PAGES 67 TO 69

IN THIS SECTION
This section of the governance report 
provides a review of what remuneration has 
been paid to Executive Directors in 2017 
and what is intended to be paid in 2018 
(called the implementation report) and how 
we operate within an agreed remuneration 
policy. Shareholders are asked to vote at 
the AGM annually on the implementation 
report, and every three years on the 
Remuneration Policy.

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT
Our Remuneration Committee carries the 
responsibility to deliver a clear articulation 
of our Remuneration Policy and consider 
this in the context of the pay arrangements 
for all our employees. It is important for 
stakeholders to understand how remuneration 
is determined and that the appropriate 
links between remuneration, strategy, 
risk and KPIs are made.

SEE PAGES 76 TO 98

GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report58

Governance | Board of Directors

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The right balance of skills

2

5

8

3

6

9

11

12

1

4

7

10

13

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Governance | Board of Directors

59 

1. ANDREW SUKAWATY 
CHAIRMAN

3. TONY BATES
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

6. GENERAL C. ROBERT KEHLER (RTD) 
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Date of appointment
May 2014

Background and relevant experience
General Kehler retired from the U.S. Air Force in 
January 2014 with over 38 years of service. He 
oversaw a global network of satellite command 
and control, communications, missile warning and 
launch facilities, and ensured the combat readiness 
of America’s intercontinental ballistic missile force. 
Over his career, he served in a variety of important 
operational and staff assignments, and successfully 
led large organisations with global responsibilities.

External appointments
Chairman of BEI Precision Systems and Space 
Company; non-executive director of MAXAR 
Technologies and Associates; trustee of the 
Mitre Corporation; acts as Special Advisor to 
two U.S. organisations.

7. AMBASSADOR JANICE OBUCHOWSKI 
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Date of appointment
May 2009

Background and relevant experience
Janice held several senior positions both in the 
U.S. Government and in the private sector. She was 
formerly Head of Delegation and U.S. Ambassador 
to the World Radiocommunications Conference, 
Assistant Secretary for Communications and 
information at the Department of Commerce 
and Senior Advisor to the Chairman at the 
Federal Communications Commission in the U.S. 
Earlier in her career she also led international 
government affairs for NYNEX (now Verizon).

External appointments
President of Freedom Technologies Inc.; 
non-executive director of Orbital ATK;  
non-executive director of CSG Systems, Inc. 

Dates of appointments
Chairman, January 2015; Executive Chairman, 
January 2012 – December 2014; Executive 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, March 2004 –  
December 2011; Chairman December 2003

Background and relevant experience
Andy joined Inmarsat in 2003 and has served 
previously as its CEO and Executive Chairman. 
He became Chairman in 2015. Andy served 
as Non-Executive Chairman of Ziggo N.V. until 
November 2014. He has previously been President 
and Chief Executive Officer of Sprint PCS, a NYSE 
listed global national wireless carrier and Chief 
Executive Officer of NTL Limited. He has also 
held various management positions with US West 
and AT&T and been a non-executive director 
on various listed companies. Andy holds a BBA 
and MBA respectively from the University of 
Wisconsin and Minnesota.

External appointments
Senior Independent Non-Executive Director 
of Sky Plc.

2. RUPERT PEARCE
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Dates of appointments
Executive Director, July 2011; Chief Executive Officer, 
January 2012

Background and relevant experience
Rupert has been Inmarsat’s Chief Executive 
Officer since January 2012. He joined Inmarsat 
in January 2005 and between then and 2011, 
he was General Counsel and Senior Vice President, 
Inmarsat Enterprises. Previously, Rupert was a 
partner in Atlas Venture. Before Atlas Venture, he was 
also a partner at the international law firm Linklaters, 
where he spent 13 years specialising in corporate 
finance, mergers & acquisitions and private equity 
transactions. Rupert received an MA (First Class) 
in Modern History from Oxford University and 
won the 1995 Fullbright Fellowship in U.S. securities 
law, studying at the Georgetown Law Center. He 
has been a visiting fellow of the Imperial College 
Business School, London lecturing on the school’s 
Entrepreneurship programme, and is the co-author 
of ‘Raising Venture Capital’ (Wiley).

External appointments
Member of the Broadband Commission’s Working 
Groups on Digital Entrepreneurship, Vulnerable 
Countries and Digital Health Working Group.

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP:

  Nominations Committee
  Telecoms Regulatory Committee
  Audit Committee
  Remuneration Committee
  Denotes Chairman

Dates of appointments
Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer, 
June 2014

Background and relevant experience
Tony’s prior experience includes holding the 
roles of Group CFO of Yell Group Plc (hibu Plc), 
Group CFO and then Chief Operating Officer of Colt 
Group S.A and Group Finance Director at EMI plc. 
Tony holds a First Class Honours degree in 
Management Sciences from the University of 
Manchester. He is a Fellow of the Institute of 
Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

External appointments
None.

4. SIMON BAX 
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Date of appointment
June 2013

Background and relevant experience
Simon was, from 2008 to 2013, the founder and 
CEO of Encompass Digital Media Inc, which provides 
technical services to broadcasters, cable networks 
and government agencies. He previously served as 
CFO and Executive Vice President of Pixar Animation 
and CFO and President of Studio Operations of 
Fox Filmed Entertainment. Simon holds an honours 
degree in History from Cambridge University and 
is a chartered accountant.

External appointments
Chairman of WiSpire Limited; Chairman of Archant 
Limited; director of the British Bobsleigh and Skeleton 
Association; non-executive director and chairman 
of the Audit Committee of Channel 4.

5. SIR BRYAN CARSBERG 
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Date of appointment
June 2005

Background and relevant experience
Sir Bryan is a Chartered Accountant. He served 
eight years as Director General of Telecommunications 
(head of Oftel), and then served as Director General of 
Fair Trading and Secretary General of the International 
Accounting Standards Board. He has been previously 
Chairman of the Council of Loughborough University, 
a non-executive director of Cable and Wireless 
Communications plc and RM plc; and a non-executive 
Chairman of MLL Telecom Limited. He was knighted 
in January 1989. Sir Bryan is an Honorary Fellow of 
the Institute of Actuaries and holds an MSc (Econ) 
from the University of London.

Until the 2018 AGM Sir Bryan has been an 
Independent Non-Executive Director.

External appointments
Non-executive director of Actual Experience plc.

GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report 
 
 
 
 
 
60

Governance | Board of Directors

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CONTINUED

8. DR ABE PELED 
SENIOR INDEPENDENT  
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Date of appointment
June 2013

Background and relevant experience
Abe was Chief Executive Officer of NDS Group plc 
from 1995 to 2012, a digital pay-TV technology 
company, and served as Chairman and Chief Executive 
Officer from 2004 to 2012. He was Senior Vice 
President of Cisco from August 2012 to January 2014 
and has previous senior management experience with 
IBM and Elron. Abe has a BSc and MSc in Electrical 
Engineering and a PhD in Digital Signal Processing. 
In March 2013, he was awarded the Lifetime 
Achievement Award by Digital TV Europe.

External appointments
Partner of CyberCloud Ventures; senior advisor 
on technology businesses to Permira; Chairman 
of TeamViewer GmbH; member of the Operating 
Committee of Metalogix Inc. 

9. ROBERT RUIJTER 
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

10. DR HAMADOUN TOURÉ 
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Date of appointment
February 2015

Date of appointment
March 2015

Background and relevant experience
Rob served as Chief Financial Officer of VNU N.V., 
a publicly listed marketing and publishing company 
(now the Nielsen company) between 2004 and 2007. 
He previously served as the Chief Finance Officer 
of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines from 2001 until its merger 
with Air France in 2004, and as Chief Finance Officer 
of ASM International N.V., a publicly listed manufacturer 
of electronic components. Rob is a Certified Public 
Accountant in the U.S. and in The Netherlands and a 
member of the ACT in the UK.

External appointments
Member of the Supervisory Board and Chair of the 
Audit Committee at Wavin N.V.; non-executive director 
and Chair of the Audit Committee at Interxion N.V. 
(NYSE); Supervisory Board member of NN Group N.V. 

Background and relevant experience
Hamadoun was Secretary General of the International 
Telecommunication Union (‘ITU’) from 2007 to 2014. 
He was a member of the UN Chief Executive Board 
(‘CEB’) and served as Chairman of the UN ICT Network. 
He was the founding member of the Broadband 
Commission for Digital Development and was co-vice 
chair until his retirement from ITU. He has been a 
member of the Advisory Board of the International 
Multilateral Partnership Against Cyber Threats 
(‘IMPACT’). He also had a distinguished career in 
the satellite industry. Hamadoun holds a master’s 
degree in Electrical Engineering from the 
Telecommunications Institute of St-Petersburg 
(Russian Federation) and a PhD in Electrical 
Engineering from the University of Informatics 
and Telecoms of Moscow (Russian Federation).

External appointments
Executive director Smart Africa; member of the 
Board for Sustainable Development Goals Center 
for Africa (‘SDGC-A’); NED of TELKOM South Africa; 
Chairman PMP on Cyber Security and Cyber Peace. 

BOARD COMPOSITION

BOARD TENURE

BOARD EXPERIENCE

Executive
Non-executive

2
10

0-3 years
4-8 years
9+ years

BOARD MEMBERS BY GENDER

BOARD NATIONALITY

Male
Female

10
2

UK
U.S.
Mali
New Zealand
Netherlands

Regulatory

Corporate finance

Government

Telecommunications

Technology

Financial management

Developing economies

Manufacturing

Cyber security

Tax

Mergers and Acquisitions

Digital

4
5
3

5
4
1
1
1

 
  
 
 
 
  
Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Governance | Executive management board

61 

11. PHILLIPA MCCROSTIE 
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT BOARD

Supporting the development of Inmarsat as a 
high-performing company and a focus on culture 
are key elements of this team’s responsibilities

RUPERT PEARCE

Chief Executive Officer

PHILIP BALAAM

TONY BATES

NATASHA DILLON

President, Aviation 
Business Unit

Chief Financial Officer

Chief People Officer

PAUL GUDONIS

PETER HADINGER

ALISON HORROCKS

President, Enterprise 
Business Unit

Chief Technology Officer

Chief Corporate 
Affairs Officer and 
Company Secretary

SUSAN MILLER

JASON SMITH

NICK THEXTON

President and CEO  
Inmarsat Government (U.S.)

Chief Operations Officer

Chief Product Officer

RONALD SPITHOUT

ANDY START

President, Maritime 
Business Unit

President, Global 
Government Business Unit

Date of appointment
September 2016

Background and relevant experience
Phillipa (‘Pip’) was a member of EY’s Global Executive 
Board for eight years until her retirement in June 2016. 
Pip was also its Global Head of Corporate Finance. 
She transformed Corporate Finance into a business 
with revenues exceeding $3bn during the global 
recession. Her responsibilities included P&L, strategy, 
investment, people development and risk. Pip led the 
acquisition and integration of Parthenon, a global 
strategy consulting business. Pip has deep experience 
of international M&A and tax and is a qualified lawyer.

External appointments
Member of the Board of Peterson Institute of International 
Economics and Chair of its Audit Committee; senior advisor 
to EY’s Global Executive and a regular contributor on 
business issues to CNBC, CNN, Bloomberg and Reuters.

12. WARREN FINEGOLD 
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Date of appointment
August 2017

Background and relevant experience
Warren was a member of the Vodafone Group Executive 
Committee for over 10 years, and for most of that time he 
was Group Strategy and Business Development Director. 
Before that, Warren was a Managing Director of UBS 
Investment Bank where he was Head of the Technology 
Team in Europe; previously he was an Executive Director 
at Goldman Sachs International in New York and London 
focusing on mergers and acquisitions and raising capital. 
Warren holds an MA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics 
from Oxford University and a master’s degree in Business 
Administration from London Business School.

External appointments
An advisor to the Vodafone Group, Member of the 
Supervisory Board of VodafoneZiggo Group Holding BV, 
Member of the Supervisory Board of Avast Holdings NV, 
Non-Executive Director of UBM Plc.

13. ALISON HORROCKS
CHIEF CORPORATE AFFAIRS OFFICER  
AND COMPANY SECRETARY

Date of appointment
February 1999

Background and relevant experience
Alison joined Inmarsat in 1999 and provides risk, 
compliance and corporate governance advice and 
has responsibility for our operations in China and India 
as well as legal and corporate marketing. She acts as 
Company Secretary to the Board and its Committees. 
She is a member of the Executive Management Board 
and Chairman of the Trustee Company responsible 
for the Inmarsat UK pension plans. She was Group 
Company Secretary of International Public Relations 
plc, a worldwide public relations company, for 11 years 
prior to joining Inmarsat. Alison is a Fellow of the 
Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators.

GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report 
62

Governance | Leadership

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

LEADERSHIP

THE BOARD

OVERALL SUMMARY STATEMENT 
ON GOVERNANCE
The Company is committed to the highest 
standards of governance. The Directors 
consider that the Company has, throughout 
the year, complied with the provisions of the 
UK Corporate Governance Code save as 
noted below.

During 2017, Andrew Sukawaty was Chairman. 
He did not meet the independence criteria 
on appointment as he had previously been 
an Executive Director. Although the Code 
recommends that the Chairman is independent 
on appointment, the Board unanimously 
believes that his wide experience means that 
he remains extremely well qualified to lead 
the Company as its Chairman and has the 
skills and experience to ensure that the Board 

continues to function effectively. Our Senior 
Independent Director, Dr Abe Peled, was 
appointed to this position in November 2015 
and plays a key role within the Company on any 
matters which may be raised of a governance 
nature. A copy of the UK Corporate Governance 
Code can be found at www.frc.co.uk.

BOARD COMMITTEES

CHAIRMAN: ANDREW SUKAWATY

Key objectives:
 › Leadership, operation and governance of the Board
 › Setting the agenda for the Board

INMARSAT PLC BOARD

12 Directors: two Executive Directors, the Chairman and nine Independent 
Non-Executive Directors

Key objectives:
 › Responsible for the overall conduct of the business; setting strategy

AUDIT  
COMMITTEE

Chairman:
Robert Ruijter

Key objectives:
 › Oversight and 

review of financial 
and operational 
risk management, 
audit and internal 
control issues

REMUNERATION 
COMMITTEE

NOMINATIONS 
COMMITTEE

Chairman:
Simon Bax

Key objectives:
 › Oversight 

and review of 
remuneration, 
bonus and share 
plan issues

Chairman:
Dr Abe Peled

Key objectives:
 › Oversight and 
review of Board 
and senior 
management 
appointments 
and succession 
planning

TELECOMS 
REGULATORY 
COMMITTEE

Chairman:
Andrew Sukawaty

Key objectives:
 › Oversight of 

key regulatory 
challenges

CHIEF  
EXECUTIVE

CEO:
Rupert Pearce

Key objectives:
 › Management  
of the business
 › Implementation 
of strategy  
and policy

EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT BOARD

Chairman:
Rupert Pearce

Key objectives:
 › To focus on strategy, financial performance, culture, succession planning, 

business growth, organisational development and adherence to Group-wide policies

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Governance | Leadership

63 

HOW THE BOARD OPERATES
To ensure effective governance, your Board 
has structured its governance framework 
as set out below.

The Board has established Committees 
to assist it in exercising its authority. 
The permanent Committees of the Board 
are the Audit, Remuneration, Nominations 
and Telecoms Regulatory Committees. 
Each Committee has Terms of Reference 
under which authority is delegated by the 
Board. Copies can be found on our website 
at inmarsat.com. Reports of the Committees 
can be found on pages 67 to 98.

ROLE OF THE BOARD
Our Board is responsible for the overall conduct 
of the Inmarsat Group’s (the ‘Group’) business. 
It is the primary decision-making body 
for all material matters affecting the Group. 
It provides leadership and guidance and 
sets our strategic direction.

Our Board is ultimately accountable to the 
shareholders for:
 › the performance and proper conduct 

of the business

 › being responsible for the long-term 

success of the Company, having regard 
for the interests of all stakeholders and

 › being responsible for ensuring the 
effectiveness and reporting on our 
system of governance

Responsibility for implementing strategy within 
the Group’s operations and for day-to-day 
management of the business is delegated 
to the Chief Executive Officer who, as part 
of the Executive Management Board, 
cascades this responsibility through the Group. 
The CEO is empowered by the Board to handle 
all business activities up to a designated level 
of authorisation and to report to the Board 
for guidance, support and approval on other 
matters which require Board input. A list of 
the members of the Executive Management 
Board is provided on page 61.

A formal schedule of matters specifically 
reserved for decision or consideration 
by the Board as a whole has been agreed 
by the Directors. This schedule covers 
areas such as:
 › the Group’s business strategy  

and long-term plans
 › major capital projects

 › investments and
 › acquisitions and divestments
The Board has an annual rolling plan of items 
for discussion which is reviewed formally 
at Board meetings and adapted regularly to 
ensure all matters reserved for the Board, 
with other items as appropriate, are discussed. 
There is an established procedure for the 
review of the agenda between the Chairman, 
Executive Directors and Company Secretary 
in advance of each Board meeting. At each 
Board meeting there is a detailed report on 
current trading from the Chief Executive and 
Chief Financial Officer and detailed papers 
are provided on matters where the Board will 
be required to make a decision or give approval. 
Where appropriate, specific responsibilities 
are delegated to Board Committees or to 
committees convened for special purposes.

In 2017 we focused our attention on the 
following key areas:

Strategy review and development:
 › Attended a Group strategy day, with members 

of the Executive Team and other senior 
executives, to consider key strategic priorities 
and the market environment and changes 
in some of our competitors’ focus

 › Discussed and approved the Group strategy
 › Received regular strategy and business 
development reports from the CEO, 
Chief Strategy Officer and other senior 
management at each Board meeting
 › Reviewed strategic objectives and updates 
on the operational performance for the 
Group’s key business areas

 › Received reports on technology and 
innovation and related industry 
developments

 › Reviewed Group risk and cyber security 
as part of the discussion on strategy

Ensuring appropriate financial 
and operational management:
 › Received and discussed reports from 
the CEO on the performance of the 
Group’s operations

 › Received and discussed regular reports 
on the Group’s financial performance
 › Approved financial announcements 

for publication

 › Discussed and approved the annual 
budget and long range business plan

 › Reviewed and approved the Company’s 
dividend policy, recommendations 
and payments thereof

 › Reviewed reports from the Company’s 

corporate brokers following meetings with 
shareholders and executive management

Implementing governance 
and ethics and monitoring risk:
 › Assessed the risks faced by the Group 

and received updates on internal controls

 › Reviewed regular reports on legal 
and compliance matters from the 
Company Secretary 

 › Received reports from the Board 

Committee Chairmen

 › Discussed a summary of the comments 
from the 2016 Board evaluation exercise 
and resulting areas for focus
 › Reviewed the Directors’ Conflicts 

of Interest procedures

Workplace reviews:
 › Received an annual health and safety 

report covering activity across the Group
 › Received regular updates from the CEO 
about reorganisation and restructuring 
activity taking place

 › Received a detailed update regarding 
new People policies being introduced 
in the Company including improved 
training capabilities for all employees, 
succession planning, identification 
of high performing individuals
 › Received updates on plans for the 
refurbishment of the Company’s  
London headquarters

Special business:
 › Received multiple presentations on the 
aviation business with a specific focus 
on in-flight passenger connectivity 
and associated capex and opex costs

 › Reviewed the Group’s capital 

funding structure

 › Approved investment in the modernisation  
of a multi-year programme to change 
the billing and IT capabilities across  
the Group

GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report64

Governance | Leadership

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

LEADERSHIP
CONTINUED

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

THE CHAIRMAN – ANDREW SUKAWATY
The role of the Chairman is set out in writing 
and agreed by the Board. He is responsible for:
 › effective leadership, operation and 

governance of the Board

 › ensuring the effectiveness of the Board
 › setting the agenda, style and tone 

of Board discussions and

 › ensuring Directors receive accurate, 

timely and clear information

THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER –  
RUPERT PEARCE
The role of the Chief Executive is set out in writing 
and agreed by the Board. He is responsible for:
 › the day-to-day management of Inmarsat’s 

operations and its financial results
 › recommending the strategic objectives 
for the Inmarsat Group, for debate, 
challenge and approval by the Board
 › responsibility for ensuring we meet the 

milestones for our key programmes with a 
priority to target revenue growth and deliver 
enhanced returns to shareholders and
 › chairing the Executive Management Board
Mr Pearce is the Board sponsor for environmental 
and social governance, community investment, 
and other corporate social responsibility matters, 
as well as responsibility for Health and Safety.

THE SENIOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR –  
DR ABE PELED
The Senior Independent Director is 
responsible for:
 › acting as a sounding board for the Chairman 

 › serving as an intermediary for the 

other Directors

 › reviewing the Chairman’s performance 
with the Non-Executive Directors
 › being available to discuss issues or 

concerns from our shareholders where 
they have been unable to resolve them 
through existing channels for investor 
communications and

 › convening regular meetings of the 

Non-Executive Directors

THE COMPANY SECRETARY –  
ALISON HORROCKS
The Company Secretary acts as Secretary 
to the Board and its Committees and in 
doing so she:
 › assists the Chairman in ensuring that 

all Directors have full and timely access 
to all relevant information

 › assists the Chairman by organising 
induction and training programmes
 › assists the Chairman with the annual 

Board evaluation procedure
 › is responsible for ensuring that the 

correct Board procedures are followed 
and advises the Board on governance 
matters and

 › administers the procedure under 

which Directors can, where appropriate, 
obtain independent professional advice 
at the Company’s expense (no requests 
for external professional advice were 
received during the year)

Independent Non-Executive Directors
The diverse experience and backgrounds 
of the Non-Executive Directors ensures that 
they can provide a strong independent element 
on the Board, debate and constructively 
challenge management both in relation to 
the development of strategy and review of the 
Group’s operational and financial performance.

To determine their independence, all 
Non-Executive Directors are reviewed by 
the Nominations Committee annually against 
any circumstances relevant to their current 

or ongoing independence as set out in the Code 
and recommendations are made to the Board 
for election or re-election. Following such 
review, the Board considers Sir Bryan Carsberg 
to be now a non-independent Non-Executive 
Director because of his length of service with the 
Company, and his tenure being alongside that 
of the Chairman. Despite this reclassification 
of Sir Bryan’s Non-Executive directorship, he 
fulfils his responsibilities with an independent 
view, providing critical thinking and contributions 
and continues to act in the best interests of the 
Company. All other Non-Executive Directors 

are considered to be independent and free of any 
circumstances that could materially interfere 
with their ability to provide a strong and valuable 
contribution to the Board’s deliberations, 
or which could interfere with the individual 
Director’s ability to also act in the best interests 
of the Group. The Nominations Committee 
additionally considers the independence 
carefully once a Non-Executive Director has 
served for nine years or more to assess whether 
their contribution to the Board remains 
valuable and valid to support the Company’s 
strategic objectives.

Executive Management Board
The Chief Executive chairs the Executive 
Management Board which meets on a monthly 
basis for generally 1.5/2 days. As part of its 
remit, this team focuses on the Group’s 
strategy, financial reviews and long range 
business planning, the competitive landscape, 
strategic updates from all areas of the business, 
risk reviews, culture, learning and development 
and organisational development. It has regular 
executive development days. The Executive 
Management Board includes the Executive 
Directors, the Business Unit Presidents and 
the key functional heads. The names of the 
Executive Management team are shown 
on page 61.

GOVERNANCE AND CONDUCT 
OF BOARD MEETINGS
Our Board meets as often as necessary 
to effectively conduct its business. During 
2017, the Board met eight times, with one 
of those meetings being held over two days 
in Washington DC. The meetings in local 
offices provide the Board with exposure to 
our staff and business operations outside 
the London headquarters.

Key management are invited to attend 
all Board meetings to present on specific 
business issues which will include an 
operations update from each of the Business 
Units and central services divisions, covering 
commercial, technology and operational 
matters. Unscheduled supplementary meetings 
also take place as and when necessary. 
At each meeting, the Chief Executive Officer 
and Chief Financial Officer provide reports 
to the Board. The Board is therefore given 
exposure to the next layer of management 
at the Executive Board level and often to 
their direct reports. This is helpful to the Board 
as it provides it with additional insight into 
internal talent and provides additional inputs 
for discussion for management succession. 
Strategy sessions are attended by several 

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Governance | Leadership

65 

senior executives. Elements of the business 
strategy and business development are reviewed 
as appropriate at each Board meeting throughout 
the year ensuring that all Directors are kept 
up to date with discussions and activities. 
All Committee Chairmen report verbally on the 
proceedings of their Committees at the next 
Board meeting. Meeting proceedings and any 
unresolved concerns expressed by any Director 
are minuted by the Company Secretary.

In instances where a Director is unable to attend 
Board or Committee meetings, any comments 
which he or she may have arising out of the 
papers to be considered at the meeting are 
relayed in advance to the relevant Chairman 
or the Company Secretary who would then 
report to the Board or Committee thereon.

The Senior Independent Director will convene 
meetings with the Non-Executive Directors 
at least annually and on an ad-hoc basis as 
required to discuss Board balance, monitor 
the powers of individual Executive Directors 
and raise any issues between themselves 
as appropriate. The Chairman will attend these 
meetings but will not be in attendance where 
there is discussion about his own performance.

INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS
Directors’ and Officers’ insurance cover has 
been established for all Directors and Officers 
to provide cover against their reasonable actions 
on behalf of the Company. In accordance with 
our Articles of Association and to the extent 
permitted by the laws of England and Wales, 
Directors, the Company Secretary and certain 
employees who serve as directors of subsidiaries 
at the Group’s request have been granted 
indemnities from the Company in respect of 
liabilities incurred as a result of their office. 
Neither our indemnity nor the insurance 
provides cover in the event that a Director is 
proven to have acted dishonestly or fraudulently. 
No amount has been paid under any of these 
indemnities during the year.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
The Company has in place procedures for 
managing conflicts of interest and is aware of 
any potential conflict through an annual review 
of the other commitments of its Directors. 
We are satisfied these commitments do not 
conflict with their duties as Directors of Inmarsat. 
During the year, where there were agenda items 
being raised for discussion which could have 
the perception of a conflict of interest for 
the individual Director, these were discussed 
at the relevant Board meeting and agreed 
in each case there were no conflicts of interest 

identified. The Company’s Articles of Association 
contain provisions to allow the Directors to 
authorise potential conflicts of interest so that 
a Director is not in breach of his/her duty under 
company law. As noted above and happens 
in practice, should a Director become aware 
that they have an interest, directly or indirectly, 
in an existing or proposed transaction with 
the Company, they are required to notify this 
to the Company Secretary. Directors have a 
continuing duty to notify any changes to their 
conflicts of interest and to their external Board 
commitments to the Company Secretary and 
any changes are noted in the conflicts register.

BOARD MEETING ATTENDANCE
The attendance of the Directors at the Board 
meetings held in 2017 is shown in the next table. 
Warren Finegold joined the Board in August 
2017. Attendance at Committee meetings 
is shown in the relevant Committee reports.

NUMBER OF SCHEDULED BOARD MEETINGS 
HELD AND MEETING ATTENDANCE IN 2017

Meetings

Percentage
attendance

Andrew Sukawaty (Chairman)

Rupert Pearce

Tony Bates 

Simon Bax

Sir Bryan Carsberg

Stephen Davidson1

Warren Finegold2

Kathleen Flaherty3

General C. Robert Kehler (Rtd)

Phillipa McCrostie

Dr Abe Peled

Janice Obuchowski

Robert Ruijter

Dr Hamadoun Touré

1  Retired on 19 January 2017
2  Appointed on 1 August 2017
3  Retired on 2 March 2017

8/8

8/8

8/8

8/8

8/8

1/1

4/4

2/2

8/8

8/8

8/8

8/8

8/8

8/8

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

RISK MANAGEMENT PROCESS
An overview of the Group’s framework 
for identifying and managing risk, both at 
an operational and strategic level, is set out 
on pages 50 and 51 in the Strategic Report. 
The Board has responsibility for managing 
risk and although the Audit Committee 
has responsibility for the risk management 
process the Board does not delegate overall 
responsibility for risk to either the Audit 
Committee or management. There has been 
additional work undertaken in 2017 on risk 
processes and assessment and updates were 

noted in the changing content and improved 
presentations presented to the Audit 
Committee and Board.

The Board has annual updates on the 
Company’s policies for compliance with the 
UK Bribery Act and the U.S. Foreign Corrupt 
Practices Act (‘FCPA’) requirements and 
health and safety. As part of our commitment 
to preventing bribery and establishing a culture 
that does not tolerate corruption wherever 
and in whatever form it may be encountered, we 
have a formal Board-approved anti-corruption 
policy and a summary of the anti-bribery policy 
is included on our website. We have appropriate 
procedures in place to ensure compliance with 
current legislation. An independently managed, 
confidential whistleblowing helpline (email and 
telephone) is available to employees to use. 
There was no use of it during 2017. Additionally, 
the Board is updated on the Company’s 
compliance with the recent legislation 
concerning a Corporate Criminal Offence 
relating to failure to prevent tax evasion.

The Company recognises the importance of 
electronic information, systems and network 
security (cyber security) and this is included as 
an agenda item in its own right and also included 
in strategy discussions and other key projects. 
We are increasingly required to be compliant 
with, or align to, various legal, contractual 
and regulatory standards and codes of practice 
relative to information security governance and 
the preservation of the confidentiality, integrity 
and availability of customer or internal data 
and services. This is part of a broader programme 
supported by a dedicated cyber security team 
whose primary role is to safeguard the Company 
to meet its legal and regulatory obligations, 
maintain business continuity and limit damage 
to business interests by preventing and reducing 
the occurrence of security incidents and their 
impact upon business operations. In recognition 
of this importance, we have committed to seek 
certification to the ISO 27001 standard which 
requires us to have an information management 
security procedure in place and also increased 
our investments on cyber security during 2017 
in terms of resources and on tools.

There has been focus within the Company 
during 2017 and into 2018 on the work required 
to ensure compliance with the new General 
Data Protection Regulation (‘GDPR’) which 
comes into effect in May 2018.

GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report66

Governance | Leadership

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

LEADERSHIP
CONTINUED

Internal controls
The Board acknowledges its responsibility 
for establishing and maintaining the Group’s 
system of internal controls and it receives 
regular reports from management identifying, 
evaluating and managing the risks within the 
business. The system of internal controls is 
designed to manage, rather than eliminate, 
the risk of failure to achieve business objectives 
and can provide only reasonable and not absolute 
assurance against material misstatement or 
loss. The Audit Committee reviews the system 
of internal controls through reports received 
from management, along with those from both 
internal and external auditors. Management 
continues to focus on how internal control and 
risk management can be further embedded 
into the operations of the business and to 
deal with areas of improvement which come 
to management’s and the Board’s attention.

The Company has an established Disclosure 
Committee with responsibility for reviewing 
and approving controls and procedures over 
the public disclosure of financial and related 
information and other procedures necessary 
to enable the Chief Executive Officer and 
the Chief Financial Officer to provide their 
certifications in relation to publicly disclosed 
information. The Disclosure Committee 
comprises the Chairman, both Executive 
Directors, Company Secretary and other 
senior executives.

The Board and the Audit Committee have 
carried out a review of the effectiveness of 
the system of internal controls during the year 
ended 31 December 2017 and for the period 
up to the date of approval of the consolidated 
financial statements contained in the Annual 
Report. The review covered all material controls, 
including financial, operational and compliance 
controls and risk management systems. The 
Board confirms that the actions it considers 
necessary have been, or are being taken to 
remedy any significant failings or weaknesses 
identified from its review of the system of 
internal control. This has involved considering 
the matters reported to it and developing plans 
and programmes that it considers are reasonable 
in the circumstances. The Board also confirms 
that it has not been advised of material 
weaknesses in the part of the internal control 
system that relates to financial reporting.

The key elements of the Group’s system 
of internal controls, which have been in place 
throughout the year under review and up to 
the date of this Report, include:

 › Information systems: information systems 

are developed to support the Group’s long-term 
objectives and are managed by professionally 
staffed teams. Appropriate policies and 
procedures are in place covering all significant 
areas of the business.

 › Contractual commitments: there are 
clearly defined policies and procedures 
for entering into contractual commitments. 
These include detailed requirements that 
must be completed prior to submitting 
proposals and/or tenders for work, both in 
respect of the commercial, control and risk 
management aspects of the obligations 
being entered into. Business plan approval 
and procurement process procedures 
also strengthen the review of contractual 
commitments before any such commitment 
is agreed to.

 › Monitoring of controls: the Audit Committee 
receives regular reports from the internal 
and external auditors and assures itself that 
the internal control environment of the Group 
is operating effectively. There are formal 
policies and procedures in place to ensure 
the integrity and accuracy of the accounting 
records and to safeguard the Group’s assets. 
Significant capital projects and acquisitions 
and disposals require Board approval. 
There are formal procedures by which staff 
can, in confidence, raise concerns about 
possible improprieties in financial and 
pensions administration and other matters –  
often referred to as ‘whistleblowing’ 
procedures. There is a worldwide anonymous 
whistleblowing programme in place and 
monthly reports are issued by the external 
provider to the Company Secretary and 
Head of Internal Audit. No issues were 
reported in the year. Where there are any 
reports made, arrangements are in place for 
proportionate and independent investigation 
and appropriate follow-up action with the 
results being reported to the Audit Committee. 
The annual anti-bribery and corruption 
training also highlights the ways in which 
an employee can raise an issue in a 
confidential way.

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION
Details of the Company’s remuneration policy 
and Directors’ remuneration are contained 
in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on 
pages 76 to 98.

 › Risk management: an overarching risk 

management policy is in place which sets out 
the tolerance for risk within the Group and 
how this is measured across identified macro 
and business risks. As required by the policy, 
management operates a risk management 
process to identify, evaluate and report 
significant risks within the business and to 
report to the Board on how those risks are 
being managed and mitigated. Risks are 
highlighted through a number of different 
reviews and culminate in a risk register, 
monitored by Risk Committees across 
the Group, which identify the risk area, the 
probability of the risk occurring, the impact 
if it does occur and the actions being taken 
to manage the risk to the desired level. 
All the risk registers are reviewed by senior 
management and provided quarterly to the 
Board and to the Audit Committee. Details 
of the risk process and key risks are shown 
on pages 50 and 51 in the Strategic Report.
 › Management structure: there is a clearly 

defined organisational structure throughout 
the Group with established lines of reporting 
and delegation of authority based on job 
responsibilities and experience. The delegation 
policy has recently been updated to operate 
in an improved clearer way for employees to 
understand how their levels of accountability 
fit within the levels of approved authorisation. 
Within the business, senior management 
meetings occur regularly to allow prompt 
discussion of relevant business issues. 
A process of self-certification is used where 
Directors and senior managers are required 
to detail and certify controls in operation 
to mitigate risk in key process areas. 
The Presidents of the Business Units also 
confirm every quarter that they are not 
aware of any breach of key policies including 
our sensitive information policy (which 
relates to protection of partner data) and 
any anti-bribery activities.

 › Financial reporting: monthly management 
accounts provide relevant, reliable and 
up-to-date financial and non-financial 
information to management and the Board. 
Analysis is undertaken of differences between 
actual results and the annual budget on 
a monthly basis. Annual plans, forecasts, 
performance targets and long-range business 
plans allow management to monitor 
the key business and financial activities, 
and the progress towards achieving the 
financial objectives. The annual budget is 
approved by the Board, as is the long-range 
business plan. The Group reports half-yearly 
based on a standardised reporting process, 
and in addition, also reports on a quarterly basis.

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Governance | Report of the Nominations Committee

67 

EFFECTIVENESS
Report of the Nominations Committee

DR ABE PELED
CHAIRMAN,  
NOMINATIONS  
COMMITTEE

EFFECTIVENESS
Report of the 
Nominations Committee

MEMBERS IN 2017

Scheduled meetings attended

Dr Abe Peled (Chairman)

Andrew Sukawaty

Dr Hamadoun Touré

1/1

1/1

1/1

The Nominations Committee will also make 
recommendations to the Board concerning 
the annual reappointment by shareholders 
of any Non-Executive Director as he or she 
reaches their sixth year of reappointment 
and separately with a view to assessing 
their continuing independence thereafter, 
particularly when Directors are seeking 
to be reappointed after serving nine years. 
The Committee also has responsibility for 
approving any changes to Executive Directors 
including senior management appointments.

All currently appointed Directors will retire 
at the 2018 AGM and offer themselves 
for election or re-election as appropriate. 
As noted earlier in the Governance Report, 
the Committee has reviewed Sir Bryan’s 
contribution and determined he participates 
effectively at Board meetings. We are 
recommending to shareholders therefore, 
that he be re-elected as a non-independent, 
Non-Executive Director. The Committee 
will review his continued appointment to 
the Board on an annual basis.

An area of continued focus 
for the Committee has been 
Non-Executive Director 
succession planning, 
with the retirement of two 
longer-term directors early 
in the year, an additional 
director joining in August 
2017 and a decision to 
propose the re-election 
of Sir Bryan Carsberg 
to continue on the Board 
as a non-independent 
non-executive director

Independent Non-Executive Directors make 
up a majority of members of the Committee. 
The Nominations Committee meets as and 
when necessary, generally formally twice 
a year although in 2017 the second meeting 
was postponed to allow for further time for an 
update on a detailed management succession 
planning to be given in 2018. Dr Abe Peled 
became Chairman in November 2015. Other 
members of the Committee are Andrew Sukawaty, 
Stephen Davidson (up to his retirement in 
January 2017) and Dr Hamadoun Touré.

The Committee has responsibility for nominating 
candidates for appointment as Directors to 
the Board, bearing in mind the need for diversity 
(including gender, nationality and experience) 
and ensuring a broad representation of skills 
across the Board. In doing this, the Committee 
will give full consideration to succession planning 
and the leadership needs of the Company. 
The Committee also makes recommendations 
to the Board on the composition of the 
Board’s Committees and will review and make 
recommendations in relation to the structure, 
size and composition of the Board including 
the diversity and balance of skills, knowledge 
and experience, and the independence of 
the Non-Executive Directors, including the 
tenure of each Director.

GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report68

Governance | Report of the Nominations Committee

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

REPORT OF THE NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE
CONTINUED

COMPOSITION

Our Board comprises Directors drawn from 
a wide range of professional backgrounds. 
All our Directors bring strong judgement to 
the Board’s deliberations. The Non-Executive 
Directors we appointed in 2016 and more 
recently in 2017 have contributed very effectively 
to Board discussions and have demonstrated 
their increasing knowledge of how the Company 
operates and its business. We took the decision 
to appoint these additional Directors to 
complement the skills of the existing ones so 
that future succession planning is enabled on a 
smoother retirement basis. In 2016 we appointed 
Phillipa (‘Pip’) McCrostie and in 2017 we 
appointed Warren Finegold. Stephen Davidson 
and Kathleen Flaherty both retired from the 
Board in January and March 2017 respectively.

As at March 2018, the composition of 
the Board is two Executive Directors, nine 
Non-Executive Directors and a Non-Executive 
Chairman. With the exception of Warren Finegold, 
all current Directors served throughout 
the year. The names of the Directors on our 
Board, their relevant skills and experience 
are set out in their biographical details and 
can be found on pages 58 to 61.

The composition of the Board and its various 
Committees is regularly reviewed and evaluated 
so as to reflect the balance of skills, knowledge, 
diversity (of which gender is one component), 
experience and the ability of Directors to provide 
sufficient time to fulfil their Board responsibilities.

SUCCESSION PLANNING

Appointments to the Board are made on 
merit, against objective criteria and with 
due regard to the benefits of diversity on the 
Board. This process is led by the Chairman 
of the Committee, with support of the Board 
Chairman, which, after evaluating the 
balance of skills, knowledge and experience 
of each Director, makes recommendations 
to the Board.

In appointing Non-Executive Directors, 
the Board’s practice is to use a combination 
of external consultants and personal referrals. 
The Non-Executive Director who was appointed 
in 2017 was through an external consultancy.

In considering the skills required for the new 
Non-Executive Director, there was focus on 
seeking an individual who had broad corporate, 
strategic and financial knowledge as we felt that 
this would be additive to the current experience 
of the Board and provide a complementary 
overlay to other Board members’ experience. 
Mr Finegold’s 10 years’ experience on Vodafone’s 
executive management team as Group Strategy 
and Business Development Director and with his 
previous investment banking experience, met 
the requirements for the role. We are delighted 
that Warren decided to join Inmarsat. As part 
of the recruitment process, Warren met several 
people including the Chairman of the Board, 
the CEO, CFO, Senior Independent Director 
and Chairman of the Nominations Committee, 
and the Company Secretary. Other members 
of the Board were also given the opportunity 
to meet him.

The Committee, when reviewing succession 
planning, considers diversity in its broadest 
sense and takes this into account in its 
recommendations to the Board. It takes into 
account the challenges and opportunities 
facing the Company; diversity, including 
gender; and what cultural experience, skills 
and expertise are needed on the Board and 
from senior management in the future. 
Gender is one element of the considerations 
made in appointing senior management 
and Board members and as part of general 
recruitment practices across the Group. 
The Committee has not set quotas for the 
percentage of women in the workforce but is 
supportive of the need generally to encourage 
diversity when employees and Directors 
(Executive and Non-Executive) are recruited. 
The Committee gives full consideration to 
succession planning in the course of its work 
and receives updated management succession 
plans which look at succession planning for 
the Executive Management Board and identifies 
the next layer of management below them 
who are identified as those with potential for 
promotion to senior management positions. 
During 2017 there was significant work 
undertaken by the Chief People Officer and 
her team in identifying a high performing 
talent programme across the organisation 
which will contribute to an updated management 
succession programme for presentation 
during 2018 to the Committee and the Board.

INDUCTION AND ONGOING 
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

To ensure that each Director receives 
appropriate support on joining the Board, 
they are given a comprehensive, formal 
and tailored induction programme organised 
through the Company Secretary, including 
the provision of background material on the 
Company and briefings with each of the Executive 
Management Board members. These meetings 
will ensure that the on-boarding process for 
a new Director provides a view of each area 
of the business with the opportunity for further 
discussion as appropriate. Each Director’s 
individual experience and background is taken 
into account in developing a programme 
tailored to his or her own requirements. 
The induction programme was reviewed and 
updated in 2017 for Mr Finegold and took place 
over a number of days to allow sufficient time 
for each meeting.

For professional ongoing development, 
the Board receives presentations relevant 
to the Company’s business and updates on 
any changes in legislation which may affect 
the Company’s operations. The Company 
Secretary supplies all Directors with information 
on relevant legal and best practice. As part 
of their annual performance evaluation, 
Directors are given the opportunity to discuss 
training and development needs. Whilst the 
Chairman takes ultimate responsibility for this, 
each Director is expected to ask about any 
specific training needs. They also take steps 
to ensure they are adequately informed 
about the Company and their responsibilities 
as a Director and attend external briefings 
and receive information updates. The Board is 
confident that its members have the knowledge, 
ability and experience to perform the functions 
required of a Director of a listed company.

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Governance | Report of the Nominations Committee

69 

BOARD EVALUATION

EXTERNAL DIRECTORSHIPS

The Board believes, in principle, in the benefit 
of Executive Directors accepting non-executive 
directorships of other companies in order to 
widen their skills and knowledge for the benefit 
of the Company. All such appointments require 
the prior approval of the Board and the number 
of public company appointments is generally 
limited to two. Details of external appointments 
for the CEO can be found in his biography 
on page 59. There were no fees paid to the 
CEO for these duties.

APPOINTMENT AND 
REAPPOINTMENT

The Directors may appoint additional 
members to join the Board during the year. 
Directors appointed in this way will, upon the 
recommendation of the Board, offer themselves 
for election by shareholders at the first 
Annual General Meeting (‘AGM’) after their 
appointment. The reappointment of Directors 
is subject to their ongoing commitment to 
Board activities and satisfactory performance. 
All Directors will stand for re-election annually 
in accordance with the provision of the Code 
and Mr Finegold will stand for election. The 
Nominations Committee confirmed to the Board 
that the contributions made by the Directors 
offering themselves for re-election at the 2018 
AGM continue to benefit the Board and the 
Company should support their re-election. 
Non-Executive Directors are appointed initially 
for three years and all Non-Executive Directors 
may not, unless agreed by the Board, remain 
in office for a period longer than six years, 
or two terms in office, whichever is the shorter.

As already set out earlier in this Report on 
page 67, one of our Non-Executive Directors, 
Sir Bryan Carsberg is being supported by the 
Board for re-election at the 2018 AGM as 
a non-independent Non-Executive Director.

In 2015 the Company undertook an external 
evaluation, facilitated by Duncan Reed of 
Condign Board Consulting. This was the second 
time Mr Reed had undertaken the external 
evaluation. Neither Mr Reed nor Condign 
Board Consulting have any other commercial 
relationships with Inmarsat. The 2016 and 
the most recent 2017 Board evaluation was 
undertaken by the Company Secretary on 
behalf of the Chairman. This took the form of 
a questionnaire to all Directors and a meeting 
between the Company Secretary and each 
of the Directors.

We have continued to build on themes identified 
in the 2016 evaluation so that we ensure the 
Board and Committee meeting times are used 
effectively and are focused on items which 
are strategic and key to supporting the 
Company’s objectives.

Board presentations are more focused with 
delivery at Board meetings leading to discussion 
at higher strategic levels. Keeping this improved 
standard is noted as something from the 2017 
evaluation process to maintain.

Board agendas are sometimes lengthy 
and Board members have suggested that it 
might be helpful for meetings sometimes to 
run for an extra half day. This will be considered 
within the 2018 Board meeting schedule and 
for future years.

Ensuring that the Board continues to receive 
early updates on proposals from management 
on significant transactional issues is a theme 
continued from the 2016 evaluation. This allows 
the Board to be informed and able to contribute 
as these matters develop up to decision stage.

The main outputs from the exercise confirmed 
that the new Non-Executive Directors had 
performed well and the whole Board was 
operating effectively, with mutual respect 
for each other’s experience and contributions. 
The review completed by the Directors regarding 
the Board Chairman’s own performance 
reflected their continued support of how he 
managed the Board, seeking to ensure that 
all Directors contributed to the discussion 
and that he managed the discussion 
effectively and fairly.

GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report70

Governance | Report of the Telecoms Regulatory Committee

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

ACCOUNTABILITY
Report of the Telecoms Regulatory Committee

ANDREW SUKAWATY
CHAIRMAN, TELECOMS 
REGULATORY COMMITTEE

ACCOUNTABILITY
Report of the Telecoms  
Regulatory Committee

The focus for the Committee 
was to contribute oversight 
and guidance for the 
Company’s activities 
across the different global 
regulatory activities with 
which it is involved

MEMBERS IN 2017

Scheduled meetings attended

Andrew Sukawaty (Chairman)

Sir Bryan Carsberg

Janice Obuchowski

Dr Hamadoun Touré

2/2

2/2

2/2

2/2

 › Support the Company in various countries 
to secure authorisations for market access 
as identified by the Company

 › Obtain the advice and assistance of 

any of the Company’s executives having 
particular expertise in such matters and

 › Review, and advise on, the ongoing 
appropriateness and relevance of 
the Company’s regulatory policy and 
strategy as presented by the Company’s 
executives and provide guidance on 
proactive measures proposed by the 
Company to maintain its leading position 
and competitiveness in the industry

A key focus for the Company during 2017 was 
to receive updates from senior management 
regarding the current status of market access 
authorisations for the Ka-band Global Xpress 
services; updates on the focus and attention 
of the FCC in the U.S. and any implications 
for our work; the current position of the EAN 
licence acquisitions for our S-band licence 
and the activities surrounding the discussions 
with regulators about these and also about 
the planning and focus for resourcing for 
the WRC-19 conference.

The Committee was presented with updates 
from senior regulatory experts about upcoming 
legislation and activities which could have an 
impact on the Company’s regulatory roadmap.

The Telecoms Regulatory Committee was 
created in May 2015, specifically to ensure 
there was focus from the Board on this key 
area which affects all parts of the Company’s 
business operations. The Committee comprised 
a majority of independent Non-Executive 
Directors and meets as and when necessary, 
generally twice a year. Andrew Sukawaty 
is Chairman. During 2017 the Committee 
met twice.

The Telecoms Regulatory Committee 
is authorised by the Board to:
 › Review key regulatory challenges facing 
the business of the Company and the 
strategy and action plans proposed 
to meet such challenges

 › Discuss the Company’s strategy 
for acquisition of spectrum and 
frequency rights

 › Facilitate high level engagement 

with governments, regulatory bodies 
and international organisations as 
identified by the Company

 › Review upcoming key regulatory meetings, 
the proposed agendas and events and 
the Company’s plans to cover such events

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Governance | Report of the Audit Committee

71 

Report of the Audit Committee

ROBERT RUIJTER
CHAIRMAN,  
AUDIT COMMITTEE

All members of the Audit 
Committee are independent 
Non-Executive Directors and 
the majority have significant, 
recent and relevant financial 
experience. The Board is 
confident that the collective 
experience of the Audit 
Committee members enables 
them, as a group, to act as 
an effective Committee

The table shows who makes up the Audit Committee 
and their attendance at meetings during 2017. 
Robert Ruijter became Chairman in November 
2015. All members, apart from Dr Obuchowski, are 
considered financial experts. Mr Finegold joined 
the Board in August 2017 and became a member 
of the Committee from that date. Mr Davidson 
stepped down from the Committee in January 
2017 when he retired from the Board.

By invitation, the meetings of the Audit 
Committee may be attended by the Chairman, 
Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer 
and the Head of Internal Audit and other senior 
finance members. The Deloitte LLP (‘Deloitte’) 
audit engagement partner is present at 
all Audit Committee meetings to ensure full 
communication of matters relating to the audit. 
The Chairman of the Audit Committee meets 

regularly with the internal and external auditors 
and at the end of each Audit Committee meeting 
there is a short meeting of just the Committee, 
Company Chairman and auditors (which includes 
the internal auditor several times during the year) 
for an open discussion about the audit process 
and relationship with management.

The Audit Committee has particular 
responsibility for:
 › Monitoring the financial reporting process
 › The adequacy and effectiveness of the 
operation of internal controls and 
risk management

 › The integrity of the financial statements. 
This includes a review of significant issues 
and judgements, policies, and disclosures
 › Keeping under review the scope and results 
of the audit and its cost effectiveness
 › Consideration of management’s response 
to any major external or internal audit 
recommendations

 › Being assured of the independence and 
objectivity of the internal and external 
auditor and

 › In 2018 there will be particular focus on the 
new IFRS 9, 15 and 16 accounting standards 
and their implementation

The Board requested that the Committee 
advise whether it believes the Annual Report 
and Accounts, taken as a whole, is fair, 
balanced and understandable and provides 
the information necessary for shareholders to 
assess the Company’s position, performance, 
business model and strategy. The financial 

ACCOUNTABILITY
Report of the 
Audit Committee

MEMBERS IN 2017

Scheduled meetings attended

Robert Ruijter (Chairman)

Sir Bryan Carsberg

Stephen Davidson1

Janice Obuchowski

Phillipa McCrostie

Warren Finegold2

1  Mr Davidson retired in January 2017
2  Mr Finegold joined in August 2017

5/5

5/5

1/1

5/5

5/5

2/2

results include those from Inmarsat Government 
Inc., a proxy company based in the U.S. which 
is managed under a Proxy arrangement as 
required by the U.S. Government to ensure it 
is insulated from foreign ownership, control 
or influence. This company was acquired 
in 2010 and has been operating under the 
Proxy arrangement since that time. Deloitte 
is auditor to this company and our CEO attends 
their board meetings to listen to matters 
which he is able to participate in.

The Committee’s terms of reference have 
been updated to reflect best practice, and 
can be found on our website. Details about 
the Committee’s assessment are shown 
at the end of this Report.

There is a forward agenda used for the year’s 
activities which focuses on:
 › Review of the annual financial statements 
and the results of the annual external 
audit and review of the external auditor’s 
quarterly and interim review work and 
relevant quarterly and interim financial 
reporting and the external audit plan
 › Review of risk management reports
 › Consideration of new accounting 

standards and governance changes
 › Review of the preparation of the viability 
statement for use in the 2017 Preliminary 
Statement and Annual Report and

 › Review of internal audit plans and findings 

and recommendations

GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report72

Governance | Report of the Audit Committee

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
CONTINUED

The Audit Committee ensures that the external 
audit process and audit quality are effective. 
It does this by:
 › Monitoring the engagement between 
the Audit Committee Chairman and the 
lead audit engagement partner which will 
generally be through face-to-face meetings
 › Monitoring the reports which are brought to 
the Committee by the lead audit engagement 
partner and other senior members of the 
audit team

 › Monitoring the quality of the management 

responses to audit queries

 › Monitoring meetings held by the CEO 
and the Chairman with the lead audit 
engagement partner which are reported 
to the Audit Chairman and Committee
 › Monitoring a review of independence 

and objectivity of the audit firm and also 
the quality of the formal audit report 
given by the Auditor to shareholders and
 › Seeking feedback from members of the 

finance team, the Company Secretary and 
the Head of Internal Audit. The Committee 
is considering the use of a formal auditor 
assessment tool for future review of audit 
effectiveness

During the reporting year to 31 December 2017, 
the activities of the Audit Committee were:
 › To ensure a smooth running of the Audit 
Committee following the addition of two 
new members over a 15-month period
 › Confirming to the Board that the Annual 
Report and Accounts is fair, balanced 
and understandable

 › Review and endorsement, prior to submission 
to the Board, of half-year and full-year 
financial statements, interim management 
statements and results announcements
 › Review and approval of internal audit reports, 
and findings and recommendations arising 
from the reports

 › Review and approval of risk management 
updates and the annual risk management 
process

 › Agreement of external and internal annual 

audit plans

 › Receiving updates on management 
responses to audit recommendations 

 › Monitor changes in the approach to 

assessing the carrying value of goodwill 
and intangibles for possible impairment and 
review the conclusions of the assessment

 › Reviewing key accounting judgements 

relating to specific transactions as well as 
changes to any accounting policies affecting 
the Group’s financial position and
 › Regular monitoring of key programmes 
across the Group including the plans for 
the implementation of a new billing and 
account payable system

Reviews by the Committee of audit plans 
and risk reports include all Group operations. 
Detailed risk reporting is used for all Group 
companies and business operations. One of 
our subsidiary companies, Inmarsat Group Ltd, 
is required to produce quarterly financial 
statements, as required by its loan agreements, 
which are reviewed and approved by the 
Committee. The quarterly review of the risk 
reports and the process adopted to manage 
risk is a key area of focus for the Committee.

With several significant changes to IFRS 
reporting being implemented, the Committee 
received detailed briefings and updates from 
management regarding progress.

The risk management process which had 
benefited from the Committee’s input during 
2016 continued to progress in being more 
focused on how mitigation activities would 
be implemented. This contributed to the 
quality of the viability statement review which 
is contained in the risk section of this Annual 
Report. New requirements for publishing 
a tax statement and compliance with new 
governance regulations were also part 
of the Committee’s work schedule.

Audit Committee meetings generally take 
place just prior to a Board meeting to maximise 
effectiveness and time planning efficiency of 
those attending. The Committee’s Chairman 
reports to the Board as part of a separate 
agenda item, on the activity of the Committee 
and matters of particular relevance to the 
Board in the conduct of their work. All members 
of the Board have access to Audit Committee 
papers and minutes of meetings, and may, on 
request to the Chairman, attend the meetings.

The Company Secretary, as Chairman of 
the Disclosure Committee (the role of which 
is detailed on page 66), reported on matters 
that affected the quality and timely disclosure 
of financial and other material information to 

the Board. This enabled the Audit Committee 
to review and clarify the completeness of 
financial reporting disclosures prior to their 
release by the Board.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING 
MATTERS

During 2017, the Audit Committee considered 
the significant accounting matters described 
below. In addressing these issues the Committee 
considered the appropriateness of management’s 
accounting estimates and key judgements, 
outlined in note 4 to the consolidated financial 
statements. The Committee discussed these 
with the external auditor during the year and, 
where appropriate, details of how they have 
been addressed are provided in the Independent 
Auditors’ Report on pages 105 to 111.

CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES
An in-depth review of revenue accounting, lease 
accounting and financial instruments has been 
completed in preparation for the implementation 
of IFRS 15, IFRS 16 and IFRS 9 respectively in 2018. 
IFRS 16 is to be early adopted in 2018 as the 
overall impact on the financial statements 
is considered low. As part of the assessment, 
management has outlined the Group’s updated 
accounting policies to align with each of the 
standards. For revenue recognition, installation 
and Ligado revenue will have their recognition 
policies updated and the comparatives will be 
adjusted within the 2018 financial statements as 
permitted by IFRS 15. For lease accounting, a right 
to use asset will be recorded on the statement 
of financial position with a corresponding lease 
liability, while changes in the income statement 
will be mainly presentational. For financial 
instruments, there are no material changes 
expected. Further details of the expected 
adjustments are outlined in note 1.

REVENUE RECOGNITION
The timing of revenue recognition is a key area of 
judgement, especially in the telecommunications 
industry. The Group’s accounting policy on 
revenue recognition remains unchanged from 
the prior year, refer to note 2 for more details. 
The Group’s Internal Audit team have kept 
significant revenue systems, processes and 
recognition as a focus area during the year 
and the external auditor performed detailed 
audit procedures on revenue recognition, 
with the findings of both being reported to the 
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee has 
therefore concluded that the Group’s revenue 
recognition policies continue to be in line 
with IFRS requirements.

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Governance | Report of the Audit Committee

73 

REVENUE IN RESPECT OF THE LIGADO 
NETWORKS COOPERATION AGREEMENT
The Audit Committee continues to review the 
accounting treatment for the recognition of 
revenue and costs in respect of each phase of 
the Ligado Networks (formerly LightSquared) 
Cooperation Agreement.

In March 2016, Ligado Networks agreed to 
take the 30MHz option (the ‘30MHz Plan’) 
under the Cooperation Agreement between the 
companies. In exchange for the deferral of some 
payments from Ligado to Inmarsat, the parties 
agreed to delay the transition to the 30MHz 
Plan, with Ligado providing Inmarsat enhanced 
spectrum usage rights for its satellite operations 
for a minimum period of two years. With this 
in mind, Ligado made quarterly payments to 
Inmarsat of $111m during the course of 2017 and 
will make aggregate payments of approximately 
$118m in respect of 2018, payable in quarterly 
instalments. This revenue is currently recognised 
on an accruals basis. Under IFRS 15, the allocation 
of the revenue over the contract period will 
result in additional revenue of $4.5m being 
recognised in 2018 when compared to the 
current accounting policy.

Deferred income in respect of Phase 1 from 
Ligado continues to be carried on the balance 
sheet. Although the cash has been received, 
the timing of the recognition of this deferred 
income, together with any related future 
costs and taxes, is dependent upon a number 
of factors that continue to be uncertain. 
The impact of the foregoing on the deferred 
revenue balance of $181.8m (at 31 December 
2017) carried by Inmarsat in respect of the costs 
of implementation of this agreement is still to 
be determined. During 2017, Inmarsat recognised 
$16.0m of deferred income; $2.0m on a $ for 
$ basis against any costs incurred in freeing 
up spectrum for Ligado and $14.0m as revenue 
to reflect the impact of the revenue deferral 
arising under the revised transition agreement.

The Audit Committee has deemed the current 
accounting treatment of all phases of the 
Cooperation Agreement appropriate.

TAXATION
The calculation of some of the Group’s 
potential tax assets and liabilities involves a 
degree of estimation and judgement in respect 
of certain items, whose tax treatment cannot 
be finalised until resolution has been reached 
with the relevant tax authority, or, as appropriate, 
through a formal legal process. Issues can, 
and often do, take a number of years to resolve.

The Committee addresses these matters 
through a range of reporting from senior 
management and a process of challenging 

the appropriateness of management’s 
views including the degree to which these are 
supported by professional advice from external 
legal and other advisory firms. This is also 
an area of higher audit risk and accordingly, 
the Committee received detailed verbal and 
written reports from the external auditor 
on these matters. Following these procedures, 
the Audit Committee deemed the income 
tax assets and liabilities balances for the year, 
as well as the Group’s disclosure in respect 
of income taxes and related liabilities, 
to be appropriate.

To ensure that the Group’s tax risk is managed 
conservatively and professionally, through 
observing laws and meeting our compliance 
obligations in all territories in which we operate. 
We seek to work proactively and collaboratively 
with our stakeholders, including tax authorities 
and colleagues within the business, whilst 
ensuring that the Group’s tax strategy is aligned 
with the wider business and its commercial 
strategy of generating sustainable value 
for our shareholders.

Our tax principles are a clear articulation of our tax 
mission statement. These are subject to review 
by the Board of Inmarsat plc on an annual basis.

Inmarsat’s tax function is committed to:
 › Observing all applicable laws, rules and 

regulations in meeting our tax compliance 
and reporting responsibilities everywhere 
we operate

 › Applying diligent professional care and 
judgement to ensure that the tax risk is 
managed with a high degree of certainty

 › Working positively, pro-actively and 

transparently with tax authorities to minimise 
the extent of disputes, to achieve early 
agreement on disputed issues when 
they arise and achieve certainty wherever 
possible and

 › Ensuring that tax strategy is aligned with 

the wider business and commercial strategy

The Group’s tax strategy is available on 
our website.

CAPITALISATION OF SPACE 
SEGMENT ASSETS AND ASSOCIATED 
BORROWING COSTS
Space segment assets comprise satellite 
construction, launch and other associated 
costs, including ground infrastructure. In 
addition, borrowing costs attributable to 
qualifying space segment assets are added 
to the cost of those assets. Given the nature 
of the Group’s business, significant capital 
expenditure is incurred on space segment 

assets. The key judgements involved in 
the capitalisation of space segment assets 
and associated borrowings costs are:
 › Whether the capitalisation criteria 

of the underlying IFRS have been met

 › Allocation of an appropriate asset 

class and associated useful economic 
life in accordance with Group policies

 › Whether an asset is deemed to be substantially 
complete and as a result capitalisation of 
borrowing costs should cease and

 › Whether an asset is ready for use and as a 
result further capitalisation of costs should 
cease and depreciation should commence

The external auditor examined the capitalisation 
of development costs in the year, particularly 
in relation to the Global Xpress and S-band 
satellite programmes and reported its control 
findings to the Audit Committee. The Audit 
Committee is satisfied that space segment 
assets and associated borrowing costs have 
been capitalised correctly in the year. 
We acknowledge the Auditor’s advice and 
will review how any weaknesses will be remedied 
during the coming year.

VIABILITY STATEMENT

The Audit Committee received a detailed 
paper from management setting out both 
the Directors’ obligation to include a viability 
statement in the Annual Report and a 
detailed assessment of the Group’s viability. 
The Committee endorsed the selection of a 
three-year time horizon as a basis for the 
statement and reviewed the detailed viability 
assessment including the assumptions that 
had been made in conducting the assessment. 
Further detail on the assessment of viability and 
the viability statement are set out on page 55.

INTERNAL AUDIT

Monitoring and review of the scope, extent 
and effectiveness of the activity of the Internal 
Audit Department is an agenda item at each 
Committee meeting. Moreover the Chairman 
of the Committee meets regularly with the 
Internal Auditor.

Internal Audit prepares its annual audit plan 
based on the principal risks of the Company 
for the Committee to approve. Internal Audit 
conducts reviews of business operations, 
financial and internal controls, IT and cyber 
security, and legal and regulatory compliance 
etc. It presents its reports at each meeting 
covering updates on Internal Audit activities, 
results of audits and follow-up actions required.

GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report74

Governance | Report of the Audit Committee

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
CONTINUED

EXTERNAL AUDITOR

The Financial Reporting Council issued a guide 
for Audit Committees to help them evaluate 
auditor effectiveness. There are several criteria 
included within the report and the Committee 
is in the process of completing its work on this 
assessment for the most recent audit work using 
as a gauge for this the effectiveness guidelines 
provided by Deloitte. The Committee receives 
inputs from different sources such as the 
Auditors themselves, as well as management and 
the input from the members of the Committee 
which assisted it to determine that the Auditor 
and its work were effective. At each of the Audit 
Committee meetings, the Auditor would report 
on any issues it perceived related to quality 
control and where it thought judgements had 
been applied by management and if it agreed 
with these, or offered an alternative view if 
appropriate. The findings and reports from 
the Auditor help the Audit Committee make 
any assessments about the need to update 
processes or undertake further review 
work on any particular issues.

Deloitte LLP were reappointed at the 2017 
Annual General Meeting and will also be put 
forward for reappointment at the 2018 Annual 
General Meeting. Under the EU directive, Deloitte 
are now capable of being reappointed for a further 
10 years after the retender (2016), however 
shareholder approval will be required each year.

Auditor objectivity and independence is 
safeguarded through a variety of mechanisms. 
To ensure the Auditor’s independence, the 
Committee annually reviews the Company’s 
relationship with Deloitte and receives 
summaries at each Audit Committee meeting 
from the Auditor as to their independence. 
The Committee concluded that it continues to 
have an objective and professional relationship 
with Deloitte and that there are sufficient controls 
and processes in place to ensure the required 
level of independence. The External Auditor is 
required to change the audit partner responsible 
for the Group audit every five years. In the prior 
year, a new audit partner was identified and took 
over as the lead for the 2016 reporting period 
after Deloitte’s successful reappointment. During 
the year, Deloitte charged the Group $1.2m 
(2016: $1.1m) for audit and audit-related services.

A formal policy is in place in relation to the 
provision of non-audit services by the Auditor 
to ensure that there is adequate protection of 
their independence and objectivity. Inmarsat’s 
policy is to adopt a strict 70% cap for allowable 
non-audit services. To ensure the policy 
is adequately controlled, we adopt several 
processes, which were enforced during 2017. 
Fees charged by Deloitte in respect of non-audit 
services require the prior approval of the Audit 
Committee, except where the fee is less than 
£50,000. Any commitments above this amount 
will require the Audit Committee Chairman’s 
approval. A summary is supplied to the Audit 
Committee at each meeting where amounts 
have been committed below £50,000. Separate 
engagement letters are signed by our CFO 
for each audit and non-audit engagement 
with Deloitte.

No non-audit services for 2017 were received 
from Deloitte compared to $0.2m in 2016. 
A breakdown of the fees paid to Deloitte during 
the year is set out in note 6 to the consolidated 
financial statements.

It is the Company’s practice that it will seek 
quotes from several firms, which may include 
Deloitte, before work on non-audit projects 
is awarded. Contracts are awarded to our 
suppliers based on individual merits. The 
Committee and the Company’s management 
are aware that the level of fees paid to Deloitte 
for non-audit services compared to audit 
services was significantly higher several years 
ago due to work undertaken regarding specialist 
tax advice on certain transactions and has 
worked to ensure that the non-audit fee levels 
have reduced over the last few years.

We receive advice from other firms for 
specific projects and other long-term projects. 
We have continued to use PwC, KPMG and EY 
for various projects – some are new projects 
and some have been continuing for several 
years. Areas where we have used other 
firms relate to the new IFRS 15 and IFRS 16 
standards and undertaking a review of our 
current accounting standards manual. 
We also use different firms to support us 
on VAT and ad hoc PAYE issues.

FAIR, BALANCED AND 
UNDERSTANDABLE

NON-AUDIT SERVICES

The Company’s Auditor may also be used 
to provide specialist advice where, as a result 
of their position as Auditor, they either must, or 
are best placed to, perform the work in question. 

When forming its opinion as to whether the 
Annual Report and Accounts is fair, balanced 
and understandable, the Committee reflected 
on the information it had received and its 
discussions throughout the year.

In particular, the Committee considered 
the same themes as it had in 2016:

IS THE REPORT FAIR?
 › Is the whole story presented and has any 
sensitive material been omitted that 
should have been included?

 › Is the reporting on the business segments 
in the narrative reporting consistent with 
those used for the financial reporting in 
the financial statements?

 › Are the key messages in the narrative 
reflected in the financial reporting?

 › Are the KPIs disclosed at an appropriate level 
based on the financial reporting and are they 
the right ones to use to describe the business?

IS THE REPORT BALANCED?
 › Is there a good level of consistency between 
the narrative reporting in the front and the 
financial reporting in the back of the report, 
and does the messaging reflected in each 
remain consistent when read independently 
of each other?

 › Is the Annual Report a document which 
is understandable by shareholders?
 › Are the statutory and adjusted measures 

explained clearly with appropriate prominence?

 › Are the key judgements referred to in the 

narrative reporting and the significant issues 
reported in this Audit Committee Report 
consistent with the disclosures of key estimation 
uncertainties and critical judgements set 
out in the financial statements?

 › How do these compare with the risks that 

Deloitte plan to include in their audit report?

IS THE REPORT UNDERSTANDABLE?
 › Is there a clear and understandable 

framework to the report?

 › Are the important messages highlighted 
appropriately throughout the document?

 › Is the layout clear with good linkage 
throughout in a manner that reflects 
the whole story?

CONCLUSION

Following its review, the Committee was of 
the opinion that the 2017 Annual Report and 
Accounts is representative of the year and 
presents a fair, balanced and understandable 
overview, providing the necessary information 
for shareholders to assess the Group’s position, 
performance, business model and strategy.

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Governance | Relations with shareholders

75 

RELATIONS WITH SHAREHOLDERS

COMMUNICATING WITH THE 
INVESTMENT COMMUNITY

INVESTOR COMMUNICATION 
CHANNELS

2017 ANNUAL REPORT 
AND 2018 AGM

Given the importance placed by the Company 
in communicating with our investors, we seek 
to maintain a regular and open dialogue with 
current equity shareholders, potential equity 
investors, debt investors and sell side and 
credit analysts through a comprehensive 
investor relations programme.

This programme is based around investor and 
analyst presentations by senior management, 
covering the full year and interim results (in 
person), and quarterly results announcements 
(by webcast and conference call). The shareholder 
communication programme incorporates the 
AGM, investor roadshow meetings, investor 
conference participation as well as presentations 
to analysts and investment banks’ equity sales 
teams. Management participated in meetings 
with investment communities in the UK, 
the U.S. and in Europe in 2017.

The key objective of the Company’s investor 
communication programme is to ensure that 
the investment community continues to have 
a comprehensive and clear understanding of 
the various dynamics and elements relating to 
Inmarsat’s business, market environment, strategy, 
operational performance and future outlook.

The Board is aware that institutional 
shareholders and bondholders may be in more 
regular contact with the Company than other 
shareholders, but care is exercised to ensure 
that any price-sensitive information is released 
to all shareholders, institutional and private, 
at the same time in accordance with the 
Financial Conduct Authority requirements.

The Board is responsible for ensuring 
that a consistent and open dialogue with 
shareholders is maintained, with the Chief 
Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and 
Head of Investor Relations being the Company’s 
principal representatives with the investment 
community. Furthermore, the Chairman, 
Andrew Sukawaty, and Senior Independent 
Director, Dr Abe Peled, are available to 
shareholders if they have concerns which 
cannot be raised through the normal channels 
or if such concerns have not been resolved.

In total, senior management participated 
in over 500 meetings or conference calls 
with buy side and sell side institutions in 
2017, both in the equity and debt markets, 
including existing shareholders and 
potential shareholders.

The Board obtains feedback from senior 
management as well as from its joint 
corporate brokers, J.P. Morgan Cazenove 
and Credit Suisse, and financial advisors, 
Oakley Advisory, on the views of institutional 
investors on a non-attributed and attributed 
basis. As a matter of routine, the Board receives 
regular reports on issues relating to share price 
and trading activity, and details of movements 
in institutional investor shareholdings. The 
Board is also regularly provided with current 
analyst opinions and forecasts.

This audited 2017 Annual Report will 
be made available to shareholders and all 
results are posted on the Company’s website, 
as are presentations made in respect of the 
company’s financial results.

Shareholders are welcome at the Company’s 
AGM where they will have an opportunity to 
meet the Board. The notice of the AGM is sent 
to all shareholders at least 20 working days 
before the meeting. The Chairmen of the 
Audit and the Remuneration Committees, 
together with as many Directors as possible, 
will attend the 2018 AGM and be available 
to answer shareholders’ questions. Voting on 
all resolutions at the AGM is on a poll.

The proxy votes cast, including details of 
votes withheld, are disclosed on our website 
and announced to the UK Listing Authority 
through a Regulatory Information Service 
immediately after the meeting. Facilities 
are provided for shareholders to vote 
electronically either through Electronic 
Proxy Voting or through CREST.

Details of our results announcements  
for 2018 are shown below:

2 May 2018
AGM and Q1 2018 results

2 August 2018*
Interim results for the half year to  
30 June 2018

8 November 2018*
Q3 2018 results 

* These dates are provisional and may change

500+

MEETINGS OR CONFERENCE CALLS WITH 
ANALYSTS AND INSTITUTIONS IN 2017

GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report76

Governance | Directors’ Remuneration Report

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

2017 SNAPSHOT

SINGLE FIGURE

Chief Executive Officer

2017

2016

Chief Financial Officer

2017

2016

TOTAL SHAREHOLDER RETURN

£1,875k

£2,346k

£1,532k

£1,807k

400

300

200

100

BONUS OUTCOME (% OF SALARY)

0

Dec 08

Dec 17

CEO

CFO

82%

88%

Inmarsat

FTSE 350 xIT

SHARE PLANS
 › 2017 BSA: 81% of allocated shares granted; 
target payout reduced for 2017 award
 › 2015 PSP: 30% vesting
SHAREHOLDER RETURNS
 › 2017	final	year	dividend:	12.00	cents	(US$)

SALARY
 › 2% increase for CEO and CFO,  
effective from 1 July 2017
 › UK average of 2.7% increase
ANNUAL BONUS

Measures and outcome
 › Revenue exceeded target but below stretch
 › EBITDA exceeded target but below stretch
 › Personal objectives – 73% for the CEO and 

90% for the CFO

2018 SNAPSHOT

SHARE PLANS
 › Change to BSA operation:

 – performance against each measure assessed on an independent basis
 – payout for target performance reduced to 80% of maximum; introduction of stretch target, 

the achievement of which will result in 100% payout
 › No changes in PSA and BSA award opportunities vs. 2017:

 – award	of	salary:	185%	for	CEO	and	175%	for	CFO	–	final	vesting	may	be	lower	but	

not higher than these percentages of salary

 – two-year hold on PSA awards which was introduced with effect from the 2017 award

These changes were implemented in the 2017 award as well.

ANNUAL BONUS PLAN
 › Annual bonus potential remains maximum of salary of 125% for CEO and CFO

77  Annual Statement from 
Committee Chairman

79  2017 Directors’ Remuneration Policy 
(provided in full for information; 
as approved in May 2017)
81  Payments from existing variable 

pay awards

81  Performance measurement selection
81  Remuneration policy for other employees
81  Shareholding guidelines
81  Pay scenario charts for the CEO and CFO
82  Approach to recruitment remuneration
82  Executive Director service contracts 

and exit payment policy
84  Non-Executive Directors
85  External appointments
85  Consideration of conditions elsewhere 

in the Company

85  Consideration of shareholder views

85  Annual Report on Remuneration
85  Remuneration Committee 
membership in 2017

86  Advisors
86  Summary of shareholder voting  

at the 2017 AGM

87	 Single	figure	of	total	remuneration	
for Executive Directors (audited)
Incentive outcomes for the year 
ended 31 December 2017 (audited)

87 

90  Additional disclosure of 2016  
performance targets (audited)
91  Scheme interests awarded in 2017 

(audited)

92  Pension (audited)
93	 Single	figure	of	total	remuneration	

for Non-Executive Directors (audited)
93  Exit payments made in the year (audited)
93  Payments to past Directors (audited)
93  External appointments for 

93 

Executive Directors
Implementation of Remuneration  
Policy for 2018

95  Non-Executive Director fees
95  Total shareholder return
96  CEO nine-year remuneration history 

(audited)

96  Percentage change in CEO remuneration
96  Relative importance of spend on pay
97  Directors’ shareholding (audited)
97  Directors’ interests in shares in 

Inmarsat long-term incentive plans 
and all-employee plans (audited)
Inmarsat Bonus Share Awards (audited)

97 
98  Inmarsat Performance Share 

Awards (audited)

98  Inmarsat Sharesave Scheme  

(2017 Award) (audited)

79

2017 Directors’  
Remuneration Policy

85

Annual Report  
on Remuneration

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Governance | Directors’ Remuneration Report

77 

Annual statement

Annual statement from 
the Remuneration 
Committee Chairman, 
Simon Bax

SIMON BAX
CHAIRMAN, 
REMUNERATION  
COMMITTEE

DEAR SHAREHOLDER

On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present 
the Directors’ Remuneration Report for the 
year ended 31 December 2017.

During 2017, the Company has made steady 
progress	against	plan	in	terms	of	both	financial	
performance and achievement of strategic 
objectives, which has positioned us well for 
the future. However, at the same time, we have 
experienced	a	significant	decline	in	our	share	
price, driven in part by the market’s view of 
the satellite sector. The Committee has taken 
a holistic view of performance and made 
its decision to ensure that pay outcomes for 
Executive Directors this year have appropriately 
taken into account the progress made against 
our	financial	and	strategic	objectives	as	well	
as the decline in share price.

The annual bonus and the Bonus Share Award 
plan	(‘BSA’)	financial	targets	were	partially	
achieved despite the impact of the costs of 
the workforce reduction exercise during 2017. 
We chose to retain these costs as part of this 
year’s operating costs. This has the impact 
of lowering the outcome of both the BSA 
and annual cash bonus.

There is also partial vesting under the 2015 
Performance Share Award plan (‘PSA’) for 
the delivery of the strategic objectives portion 
of	that	award	reflecting	some	good	progress	
against predetermined long-term strategic 
goals. These goals support the Company’s 

future	financial	performance	and	shareholder	
value	creation.	The	TSR	and	financial	metrics	
were not met and therefore there was no vesting 
for that portion of the PSA.

The Committee took careful account of the 
external environment when reviewing Executive 
Director salaries for the year; a 2% increase was 
applied, in line with RPI and below the average 
increase across the Company. The 2017 single 
figures	for	total	remuneration	are	down	20%	
for the CEO and 15% for the CFO compared 
with	last	year,	reflecting	the	changes	made	to	
the BSA arrangements retrospectively for 2017, 
and the fall in the Company’s share price.

CHANGES TO BSA

As a reminder, we undertook a remuneration 
review in 2016, and at the 2017 AGM put forward 
a revised Remuneration Policy for shareholder 
approval. The new Policy was approved with 
over 90% votes in favour, but the advisory vote 
for the 2016 Annual Report on Remuneration 
received just over 51% support. As a Board, 
we take seriously the views of our shareholders, 
and in light of the voting outcome, the Committee 
commenced a fresh review of the Company’s 
approach to remuneration and spent considerable 
time engaging with shareholders during 2017 
and early in 2018. The review focused on the BSA, 
which was the main area of shareholder concern.

We	reflected	on	the	shareholders’	comments	
we had received, and are making two key 
changes to the implementation of the BSA. 
Firstly, performance against each measure 

will now be assessed on an independent basis, 
ie there will no longer be an opportunity 
to ‘offset’ any underperformance against 
one measure with outperformance against 
the other. Secondly, payout for target 
performance will be reduced from 100% to 
80% of maximum, and a stretch target will 
be introduced, the achievement of which 
will be required for full payout. The Committee, 
Company Chairman and the Executive Directors 
wanted to acknowledge the strong views 
of some shareholders on this matter quickly 
and decisively. We therefore took the decision 
to apply these changes on a retrospective 
basis to awards made to Executive Directors 
in 2017, as well as to future awards.

The Committee engaged with major 
shareholders and proxy advisors on these 
changes prior to the 2018 AGM, and received 
strong support. During consultation, we also 
received comments from some shareholders 
around the current mix of performance 
measures in our incentive plans and these 
have already been reported back to the 
Remuneration Committee. We intend 
to review this area more fully during 2018, 
and will consult again ahead of making 
any	significant	changes.	We	thank	our	
shareholders for your valued input into 
the engagement process and continued 
support for the Company, and remain 
committed to ongoing dialogue.

GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report78

Governance | Directors’ Remuneration Report

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

REMUNERATION REPORT
CONTINUED

SUMMARY

I would like to thank shareholders for their 
input during the year, and my fellow members 
of the Remuneration Committee and all the 
Non-Executive Directors for their valuable 
contribution to the remuneration agenda for 
2017 and discussions held in 2018. I hope we 
can count on shareholders’ support at the 
2018 AGM, where I will be available to respond 
to any questions shareholders may have on 
this report or in relation to the Committee’s 
activities. As always, I am available to meet 
and discuss our remuneration arrangements 
with shareholders.

SIMON BAX  
CHAIRMAN,  
REMUNERATION COMMITTEE

9 March 2018

REMUNERATION DECISIONS 
IN 2017

Based on 2017 performance, the CEO and 
the CFO will receive annual cash bonuses 
of 82% and 88% of salary, respectively. The 
bonuses	reflect	both	the	financial	performance	
of the Company and the individual contributions 
made by each of the Executive Directors 
over the last year. Based on performance and 
taking into account the changes set out above, 
81% of the 2017 BSA will be awarded in March 
2018 and will vest in equal tranches in March 
2019, 2020 and 2021, subject to continued 
employment. Summaries of performance 
against bonus and BSA targets are included 
on pages 87 and 88.

Based on performance to 31 December 2017, 
30% of the share award made under the 2015 
PSA will vest in March 2018, driven by strong 
progress against long-term strategic targets. 
We introduced strategic objectives in the 
PSA in 2015 as we believed it was important 
for management to be focused on delivering 
critical strategic programmes, which would 
in turn drive long-term shareholder value 
creation. The Committee considered strategic 
performance over the three-year period, 
including quantitative and qualitative 
outcomes; detailed information is set out 
on page 89.

After taking into account overall performance 
against the individual strategic objectives, 
as well as taking a holistic view of the Company’s 
performance over the period, 30% out of 40% 
will vest for strategic performance. Targets 
for the relative TSR (30% of total award) and 
EBITDA (30% of total award) elements were 
not met and as such there will be no vesting 
for either element.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 
REMUNERATION POLICY  
IN 2018

For 2018, the maximum annual bonus 
opportunity will remain 125% of salary. The 
financial	element	of	the	bonus	(representing	
70% of maximum) will continue to be measured 
by reference to EBITDA and revenue. The element 
on personal performance and contribution 
will continue to be weighted 30% of maximum.

BSA opportunities for 2018 will remain 185% 
and 175% of salary for the CEO and the CFO, 
respectively. Payout will continue to be linked 
to the achievement of EBITDA (67% of total 
award) and revenue (33%) targets. The two 
measures will be considered independently, 
and payout for target performance will 
be reduced to 80% of maximum, with 60% 
payout delivered for threshold performance 
and full payout for stretch performance.

No changes are proposed to award levels 
or performance measurement for the PSA 
for 2018. The CEO and the CFO will receive 
awards of 185% and 175% of salary, respectively. 
Vesting will continue to be based on relative 
TSR against the constituents of the 
FTSE 50-150 excluding investment trusts 
(30% of total award), EBITDA (30%) and 
the	delivery	of	specific	strategic	objectives	
considered key drivers to our future success 
(40%). A two-year holding period, which 
was introduced to awards starting in 2017, 
will apply to vested PSA shares, during 
which time shares may not be sold except 
to cover taxes.

Further detail on the implementation of our 
Policy for 2018 is included on pages 93 to 95.

WE REFLECTED ON SHAREHOLDERS’ 
COMMENTS AND ARE MAKING TWO KEY 
CHANGES TO THE IMPLEMENTATION 
OF THE BONUS SHARE AWARD

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Governance | Directors’ Remuneration Report

79 

2017 Directors’ Remuneration Policy
The Directors’ Remuneration Policy was approved by a binding shareholder vote at the 2017 Annual General Meeting and took effect from the 
date of the AGM. This section presents the full Policy, for ease of reference. The sections presented are as disclosed in the 2016 Directors’ 
Remuneration Report, save the following changes:
 › Payout	profile	for	the	BSA	has	been	updated	to	reflect	the	reduced	payout	at	target	and	the	addition	of	a	stretch	level	of	performance
 › References	to	financial	years	have	been	updated	where	appropriate
 › Pay	scenario	charts	have	been	updated	to	reflect	the	latest	salaries	and
 › Details of current Non-Executive Directors’ letters of appointment
The Group’s Remuneration Policy is designed to deliver rewards that enable it to attract, retain and motivate talent of the highest appropriate quality, 
linking	rewards	to	the	achievement	of	financial	and	strategic	goals	of	the	Group.	When	determining	Remuneration	Policy,	we	take	into	account	all	factors	
which we deem necessary, including the Group’s overall business strategy, business performance in the current year and expectations for future years 
as incorporated into our Long Range Business Plan (‘LRBP’), pay arrangements in the wider Inmarsat workforce, and the global economic situation. 
Where appropriate, we will consult with shareholders in advance of major changes in the Remuneration Policy or where we consider there are material 
changes to individual remuneration arrangements. The Committee is committed to the principle that the Company should pay at the appropriate 
level to recruit and retain executives, and incentivise them to achieve the Company’s objectives which will create value for shareholders.

How does this link to strategy

What happens in practice

What amounts can be paid

How do we assess performance

BASIC SALARY

Paying market-competitive 
base salaries, commensurate 
with the individual’s role, 
responsibilities and experience, 
allows us to recruit and retain 
Executive Directors of the 
calibre required to implement 
our strategy.

Salaries are reviewed annually with any increase 
generally made in July or following a material change 
in responsibilities. The Committee will determine 
any increases to be made.

Any increase is determined by a formal appraisal 
by the Committee, taking into account market pay 
levels, a review of salaries against companies of 
similar size, complexity and type, Group performance, 
as well as the remuneration arrangements operated 
throughout the Group, with reference to UK-based 
employees in particular for pay comparison levels.

Provision of death, long-term sickness and medical 
and dental insurance cover (which can include 
spouse and dependents cover). Life assurance 
of four times salary, paid holiday and medical 
check-ups are also provided.

If required, the Company would provide access 
to independent financial and legal advice on a 
case-by-case basis.

Provision of other reasonable benefits in the 
event of relocation, eg temporary accommodation 
and other related costs will be considered on a 
case-by-case basis.

These benefits are non-pensionable.

BENEFITS IN KIND

We provide cost-effective 
benefits which support the 
wellbeing of employees.

PENSION

We provide defined 
contribution pension 
arrangements, or  
cash in lieu of pension.

Salary increases will be applied in line with 
the outcome of an annual salary review.

Based on Company performance 
and individual contribution.

The maximum annual salary increase 
will normally be in line with the average 
increase applied to the UK workforce. 
However, larger increases may be 
awarded in certain circumstances 
including, but not limited to, an increase 
in scope or responsibility of the role; 
to apply salary progression for a 
newly appointed Director; where the 
Director’s salary has fallen behind 
market positioning. Where increases 
are awarded in excess of that for the UK 
employee population, the Committee 
will provide the rationale in the relevant 
year’s Annual Report on Remuneration.

The benefits provided may vary 
by role and levels of cover provided 
will reflect market practice and 
the individual circumstances of the 
Executive Directors.

It is not anticipated that the current 
cost of benefits (as set out in the 
Annual Report on Remuneration) 
would increase materially over the 
period for which this Policy will apply.

The Committee retains the 
discretion to approve a higher 
cost in exceptional circumstances 
(eg relocation) or in circumstances 
where factors outside the Company’s 
control have changed materially.

Not applicable.

The Executive Directors are eligible to participate 
in the Company’s defined contribution pension plan 
arrangements or other similar pension plans as 
appropriate to the Executive Director’s nationality 
or location. The Company also operates an auto-
enrolment pension scheme which an Executive Director 
could participate in instead of the main pension plan.

Contributions are based on a percentage of salary 
which is currently limited to a pensions cap.

Maximum employer contributions are 
currently 12.5% of the capped salary 
under the terms of the UK pension plan.

The Committee may review pension 
contribution levels in the future. 
Any increase in contributions would 
not result in a pension contribution 
in excess of 20% of the uncapped 
basic salary.

Not applicable.

GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report80

Governance | Directors’ Remuneration Report

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

REMUNERATION REPORT
CONTINUED

How does this link to strategy

What happens in practice

What amounts can be paid

How do we assess performance

ANNUAL CASH BONUS

We provide an annual 
bonus to incentivise the 
achievement of annual 
financial and operational 
goals in line with Group 
strategy.

Performance metrics are 
selected to support the 
annual business strategy 
which we believe also 
lead to enhancement 
of shareholder value.

BONUS SHARE AWARD (‘BSA’)

We provide the opportunity 
to participate in the BSA 
as it links the delivery of 
short-term financial and 
operational performance 
to sustained shareholder 
value creation.

Participation in the BSA 
reinforces continued 
delivery of the LRBP as 
vesting of shares occurs 
over three years after 
performance has  
been tested.

Maximum opportunity:
 › 125% of salary
Threshold and Target opportunity:
 › 0% and 75% of salary respectively

Bonus payment levels are determined by the 
Committee annually by reference to performance 
against targets set at the start of the financial year. 
Personal objectives are set annually by the Committee.

In exceptional circumstances, the Committee 
has the ability to exercise discretion to override the 
formulaic bonus outcome within the limits of the 
scheme where it believes the outcome is not truly 
reflective of performance, and to reflect the actual 
delivery of value to shareholders. Any discretionary 
adjustments will be detailed in the following year’s 
Annual Report on Remuneration.

The Committee may exercise its discretion to claw 
back bonuses in certain exceptional circumstances 
which may include (but are not limited to) gross 
misconduct, fraud or a significant downward 
revision of the financial results of the Group.

We make annual allocations of conditional shares 
which are confirmed the following year, subject to 
achievement of agreed annual performance targets. 
The resulting shares vest over the subsequent three 
years, subject to continued employment.

Maximum opportunity for all Executive 
Directors is up to 200% of salary 
(300% in exceptional circumstances, 
as permitted in the Executive Share 
Plan Rules).

Threshold and Target performance 
result in 60% and 80% conversion 
of the monetary award into shares, 
respectively.

Additional shares in lieu of accrued dividends over 
the vesting period are awarded only on the number 
of shares that vest.

Unvested awards and vested awards that have 
not yet been transferred to the Executive Director 
are subject to adjustment for malus and clawback, 
ie forfeiture or reduction in exceptional circumstances. 
Such circumstances may include (but are not limited 
to) gross misconduct, fraud or a significant downward 
revision of the previously reported financial results 
of the Group.

Bonus is based on achievement 
of annual financial and personal 
objectives.

The personal element will not 
be weighted more than 30% 
of the total in any year.

Details of the measures and 
weightings applicable for the 
financial year under review are 
provided in the Annual Report 
on Remuneration.

The Committee may change 
the measures used if other 
measures are deemed more 
suitable to allow delivery of 
the Company’s strategy.

The Committee sets annual 
performance measures 
(currently based on the same 
financial objectives as for 
the annual cash bonus plan) 
and may change these 
for future awards as it 
considers appropriate.

PERFORMANCE SHARE AWARD (‘PSA’)

We believe the PSA aligns 
executives’ interests with 
long-term shareholder 
value creation through 
rewarding the delivery 
of a mix of financial and 
strategic measures.

The performance measures 
in the PSA reflect the value 
drivers in the LRBP.

We make annual awards of conditional shares, 
which vest after a minimum of three years subject 
to performance over a three-year period.

A mandatory two-year holding period applies 
to vested awards commencing with the award to 
be made in 2017.

Additional shares in lieu of accrued dividends over 
the vesting period are awarded only on the number 
of shares that vest.

Unvested awards are subject to adjustment for malus 
and clawback, ie forfeiture or reduction in exceptional 
circumstances. Such circumstances may include 
(but are not limited to) gross misconduct, fraud or 
a significant downward revision of the previously 
reported financial results of the Group. 

Maximum opportunity for all 
Executive Directors is up to 200% 
of salary (300% in exceptional 
circumstances, as permitted in 
the Executive Share Plan Rules).

Threshold performance will result 
in the vesting of 30%/0%/0% 
of the maximum award under the  
TSR/EBITDA/strategic performance 
elements (which are the current 
performance measures being used).

The performance measures 
and respective weightings may 
vary year-on-year to reflect 
strategic priorities, and will 
include a financial measure. 
Strategic measures, if included, 
will not be weighted more than 
40% of the total award in 
any year.

Details of the measures and 
weightings applicable for the 
financial year under review are 
provided in the Annual Report 
on Remuneration. Changes to 
weightings and performance 
targets will be retrospectively 
explained to shareholders.

EMPLOYEE SHARE PLANS

To encourage share 
ownership across all 
employees as allowed 
by HMRC and relevant 
local laws.

We operate employee share savings plans 
for our global workforce where, depending 
on location, savings periods of between 
two and three years operate.

We will look at opportunities to offer other 
employee share plans in the future.

Participation levels set by HMRC or 
relevant local laws from time to time.

Not applicable.

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Governance | Directors’ Remuneration Report

81 

PAYMENTS FROM EXISTING VARIABLE PAY AWARDS

Executive Directors are eligible to receive payment from any award made 
prior to the approval of the 2017 Remuneration Policy, eg awards made 
under the 2014 Policy. Any commitment made which is consistent with the 
Remuneration Policy in force at the time the commitment was made will be 
honoured, even when it is not consistent with the Policy prevailing at the time 
such	commitment	is	fulfilled.	Details	of	any	such	outstanding	share	awards	
to Executive Directors are provided in the Annual Report on Remuneration.

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT SELECTION

Our incentive plans (excluding restricted share awards and all-employee 
share	plans)	all	include	financial	performance	requirements.	Performance	
targets are set to be stretching, taking into account the Company’s 
strategic priorities and the economic environment in which the Company 
operates. Targets are set taking into account a range of reference points 
including the Group’s LRBP, the market in which the Company operates, 
the expected performance of competitors in these same markets, broker 
forecasts and latest internal forecasts. Achievement of these targets 
delivers to shareholders the value inherent in the LRBP.

The	annual	cash	bonus	plan	and	BSA	reflect	the	financial	targets	which	the	
Board	believes	are	key	to	driving	the	business.	Revenue	and	EBITDA	reflect	
the	underlying	financial	success	of	the	business	and	support	the	annual	
business strategy as well as value creation for Inmarsat’s shareholders.

The PSA currently has three performance requirements, which are 
EBITDA growth, the Company’s total shareholder return performance 
against the FTSE 50-150 excluding investment trusts, and delivery of 
strategic objectives. All three performance metrics are linked to our 
long-term business strategy, and support shareholder value creation.

The Committee retains the ability to adjust and/or set different 
performance measures following a corporate event (such as a change 
in strategy, a material acquisition and/or divestment of a Group business) 
or	a	significant	change	in	prevailing	market	conditions	either	specific	
to the Company’s sector or macro-economic events which causes the 
Committee to determine that the measures are no longer appropriate and 
that amendment is required so that they achieve their original purpose.

REMUNERATION POLICY FOR OTHER EMPLOYEES

All employees are eligible to participate in employee share plans which are 
generally the UK Sharesave Scheme, Employee Share Participation Plan 
(for U.S. and Canadian employees) or an equivalent international plan. 
Participation is on generally the same terms subject to local regulations.

SHAREHOLDING GUIDELINES

The guideline for Executive Directors is that they hold Company shares 
equivalent	to	five	times	base	salary.	For	the	purpose	of	this	guideline,	
shares	owned	includes	beneficially	owned	shares	and	shares	that	
are unvested and subject to continued employment only, under the 
BSA and PSA plans.

For new Executive Directors, we would expect the individual to build 
up	a	shareholding	to	the	five	times	guideline	over	a	period	of	time,	
generally	within	five	to	seven	years.

PAY SCENARIO CHARTS FOR THE CEO AND CFO

The following charts provide an estimate of the potential future reward 
opportunities for the two current Executive Directors (CEO and CFO), 
and the potential split between the different elements of pay under three 
different performance scenarios: ‘Minimum’, ‘Target’, and ‘Maximum’. 
Potential reward opportunities are based on Inmarsat’s current incentive 
opportunities, applied to salaries as at 1 January 2018. Note that the 
projected values exclude the impact of any share price movement.

Each	element	of	remuneration	reflects	the	following	assumptions:
 › Minimum:	includes	fixed	remuneration	only,	ie	base	salary,	

taxable	benefits	and	pension

 › Target:	includes	fixed	remuneration	plus	the	amounts	for	on-target	
performance under the annual cash bonus plan (60% of maximum 
of 125% of salary) and the BSA (80% of maximum opportunities 
of 185% and 175% of salary for the CEO and CFO, respectively) and 
threshold performance under the PSA (30%/0%/0% of maximum 
under the TSR/EBITDA/strategic performance elements, based 
on maximum opportunities of 185% and 175% of salary for the 
CEO and CFO respectively)

 › Maximum:	includes	fixed	remuneration	and	maximum	payment	

under all incentive plans

Remuneration arrangements throughout the Inmarsat Group are determined 
on the same principles as for remunerating Executive Directors, in that 
reward	should	support	our	business	strategy.	It	should	be	sufficient	to	
attract and retain high-performing individuals.

PAY SCENARIOS £000

Chief Executive Officer

As a global business we accept that there may be different local arrangements 
that are appropriate to apply but, overall, this principle applies across the 
different geographies in which we operate. Employees receive variable pay 
which gives them incentives appropriate to their role in the organisation 
and	is	reflective	of	how	we	deal	with	Executive	Directors	too.

In general, the remuneration policy and principles which apply to other 
senior executives is consistent with that set out in this report for Executive 
Directors. All employees participate in bonus schemes. Group senior 
executives are eligible to participate in the BSA and some also participate 
in	the	PSA.	The	BSA	may	from	time	to	time	operate	with	division-specific	
targets for some participants and the PSA may have slightly different 
performance measures in place than those used for the Executive 
Directors, as appropriate.

Maximum

On-target

Minimum

17%

21%

30%

22%

48%

100%

62%

£3,522

£2,019

£608

Fixed remuneration
Chief Financial Officer

Annual bonus

Share plans (BSA and PSA)

Maximum

On-target

Minimum

18%

31%

100%

22%

22%

46%

60%

£2,793

£1,615

£503

Fixed remuneration

Annual bonus

Share plans (BSA and PSA)

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Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

REMUNERATION REPORT
CONTINUED

APPROACH TO RECRUITMENT REMUNERATION

EXTERNAL APPOINTMENTS
In the event we hire a new Executive Director, the Committee will typically align the remuneration package with the approved Remuneration Policy.

In determining appropriate remuneration arrangements on hiring a new Executive Director, we will take into consideration all relevant factors (including 
but not limited to current remuneration, the type of remuneration arrangements for other Inmarsat executives, external market data and the jurisdiction 
the candidate was recruited from and may be based in) to ensure that arrangements are in the best interests of both our Company and its shareholders. 
The Remuneration Policy in place will apply to the new appointment unless there are variables to the appointment which are noted below and are 
agreed by the Committee as appropriate to offer.

The Committee may make awards on hiring an external candidate to ‘buy-out’ remuneration arrangements forfeited on leaving a previous employer. 
In doing so, we will take account of relevant factors including any performance conditions attached to these awards, the form in which they were granted 
(for example, cash or shares), the time over which they would have vested and the share price at the time of buy-out. Generally buy-out awards will be made 
on a comparable basis. The Committee has the discretion to determine whether such buy-outs shall be granted as Bonus Share Awards, Performance 
Share Awards or Restricted Share Awards under the ESP. The Committee may also avail itself of the provision in the Listing Rules (Chapter 9.4.2) 
regarding long-term incentive awards in relation to the buy-out of awards forfeited on leaving a previous employer.

Component

Basic salary

Pension and benefits

Sharesave Scheme

Annual cash bonus

Approach

Maximum annual value

To be determined by reference to relevant market pay levels, experience and skills 
of the individual, internal relativities and the current salary of the incumbent  
in the role.

To be eligible to receive benefits in line with the current Policy, and as well as any 
expatriation allowances and any necessary expenses relating to an Executive 
Director’s relocation on appointment.

To be entitled to participate on identical terms to other employees.

The scheme as described in the Policy table will apply to new appointees. 
The Committee will determine on a case-by-case basis whether the executive on 
joining the Company will receive the full annual payment or a pro-rata amount.

125% of salary

Bonus Share Awards

To participate in annual awards on the same terms as other Executive Directors, 
as described in the Policy table.

Up to 200% of salary  
(300% in exceptional circumstances)

The Committee will determine on a case-by-case basis whether the executive on 
joining the Company will receive the full annual allocation or a pro-rata amount.

Performance Share Awards

To participate in annual awards on the same terms as other Executive Directors, 
as described in the Policy table.

Up to 200% of salary  
(300% in exceptional circumstances)

Restricted Share Awards

The Committee will determine on a case-by-case basis whether the executive on 
joining the Company will receive the full annual award or a pro-rata amount.

To make awards of shares which vest in accordance with a schedule agreed by the 
Committee, subject to continued employment only. Awards will typically be made to 
facilitate the ‘buy-out’ of awards forfeited on leaving a previous employer, and the 
vesting schedule will typically match that of the awards forfeited. Additional shares 
in lieu of accrued dividends over the vesting period are awarded only on the 
number of shares that vest.

Up to 200% of salary  
(300% in exceptional circumstances)

INTERNAL APPOINTMENTS
Any individual who is promoted to become an Executive Director will be treated on the same basis as if they were an external hire in respect of the elements 
of	remuneration	and	benefits.	Where	the	new	appointee	has	an	initial	salary	set	below	market,	any	shortfall	will	be	managed	with	phased	increases	over	
a period of several years, subject to the executive’s development in the role. Such individuals are also eligible to receive payment from any award made 
prior to their appointment to the Board.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SERVICE CONTRACTS AND EXIT PAYMENT POLICY

Executive Director

Rupert Pearce

Date of service contract

Term of office

Notice period

18 January 2012

Indefinite until termination by either party

Tony Bates

21 February 2014

Indefinite until termination by either party

12 months’ written notice by Company 
or Director

12 months’ written notice by Company and 
six months’ written notice by the Director

The Company in its absolute discretion may agree a shorter notice period with the departing Director. All Directors have a clause to allow a payment 
in lieu of notice to be made. For the Executive Directors, the Company may make such payments monthly (up to 12 months) and these payments shall 
be	reduced	if	the	executive	finds	alternative	employment.

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

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83 

Severance	payments	in	relation	to	the	service	contract	are	limited	to	no	more	than	one	year’s	base	salary	plus	other	benefits,	which	may	include	annual	
bonus	(subject	to	performance	conditions	being	fulfilled	and	pro-rated	for	time	and	payable	at	the	normal	annual	bonus	payment	date),	unless	the	
Committee believes this is unreasonable given the circumstances for departure or unless dictated by applicable law.

The Committee reserves the right to make additional exit payments where such payments are made in good faith:
 › In discharge of an existing legal obligation (or by way of damages for breach of such an obligation) or
 › By	way	of	settlement	or	compromise	of	any	claim	arising	in	connection	with	the	termination	of	a	Director’s	office	or	employment
The Committee retains discretion to determine appropriate bonus amounts and vesting of share-based awards, as well as the timing of vesting, taking 
into consideration the circumstances in which an Executive Director leaves. The rationale for any discretion if exercised will be provided in the following 
year’s Annual Report on Remuneration.

Reason for leaving

Annual bonus

Good leaver  
(see below for definition)

All other reasons

BSA

Good leaver  
(see below for definition)

All other reasons

PSA

During the vesting period:

Good leaver  
(see below for definition)

All other reasons

During the post-vesting holding period:

All leavers

RSA

Good leaver  
(see below for definition)

All other reasons

Employee Share Plans

Good leaver  
(see below for definition)

All other reasons

Timing of vesting

Treatment of awards

Normal payment date.

Performance against targets will be assessed at the end of the year in the normal 
way and any resulting bonus will be pro-rated for time served during the year.

Awards lapse.

Not applicable.

Normal vesting date, although the 
Committee has discretion to accelerate.

Any allocated but not yet granted shares will be granted at the Committee’s discretion. 
The treatment of unvested shares is at the Committee’s discretion.

Awards lapse.

Not applicable.

Normal vesting date, although the 
Committee has discretion to accelerate.

Any outstanding awards will be pro-rated for time and subject to performance 
conditions being met.

Awards lapse.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Not applicable – awards, once vested (including those in any holding period), 
are treated as owned by the individual and are subject to clawback provisions.

Normal vesting date, although the 
Committee has discretion to accelerate.

Any outstanding awards will be pro-rated for time.

Awards lapse.

Not applicable.

Share options can be exercised for a 
certain period of time after departure.

The individual will be entitled to exercise his share options in accordance 
with HMRC approved rules or local equivalent rules.

Awards lapse.

Not applicable.

A ‘good leaver’ is the departure of an Executive Director for reasons of ill health, redundancy, retirement, death or any other reason which the 
Committee in its absolute discretion permits. Termination for cause is regarded as a bad leaver and no awards shall vest.

Upon a change of control of the Company, share awards may be transferred to participants in accordance with the Executive Share Plan Rules, 
based on the extent to which the Committee determines that the performance conditions have been met. For the annual bonus, the Committee 
will assess performance against targets at the point of change of control and any resulting bonus will be pro-rated for time and paid immediately. 
The	final	treatment	for	the	annual	bonus	remains	subject	to	the	Committee’s	discretion.

In the event that the Company terminates an Executive Director’s service contract other than in accordance with the terms of his contract, 
the Committee will act in the best interests of the Company and ensure there is no reward for failure. When determining what compensation, if any, 
is to be paid to the departing Executive Director, the Committee will give full consideration to the circumstances of the termination, the Executive 
Director’s performance, the terms of the service contract relating to notice and payments in lieu of notice, and the obligation of the Executive Director 
(where it is in the service agreement) to mitigate any loss which he may suffer as a result.

Although the Company would seek to minimise termination costs, the Committee may in appropriate circumstances provide other elements in 
a leaving Executive Director’s termination package, including (without limitation) compensation for the waiver of statutory rights in exchange for 
him executing a settlement agreement, payment of the departing Executive Director’s legal fees in connection with his termination arrangements, 
and payment of outplacement fees. In addition, the Committee may determine that the Director should continue to be engaged by the Company 
on a consultancy arrangement or other terms following cessation of his directorship.

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Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

REMUNERATION REPORT
CONTINUED

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

For the recruitment of a new Non-Executive Director (‘NED’), the individual will receive a letter of appointment which will summarise the time requirement 
expected of them and set out details of their fees (base fee and Committee membership fee). Fees will be the same level as for other NEDs, except where 
the Nominations Committee determines that a different level is appropriate based on individual contribution.

Element

NED fees

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

To attract and retain 
high-calibre NEDs 
by offering a market 
competitive fee level

The NEDs are paid a basic fee.

The Committee Chairmen and other members of the Board Committees 
(Audit, Remuneration, Nominations and Telecoms Regulatory Committees) 
and the Senior Independent Director are paid supplements to reflect their 
additional responsibilities.

The Chairman of the Board will be paid a single fee for all his responsibilities, 
and receive healthcare cover.

NED fee levels are reviewed periodically by the Chairman and Executive Directors with 
reference to market levels in comparably sized FTSE companies and a recommendation 
is then made to the Board. The Chairman’s fee is reviewed by the Committee taking 
into account fee levels at the same set of companies, and is then approved by 
the Board. If any changes are to be made, they are usually effective in July.

Maximum

To avoid setting expectations, 
there is no maximum fee level.

The maximum annual aggregate 
fee for all Group NEDs is £1,000,000, 
as set out in the Company’s Articles 
of Association.

Appointments	are	initially	for	three	years	and	unless	agreed	by	the	Board,	NEDs	may	not	remain	in	office	for	a	period	longer	than	six	years,	or	two	terms	
in	office,	whichever	is	the	shorter.	The	UK	Corporate	Governance	Code	has	special	provisions	regarding	determination	of	the	independence	of	Directors	
when they have served for more than nine years.

Non-Executive Directors do not have contracts of service and their appointment will normally terminate on:
 › A Director choosing to resign voluntarily
 › A Director being prohibited from serving by law, bankruptcy or illness
 › If the Nominations Committee does not approve the extension of the appointment
 › A Director is found guilty of misconduct or
 › A Director is not re-elected by the shareholders following retirement at an AGM
Dates of NED appointment letters are as follows:

Name

Simon Bax

Sir Bryan Carsberg

Warren Finegold1

General C. Robert Kehler (Rtd)

Phillipa McCrostie

Janice Obuchowski

Dr Abe Peled

Robert Ruijter

Andrew Sukawaty

Dr Hamadoun Touré

Date of appointment letter

Date of appointment

28 May 2013

18 April 2005

13 March 2017 

13 March 2014

18 June 2013

22 June 2005

1 August 2017

6 May 2014 

18 May 2016

1 September 2016

6 May 2009

10 May 2013

5 May 2009

18 June 2013

16 December 2014

1 February 2015

16 September 2014

1 January 2015

16 December 2014

1 March 2015

1  Mr Finegold was appointed to the Board with effect from 1 August 2017

Non-Executive	Directors	do	not	receive	an	annual	bonus	and	do	not	participate	in	any	of	the	Company’s	incentive	plans.	They	receive	no	benefits,	
except that healthcare cover is provided for the Chairman, as a continuation of the cover provided to him previously. The Company reimburses 
the reasonable expenses the Non-Executive Directors incur in carrying out their duties as Directors.

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Governance | Directors’ Remuneration Report

85 

EXTERNAL APPOINTMENTS

Executive Directors serving as Non-Executive Directors on the Board 
of other companies are permitted to retain all remuneration and fees 
earned from outside directorships subject to a maximum of two external 
Board appointments. Directors accepting such positions shall take into 
account any guidelines for external directorships as contained in the UK 
Corporate Governance Code, subject at all times to pre-authorisation 
of the appointment by the Chairman. NEDs taking additional board 
positions are asked to speak to the Chairman in advance to ensure 
no	conflict	of	interest	and	for	the	Chairman	to	speak	to	the	Senior	
Independent Director (‘SID’) for anything affecting him.

Annual report on remuneration
The following section provides details of how Inmarsat’s 2017 
Remuneration	Policy	was	implemented	during	the	financial	year	
ended 31 December 2017 and how the Committee intends to 
implement the Policy in 2018.

The Regulations require our external auditors to report to shareholders 
on the audited information within this report and to state whether, 
in their opinion, the relevant sections have been prepared in accordance 
with the Act. The external auditors’ opinion is set out on pages 105 to 111 
and we have clearly marked the audited sections of the report.

CONSIDERATION OF CONDITIONS ELSEWHERE 
IN THE COMPANY

Although we do not consult directly with employees on executive 
Remuneration Policy, the Committee takes into consideration the 
remuneration arrangements for the wider employee population in 
making its decisions on remuneration for senior executives. This relates 
to our philosophy around levels of base salary, operating bonus plans 
for	all	employees,	pension	entitlement	and	provision	of	benefits	also	
being available across the Group. With the upcoming proposal from 
the UK Financial Reporting Council for greater employee engagement 
expected to be implemented during 2018, the Company is already 
considering how it will respond to this to ensure a productive and 
supportive environment for such dialogue to occur and will report 
on it in the 2018 Annual Report.

The Group already consults with its employees on general employment 
policies in a range of ways, including formal consultation forums in 
some countries where it operates. Our staff are encouraged to provide 
feedback directly to their line managers or to the HR team or to 
a	confidential	email	address	which	will	receive	queries	on	all	issues	
including anti-bribery.

CONSIDERATION OF SHAREHOLDER VIEWS

When determining remuneration, the Committee considers shareholder 
views and the guidelines of investor bodies. The Remuneration Committee 
Chairman, Company Chairman, Senior Independent Director and 
Company Secretary engage proactively with major shareholders and 
shareholder representatives whenever appropriate. The Committee is 
always open to feedback from shareholders on its Remuneration Policy 
or individual arrangements, and is committed to consulting shareholders 
in advance of major changes. Details of votes cast for and against the 
resolution to approve last year’s Annual Report on Remuneration are 
provided in the Annual Report on Remuneration section of this Report.

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP IN 2017

The Committee consists entirely of independent Non-Executive Directors. 
We	had	five	scheduled	meetings	during	the	year	to	discharge	our	responsibilities	
with additional calls and discussions as required. Committee membership 
and attendance at scheduled meetings are set out in the table below:

Committee members

Simon Bax (Committee Chairman)

Stephen Davidson1

Sir Bryan Carsberg

Warren Finegold2

Kathleen Flaherty1

General C. Robert Kehler (Rtd)

Attendance

5/5

1/1

5/5

2/2

2/2

5/5

1  Mr Davidson and Mrs Flaherty retired as Non-Executive Directors on 19 January 

and 2 March 2017, respectively

2  Mr Finegold was appointed to the Board on 1 August 2017

During the year, the Committee operated to a forward agenda which 
ensured that items were discussed at the appropriate time during the year. 
Its key activities included:
 › Review and approval of the 2016 Directors’ Remuneration Report 

and preparation of the 2017 Report

 › Approval of the statement to be included on the Company website 
regarding the vote on the 2016 Annual Report on Remuneration

 › Preparation for the 2017 AGM
 › Review of key shareholder themes, feedback and voting
 › Shareholder consultation on proposed changes to the Bonus Share Award
 › Comprehensive discussion and review of the Bonus Share Award, and 

consideration of changes to the plan in response to shareholder feedback 
which led to changes being made to the 2017 and future awards
 › Review of Executive Director total remuneration against a summary 

of recent trends in executive remuneration

 › Review and approval of incentive outcomes for the prior year
 › Approval of opportunities/award levels and performance targets 

for the 2017 annual cash bonus, BSA and PSA awards

 › Review of incentive plans across the Group
 › Review of the ISS pay for performance comparator group and 

analysis and

 › Review of the Company’s Gender Pay report 

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Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

REMUNERATION REPORT
CONTINUED

ADVISORS

During 2017, the Committee was advised internally by Andrew Sukawaty (Chairman), Rupert Pearce (CEO), Tony Bates (CFO), Alison Horrocks 
(Chief	Corporate	Affairs	Officer	and	Company	Secretary),	Natasha	Dillon	(Chief	People	Officer)	and	Matt	Smith	(Head	of	Reward).	Dr	Abe	Peled,	
the Senior Independent Director, also attended meetings. No member of management is present at a Committee meeting when their own 
arrangements are being discussed.

Mercer Kepler was appointed by the Committee after consultation with the Board in September 2012 following a tendering process, and has continued 
to act as the Committee’s independent external advisor during the year. Mercer Kepler reports directly to the Committee Chairman and is a signatory 
of the Code of Conduct for Remuneration Consultants (which can be found at www.remunerationconsultantsgroup.com). Mercer Kepler provides 
no non-remuneration-related services to the Company and is therefore considered independent. Mercer Kepler’s parent, the MMC Group, provides 
unrelated services to the Company in the areas of pension investment advice and actuarial services to the Trustee to the Inmarsat UK Pension Plan. 
During 2017, Mercer Kepler’s fees were based on time and materials, and fees in relation to advice to the Committee (excluding VAT and expenses) 
totalled £49,520 (2016: £84,250).

SUMMARY OF SHAREHOLDER VOTING AT THE 2017 AGM

The following table shows the results of the binding shareholder vote on the 2017 Remuneration Policy and of the advisory shareholder vote on the 
Annual Report on Remuneration of the 2016 Directors’ Remuneration Report, at the 2017 AGM:

For (including discretionary)

Against

Total votes cast (excluding withheld votes)

Votes withheld

2017 Remuneration Policy

2016 Annual Report on Remuneration

Total number
of votes

291,331,925

30,971,298

322,303,223

29,263,436

% of
votes cast

90.39%

Total number
of votes

165,153,571

9.61%

157,818,509

322,972,080

% of
votes cast

51.14%

48.86%

n/a

28,594,579

n/a

In light of the voting outcome on the Annual Report on Remuneration, the Committee commenced a fresh review of the Company’s approach to 
remuneration, focusing on the Bonus Share Award plan, which was the main area which drew shareholder comment. The Committee spent considerable 
time reviewing the operation of the plan and concluded that whilst the BSA has served both the Company and the shareholders well since its adoption 
on	IPO	in	2005,	some	aspects	of	it	could	be	clarified	and	improved.

Two key changes to the implementation of the BSA have therefore been made, to be applied retrospectively to the award made in March 2017 as well 
as in future years. Firstly, performance against each measure is now assessed on an independent basis, ie there will no longer be an opportunity to ‘offset’ 
any underperformance against one measure with outperformance against the other. Secondly, payout for target performance is reduced from 100% 
to 80% of maximum, and a stretch target is introduced, the achievement of which is required for full payout. Payout for threshold performance remains 
60% of maximum as set out in the approved Policy.

The Committee remains committed to ongoing dialogue with shareholders to facilitate the Committee’s understanding of shareholders’ views, 
and shareholders’ understanding of the Company, the environment in which it operates and how this translates into remuneration decisions.

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

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87 

SINGLE FIGURE OF TOTAL REMUNERATION FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS (AUDITED)

The	table	below	sets	out	a	single	figure	for	the	total	remuneration	received	by	each	Executive	Director	for	the	year	ended	31	December	2017	and	the	prior	year:

Basic salary

Taxable benefits1

Pension2

Annual cash bonus3

Bonus Share Award4

Performance Share Award5

Total

Rupert Pearce  
£000

Tony Bates  
£000

2017

583

3

17

478

614

180

2016

566

4

16

487

857

416

2017

477

3

17

422

476

137

2016

464

3

16

399

664

262

1,875

2,346

1,532

1,808

1  Taxable benefits: include healthcare and benefits relating to staff entertaining. The tax due in respect of the staff entertainment benefit is settled by the Company. The Company also reimburses the 

travel costs incurred by Directors for travel to Board meetings where these do not take place in the country in which they are domiciled. These travel expenses are subject to a specific deduction under 
HMRC rules and are not taxable

2  Pension: payment made by the Company as cash in lieu of pension (see page 92 for details)
3  Annual cash bonus: cash bonus payments in relation to the financial years ended 31 December 2017 and 2016 (see pages 87 and 90 for details)
4  BSA: values the BSA shares in relation to the financial years ended 31 December 2017 and 2016. Performance is tested prior to grant for BSA shares. For 2016, the value is based on the spot share 

price on the grant date (being 9 March 2017) of £7.62. The award value has been revised from last year’s report to reflect the actual share price on grant. For 2017, as the share price on the grant date 
(expected to be around 12 March 2018) is currently unknown, the award is valued using the average share price over the last quarter of 2017 of £5.40

5  PSA: the value at vesting of awards vesting on performance over the three-year periods ended 31 December 2017 and 31 December 2016. For 2016, the 2014 PSP is valued based on the spot share price 
on the vesting date of £7.92. The award value has been revised from last year’s report to reflect the actual share price on vesting, plus additional shares representing reinvested dividends. For 2017, 
as the share price on the vesting date is currently unknown, the 2015 PSA is valued using the average share price over the last quarter of 2017 of £5.40

Note: the figures provided for the BSA and PSA awards in the table above have been valued in line with the single figure methodology, and based on share price assumptions at or around the time of grant. 
The actual value received by the individual may differ, as the individual will receive the value of the award only when the award vests and is released at future dates, subject to the individual still being in 
employment on the future vesting dates.

INCENTIVE OUTCOMES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017 (AUDITED)

ANNUAL CASH BONUS IN RESPECT OF 2017 PERFORMANCE
In	2017,	the	annual	cash	bonus	was	based	on	the	achievement	of	Group	financial	targets	and	individual	performance	objectives.	Financial	performance	
was measured by reference to revenue (33%) and EBITDA targets (67%). Revenue and EBITDA are two measures which have strong line-of-sight, 
are easily understood and are two of our key reporting metrics to shareholders. The same performance metrics are used in the annual bonus plan for 
all employees. The Committee has the ability to apply up to 30% of the maximum bonus opportunity potential in consideration of the achievement 
of personal objectives.

In	line	with	the	previous	approach,	the	Committee	will	disclose	the	2017	financial	targets	in	next	year’s	Annual	Report	on	Remuneration.	We	believe	
the targets used are commercially sensitive if made public in the same reporting period to which they apply.

Some of the key personal objectives for the Executive Directors for 2017 are noted below. Some have been excluded where we believe they may be 
commercially sensitive if published.

CEO:
 › Maritime: successful ramp up of Fleet Xpress and transition of XpressLink users to Fleet Xpress
 › Aviation: increased number of airline contract wins and ramping up of installs and service delivery for Global Xpress services
 › Digital:	created	new	digital	office	with	hiring	of	Chief	Digital	Officer	with	a	focus	and	mandate	on	digital	business	commercialisation
 › China: engaged with local companies to develop manufacturing opportunities across all Inmarsat services
 › Key projects: reviewed technology roadmap to consider business model for Connected Car opportunity and decided not to actively process 

until the market opportunity matured

CFO:
 › Smart pricing: developed new product and pricing architecture and improved pricing process
 › Optimised procurement: instigated a programme to maximise value delivered by procurement activities through cost reduction and avoidance
 › Balance sheet management: ensured improved careful management of overdue receivables, inventory and cash management
 › Key business programmes: introduced new simpler distribution agreements and associated terms and conditions for partners
 › Long-term operational efficiency: implemented new billing system and ERP enhancements
 › Investor relations: focused on increased education of satellite industry to extend shareholder base 

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Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

REMUNERATION REPORT
CONTINUED

In	2017,	revenues	including	Ligado	were	$1,400m,	which	exceeded	target	performance	but	was	below	stretch	performance.	EBITDA	including	Ligado	
was	$732m,	which	also	exceeded	target	performance	but	was	below	stretch	performance.	The	EBITDA	outturn	figure	includes	in	full	the	costs	of	the	
workforce reduction exercise during 2017. Although the workforce reduction had not been budgeted for at the start of 2017, the Committee determined to 
include	the	costs	in	full	as	part	of	operating	costs	when	finalising	the	annual	bonus	outcome,	which	reduced	the	final	amount	to	be	paid.	The	bonus	payout	
in	respect	of	financial	performance	is	44%	out	of	a	maximum	of	70%	of	total	bonus.	The	Committee	also	considered	the	Executive	Directors’	achievement	
of personal objectives during the year, and payout in respect of personal performance was 22% out of a maximum of 30% of total bonus for the CEO 
and 27% for the CFO.

The maximum and target annual cash bonus amounts that could be made and actual bonus which will be awarded to each Executive Director are set 
out in the next table.

Executive Director

Rupert Pearce

Tony Bates

Target bonus
(% of salary)

Maximum bonus
(% of salary)

Actual bonus
outcome for 2017
financial year
(% of salary)

75%

75%

125%

125%

82%

88%

BSA IN RESPECT OF 2017 PERFORMANCE
An	allocation	of	shares	was	made	on	9	March	2017	at	a	share	price	of	£7.62	in	respect	of	the	March	2017	BSA.	The	confirmation	of	these	awards	is	
based	on	Company	performance	for	the	financial	year	ended	31	December	2017.	67%	of	the	2017	award	was	linked	to	EBITDA	and	33%	to	revenue.

Two key changes to the implementation of the BSA have been made for 2017 and future years, in response to shareholder feedback. Performance against 
each measure is now assessed on an independent basis. Further, payout for target performance is reduced from 100% to 80% of maximum, and a stretch 
target is introduced, which needs to be met for full payout. Payout for threshold performance remains 60% as referenced in the Policy. Actual performance 
relative to the targets was as follows:

Performance measure

EBITDA

Revenue

Weighting
(% of maximum)

67%

33%

Actual performance against target

EBITDA	was	$732m	(including	Ligado	and	the	unbudgeted	costs	incurred	for	the	workforce	
reduction) which exceeded target performance but was below stretch performance

Revenues	were	$1,400m	(including	Ligado),	which	exceeded	target	performance	but	were	
below stretch performance 

As	was	the	case	for	the	annual	bonus,	the	EBITDA	outturn	figure	for	the	purpose	of	the	BSA	also	includes	the	one-off	restructuring	costs	in	2017,	
which	reduced	the	final	outcome.

Based on performance, 81% of the original allocation of shares made in March 2017 will be awarded in March 2018, and will vest in equal tranches 
in	March	2019,	2020	and	2021.	The	table	below	shows	the	confirmation	of	the	number	of	shares	awarded	for	the	2017	BSA.

Executive Director

Rupert Pearce

Tony Bates

Maximum
monetary award

£1,067,486

£827,347

Allocation
strike price
(9 March 2017)

£7.62

£7.62

Number
of shares
allocated in
March 2017

140,182

108,647

Conversion rate
based on
performance
for year ended
31 December 2017

Confirmed
number of shares
to be awarded in
March 2018

81%

81%

113,547

88,004

As per our approach for the annual cash bonus and for the same reasons, the Committee will disclose the 2017 BSA targets in next year’s Annual Report 
on Remuneration. We believe the targets used are commercially sensitive if made public in the same reporting period to which they apply.

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

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89 

2015 PSA AWARD IN RESPECT OF PERFORMANCE OVER THE PERIOD 2015-2017
In 2015, the CEO and CFO received awards of conditional shares under the PSA, which are set out in the table below. The outcome of the 2015 PSA 
is that they will each receive 30% of their total award.

Executive Director

Rupert Pearce

Tony Bates

Date of grant

30 March 2015

30 March 2015

Award as
% of salary

200%

175%

Awards
granted
(2015)

111,089

84,337

Market price at
date of award

£9.34

£9.34

Face value at
grant of award
(2015)

Awards
confirmed

Vesting date

£1,037,294

33,327

30 March 2018

£787,497

25,301

30 March 2018

Vesting of the awards is dependent on three-year TSR vs. the FTSE 50-150 (excluding investment trusts), three-year EBITDA growth (excluding Ligado), 
and	the	achievement	of	specific	strategic	objectives,	all	measured	over	the	three	years	to	31	December	2017	and	weighted	30%,	30%	and	40%,	respectively.	
2015	was	the	first	year	in	which	the	Company	introduced	the	use	of	strategic	objectives	to	measure	performance	in	the	PSA.	The	Company	believes	that	
it is important for management to be focused on delivering critical strategic programmes which will drive long-term shareholder value creation, and the 
strategic objectives described below were selected to assess delivery of this value. There is no re-testing of performance. Performance targets for these 
awards are as follows, which deliver an overall award of 30%:

Performance measure

Three-year TSR vs. FTSE 50-150 
(excluding investment trusts)

Three-year EBITDA growth p.a. 
(excluding Ligado)

Strategic objectives

30%

40%

Weighting
(% of maximum)

30%

Performance target

Below median: nil vesting
Median: 30% vesting
Upper quartile: 100% vesting

Actual
performance

Actual vesting 
outcome

17th percentile

0% (out of 30%)

-1.0% p.a.

0% (out of 30%)

(straight-line vesting applies between median and upper quartile)

Less than 4%: nil vesting
4%: 0% vesting
10%: 100% vesting

(straight-line vesting applies between 4% and 10%)

The key areas are noted below with details. Achievement against 
strategic objectives was considered as a whole

See below

30% (out of 40%)

Details of performance against the strategic objectives included but were not limited to:

Specific targets

GLOBAL XPRESS

Actual performance

Completion of the successful launch and market entry for next generation of Inmarsat 5 satellites
 › Launch of Inmarsat-5 F2, F3 and Global CSI, and also 

then the launch of Inmarsat-5 F4 

We had successful launches of Inmarsat-5 F2 launched April 2015, F3 launched December 2015, Global CSI 
December 2015 and F4 launched May 2016; Global CSI was later than planned because of launch vehicle issues

 › How the run rate of GX revenues was against internal 
expectations and being on track to deliver end of year 
five	from	Global	CSI,	a	$500m	p.a.	run	rate	of	revenue

 › Successful conversion of XpressLink (‘XL’) into 

Global Xpress (‘GX’) in the maritime business area 
by 31 December 2017

 › How well we could penetrate the Energy/resources 

and other Enterprise markets as well as extending further 
into broader Government and milsatcoms markets

 › Successful extension into global Air Passenger 

Connectivity markets

GX	revenues	in	2017	of	$142.3m	and	the	Company	is	on	track	to	meet	the	$500m	GX	revenue	target

Conversion of XL to FX well underway with 1,000 vessels migrated although the programme is running slower 
than expected due in part to delayed GX CSI

We have various Take or Pay arrangements with key partners – including Boeing, Honeywell and RigNet. 
Generally these have gone well and are tracking or exceeding their agreements with us, although the RigNet 
contract has been cancelled. On the enterprise and government opportunities for GX, we saw traction starting 
in 2017

We are very pleased with the aviation In-Flight Connectivity opportunity with over 1,300 commercial aircraft 
under contract (and around 3,000 aircraft in our new business pipeline); plus we have seen progress with 
further wide-body aircraft GX certification and JetConneX gaining traction

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REMUNERATION REPORT
CONTINUED

Specific targets

S-BAND

Actual performance

Putting in place all key building blocks of the aviation leadership programme business case which will support material revenues beyond 2017
 › Deliver the S-band satellite for launch on time 

The S-band satellite was launched to plan in H1 2017

and to budget

 › Deliver	ACGC	network	and	OBE	for	first	revenues

 › Secure spectrum licences to operate the EAN 

(combined satellite/ACGC service)

 › Secure airline wins/strategic channel/technology 

partners for future revenue growth

L-BAND

The ACGC network and OBE is in progress with first revenues now expected H1 2018. This was delayed 
due to additional terminal development requirements and for testing to be completed

All 28 EU and 2 non-EU MSS licences were secured by H1 2017 and we have all 28 EU and 2 non-EU ACGC 
licences granted or granted in principle by H2 2017

Partnerships are in place with Thales, Rockwell Collins, Zodiac and Sita OnAir

Sustaining L-band revenues despite migration of services from L-band to Global Xpress Ka-band, through a reorientation, expansion and globalisation of L-band services
 › The Level of L-band revenues in 2017 vs. 2014

L-band	related	revenues	of	$776m	(2017)	as	compared	to	$803m	(2014)	reflect	a	faster	movement	of	
L-band services to our new Ka-band services and also some elements where there have been lay-ups 
or decommissioning of vessels so that services are no longer used

 › How we would assess the success of new revenue 
product programmes, for example: Isatphone, 
IsatHub, SwiftBroadband200, FleetOne, LTAC
 › Success in key globalisation programmes by our 
Global Government business into new countries, 
our presence and impact on some of the BRICs 
and also channel evolution

 › Maintenance and continued focus on the relationship 

with Ligado for L-band spectrum usage

Revenues	from	Isatphone,	IsatHub,	HDR,	IDP,	SB200,	LAISR,	L-Tac,	FleetOne	of	$87m	(2017)	as	compared	
to	$28m	(2014)	and	there	has	been	a	relaunch	of	Fleet	One	to	target	the	fisheries	market

The Global Government business unit now earns revenue in more than 40 countries. In India we completed 
the build of a GSPS gateway with BSNL which gives us the opportunity to work closely with BSNL to develop the 
satellite market. We have forged local manufacturing agreements with companies in China. We continued 
to work closely with the channel, with Global Government focusing on how they could support local partners 
to target new customers

The relationship with Ligado has continued to be collaborative with a new significant agreement signed in 2016 
putting in place a new payment profile and arrangement for accessing the spectrum in North America; there was 
a	step	up	from	$50m	p.a.	to	c.	$130m	p.a.	for	agreed	periods

The total amount that will vest in 2018, subject to continued employment, will therefore be 30% of the maximum award. Messrs Pearce and Bates will 
receive 33,327 and 25,301 shares respectively, plus dividends reinvested as additional shares which are added to the number of shares that are awarded 
on the vesting date of 30 March 2018.

ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURE OF 2016 PERFORMANCE TARGETS (AUDITED)

ANNUAL CASH BONUS IN RESPECT OF 2016 PERFORMANCE
Last	year,	the	Company	committed	to	disclosing	the	2016	bonus	financial	targets	in	this	year’s	Annual	Report	on	Remuneration.	The	targets	and	
actual performance against them are set out below:

Performance measure

EBITDA

Revenue

Total

Performance targets 

Threshold
($m)

548

1,147

Target
($m)

645

1,274

Weighting
(% of financial
element) 

67%

33%

100%

Stretch
($m)

710

1,338

Actual
performance
($m)

675

1,210

Actual bonus
outcome
(% of financial
element)

52.4%

10.0%

62.4%

The Committee also considered the Executive Directors’ achievement of personal objectives during the year (see the 2016 report for disclosure of 
examples of personal objectives for 2016), and payout in respect of personal performance was 27% out of a maximum of 30% of total bonus for both 
the CEO and the CFO. Therefore, the formulaic bonus outcome was 88.3% of salary for both the CEO and the CFO. The Executive Directors volunteered 
a reduction of 3% of target bonus to their bonuses in order to enhance the staff bonus pool to support retention and engagement. The actual 
post-reduction	bonus	outcome	was	therefore	86.1%	of	salary.	The	Committee	believes	these	outcomes	were	warranted	and	reflective	of	Company	
and individual performance in 2016.

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

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91 

BSA IN RESPECT OF 2016 PERFORMANCE
The 2016 BSA targets and actual performance against them are set out below:

Performance measure

EBITDA

Revenue

Performance targets 

Weighting
(% of maximum)

Threshold
($m)

60%

30%

548

1,147

Target
($m)

645

1,274

Actual
performance
($m)

675

1,210

Non-financial measure linked to the management of a strategic contract

10% Renegotiation and management of this strategic 

contract were successful with benefits being received by 
the Company through increased annual payments and 
giving the Company protected rights for a further period 
of time. Based on these combined factors, performance 
targets for this element were judged by the Committee 
to have been met in full

Under the previous BSA structure, and as reported in the 2016 Annual Report on Remuneration, the maximum number of shares was awarded for the 
achievement	of	target	performance,	and	performance	against	the	two	financial	measures	was	considered	on	a	blended	basis.	This	had	been	the	first	
time since the operation of the BSA since Inmarsat became a listed company that there had been a need for consideration of the blended approach 
(as revenue performance was below the level of performance required to deliver 100% of the target). As a result, all of the shares originally allocated in 
March 2016 were awarded in March 2017, and will vest in equal tranches in March 2018, 2019 and 2020. In response to shareholder comments following 
the publication of the outcome of this award last year, the BSA structure has been revised for 2017 and future years to require independent assessment 
of performance measures and to include stretch targets (see page 88 for further information).

SCHEME INTERESTS AWARDED IN 2017 (AUDITED)

BSA IN RESPECT OF 2016 PERFORMANCE
An	allocation	of	shares	was	made	on	23	March	2016	at	a	share	price	of	£9.30	in	respect	of	the	March	2016	BSA.	The	confirmation	of	these	awards	was	
based	on	Company	performance	for	the	financial	year	ended	31	December	2016.	As	advised	in	the	2016	report,	the	performance	targets	were	achieved	
in full and the full number of shares originally allocated in March 2016 was awarded in March 2017, and will vest in equal tranches in March 2018, 2019 
and 2020.

Executive Director

Rupert Pearce

Tony Bates

Maximum
monetary
award

£1,046,564

£844,125

Share price
on date of
allocation
(23 March 2016)

£9.30

£9.30

Number
of shares
allocated in
March 2016

112,564

87,241

Conversion rate
based on
performance
for year ended
31 December 2016

Confirmed
number of
shares awarded
in March 2017

Share price
on date of
share award
(9 March 2017)

100%

100%

112,564

87,241

£7.615

£7.615

Face value
on date
of award
(9 March 2017)

£857,174

£664,340

2017 PSA AWARD IN RESPECT OF PERFORMANCE OVER THE PERIOD 2017-2019
In March 2017, the Executive Directors received PSA share awards which will vest subject to performance over the three years to 31 December 2019.

Executive Director

Rupert Pearce

Tony Bates

Date of grant

10 March 2017

10 March 2017

Awards granted
during the year

Market price at
date of award

140,182

108,647

£7.62

£7.62

Face value at
date of award

£1,067,486

£827,347

Award as
% of salary

Vesting date

185%

175%

10 March 2020

10 March 2020

The award levels, which are unchanged from last year, fall within the normal maximum permitted amount of 200% under the Remuneration Policy, 
and were determined taking into account the overall market pay data, and the performance of the Company against its prior year business performance.

Vesting of the awards is dependent on three-year TSR vs. the FTSE 50-150 (excluding investment trusts), three-year EBITDA growth, and achievement of 
specific	strategic	objectives.	Strategic	objectives	were	first	introduced	as	a	performance	measure	in	our	long-term	share	plan	in	2015.	The	Company	continues	
to believe that it is important for management to be focused on delivering critical strategic programmes which will drive long-term shareholder value creation. 
The	strategic	objectives	described	below	are	the	ones	identified	to	deliver	this	value	for	the	three-year	period	to	31	December	2019.	Relative	TSR,	EBITDA	
and strategic objectives will all be measured over the three years to 31 December 2019 and weighted 30%, 30% and 40%, respectively. There will be no 
re-testing of performance. Performance targets for these awards, and part-cycle updates on achievement against the strategic objectives, are as follows:

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REMUNERATION REPORT
CONTINUED

Performance measure

Three-year TSR vs. FTSE 50-150 
(excluding investment trusts)

Weighting
(% of maximum)

30%

Performance target

Below median: nil vesting
Median: 30% vesting
Upper quartile: 100% vesting

Three-year EBITDA growth p.a. 
(excluding Ligado)

Strategic objectives

30%

40%

(straight-line vesting applies between median and upper quartile)

Less than 3%: nil vesting
3%: 0% vesting
7%: 100% vesting

(straight-line vesting applies between 3% and 7%)

The key areas are:
 › Global Xpress: complete successful market entry to satellite broadband market through the next 

generations of Inmarsat satellites  
Part-cycle update: In 2017 we launched our fourth GX Ka-band satellite successfully and it is operational. 
We have continued to make good progress with GX take-up in maritime, government and aviation sectors. 
The	Company	is	on	track	to	meet	its	target	of	$500m	GX	revenues	by	the	end	of	year	five	after	global	launch

 › Aviation: put in place all key building blocks of the aviation business case (to support material revenues 

forecast over the LRBP period)  
Part-cycle update: In 2017 there was double-digit revenue growth reflecting IFC installation revenues 
and strong BGA and SoS growth. We have around 3,000 aircraft in our new business pipeline. I-5 F4 and 
the S-band satellites were successfully launched

 › L-band: work assiduously to sustain L-band revenues despite GX migration and both ongoing tight 

budgets and strong competition in all markets  
Part-cycle update: Our Enterprise Business Unit has focused on new business segments such as 
transportation to identify future revenue growth and our Government business continued to open new 
country market opportunities and secured new contracts in the U.S. We opened, with BSNL our partner 
in India, a GSPS gateway and see additional opportunities in this market. We have seen increased 
competition and also experienced faster migration of our FleetBroadband service to Fleet Xpress

 › Strategic contract: maximise the overall net contribution of the contract to Inmarsat  

Part-cycle update: Our focus has been to continue to operate collaboratively and in a focused way to 
maintain the benefits of this contract and we have delivered a material increase in contract revenues

Achievement against strategic objectives will be considered as a whole. There are specific objectives within 
each area, and further details of the objectives and key achievements will be disclosed in detail at the end of 
the performance period

PENSION (AUDITED)

The	Executive	Directors	are	eligible	to	participate	in	the	Company’s	defined	contribution	pension	plan	arrangements.	They	do	not	participate	in	the	
defined	benefit	plan.	The	normal	retirement	date	under	the	UK	pension	plan	is	age	65	with	an	employee	able	to	retire	from	age	55.	An	Executive	Director	
can become a deferred member of the pension plan or not join the pension plan and will receive a capped employer contribution paid as additional salary.

The current employer contributions to the pension scheme (subject to the cap of £149,400 for the 2016/17 tax year and £153,600 for the 2017/18 
tax year) are 12.5% of capped salary. The current arrangement is to pay 12.5% of capped salary, with the capped salary level increasing nominally 
each year.

Neither	Mr	Pearce	nor	Mr	Bates	is	a	member	of	the	UK	defined	contribution	pension	plan.	They	receive	a	cash	supplement	of	12.5%	of	capped	salary,	
with the capped salary level increasing nominally each year. This amount is reduced for the cost to the Company of the employer national insurance, 
the effect of which is that the Executive Directors receive an equivalent 11% of capped salary. The contribution levels are equivalent to approximately 
3% of salary for each Executive Director.

Executive Director

Rupert Pearce

Tony Bates

£17,000, equivalent to 3% of salary, was paid in 2017

£17,000, equivalent to 3% of salary, was paid in 2017

Pension value

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

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93 

SINGLE FIGURE OF TOTAL REMUNERATION FOR NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS (AUDITED)

The table below sets out a single figure for the total remuneration received by each Non-Executive Director for the year ended 31 December 2017 
and the prior year:

Andrew Sukawaty2

Simon Bax

Sir Bryan Carsberg

Stephen Davidson3

Warren Finegold4

Kathleen Flaherty3

General C. Robert Kehler (Rtd)5

Phillipa McCrostie6

Janice Obuchowski

Dr Abe Peled

Robert Ruijter

Dr Hamadoun Touré

Total

Base fee
£000

Additional fees
£000

Taxable benefits
£0001

Total
£000

2017

312.6

54.5

54.5

2.7

23.0

9.4

109.1

54.5

54.5

54.5

54.5

54.5

2016

306.4

53.5

53.5

53.5

–

53.5

106.9

18.0

53.5

53.5

53.5

53.5

838.3

859.3

2017

0.0

15.2

16.7

0.8

4.7

1.4

5.5

5.5

11.1

30.3

15.2

11.1

117.5

2016

0.0

12.5

12.7

17.7

–

5.0

 5.0

1.8

7.8

25.2

12.5

7.8

108.0

2017

18.0

0.4

1.1

0.0

0.1

0.0

0.0

1.9

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

2016

17.5

0.0

1.2

0.9

–

0.0

0.0

2.2

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

2017

330.6

70.1

72.3

3.5

27.7

10.8

114.6

62.0

65.6

84.8

69.7

65.6

2016

323.9

66.0

67.4

72.1

–

58.5

111.9

22.0

61.3

78.7

66.0

61.3

21.5

21.8

977.3

989.1

1  The taxable benefits received by the Non-Executive Directors were associated with accommodation costs incurred with attendance at two-day Board meetings. The tax due in respect of these benefits 
is settled by the Company. The Company also reimburses the travel costs incurred by the Non-Executive Directors for travel to Board meetings where these do not take place in the country in which they 
are domiciled. These travel expenses are subject to a specific deduction under HMRC rules and are not tax deductible

2  Mr Sukawaty receives healthcare cover
3  Mr Davidson and Mrs Flaherty retired as Non-Executive Directors on 19 January and 2 March 2017, respectively
4  Mr Finegold was appointed as a Non-Executive Director on 1 August 2017
5  The fees for General C. Robert Kehler (Rtd) include a fee of £53,470.98 as a Non-Executive Director of Inmarsat Inc, a wholly-owned subsidiary in the U.S.
6  Mrs McCrostie was appointed as a Non-Executive Director on 1 September 2016

EXIT PAYMENTS MADE IN THE YEAR (AUDITED)

There were no exit payments made in 2017.

PAYMENTS TO PAST DIRECTORS (AUDITED)

No payments were made to past Directors in 2017.

EXTERNAL APPOINTMENTS FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

The Executive Directors do not currently hold positions in other companies as Non-Executive Directors. Mr Pearce holds various positions in 
organisations affiliated to the satellite industry which are disclosed in his biography on page 59; none are currently fee-paying.

IMPLEMENTATION OF REMUNERATION POLICY FOR 2018

BASE SALARY
Salaries are typically reviewed annually in July for the Executive Directors and the general workforce. In 2017, the Company made the decision that 
due to business circumstances at the time, the 2016 salary review would be deferred for the Executive Directors and Executive Management Board 
to January 2017. Based on the subsequent review, the Committee approved a salary increase of 2% for both Executive Directors, effective from 
1 January 2017 (see 2016 Annual Report on Remuneration for further details).

The Committee conducted its 2017 salary review in July 2017, and approved an increase of 2% for both the CEO and the CFO. This is consistent with the 
increase across the Executive Team, and is below the average salary increase across the Group of 2.4% and across eligible UK employees of 2.7%. The 
Committee believes the new salaries are appropriate in the context of market pay data and continued strong individual performance. Salaries will next be 
reviewed in July 2018, which is the same time for the general workforce. The table below shows the Executive Directors’ salaries as at January 2017 and July 2017.

Executive Director

Rupert Pearce

Tony Bates

1  2016 salary review was deferred from 1 July 2016 to 1 January 2017

Salary at
1 July 2017

£588,600

£482,200

% change

Salary at
1 January 20171

2%

2%

£577,024

£472,770

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Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

REMUNERATION REPORT
CONTINUED

PENSION
No change to pension provision is currently anticipated for 2018.

ANNUAL CASH BONUS
The maximum annual bonus opportunity for Executive Directors in 2018 will remain unchanged from the opportunity in 2017, and will be 125% of salary.

The	annual	bonus	will	continue	to	have	a	financial	element	and	an	element	linked	to	personal	performance.	The	financial	element	of	the	bonus,	totalling	
70% of maximum bonus opportunity, will continue to be measured by reference to EBITDA (67% of the maximum award) and revenue (33%). As in 2017, 
30% of the maximum opportunity will be linked to the achievement of personal objectives.

BSA SHARES
In March 2018, a monetary BSA award will be made and nominally converted to shares immediately as happened in 2017. As in previous years, the level 
of	award	will	not	be	confirmed	until	the	results	for	2018	have	been	determined	and	may	be	lower	(but	not	higher)	than	the	initial	award.	There	is	no	change	
to the vesting timetable: the shares will vest in equal tranches in March 2020, 2021 and 2022, subject to continued employment. With the nominal 
conversion of the shares at the outset, this more closely aligns the value delivered to participants under this award with the value created for shareholders 
over the same period. The number of the shares actually awarded will be determined in March 2019 after performance has been assessed.

The level of award in March 2018 will be 185% and 175% of salary for Mr Pearce and Mr Bates, respectively, the same levels as in 2017. The performance 
measures	will	be	the	same	as	the	financial	metrics	used	in	the	2018	annual	bonus.	67%	of	the	award	will	be	linked	to	EBITDA	and	33%	to	revenue.	We	made	
two key changes to the implementation of the BSA for 2017 and future years, in response to shareholder feedback. Therefore, for 2018, performance 
against each measure will be assessed on an independent basis. Further, payout for target performance will be 80% (rather than 100%) of maximum, 
and a stretch target is introduced, the achievement of which will result in full payout. Payout for threshold performance will remain 60% of maximum as 
stated in the Policy.

As in previous years, the BSA performance targets relate to annual performance and will therefore be disclosed in full on a retrospective basis. 
The Remuneration Committee reviewed the award levels, and believe they are appropriate in the context of the Company’s ambitions for growth and 
how each of the Executive Directors will contribute personally towards overall Group performance.

PSA SHARES
A PSA award will be made in March 2018, and the level of award will be 185% of salary for Mr Pearce and 175% for Mr Bates, the same levels as in 2017. 
The Remuneration Committee reviewed the award levels, and believe they are appropriate in the context of the Company’s ambitions for growth 
and how each of the Executive Directors will contribute personally towards overall Group performance.

The PSA awards in 2018 will operate on the same basis as they did in 2017. Awards vest after three years based upon the same three performance 
conditions, measured over the three years to 31 December 2020. The targets are as follows:

Performance measure

Three-year TSR vs. FTSE 50-150 
(excluding investment trusts)

Weighting
(% of maximum)

30%

Performance target

Below median: nil vesting
Median: 30% vesting
Upper quartile: 100% vesting

Three-year EBITDA growth p.a. 
(excluding Ligado)

Strategic objectives

30%

40%

(straight-line vesting applies between median and upper quartile)

Less than 3%: nil vesting
3%: 0% vesting
7%: 100% vesting

(straight-line vesting applies between 3% and 7%)

The key areas are:
 › Capture the maximum number of broadband platforms for our high speed GX services 

and EAN aviation service

 › Reposition L-band for new growth by focusing on additional targeted market opportunities
 › Establish our Digital Platform and business to drive new services and product innovation
 › Transform	our	operating	environment	to	be	more	efficient	in	service	delivery	for	customers	

and	efficiency	for	all	stakeholders

 › Maximise the overall contribution from an ongoing key strategic contract
 › Create a high-performance organisation which enhances our employee value proposition 

and encourages a high-performance culture

Achievement against strategic objectives will be considered as a whole. There are specific objectives 
within each area, and further details of the objectives and key achievements will be disclosed in detail 
at the end of the performance period

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Governance | Directors’ Remuneration Report

95 

The EBITDA range for the 2018 PSA was considered by the Committee taking into account the long range business plan which was approved by the 
Board in February 2018 as well as recognising the dynamic competitive market where the Company would need to maintain its position in its existing 
key markets and seek how to maximise revenue opportunities through targeted expenditure to invest for the future. The Committee also considered 
the market consensus as part of its deliberations as well as performance of other satellite operators.

In line with the 2017 Remuneration Policy, a mandatory two-year holding period for Executive Directors will apply to vested PSA awards, effective 
from awards made in 2017. No shares may be sold during the holding period except to cover tax liabilities. Vested but held shares are treated as owned 
by the individual, and count towards shareholding for the purpose of calculating achievement of shareholding guidelines.

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FEES

The current NED fee levels are set out in the table below. Fees were reviewed during the year in the context of market fee levels and time commitment, 
and increased by 2% with effect from July 2017.

NED fees as at 31 December 2017

Basic fee

Senior Independent Director (inclusive of any additional Committee fees)

Non-Executive Chairman (inclusive of any additional Committee fees)

Additional Committee fees:

Chairman of the Audit Committee

Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

Chairman of the Nominations Committee

Chairman of the Telecoms Regulatory Committee

Committee membership (per Committee)

Amount

£55,080

£85,680

 £315,690

£15,300

£15,300

£10,200

£10,200

£5,610

Fees will next be reviewed in July 2018 and any increases will be for the decision of the Board, excluding the Non-Executive Directors. The Chairman 
also receives international healthcare cover (£17,986 in 2017).

TOTAL SHAREHOLDER RETURN 

The following graph shows the Company’s performance over the last nine years, measured by total shareholder return on a holding in the Company’s 
shares compared to a hypothetical holding of shares in the FTSE 350 index (excluding investment trusts). The FTSE 350 index has been selected as 
it provides a view of our performance against a broad equity market index, and Inmarsat is a constituent of the index. The Committee will review the 
appropriateness of the comparator group used in future reports to shareholders.

TOTAL SHAREHOLDER RETURN

400

300

200

100

0

Dec 08

Dec 09

Dec 10

Dec 11

Dec 12

Dec 13

Dec 14

Dec 15

Dec 16

Dec 17

Inmarsat

FTSE 350 xIT

Source: Datastream/Thomson Reuters

GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report96

Governance | Directors’ Remuneration Report

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

REMUNERATION REPORT
CONTINUED

CEO NINE-YEAR REMUNERATION HISTORY (AUDITED)

The	table	below	details	the	Chief	Executive’s	single	figure	of	total	remuneration	and	actual	variable	pay	outcomes	over	the	same	nine-year	period.	
For	the	years	2009-2011,	the	Executive	Chairman	and	Chief	Executive	(Andrew	Sukawaty	(‘AS’))	was	the	same	individual	reflecting	a	salary	for	the	
combined role. Rupert Pearce (‘RP’) became Chief Executive on 1 January 2012.

Year ended

31 Dec 2009

31 Dec 2010

31 Dec 2011

31 Dec 2012

31 Dec 2013

31 Dec 2014

31 Dec 2015

31 Dec 2016

31 Dec 2017

Single figure of total remuneration1 
(£000)

Annual bonus outcome  
(% of maximum)

BSP/BSA conversion  
(% of maximum monetary value)

PSP/PSA award vesting  
(% of maximum)

AS

RP

AS

RP

AS

RP

AS

RP

2,218

–

98%

–

100%

–

100%

–

3,661

–

100%

–

100%

–

100%

–

2,819

–

84%

–

98%

–

Nil

–

3,8502

1,596

–

91%

–

100%

–

Nil

2,5112

1,434

–

83%

–

73%

–

Nil

4,4272

2,595

–

96%

–

100%

–

54%

–

–

2,579

2,346

–

72%

–

100%

–

50%

–

71%3

–

100%

–

48%

–

1,875

–

65%

–

81%4

–

30%

1  See page 87 for detail of the single figure of total remuneration for 2017 and 2016
2  We are only required to show the single figure for each year for the Chief Executive. However, because Mr Sukawaty was the highest paid Director as Executive Chairman in 2012, 2013 and 2014, 

we have also shown his single figure in this table for information

3  Formulaic bonus outcome prior to application of voluntary reduction
4  BSA payout calculated on new basis where 80% is paid for target performance

PERCENTAGE CHANGE IN CEO REMUNERATION

The data for other employees relates to the average pay across staff based in the UK, which is deemed to be the most appropriate employee group. 
The data is based on all Inmarsat UK employees, including Executive Directors (apart from the CEO) and the senior management team.

CHANGE IN REMUNERATION FROM 2016 TO 2017

Salary

Taxable benefits2

Short-term incentives3

CEO

Other UK employees

2017
£000

583

2.0

1,091

2016
£000

566

2.0

1,344

% change

% change

3.0%1

–

-18.8%

6.1%4

-1.8%

7.9%

1  The CEO’s salaries shown relate to the average salaries paid in respect of each of the financial years
2  Taxable benefits include healthcare benefits
3  Represents the annual bonus payment for the financial year just ended plus the value of BSA shares to be awarded corresponding to the relevant financial year at share prices as set out in the single 

figure table on page 87

4  The number of employees is based on those who were in employment for the whole year

The Company will be publishing its report on Gender Pay in 2018, in line with UK legislation. A copy will be placed on our website and we have provided some 
comments on the report in the Resources and Relationships section of this Annual Report on page 44.

RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF SPEND ON PAY

To assist in understanding the relative importance of spend on pay, we show below remuneration for all employees in comparison to distributions to 
shareholders	(dividends	and	share	buy-back)	and	other	significant	spend.	Capital	expenditure	has	been	presented	as	a	measure	of	significant	spend	as	
it shows the investment being made in the Company’s future growth. Our business model creates value that is distributed in the form of remuneration to 
employees,	returns	to	shareholders	and	funds	which	are	reinvested	in	the	business.	We	have	invested	significantly	in	recent	years	in	the	business	while	at	
the same time reviewing pay levels to be competitive and seek to secure good returns to shareholders through increasing capital value in the share price 
and have previously increased dividend payments each year. We are focused on putting in place a sound platform for the long-term success of the Group.

RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF SPEND ON PAY $m

Total employee pay

Dividends

Cash capital expenditure

2017

2016

$312.9m
$267.7m

$249.8m
$235.7m

$598.7m
$412.9m

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Governance | Directors’ Remuneration Report

97 

DIRECTORS’ SHAREHOLDING (AUDITED)

The table below shows the shareholding of each Director against their respective shareholding requirement as at 31 December 2017 based on a share 
price of £4.908 as at 31 December 2017:

Rupert Pearce

Tony Bates

Andrew Sukawaty

Simon Bax

Sir Bryan Carsberg

Stephen Davidson5

Kathleen Flaherty5

Warren Finegold6

General C. Robert Kehler (Rtd)

Phillipa McCrostie

Janice Obuchowski

Dr Abe Peled

Robert Ruijter

Dr Hamadoun Touré

Shares held as
at 31 Dec 2016

Shares held as
at 31 Dec 2017

Unvested
and subject
to deferral1

Unvested
and subject to
performance
conditions2

Shareholding
guideline
(% salary)

Current3
shareholding
(% salary)

Requirement
met?

824,254

920,623

268,782

252,746

17,389

59,682

203,210

195,888

500%

500%

992%

268%

Yes

No4

1,076,825

1,172,352

11,500

16,327

1,500

3,073

23,000

16,327

1,500

3,073

–

30,000

2,000

–

7,000

10,000

–

–

3,000

2,000

7,000

38,000

–

–

Includes the BSP/BSA conditional awards made in 2015, 2016 and 2017 and associated dividend shares, and 30% of the 2015 PSA

1  The unvested and subject to deferral column includes BSA/BSP awards granted in 2015, 2016 and 2017 and 30% of the 2015 PSA as performance has been tested
2  The unvested and subject to performance conditions column includes PSP/PSA awards made in 2016 and 2017
3 
4  Mr Bates joined the Company in June 2014. The shareholding guideline of five times salary is to be achieved over a five- to seven-year period
5  Mr Davidson and Mrs Flaherty retired as Non-Executive Directors on 19 January and 2 March 2017, respectively
6  Mr Finegold was appointed to the Board on 1 August 2017

Several of our Non-Executive Directors have significant shareholdings. There were no changes in Directors’ interests from 31 December 2017 to 9 March 2018.

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS IN SHARES IN INMARSAT LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS AND ALL-EMPLOYEE 
PLANS (AUDITED)

This information is accurate as at 31 December 2017.

INMARSAT BONUS SHARE AWARDS (AUDITED)

The table below shows details of outstanding BSA/BSP awards after the award has been converted from a monetary value or allocation of shares 
into conditional awards, which vest over a subsequent three-year period.

Rupert Pearce

Share award confirmed in March 2014

Share award confirmed in March 2015

Share award confirmed in March 2016

Share award confirmed in March 2017

Tony Bates

Share award confirmed in March 2015

Share award confirmed in March 2016

Share award confirmed in March 2017

Share awards
held at
1 January 2017

Awarded
during
the year

Reinvested
dividends
during
the year1

Vested
during
the year2

Share awards
held at
31 December 2017

Award
price3

26,954

54,912

116,668

–

–

–

–

26,954

–

£6.89

1,640

27,454

29,062

£8.91

4,544

38,888

82,324

£9.30

–

112,564

6,576

–

119,140

£7.62

36,525

88,572

–

–

1,067

18,262

19,330

£8.91

3,449

29,522

62,499

£9.30

–

87,241

5,097

–

92,338

£7.62

Vesting date

Fully vested: March 2017
was the last vesting date

March 2016, March 2017
and March 2018

March 2017, March 2018
and March 2019

March 2018, March 2019
and March 2020

March 2016, March 2017
and March 2018 

March 2017, March 2018
and March 2019

March 2018, March 2019
and March 2020

GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report98

Governance | Directors’ Remuneration Report

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

REMUNERATION REPORT
CONTINUED

Andrew Sukawaty4

Share award confirmed in March 2014

Share award confirmed in March 2015

Share awards
held at
1 January 2017

Awarded
during
the year

Reinvested
dividends
during
the year1

Vested
during
the year2

Share awards
held at
31 December 2017

Award
price3

64,470

95,875

–

–

–

64,470

–

£6.89

2,801

47,935

50,741

£8.91

Vesting date

March 2016, March 2017
and March 2018

March 2016, March 2017
and March 2018

1  The number of shares subject to the award increases by the number of shares that the Executive Director could have purchased with the value of dividends they would have received on their award, 

based on the share price on the ex-dividend date

2  On 9 March 2017, Mr Sukawaty, Mr Pearce and Mr Bates sold sufficient shares to cover tax and national insurance and retained the balance. The shares were sold at a price of £7.4957 per share, 

representing a monetary value of vested shares of £842,554, £699,318 and £358,174 respectively

3  The award price is the price when the shares change from being allocated to granted following the performance test being completed
4  Mr Sukawaty, as Non-Executive Chairman, remains entitled to receive the shares when they vest as they were awarded and earned while he was an Executive Director

Mr Pearce and Mr Bates will receive BSA awards in March 2018 of 113,547 and 88,004 shares respectively for the allocation made in March 2017.

INMARSAT PERFORMANCE SHARE AWARDS (AUDITED)
The table below shows details of outstanding PSA/PSP awards.

Share awards
held at
1 January 2017

Awarded
during
the year

Reinvested
dividends
during
the year1

Vested
during
the year

Lapsed
during
the year

Share awards
held at
31 December 2017

96,954

111,089

112,564

–

–

–

–

140.182

58,919

84,337

87,241

–

–

–

–

108,647

12,464

52,520

56,898

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

8,122

32,179

34,862

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Award
price

£6.98

£9.34

Vesting date

March 2017

March 2018

£9.2975

March 2019

£7.6150

March 2020

£7.64

£9.34

June 2017

March 2018

–

111,089

112,564

140,182

–

84,337

87,241

£9.2975

March 2019

108,647

£7.6150

March 2020

Rupert Pearce 

Award made in 20142

Award made in 20153

Award made in 2016

Award made in 2017

Tony Bates

Award made in 20142

Award made in 20153

Award made in 2016

Award made in 2017

Andrew Sukawaty4

Award made in 20142

176,207

–

22,653

31,817

167,043

–

£6.98

March 2017

1  The number of shares subject to the award increases by the number of shares that the Executive Director could have purchased with the value of dividends they would have received on their award, 

based on the share price on the ex-dividend date

2  48% of the 2014 PSP vested in 2017
3  30% of the 2015 PSA will vest in March 2018
4  Mr Sukawaty’s outstanding PSP award (made to him when he was Executive Chairman) vested on a time pro-rata basis on the respective normal vesting date for the period he was an Executive Director, 

subject to performance

INMARSAT SHARESAVE SCHEME (2017 AWARD) (AUDITED)
The information below relates to the UK Sharesave plan which the Executive Directors can contribute monthly savings to over a three-year period.

Executive Director

Rupert Pearce

Tony Bates

APPROVAL

Options held at
1 January 2017

Granted
during
the year

Exercised
during
the year

Options held at
31 December
2017

Option price
per share

Date
from which
exercisable

Expiry date

1,584

–

1,584

–

–

1,489

–

1,489

–

–

–

–

1,584

1,489

1,584

1,489

£5.68

£6.02

£5.68

£6.02

August 2019

January 2020

August 2020

January 2021

August 2019 

January 2020

August 2020

January 2021

This report was approved by the Board of Directors on 9 March 2018 and signed on its behalf by

SIMON BAX  
CHAIRMAN, REMUNERATION COMMITTEE

9 March 2018

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Governance | Report of the Directors

99 

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS
For the year ended 31 December 2017

ALISON HORROCKS
CHIEF CORPORATE  
AFFAIRS OFFICER AND  
COMPANY SECRETARY

This Report has been 
prepared in accordance with 
the requirements outlined 
within the Companies Act 
2006 (‘2006 Act’) and 
Listing Rule 9.8.4R and forms 
part of the management 
report as required under 
Disclosure and Transparency 
Rule 4

Certain	information	that	fulfils	the	requirements	
of the Report of the Directors is incorporated 
into the report by reference and is referred 
to below.

The purpose of this Report is to provide 
information to the Company’s shareholders. 
The Report contains certain forward-looking 
statements based on knowledge and information 
available at the date of preparation of the 
Report. These statements involve uncertainty 
since future events and circumstances can 
cause results and developments to differ from 
those anticipated. Nothing in this Report 
should	be	construed	as	a	profit	forecast.

RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

The Responsibility Statement made by 
the Board regarding the preparation of the 
financial	statements	is	set	out	on	page	103.

BUSINESS REVIEW, 
STRATEGIC REPORT AND 
FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

A description of the Company’s business model, 
strategy and factors likely to affect the Group’s 
future developments are incorporated into 
this Report by reference. They are set out 
in the Strategic Report on pages 1 to 55.

GOVERNANCE REPORT

Under Disclosure and Transparency Rule 7, 
a requirement exists for certain parts of the 
Governance Report to be outlined in the 
Report of the Directors. This information is 
laid out in the Governance Report on pages 
56 to 98.

POST-BALANCE SHEET EVENTS

There were no such events required 
to be disclosed.

RESULTS AND DIVIDENDS

The results for the year are shown in the 
Consolidated Income Statement on page 112.

A	final	dividend	of	12.00	cents	(US$)	will	be	paid	
on 25 May 2018 to shareholders on the share 
register at the close of business on 20 April 2018. 
Dividend payments are made in Pounds Sterling 
or in shares using an exchange rate derived 
from	the	WM/Reuters	GBP/USD	9am	fix	
(London time) four business days prior to the 
date of announcement of the scrip reference 
price. Explanatory documentation in respect 
of the operation of the scrip dividend is 
available on our website.

From 6 April 2016 the Dividend Tax Credit 
was replaced by a new Dividend Allowance 
in	the	form	of	a	0%	tax	rate	on	the	first	
£5,000 of dividend income per year.

INTEREST CAPITALISATION

The	Group	capitalised	$35.3m	during	the	
period	under	review.	The	$35.3m	of	interest	
capitalised in the period has been treated 
as fully tax deductible in the UK.

BRANCHES

The Group has activities operated through 
many jurisdictions.

CAPITAL STRUCTURE AND 
RIGHTS ATTACHING TO SHARES

The Company’s ordinary shares of Euro 0.0005 
each are listed on the London Stock Exchange 
(LSE: ISAT.L). Details of the issued share capital 
of the Company, together with movements 
in the issued share capital during the year, 
can be found in note 24 to the consolidated 
financial	statements.

The Company has one class of ordinary share 
which	carries	no	rights	to	fixed	income.	On	a	poll,	
each member is entitled to one vote for each 
share of Euro 0.0005 held. All 77,276 ordinary 
shares held by the Inmarsat Employee Share 
Ownership Trust carry voting rights.

There	are	no	specific	restrictions	on	the	size	
of holding or on the transfer of shares, which are 
both governed by the general provisions of the 
Articles of Association and prevailing legislation. 
The Directors are not aware of any arrangements 
between shareholders that may result in restrictions 
on the transfer of securities or on voting rights. 
No person has any special rights of control 
over the Company’s share capital and all 
issued shares are fully paid.

GOING CONCERN

Despite the recent rerating of the satellite 
sector and increased competitive environment, 
coupled with a continuing uncertain economic 
outlook, the Directors believe that the Group 
has a resilient business model and is compliant 
with	all	its	financial	covenants.	In	making	their	
assessment of going concern, the Directors 
considered the Board-approved budget, 
the	rolling	forecast,	the	cash	flow	forecast	and	
the	most	recent	five-year	long-range	business	
plan. In addition, the Directors considered the 
maturity	profile	of	existing	debt	facilities,	other	
liabilities as well as actual and forecast covenant 
calculations. Furthermore, the forecasts and 

GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report100

Governance | Report of the Directors

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS
CONTINUED

covenant calculations were stress tested 
by applying a set of downside scenarios. 
After making enquiries, the Directors have a 
reasonable expectation that the Group has 
adequate resources to continue in operational 
existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, 
Inmarsat continues to adopt the going 
concern basis in preparing the consolidated 
financial	statements.

VIABILITY STATEMENT

The viability statement containing a broader 
assessment by the Board of the Company’s 
ongoing viability is set out on page 55.

ON-MARKET PURCHASE 
AUTHORITY

The Directors’ authorities are determined by 
UK legislation and the Articles of Association. 
At the 2017 AGM, the Directors were authorised 
by shareholders to allot ordinary shares up 
to agreed limits and to have the ability to 
make market purchases of ordinary shares. 
Shareholders are being requested to renew 
these authorities at the 2018 AGM.

INDEMNITIES AND INSURANCE

Details	of	the	Directors’	and	Officers’	liability	
insurance and the indemnities provided to 
the Directors, Company Secretary and certain 
employees where they serve as directors 
of subsidiaries at the Group’s request are 
provided on page 65 in the Governance Report.

EMPLOYMENT POLICIES AND 
EMPLOYEE INVOLVEMENT

Details of the employment policies and 
employee involvement are provided in the 
resources and relationships section and 
are also in the Governance Report.

LONG-TERM INCENTIVE SCHEMES

Details of the long-term incentive schemes can 
be found on pages 89 and 92 of the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

The Group is committed to maintaining high 
standards of health and safety for its employees, 
customers, visitors, contractors and anyone 
affected by its business activities. During 2017, 
we continued to work closely with our subsidiary 
companies to harmonise health and safety 
best practice. Rupert Pearce, our CEO, is the 
Director designated for health and safety matters 
at Board level. One of the objectives for the 
CEO includes how health and safety is managed 
across the Company.

ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE 
AND STRATEGY

We operate in over 50 locations with a combined 
workforce of approximately 2,000 staff. Due to 
our diversity of activities the Company recognises 
it has impacts affecting the local and global 
environment. However, it should be noted that 
the satellite industry and our own business is low 

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

Greenhouse gas emissions (tCO2e)

Combustion of fuel and operation of facilities (Scope 1)

Electricity, heat, steam and cooling purchased for our own use  
(Scope 2: location-based)

Electricity, heat, steam and cooling purchased for our own use  
(Scope 2: market-based)

Other indirect emissions (Scope 3)

2017

1,047

2016

1,164

2015

978

10,870

11,743

12,141

8,664

20,647

10,559

13,568*

14,010

15,681

* We have restated our Scope 3 figures due to improved data quality and accuracy

Emissions from the consumption of electricity outside the UK and Scope 2 emissions calculated using the market-based approach 
using supplier specific emission factors are calculated and reported in tCO2e

METHODOLOGY

Greenhouse gas emissions 
(tCO2e)

Total Scope 1 and 2

tCO2e per full-time 
equivalent (‘FTE’)  
employee

Location-based approach

Market-based approach

2017

11,918

2016

12,907

2015

13,118

2017

9,712

2016

11,724

2015

14,988

6.9

6.8

7.0

5.6

6.2

8.0

The emissions intensity calculation is based on a figure of 1,737 employees in 2017, 1,900 employees in 2016 and 1,864 employees 
in 2015. We have restated our total Scope 1, 2 and 3 figures due to improved data quality and accuracy within Scope 3 emissions

on the scale of carbon generators. The satellite 
launch industry is reviewing how it becomes 
more accountable for carbon generation through 
innovative new satellite launch techniques and we 
will	work	with	them	to	see	how	we	can	benefit	from	
improved techniques for our future launches. 
We have provided details of our objectives for 
how we manage our environmental activities on 
page 49. The following information summarises 
the report generated over the year regarding 
our actual performance.

Our environmental impacts include the use of 
natural resources, the consumption of energy 
and water, the production of a variety of waste, 
as well as staff and visitors who travel extensively.

All energy and waste management activities are 
controlled by the Business Environment team 
which is based in London and are supported by 
inputs from colleagues across the Group.

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
This section has been prepared in accordance with 
our regulatory obligation to report greenhouse 
gas (‘GHG’) emissions pursuant to Section 7 of 
the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and 
Directors’ Report) Regulations 2013. The table 
below shows our greenhouse gas emissions 
for the years ended 31 December 2017, 2016 
and 2015. We are in the process of having 
our	emissions	independently	verified	to	the	
ISO 14064-3 standard to ensure continuous 
improvement of our GHG reporting.

Methodology
We quantify and report our organisational 
GHG emissions according to the Greenhouse 
Gas Protocol. Consumption data has been 
collated by our sustainability consultant, 
Carbon Credentials, and has been converted 
into CO2 equivalent using the UK Government 
2017 Conversion Factors for Company Reporting 
and the International Energy Agency international 
electricity conversion factors in order to calculate 
emissions from corresponding activity data.

This report has been prepared in accordance 
with the GHG Protocol’s Scope 2 Guidance; we 
have therefore reported both a location-based 
and	market-based	Scope	2	emissions	figure.	
The	Scope	2	market-based	figure	reflects	
emissions from electricity purchasing decisions 
that Inmarsat has made. When quantifying 
emissions using the market-based approach 
we	have	used	a	supplier	specific	emissions	factor	
where possible. If these factors were unavailable, 
a residual mix emissions factor was then used, 
and as a last option the location-based grid 
emissions factor was used. This approach 
is in line with the GHG Protocol Scope 2 
Data Hierarchy.

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Governance | Report of the Directors

101 

The table on page 100 shows our total emissions 
and our emissions as a metric for the year ended 
31 December 2017 using the two different 
Scope 2 accounting methodologies.

Performance
In 2017 we set an interim target to reduce absolute 
Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 10% compared to 
2016. We have over-achieved this target with 
our absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions having 
decreased by 17% since 2016, and 35% since 2015 
(using the market-based Scope 2 accountancy 
method). We continue to expand the number of 
low emissions sources of electricity across the 
Group and during 2017 we switched to a renewable 
electricity	supply	at	our	London	Head	Office,	
our largest electricity-consuming site.

Our emissions intensity has decreased by 9% from 
6.2 to 5.6 tCO2e/FTE (using the market-based 
Scope 2 accounting approach).

We have also chosen to voluntarily disclose 
a selection of our Scope 3 emissions, including 
water, waste, business travel and WTT electricity 
emissions. We have increased the scope of 
our reporting in 2017 to also include emissions 
associated with the transmission and distribution 
of electricity. As such our Scope 3 emissions 
have increased by 52%. This is due to the increase 
in reporting boundary as well as an increase in 
business travel.

In 2018 we will be working with Carbon Credentials 
to assess our full value chain (Scope 3) emissions 
with the ambition of setting a science-based 
emission reduction target in line with the 
UK’s commitment under the UN Paris Agreement, 
thereby contributing to the global effort to prevent 
the worst consequences of climate change.

Reporting boundaries and limitations
We consolidate our organisational boundary 
according to the operational control approach 
and have adopted a materiality threshold 
of 5% for GHG reporting purposes. As a result, 
emissions from locations with fewer than 15 
staff on-site have been reasonably estimated 
as immaterial and are thus excluded from our 
GHG	disclosure.	Emissions	for	all	significant	sites	
have	been	disclosed,	which	includes	our	top	five	
highest consuming locations: London, Burum, 
Auckland, Paumalu and Perth. The GHG sources 
that constitute our operational boundary for 
the 2017 reporting period are:
 › Scope 1: Natural gas combustion within boilers, 
gas oil combustion within generators, road 
fuel combustion within owned and leased 
vehicles, and fugitive refrigerants from 
air-conditioning equipment

TOTAL EMISSIONS 2017 tCO2e

30,358

Scope 1

Scope 2 (market-based)

Scope 3

1,047

8,664

20,647

EMISSIONS INTENSITY – SCOPE 1 AND 2 
(MARKET-BASED) tCO2e/FTE

5.6

2017

2016

5.6

6.2

 › Scope 2: Purchased electricity consumption 

for our own use

 › Scope 3: Business travel, water, waste, and 
well-to-tank and transmission & distribution 
electricity emissions

Assumptions and estimations
In some cases, missing data has been estimated 
using either extrapolation of available data from 
the reporting period or data from previous 
years as a proxy.

PRINCIPAL RISKS 
AND UNCERTAINTIES

Details of principal risks and uncertainties 
are provided on pages 50 to 55.

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

Details	of	the	financial	risk	management	
objectives and policies of the Group, including 
hedging policies and exposure of the entity to 
price	risk,	credit	risk,	liquidity	risk	and	cash	flow	
risk are given in notes 3 and 31 to the consolidated 
financial	statements.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

The Group continues to invest in new services and 
technology necessary to support its activities 
through research and development programmes.

POLITICAL DONATIONS

During the year, no political donations were 
made. It remains the policy of the Company not 
to make political donations or incur political 
expenditure. There are occasions when the 
Company will sponsor dinners and take tables at 
dinners and we have carefully assessed whether 
these	fall	to	be	classified	as	political	donations	
and	are	satisfied	they	do	not,	however	we	are	
being transparent that we participate in these 
events. The Directors recognise however that 
occasions arise where it may be in the best 
interests of shareholders for the Company 
to be able, if appropriate, to participate in 
public debate and opinion-forming on matters 
which affect its business. To avoid inadvertent 
infringement of the requirements of the 
Companies Act 2006, shareholders are asked 
annually to give authority at the Annual General 
Meeting for the Company to make political 
donations and to incur political expenditure.

INTERESTS IN VOTING RIGHTS

As at 6 March 2018, the Company had 
been	notified,	in	accordance	with	chapter	5	
of the Financial Services Authority’s Disclosure 
and Transparency Rules, of the following 
significant	interests:

Shareholder

Percentage of voting rights
over ordinary shares of
€0.0005 each

Lansdowne Partners Limited

Capital Group Companies, Inc.

Artemis Investment Management

Jupiter Asset Management Limited

Openheimer Funds, Inc

Aberdeen Asset Managers

Standard Life Investments Ltd

Allianz SE

12.06%

9.95%

5.30%

4.97%

4.90%

4.88%

4.38%

3.02%

Voting rights are based on the information 
submitted via TR1 forms from shareholders 
to the Company, adjusted for the issued share 
capital of 457,659,212 as at 6 March 2018.

GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report102

Governance | Report of the Directors

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS
CONTINUED

RULES GOVERNING 
DIRECTORS’ APPOINTMENTS

Shareholders can appoint or remove Directors 
by an ordinary resolution in a general meeting 
but	specific	conditions	on	vacation	of	office	
apply where a Director becomes prohibited 
by	law	or	regulation	from	holding	office;	or	
where a Director becomes bankrupt, mentally 
incapacitated or persistently absent from 
Directors’ meetings. Further information 
on Directors’ appointments are provided on 
page 69 of the Governance Report.

DIRECTORS’ POWER

General powers of the Directors are provided 
by the Company’s Articles of Association 
and the Companies Act 2006 (the ‘Act’). 
The powers are subject to limitations imposed 
by statute and directions given by special 
resolution of the shareholders applicable at 
a relevant time. Details of Directors’ powers 
are provided on pages 62 to 64 of the 
Governance Report.

DIRECTORS AND THEIR INTERESTS

A full list of the individuals who were Directors 
of	the	Company	during	the	financial	year	
ended 31 December 2017 is set out below:

Andrew Sukawaty, Rupert Pearce, Tony Bates, 
Stephen Davidson, Janice Obuchowski, 
Kathleen Flaherty, General C. Robert Kehler (Rtd), 
Sir Bryan Carsberg, Dr Abe Peled, Robert Ruijter, 
Simon Bax, Dr Hamadoun Touré, Phillipa McCrostie 
and Warren Finegold.

Stephen Davidson and Kathleen Flaherty 
retired as Directors on 19 January 2017 and 
2 March 2017 respectively.

Details of the interests of each Director and their 
connected persons in the Company’s ordinary 
shares and share awards held are set out in full in 
the Directors’ Remuneration Report on page 97. 

ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

The Articles of Association can only be amended 
by special resolution of the shareholders.

AUDITOR

Each	of	the	Directors	has	confirmed	that:
 › so far as the Director is aware, there is 
no relevant audit information of which 
the Company’s Auditor is unaware and
 › the Director has taken all the steps that  
he/she ought to have taken as a Director to 
make him/herself aware of any relevant 
audit information and to establish that the 
Company’s Auditor is aware of that information

This	confirmation	is	given	and	should	be	
interpreted in accordance with the provisions 
of s418 of the Companies Act 2006.

A resolution to re-appoint Deloitte LLP 
as Auditor of the Company and to authorise 
the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors 
to determine its remuneration will be proposed 
at the 2018 AGM.

2018 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Annual General Meeting will be held 
on 2 May 2018 at 10.00am at 99 City Road, 
London EC1Y 1AX. The Notice of Meeting, 
which sets out the resolutions to be proposed 
at the forthcoming AGM, is contained in 
a separate circular and is enclosed with this 
Annual Report. At this AGM, shareholders 
will also be asked to vote on a related party 
transaction and details of this special resolution 
are contained in the AGM Notice of Meeting.

By order of the Board

ALISON HORROCKS FCIS  
CHIEF CORPORATE AFFAIRS OFFICER 
AND COMPANY SECRETARY

Details	of	the	Directors’	conflicts	of	interest	
policy are provided on page 65.

9 March 2018

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Governance | Directors’ responsibilities statement

103 

DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES 
STATEMENT

The Directors are responsible for preparing 
the	Annual	Report	and	the	financial	
statements in accordance with applicable 
law and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare 
such	financial	statements	for	each	financial	
year. Under that law the Directors are required 
to	prepare	the	Group	financial	statements	
in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’) as adopted by 
the European Union and Article 4 of the IAS 
Regulation and have also chosen to prepare 
the	Parent	Company	financial	statements	in	
accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 
101 Reduced Disclosure Framework. 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	the	Parent	Company	financial	
statements, the Directors are required to:
 › select suitable accounting policies 
and then apply them consistently
 › make judgements and accounting 

estimates that are reasonable and prudent
 › state whether Financial Reporting Standard 
101 Reduced Disclosure Framework has been 
followed, subject to any material departures 
disclosed	and	explained	in	the	financial	
statements and

 › prepare	the	financial	statements	on	the	

going concern basis unless it is inappropriate 
to presume that the Company will continue 
in business 

In	preparing	the	Group	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	IFRS	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 performance, business model 
and strategy

By order of the Board

RUPERT PEARCE 
DIRECTOR

9 March 2018

GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report104
104 

Financial statements | Consolidated financial statements 
Financial Statements | Consolidated financial statements

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

THIS REPORT IS SEPARATED INTO THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS TO AID REVIEW: 

105  Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Inmarsat plc 

140  Note 26. Reserves 

141  Note 27. Earnings per share 

142  Note 28. Pensions and post-employment benefits 

147  Note 29. Operating lease and other commitments 

148  Note 30. Capital risk management 

148  Note 31. Financial instruments 

151  Note 32. Capital commitments 

151  Note 33. Contingent liability  

151  Note 34. Events after the balance sheet date 

151  Note 35. Related party transactions 

152  Note 36. Principal subsidiary undertakings 

154  Company financial statements 

154  Company balance sheet 

155  Company statement of changes in equity 

156  Notes to the Company financial statements 

156  Note A) Principal accounting policies 

156  Note B) Critical accounting estimates and key judgements 

156  Note C) Income statement 

156  Note D) Financial instruments 

157  Glossary of terms 

159  Additional information 

112  Consolidated financial statements 

112  Consolidated income statement 

113  Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

114  Consolidated balance sheet 

115  Consolidated statement of changes in equity 

116  Consolidated cash flow statement 

117  Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

117  Note 1. General information 

117  Note 2. Principal accounting policies 

122  Note 3. Financial risk management 

123  Note 4. Critical accounting estimates and key judgements 

124  Note 5. Segmental information 

126  Note 6. Operating profit 

126  Note 7. Employee benefit costs 

127  Note 8. Key management compensation 

127  Note 9. Net financing costs 

128  Note 10. Taxation 

128  Note 11. Net foreign exchange gain/(loss) 

129  Note 12. Dividends 

129  Note 13. Property, plant and equipment 

130  Note 14. Intangible assets 

131  Note 15. Investments 

132  Note 16. Cash and cash equivalents 

132  Note 17. Trade and other receivables 

133  Note 18. Inventories 

133  Note 19. Net borrowings 

135  Note 20. Trade and other payables 

135  Note 21. Provisions 

135  Note 22. Current and deferred taxation 

137  Note 23. Reconciliation of cash generated from operations 

137  Note 24. Share capital 

138  Note 25. Employee share options and awards 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
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Financial statements | Consolidated financial statements 

Financial Statements | Consolidated financial statements

105 
105

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT  
TO THE MEMBERS OF INMARSAT PLC 

REPORT ON THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  

OPINION 

IN OUR OPINION: 
› the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the group’s and of the parent company’s affairs as at 31 December 2017 and of the group’s 

profit for the year then ended  

› the group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by  

the European Union 

› the parent company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice including 

Financial Reporting Standard 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’ and 

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

Article 4 of the IAS Regulation 

We have audited the financial statements of Inmarsat plc (the ‘parent company’) and its subsidiaries (the ‘group’) which comprise: 
› the consolidated income statement 
› the consolidated statement of comprehensive income 
› the consolidated and parent company balance sheets 
› the consolidated and parent company statements of changes in equity 
› the consolidated cash flow statement and 
› the related notes 1 to 36 
The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the group financial statements is applicable law and IFRSs as adopted by  
the European Union. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the parent company financial statements is applicable  
law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’. 

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 FRC’s Ethical Standard as applied to listed public interest entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with 
these requirements. We confirm that the non-audit services prohibited by the FRC’s Ethical Standard were not provided to the group or the parent company. 

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 

SUMMARY OF OUR AUDIT APPROACH 

Key audit matters 

The key audit matters that we identified in the current year were: 
› accuracy, completeness and occurrence of manual adjustments to airtime revenue 
› accounting for capitalised development expenditure 

Materiality 

Scoping 

The materiality that we used for the group financial statements was $18.0m which was determined on the basis of a number  
of relevant benchmarks including EBITDA. Materiality represents 2.5% of EBITDA. 

We have performed full-scope audit procedures for components which contribute 99% of net assets, revenue and profit  
before tax. 

Significant changes  
in our approach 

Last year our report included the key audit matter of accounting for the Ligado Cooperation Agreement and Take or Pay revenue 
cut-off. These were not considered to be key audit matters in the year. 

In the prior year we determined materiality solely on profit before tax.  

GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report 
 
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106 

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Financial Statements | Consolidated financial statements

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF INMARSAT PLC CONTINUED 

CONCLUSIONS RELATING TO GOING CONCERN, PRINCIPAL RISKS AND VIABILITY STATEMENT 

We confirm that we have nothing material  
to report, add or draw attention to in respect  
of these matters. 

We confirm that we have nothing material  
to report, add or draw attention to in respect  
of these matters. 

Going concern 
We have reviewed the directors’ statement in note 2 to the financial statements about whether they 
considered it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing them and their 
identification of any material uncertainties to the group’s and company’s ability to continue to do so  
over a period of at least twelve months from the date of approval of the financial statements. 

We are required to state whether we have anything material to add or draw attention to in relation to that 
statement required by Listing Rule 9.8.6R(3) and report if the statement is materially inconsistent with our 
knowledge obtained in the audit. 

Principal risks and viability statement 
Based solely on reading the directors’ statements and considering whether they were consistent with the 
knowledge we obtained in the course of the audit, including the knowledge obtained in the evaluation of  
the directors’ assessment of the group’s and the company’s ability to continue as a going concern, we are 
required to state whether we have anything material to add or draw attention to in relation to: 
› the disclosures on pages 50 to 55 that describe the principal risks and explain how they are being 

managed or mitigated 

› the directors' confirmation on page 51 that they have carried out a robust assessment of the principal 
risks facing the group, including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, 
solvency or liquidity or 

› the directors’ explanation on page 55 as to how they have assessed the prospects of the group, over 
what period they have done so and why they consider that period to be appropriate, and their statement 
as to whether they have a reasonable expectation that the group will be able to continue in operation 
and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the period of their assessment, including any related 
disclosures drawing attention to any necessary qualifications or assumptions. 

We are also required to report whether the directors’ statement relating to the prospects of the group 
required by Listing Rule 9.8.6R(3) is materially inconsistent with our knowledge obtained in the audit. 

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. 

Last year our report included the key audit matter of accounting for the Ligado Cooperation Agreement. This is not included in our report this year as the 
significant judgements relating to the timing of revenue recognition and the quantum of potential future costs were taken by management in previous years  
and there have been no developments this year which would trigger the need to update these judgements. Furthermore, last year we included a key audit  
matter for ‘Take or Pay’ revenue cut-off which has not been included since there is only one material such contract which is well understood. 

 
 
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Financial statements | Consolidated financial statements 

Financial Statements | Consolidated financial statements

107 
107

REVENUE RECOGNITION – ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS AND OCCURRENCE OF MANUAL ADJUSTMENTS  
TO AIRTIME REVENUE 

Key audit matter 
description 

Airtime revenue, both subscription and usage-based, is the largest revenue stream within the business. This revenue principally 
relates to I-3 and I-4 services sold on a wholesale and retail basis, along with the resale of capacity from other satellite providers. 
Airtime revenue of $799.5m (2016: $822.9m) was earned in the year.  

Each month manual postings are made to revenue accounts to adjust for items such as deferred revenue, accrued income, sales 
provisions, bundled transactions and breakage recognised under Take or Pay agreements to ensure revenue recognition meets  
the requirements of IAS 18 Revenue.  

Due to the highly material nature of airtime revenue, the high volume of transactions and the inherent risk that manual postings  
are susceptible to manipulation, a significant risk, whether due to fraud or error, has been identified that if these postings are not 
accurate, complete or related to transactions which have occurred. 

The accounting policy for the recognition of revenue is set out in note 2 to the financial statements and includes the policies on  
the deferral of revenue and multiple-element contracts. 

Refer to page 72 where this is included as a significant matter in the Audit Committee report. 

How the scope of our 
audit responded to the 
key audit matter 

We have evaluated the design and implementation and tested the operating effectiveness of the key automated and manual 
controls relating to the recognition of airtime revenue across the Group’s principal billing systems. This included evaluating  
the design and implementation of controls and testing the migration of data associated with management’s implementation  
of a new billing system.  

We have met with management, both from within finance and in the market-facing business to discuss results in each business  
unit and as a whole to gain an understanding of significant trends and transactions and to inform our substantive testing. 

We have tested the mechanical accuracy of the underlying schedules for a sample of manual postings to determine their 
completeness and accuracy and whether they are prepared consistently with the principles of IAS 18. 

Additionally, we performed a monthly profit margin analysis by product and a monthly revenue trend analysis, corroborating and 
understanding unusual variances. 

Further, we used subscriber numbers, usage reports and pricing information in order to develop an independent expectation  
of airtime revenue by product type to compare to airtime revenue recognised in order to assess the completeness, accuracy  
and occurrence of recorded revenue and to respond to the risk of fraud or error. 

Key observations 

The results of our testing were satisfactory. We identified no misstatements in manual adjustments to airtime revenue required  
in relation to our substantive audit work which required reporting to the Audit Committee.  

GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report 
 
 
 
 
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Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF INMARSAT PLC CONTINUED 

ACCOUNTING FOR CAPITALISED DEVELOPMENT EXPENDITURE  

Key audit matter 
description 

The Group capitalised significant internal labour costs, external costs and qualifying borrowing costs in respect of major capital 
projects, most notably relating to satellite programmes and associated infrastructure such as the Global Xpress programme, 
European Aviation Network and Inmarsat-6 fleet of satellites. 

There is a significant risk, whether due to fraud or error, in respect of valuation and allocation of assets, that costs which do not 
meet the criteria for capitalisation in accordance with IAS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment, IAS 38 Intangible Assets and IAS 23 
Borrowing Costs are inappropriately recorded on the balance sheet rather than expensed or that costs continue to be held on  
the balance sheet despite no longer meeting the relevant capitalisation criteria. The Group’s policy on the capitalisation of assets 
is included in note 2 to the financial statements.  

As shown in note 13 to the financial statements, property, plant and equipment of $599.5m was capitalised in the year, of which 
$174.9m relates to space segment assets and $351.6m relates to assets in the course of construction. 

As shown in note 14 to the financial statements, intangible assets of $76.0m were capitalised in the year. As disclosed in note 9  
to the financial statement, capitalised borrowing costs totalled $40.2m in the year. Refer to page 73 where this is included as  
a significant matter in the Audit Committee report. 

How the scope of our 
audit responded to the 
key audit matter 

We have evaluated the design and implementation of controls in respect of the processes and procedures which govern  
the capitalisation of development costs. 

We have met the project leaders for the most financially significant capital projects, which account for 89% of current year capital 
expenditure, to corroborate the project status, feasibility of completion, and performance against budget, including investigation  
of any deviations from budget. This process enabled us to focus on projects we considered to have a higher risk of misstatement. 

In addition, we have carried out sample-based testing in relation to each element of capitalised costs including inspecting 
supporting evidence for a sample of the costs capitalised, understanding the nature of these costs and considering whether  
they meet the capitalisation requirements of IAS 16 and IAS 38.  

We reviewed the ageing profile of assets in the course of construction, to determine whether the ongoing technical feasibility  
and intended completion of the project could be demonstrated. For a sample of assets which entered service in the period  
we inspected supporting evidence to determine whether depreciation was commenced at a time in accordance with IAS 16. 

In relation to borrowing costs we obtained the supporting calculations and verified the inputs to the calculation, including testing  
a sample of cash payments. Additionally, we tested the mechanical accuracy of the model and reviewed the model to determine 
whether the borrowing costs for completed projects are no longer being capitalised and accounting is therefore in line with  
the requirements of IAS 23. 

In relation to internal labour costs capitalised we carried out sample-based testing which included tracing to approved timesheets 
and testing the daily rates applied. 

Key observations 

We identified a number of deficiencies in key controls within the capital expenditure cycle, which were reported to the Audit 
Committee. As a consequence, we determined we would not test the operating effectiveness of controls in this area. 

Our audit testing was completed satisfactorily, and we concur with the judgements management has taken in determining that 
capital assets meet the capitalisation criteria of IAS 16, IAS 23 and IAS 38. We did not identify any audit adjustments that 
warranted reporting to the Audit Committee. 

 
 
 
 
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Financial statements | Consolidated financial statements 

Financial Statements | Consolidated financial statements

109 
109

OUR APPLICATION OF MATERIALITY 

We define materiality as the magnitude of misstatement in the financial statements that makes it probable that the economic decisions of a reasonably 
knowledgeable person would be changed or influenced. We use materiality both in planning the scope of our audit work and in evaluating the results of our work. 

Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole as follows: 

GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Materiality 

$18.0m (2016: $16.7m) for the Group. $15.7m (2016: $14.5m) for the parent company financial statements. 

Basis for determining 
materiality 

We determined materiality using a range of forecast benchmarks and this represented 2.5% of EBITDA, 1.3% of revenue and 7.6% 
of profit before tax adjusted to remove the volatility described above.  

Last year, materiality was based solely on profit before tax and represented 6% of actual profit before tax. 

EBITDA is reconciled to statutory profit before tax on page 39. 

Parent company materiality was determined based on a benchmark of profit before tax but was then capped at the highest level 
of component materiality. 

Rationale for the 
benchmark applied 

We consider the use of a number of benchmarks in determining materiality to be appropriate since a number of measures are 
relevant to the users of the financial statements, including EBITDA. 

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to the Committee all audit differences in excess of $900,000 (2016: $825,000) for the group  
and the parent company, as well as differences below that threshold that, in our view, warranted reporting on qualitative grounds. We also report to the Audit 
Committee on disclosure matters that we identified when assessing the overall presentation of the financial statements. 

AN OVERVIEW OF THE SCOPE OF OUR AUDIT 

Our Group audit was scoped by obtaining an understanding of the Group and its environment, including Group-wide controls, and assessing the risks of material 
misstatement at the Group level. Based on that assessment, we focused our Group audit scope primarily on the audit work performed in the following locations: 
› London, United Kingdom 
› St. John’s, Canada 
› Reston, United States 
With the exception of one specific part of the U.S. Government business, where we used a component audit team, we performed the Group audit with one 
integrated audit team led from London. The supervision of the audit team included the London team visiting the members of the audit team located in  
St. John’s and Reston. 

We determined there to be three components in the Group, as follows: 
› The core Inmarsat business unit headquartered in London with operations also in St. John’s 
› The U.S. Government retail business in Reston and  
› Non-core entities, which include Inmarsat Australia Pty Ltd, based in Sydney, Australia 
The U.S. Government retail business and non-core entities are considered to be separate components as they had a separate financial control environment 
during the year. The core Inmarsat and U.S. Government components were subject to a full scope audit, whilst limited procedures were performed on the  
non-core component due to its relative financial significance. 

The components subject to a full scope audit represent the principal business units and account for 99.8% (2016: 99.9%) of the Group’s net assets, 99.0%  
(2016: 99.7%) of the Group’s revenue and 98.8% (2016: 99.4%) of the Group’s profit before tax. They were also selected to provide an appropriate basis for 
undertaking audit work to address the risks of material misstatement identified above. Our audit work at the three locations was executed at levels of materiality 
which were lower than the Group materiality and ranged from $5.4m to $15.7m (2016: $5.0m to $15.0m). 

At the Parent Company level we also tested the consolidation process and carried out analytical procedures to confirm our conclusion that there were  
no significant risks of material misstatement of the aggregated financial information of the remaining components not subject to audit or audit of specified  
account balances. 

The Senior Statutory Auditor visited the U.S. Government component in the prior year. For this component we involved the component audit partner and 
manager in our team briefing, discussed their risk assessment and reviewed documentation of the findings from their work. 

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Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF INMARSAT PLC CONTINUED 

OTHER INFORMATION 

The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information 
included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. 

We have nothing to report in respect of  
these matters. 

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. 

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, 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 audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. 

If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to 
determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement 
of the other information. 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. 

In this context, matters that we are specifically required to report to you as uncorrected material 
misstatements of the other information include where we conclude that: 
› Fair, balanced and understandable – the statement given by the directors that they consider the annual 
report and financial statements taken as a whole is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the 
information necessary for shareholders to assess the group’s position and performance, business model 
and strategy, is materially inconsistent with our knowledge obtained in the audit or 

› Audit committee reporting – the section describing the work of the audit committee does not 
› Directors’ statement of compliance with the UK Corporate Governance Code – the parts of the 

appropriately address matters communicated by us to the audit committee or 

directors’ statement required under the Listing Rules relating to the company’s compliance with the  
UK Corporate Governance Code containing provisions specified for review by the auditor in accordance 
with Listing Rule 9.8.10R(2) do not properly disclose a departure from a relevant provision of the UK 
Corporate Governance Code. 

RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIRECTORS 

As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities 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. 

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 Financial Reporting Council’s website at: 
www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report. 

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. 

 
 
 
 
Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
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Financial statements | Consolidated financial statements 

Financial Statements | Consolidated financial statements

111 
111

REPORT ON OTHER LEGAL AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS 

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 of 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. 

MATTERS ON WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT BY EXCEPTION 

Adequacy of explanations received and accounting records 
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion: 
› we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit or 
› adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for  

our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us or 

› the parent company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns 

Directors’ remuneration 
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are also required to report if in our opinion certain disclosures of 
directors’ remuneration have not been made or the part of the directors’ remuneration report to be 
audited is not in agreement with the accounting records and returns. 

We have nothing to report in respect of  
these matters. 

We have nothing to report in respect of  
these matters. 

OTHER MATTERS 

AUDITOR TENURE 
Following the recommendation of the Audit Committee, we were appointed at the Annual General Meeting on 5 May 2016 to audit the financial statements for the 
year ending 31 December 2016 and subsequent financial periods. The period of total uninterrupted engagement including previous renewals and reappointments 
of the firm is 12 years, covering the years ending 31 December 2006 to 31 December 2017. 

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). 

PAUL FRANEK FCA 
SENIOR STATUTORY AUDITOR 

For and on behalf of Deloitte LLP 
Statutory Auditor 
London, UK 
9 March 2018 

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112
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Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT 

for the year ended 31 December 2017 

($ in millions) 

Revenues 

Employee benefit costs 

Network and satellite operations costs 

Other operating costs 

Own work capitalised 

Total net operating costs 

Adjusted EBITDA1 

Restructuring charge 

EBITDA2 

Depreciation and amortisation 

Loss on disposal 

Share of profit of associates 

Operating profit 

Financing income 

Financing cost 

Change in fair value of derivative3 

Net financing costs 

Profit before tax 

Taxation charge 

Profit for the year 

Attributable to: 

Equity holders 

Non-controlling interest4 

Earnings per share for profit attributable to the equity holders of the Company  
(expressed in $ per share) 
› Basic 
› Diluted 
Adjusted earnings per share for profit attributable to the equity holders of the Company  
(expressed in $ per share) 
› Basic 
› Diluted 

Note 

2017 

2016 

1,400.2 

1,329.0 

7 

7 

6 

6 

15 

9 

9 

9 

9 

10 

27 

27 

27 

27 

(293.0) 

(192.8) 

(212.1) 

49.1 

(648.8) 

751.4 

(19.9) 

731.5 

(406.7) 

(7.3) 

4.0 

321.5 

6.5 

(105.9) 

7.7 

(91.7) 

229.8 

(47.5) 

182.3 

181.7 

0.6 

0.40 

0.40 

0.42 

0.41 

(267.7) 

(168.6) 

(139.9) 

42.0 

(534.2) 

794.8 

–  

794.8 

(349.4) 

(0.7) 

2.4 

447.1 

4.3 

(123.4) 

(28.8) 

(147.9) 

299.2 

(55.8) 

243.4 

242.8 

0.6 

0.54 

0.53 

0.65 

0.64 

1  Adjusted EBITDA excludes a one-off restructuring charge of $19.9m incurred in Q4 2017 
2  EBITDA is defined as profit before net financing costs, taxation, depreciation and amortisation, gains/losses on disposal of assets, impairment losses and share of profit of associates 
3  The change in fair value of derivatives relates to the mark-to-market valuation of the conversion liability component of the convertible bonds due 2023 
4  Non-controlling interest relates to the Group's 51% shareholding in Inmarsat Solutions ehf 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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113 
113

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 

for the year ended 31 December 2017 

($ in millions) 

Profit for the year 

Other comprehensive income 

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to the Income Statement: 

Foreign exchange translation differences 

Net gain/(loss) on cash flow hedges 

Tax credited directly to equity 

Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to the Income Statement: 

Remeasurement of the defined benefit and post-employment asset 

Tax (charged)/credited directly to equity  

Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax 

Total comprehensive income, net of tax  

Attributable to: 

Equity holders 

Non-controlling interest 

Note 

2017 

182.3 

2016 

243.4 

26 

 10 

28 

10 

– 

15.6 

– 

12.7 

(2.9) 

25.4 

0.1 

(24.3) 

0.1 

(13.4) 

2.6 

(34.9) 

207.7 

208.5 

207.1 

0.6 

207.9 

0.6 

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Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET 

at 31 December 2017 

($ in millions) 

Assets 

Non-current assets 

Property, plant and equipment 

Intangible assets 

Investments 

Other receivables 

Deferred tax assets 

Derivative financial instruments 

Current assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Short-term deposits1 

Trade and other receivables 

Inventories 

Current tax assets 

Derivative financial instruments 

Restricted cash 

Total assets 

Liabilities 

Current liabilities 

Borrowings 

Trade and other payables 

Provisions 

Current tax liabilities 

Derivative financial instruments 

Non-current liabilities 

Borrowings 

Other payables 

Provisions 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Derivative financial instruments 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Shareholders’ equity 

Ordinary shares 

Share premium 

Other reserves 

Retained earnings 

Equity attributable to shareholders 

Non-controlling interest 

Total equity 

1  Short-term deposits are cash held on deposit with original maturity of between three and 12 months 

Note 

2017 

2016 

13 

14 

15 

17 

22 

31 

16 

17 

18 

22 

31 

23 

19 

20 

21 

22 

31 

19 

20 

21 

22 

31 

24 

3,236.6 

788.9 

2,971.4 

796.4 

16.2 

23.9 

35.6 

0.3 

13.2 

11.7 

39.3 

0.1 

4,101.5 

3,832.1 

144.9 

342.0 

319.4 

33.9 

13.8 

1.2 

2.8 

262.0 

395.0 

306.9 

34.3 

8.5 

1.7 

2.8 

858.0 

4,959.5 

1,011.2 

4,843.3 

125.6 

584.6 

16.2 

130.2 

7.9 

864.5 

103.8 

508.3 

1.9 

129.0 

5.9 

748.9 

2,439.9 

2,448.0 

25.0 

9.7 

237.3 

127.8 

2,839.7 

3,704.2 

1,255.3 

0.3 

745.4 

92.0 

417.0 

41.5 

2.8 

208.3 

153.5 

2,854.1 

3,603.0 

1,240.3 

0.3 

700.4 

61.8 

477.2 

1,254.7 

1,239.7 

0.6 

0.6 

1,255.3 

1,240.3 

The consolidated financial statements of the Group on pages 112 to 116 were approved by the Board of Directors on 9 March 2018 and were signed on its  
behalf by 

RUPERT PEARCE 
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 

TONY BATES 
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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115 
115

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 

for the year ended 31 December 2017 

Ordinary  
share 
capital 

Share 
premium 
account 

Equity 
reserve 

Share 
option 
reserve 

Cash flow  
hedge  
reserve1 

Retained 
earnings 

Non-   
controlling   
interest3 

Other2 

Total 

0.3 

687.6 

56.9 

($ in millions) 

Balance at 1 January 2016 

Share-based payments4 

Early repurchase of 2017 convertible bonds5 

Transfer equity reserve to retained earnings5 

Dividend declared 

Scrip dividend cash reinvestment6 

Scrip dividend share issue6 

Issue of share capital7 

Comprehensive income: 

Profit for the year 

Other comprehensive loss – before tax 

Other comprehensive loss – tax 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

8.9 

3.9 

– 

– 

– 

Balance at 31 December 2016 

0.3 

700.4 

Share-based payments4 

Dividend declared 

Scrip dividend cash reinvestment6 

Scrip dividend share issue6 

Comprehensive income: 

Profit for the year 

Other comprehensive gain – before tax 

Other comprehensive gain – tax 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

45.0 

– 

– 

– 

Balance at 31 December 2017 

0.3 

745.4 

73.8 

14.1 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

87.9 

14.6 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

0.9  

(2.9)   

432.7 

0.6   

1,249.9 

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

(24.3)  

0.1  

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

0.1   

–   

(0.5) 

– 

48.1 

–   

–   

–   

13.6 

(8.8) 

– 

(235.1) 

(0.6)   

(235.7) 

8.9 

(8.9) 

– 

–   

–   

–   

8.9 

– 

3.9 

242.8 

0.6   

243.4 

(13.4) 

2.6 

–   

–   

(37.6) 

2.7 

(23.3)  

(2.8)   

477.2 

0.6   

1,240.3 

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

15.6  

–  

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

(1.9) 

–   

12.7 

(249.8) 

(0.6)   

(250.4) 

45.0 

(45.0) 

181.7 

12.7 

(2.9) 

–   

–   

0.6   

–   

–   

45.0 

– 

182.3 

28.3 

(2.9) 

102.5 

(7.7)  

(2.8)   

417.0 

0.6   

1,255.3 

–  

(8.8) 

(48.1) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

1  Refer to note 26 for a reconciliation of this account 
2  The ‘other’ reserve relates to ordinary shares held by the employee share trust debit of $2.4m (2016: $2.4m), the currency reserve debit of $1.3m (2016: $1.0m) and the revaluation reserve of $0.9m (2016: $0.6m) 
3  Non-controlling interest (‘NCI’) refers to the Group’s 51% shareholding in Inmarsat Solutions ehf 
4  Represents the fair value of share option awards recognised in the year 
5  The consideration paid on early repurchase of the 2017 Convertible Bonds has been allocated to the liability and equity components of the instrument consistent with the method used in the original allocation. 

This resulted in a charge to the equity reserve of $8.8m with the closing balance of the equity reserve of $48.1m transferred to retained earnings 

6  Represents the cash value of the scrip dividend reinvested into the Company 
7 

Issue of share capital relates to the issue of shares by the Company under its employee share schemes 

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Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT 

for the year ended 31 December 2017 

($ in millions) 

Cash flow from operating activities 

Cash generated from operations 

Interest received 

Tax paid 

Net cash inflow from operating activities 

Cash flow from investing activities 

Purchase of property, plant and equipment 

Additions to intangible assets 

Own work capitalised 

Short-term cash deposits greater than three months 

Investment in financial asset 

Net cash used in investing activities 

Cash flow from financing activities 

Dividends paid 

Proceeds from issue of long-term borrowings1 

Repayment of borrowings 

Drawdown of borrowings 

Redemption of Convertible Bonds due 2017 

Interest paid 

Arrangement costs of financing 

Net proceeds from the issue of ordinary shares  

Other financing activities 

Net cash (used in)/generated from financing activities 

Foreign exchange adjustment 

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents 

At the beginning of the year 

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents 

At the end of the year (net of bank overdrafts) 

Comprising: 

Cash at bank and in hand 

Short-term deposits  

Cash reclassified to short-term investments with maturity greater than three months 

Bank overdrafts 

Net cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 

1  Gross issuance proceeds from the Convertible Bonds due 2023 and the Senior Notes due 2024 

Note 

2017 

2016 

23 

15 

16 

16 

16 

19 

774.4 

5.5 

(19.8) 

760.1 

805.5 

1.0 

(35.6) 

770.9 

(438.9) 

(302.9) 

(110.7) 

(49.1) 

53.1 

(1.1) 

(68.0) 

(42.0) 

(395.0) 

– 

(546.7) 

(807.9) 

(202.9) 

– 

(80.8) 

78.4 

– 

(120.2) 

(1.2) 

– 

(1.9) 

(328.6) 

(1.7) 

(116.9) 

261.5 

(116.9) 

144.6 

109.9 

377.0 

(228.5) 

1,050.0 

(213.0) 

– 

(389.5) 

(83.5) 

(19.1) 

3.9 

1.8 

122.1 

1.7 

86.8 

174.7 

86.8 

261.5 

50.7 

606.3 

(342.0) 

(395.0) 

(0.3) 

144.6 

(0.5) 

261.5 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Financial Statements | Consolidated financial statements

117 
117

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

1. GENERAL INFORMATION 

Inmarsat plc (the ‘Company’ or, together with its subsidiaries, the ‘Group’) is  
a company incorporated in the United Kingdom and domiciled in England and 
Wales. The address of its registered office is 99 City Road, London EC1Y 1AX, 
United Kingdom.  

2. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these financial 
statements are set out below. These policies have been applied consistently  
to all the years presented unless otherwise stated. 

BASIS OF PREPARATION 
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’) as adopted by the 
European Union, the Companies Act 2006 and Article 4 of the EU IAS 
Regulation. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical 
cost convention except for certain financial instruments that have been 
measured at fair value, as described later in these accounting policies. 

GOING CONCERN 
The Group has a robust and resilient business model, positive free cash flow 
generation and is compliant with all banking covenants. Because of this, the 
Directors believe that the Company and the Group are well-placed to manage 
its business risks successfully. After considering current financial projections 
and facilities available and after making enquiries, the Directors have a 
reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group have adequate 
resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. 
Accordingly, Inmarsat plc continues to adopt the going concern basis in 
preparing the consolidated financial statements. 

Further discussion of the Group’s business activities, together with factors likely  
to affect its future development, performance and position are set out in the 
Strategic Report which encompasses the Chairman’s review, the Chief Executive’s 
review, the financial review and the viability statement on pages 1 to 55.  

BASIS OF ACCOUNTING 
The consolidated financial statements are presented in US Dollars, which is  
the functional currency of the Company and most of the Group’s subsidiaries. 
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with 
IFRS requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect  
the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent 
assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date and the reported amounts  
of revenue and expenses during the year. Although these estimates are based 
on management’s best estimate of the amount, event or actions, the actual 
results ultimately may differ from these estimates. Further discussion on these 
estimates and assumptions are disclosed in note 4.  

ACCOUNTING POLICY CHANGES 

New and amended accounting standards adopted by the Group 
There are no new IFRS or IFRIC Interpretations that are effective for this 
financial year that have had a material impact on the Group.  

New and amended accounting standards that have been issued but  
are not yet effective and have not been adopted by the Group 

IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’ 
IFRS 15 will be effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018.  
The standard sets out the requirements for recognising revenue from 
contracts with customers, and will supersede the current revenue recognition 
guidance including IAS 18 ‘Revenue’, IAS 11 ‘Construction Contracts’ and the 
related interpretations.  

When IFRS 15 is adopted, it can be applied either on a full retrospective basis, 
requiring the restatement of the comparative periods presented in the financial 
statements, or with the cumulative retrospective impact of IFRS 15 applied as 
an adjustment to equity on the date of adoption. The Group will adopt the full 
retrospective approach from 1 January 2018 and will show comparative figures 
for the December 2017 financial year under IFRS 15 as part of the 2018 
financial statements. 

The Group has performed a review of all significant revenue streams to identify 
the impact of applying the IFRS 15 five-step recognition model, as follows: 

1.  Identify the contract with the customer 
2.  Identify the distinct performance obligations 
3.  Determine the transaction price 
4.  Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations 
5.  Recognise revenue as or when a performance obligation is fulfilled 

The restatement of 2017 comparatives in the 2018 accounts is expected to 
result in a decrease in 2017 revenue of $9m and an increase in 2017 EBITDA  
of $8m. Profit before tax is expected to increase by $4m while opening 2017 
retained earnings are expected to decrease by $10m. Trade receivables and 
deferred revenue specific to Ligado are expected to increase by $20m and 
$24m respectively.  

The Group has established internal controls to monitor the materiality  
of unadjusted differences that are immaterial and not expected to change  
in the near future.  

IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ 
IFRS 16 is mandatory for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019,  
with early adoption allowed subject to the adoption of IFRS 15. The standard 
sets out requirements for recognising assets and liabilities in respect of leases, 
and will supersede the existing accounting guidance in IAS 17 ‘Leases’ and  
the related interpretations. The Group will early adopt IFRS 16 in the period 
beginning 1 January 2018 using the modified retrospective approach which 
allows for certain practical expedients on transition. Under the modified 
retrospective approach, the lease liability and asset are recognised as  
at 1 January 2018 (the implementation date) with no restatement of prior  
period financial statements. 

The core principle of the standard is to provide a single lessee accounting 
model, requiring lessees to recognise a right-of-use asset and lease liability  
for all leases unless the term is less than 12 months or the underlying asset  
has a low value. IFRS 16 will substantially change lease accounting for operating 
lessees which will now need to be recognised on the balance sheet. Lease  
costs will be recognised in the form of depreciation of the right-of-use  
asset and interest on the lease liability over the lease term.  

The Group has assessed the impact that IFRS 16 will have on the financial 
statements. The area of material impact relates to property leases where  
the Group is the lessee. The expected adjustments as at 1 January 2018 in the 
Group’s Balance Sheet are the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease 
liabilities amounting to $76m and $87m respectively. In terms of the Group’s 
financial performance for 2018, EBITDA is expected to be $13m higher under 
IFRS 16 compared to the previous standard, as lease costs will be expensed  
as depreciation and interest rather than operating costs. Profit before tax  
is expected to be $2m lower. 

IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ 
IFRS 9 will be effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018 and 
supersedes IAS 39 ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’. The 
new standard covers the accounting treatment of the following three areas:  
› classification and measurement of financial assets and liabilities 
› hedge accounting 
› impairment of financial assets 
The Group anticipates minimal impact from changes in classification  
and measurement of financial assets and liabilities and hedge accounting  
(with the Group opting for the policy choice allowed by IFRS 9 to continue 
hedge accounting as under IAS 39).  

IFRS 9 will impact the recognition and measurement of impairment of financial 
assets, but this is not expected to be material. The IAS 39 ‘incurred loss model’ 
is replaced by the IFRS 9 forward looking ‘expected credit loss model’. The  
new model requires either 12-month expected credit losses (‘ECLs’), or lifetime  
ECLs to be recognised for all financial assets at initial recognition before an 
impairment event occurs.  

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

Under the expected credit loss model, there are three approaches for 
measuring and recognising impairment losses on financial assets, namely  
the general approach, simplified approach and credit adjusted approach.  
For short-term trade receivables, IFRS 15 contract assets and lease 
receivables, the Group will apply the simplified approach. 

The Group has performed a review of all categories of financial assets and 
expects the impact on the financial statements from applying IFRS 9’s ECL 
model to be immaterial.  

IFRIC 22 ‘Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration’ 
IFRIC 22 will be effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018, 
subject to endorsement by the EU. The interpretation clarifies how to account  
for transactions that involve advance consideration paid or received in  
a foreign currency. The interpretation is not expected to have a material 
impact on the Group.  

IFRIC 23 ‘Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments’ 
IFRIC 23 will be effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019.  
The interpretation clarifies the application of recognition and measurement 
requirements in IAS 12 for uncertain tax positions. Guidance is provided  
on a number of areas including whether uncertain tax positions should  
be considered separately or together, the appropriate method to reflect 
uncertainty, and how to account for changes in facts or circumstances.  
The Group does not intend to early adopt and is currently performing  
an assessment to determine if the interpretation will have a material impact.  

IFRS 17 ‘Insurance Contracts’ 
IFRS 17 will be effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2021 and 
supersedes IFRS 4 ‘Insurance Contracts,’ subject to endorsement by the EU. 
Neither standard is applicable to the Group.  

Amendments to accounting standards that are effective for 
the current period 
The following standards have all been endorsed by the EU and are effective  
for the current period. The Group has considered all the below amendments 
and has determined that these do not have a material impact.  
› Amendments to IAS 7: Disclosure Initiative 
› Amendments to IAS 12: Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets for  

Unrealised Losses 

› Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2014-2016 Cycle 
BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION 
The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of  
the Company and all its subsidiaries, and incorporate the share of the results  
of associates using the equity method of accounting.  

The results of subsidiary undertakings established or acquired during the  
period are included in the consolidated income statement from the date of 
establishment or acquisition of control. The results of subsidiary undertakings 
disposed of during the period are included until the date of disposal. Where 
necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries  
to bring the accounting policies used into line with those used by the Group.  
All transactions, balances, income and expenses with and between subsidiary 
undertakings have been eliminated on consolidation. 

Non-controlling interests in the net assets of consolidated subsidiaries,  
which consist of the amounts of those interests at the date of the original 
business combination and the non-controlling interests’ share of changes  
in equity since the date of the combination, are not material to the Group’s  
financial statements. 

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS 
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method.  
When the Group acquires a business, it identifies the assets and liabilities  
of the acquiree at the date of acquisition and measures them at fair value.  
Only separately identifiable intangible assets are recognised. Any assets  
or disposal groups held for sale at the acquisition date are measured  
at fair value less costs to sell.  

Consideration is the fair value at the acquisition date of the assets transferred  
and liabilities incurred in acquiring the business and includes the fair value  
of any contingent consideration. Changes in fair value of contingent 
consideration after the acquisition date are recognised in the income 
statement. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred and included  
in operating costs. 

Goodwill is initially measured at cost as the difference between the fair value  
of the consideration for the acquisition and fair value of the net identifiable 
assets acquired, including any identifiable intangible assets other than goodwill.  
If the assessment of goodwill results in an excess of the fair value of net  
assets acquired over the aggregate consideration transferred, then the  
gain is recognised in the income statement. After initial recognition, goodwill  
is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. For the purpose  
of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to each of the Group’s cash-
generating units (‘CGUs’) that are expected to benefit from the business 
combination, irrespective of whether other assets or liabilities of the acquiree 
are assigned to those units. 

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION 
The functional currency of the Company and most of the Group’s subsidiaries, 
as well as the presentation currency of the Group, is US Dollar. This is as the 
majority of operational transactions and financing are denominated in  
US Dollars. 

Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement  
of transactions and the translation of monetary assets and liabilities 
denominated in foreign currencies at period end exchange rates  
are recognised in the income statement line which most appropriately  
reflects the nature of the item or transactions. 

On consolidation, assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated  
into the Group’s presentation currency at the prevailing spot rate at year end.  
The results of foreign operations are translated into US Dollars at the average 
rates of exchange for the year. Foreign currency translation differences 
resulting from consolidating foreign operations are recognised in equity. 

REVENUE 
Mobile satellite communications service revenues result from utilisation 
charges that are recognised as revenue in the period during which the services 
are provided. Deferred income attributable to mobile satellite communications 
services or subscription fees represents the unearned balances remaining  
from amounts received from customers pursuant to prepaid contracts. 
Revenue from the sale of prepaid credit is deferred until such time as the 
customer uses the airtime, or the credit expires. The Group also enters into 
minimum spend contracts with customers, known as ‘take-or-pay’ contracts, 
whereby customers agree to purchase a minimum value of mobile satellite 
communications services over a fixed period. Any unused portion of the 
prepaid contracts or the take-or-pay contracts (‘breakage’) is recognised  
as revenue in line with service provision when reasonable assurance as  
to the breakage amount exists, or otherwise when the contract expires.  
Mobile satellite communications service revenues from capacity sold are 
recognised on a straight-line basis over the term of the contract concerned, 
which is typically between one and 12 months, unless another systematic  
basis is deemed more appropriate.  

Revenue also includes income from spectrum coordination agreements  
(such as Ligado Networks), services contracts, other communications  
services and income from the sale and installation of terminals and other 
communication equipment. Revenue from spectrum coordination agreements 
is recognised using the percentage of completion or a straight-line approach 
depending on the underlying terms of the agreement. Revenue from service 
contracts is recognised as the service is provided over the contract period. 
Sales of terminals and other communication equipment are recognised when 
the risks and rewards of ownership are transferred to the customer. Revenue  
from installation of terminals and other communication equipment is 
recognised when the installation is completed.  

 
 
 
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The Group offers certain products and services as part of multiple deliverable 
arrangements. Multi-deliverable arrangements are divided into separate  
units of accounting, provided: 1) the deliverable has a stand-alone value to  
the customer if it is sold separately; and 2) the fair value of the item can be 
objectively and reliably determined. Consideration for these items is measured 
and allocated to each separate unit based on their relative fair values and the 
relevant revenue recognition policies are applied to each. 

method with the interest expense recognised in the income statement and a 
cash outflow resulting from coupon payments to bond holders. The derivative 
liability component is initially assigned the residual amount after deducting 
from the fair value of the instrument as a whole, the amount separately 
determined for the debt component. The derivative liability is sensitive  
to changes in the bond price and is marked-to-market at each reporting  
date with the increase or decrease recognised in the income statement. 

FINANCING INCOME AND FINANCING COST 
Financing income comprises interest receivable on funds invested in short-
term deposits.  

Financing costs comprise interest payable on borrowings including the  
Senior Notes and Convertible Bonds, accretion of the liability component  
of the Convertible Bonds, amortisation of deferred financing costs, the unwind 
of the discount on deferred satellite liabilities and interest on the net defined 
benefit asset and post-employment liability. Finance charges are recognised  
in the income statement at the effective interest rate.  

The change in fair value of the derivative liability component of the 2023 
Convertible Bond is presented within net financing costs in the income 
statement. Further details on the accounting for derivative financial 
instruments is provided below. 

FINANCIAL ASSETS 

Trade and other receivables 
Trade and other receivables, including prepaid and accrued income, are initially 
recognised at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using 
the effective interest method, subject to reduction for allowances for estimated 
uncollectable amounts.  

Cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents, measured at fair value, comprises cash balances, 
deposits held on call with banks, money market funds and other short-term,  
highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less. Bank 
overdrafts are shown as current liabilities within borrowings on the balance sheet.  

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 

Equity instruments  
An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the 
net assets of the Group. Equity instruments issued by the Group are recorded 
at the proceeds received, net of direct issue cost.  

Trade and other payables 
Trade and other payables are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently 
measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.  

Borrowings 
Borrowings, comprising interest-bearing bank loans and overdrafts, are initially 
recognised at fair value which equates to the proceeds received, net of direct 
transaction and arrangement costs. They are subsequently measured at 
amortised cost. Finance charges related to borrowings, including amortisation 
of direct transaction costs, are charged to the income statement over the term 
of the borrowing using the effective interest rate method.  

Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the Group has the 
unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 12 months 
after the balance sheet date, in which case borrowings are classified as  
non-current liabilities. 

Convertible Bonds 
The Group has issued Convertible Bonds which are net share settled 
instruments. Upon conversion the Group will repay the principal in cash  
and satisfy the remaining conversion value by issuing ordinary shares of  
the Company (if the market value of the Company’s shares at settlement  
date exceeds the conversion price). Upon issuance, in accordance with  
IAS 32, the instrument is bifurcated between a debt component and  
a derivative liability component. 

The cash debt component is initially recognised as the present value of the 
principal and interest payments using a discount rate for a similar instrument 
with the same terms and conditions but without the conversion option. After 
initial recognition, it is measured at amortised cost using the effective interest 

Senior Notes 
The Group has issued Senior Notes that are included within borrowings,  
and are initially recognised at fair value which equates to the proceeds 
received, net of direct transaction costs and any premium or discount.  
These instruments are subsequently measured at amortised cost. Finance 
charges, including amortisation of direct transaction costs and any premium  
or discount, are recognised in the income statement over the term of the 
borrowing at the effective interest rate method. 

Net borrowings 
Net borrowings consists of total borrowings less cash and cash equivalents  
and short-term investments. Borrowings exclude accrued interest and any 
derivative financial liabilities. 

Derivative financial instruments 
In accordance with its treasury policy, the Group does not hold or issue 
derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. 

Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date the contract is 
entered into and subsequently measured at fair value. The gain or loss on 
remeasurement is recognised in the income statement, except where the 
derivative is used to hedge against risks such as fluctuations in interest rates  
or foreign exchange rates. The accounting policy for hedging follows below.  

Cash flow hedges 
The effective portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument is 
recognised in other comprehensive income in the cash flow hedge reserve, 
while any ineffective portion is recognised immediately in the income 
statement within financing costs. 

Where there is a material contract with a foreign currency exposure, a specific 
hedge to match the specific risk will be evaluated. At present the Group only 
hedges certain foreign currency milestone payments to Airbus and Thales for 
the construction of the I-6 and GX-5 satellites. 

Amounts recognised as other comprehensive income are transferred to profit 
or loss when the hedged transaction affects profit or loss, such as when the 
hedged financial income or financial expense is recognised, or when a forecast 
sale occurs. When the hedged item is the future purchase of a non-financial 
asset or non-financial liability, the amount recognised as other comprehensive 
income is transferred to the initial carrying amount of the non-financial asset 
or liability. 

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 
Wages, salaries, social security contributions, accumulating annual leave, 
bonuses and non-monetary benefits are accrued in the year in which the 
associated services are performed by the employees of the Group. 

Termination benefits are payable whenever an employee’s employment  
is terminated before the normal retirement date or whenever an employee 
accepts voluntary redundancy in exchange for these benefits. The Group 
recognises termination benefits when it has demonstrably committed to either 
terminate the employment of current employees or to provide termination 
benefits, as a result of an offer made to encourage voluntary redundancy. 

The Group recognises liabilities relating to defined benefit pension plans  
and post-employment benefits in respect of employees. The Group’s net 
obligations in respect of defined benefit pension plans and post-employment 
benefits are calculated separately for each plan by estimating the amount  
of future benefit that employees have earned in return for their service in  
the current and prior periods. The estimated future benefit is discounted  
to its present value, from which the fair value of any plan assets is deducted  
to calculate the plan’s net asset/liability position. The calculations are 
performed by qualified actuaries using the projected unit credit method. 

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

All actuarial gains and losses that arise in calculating the present value of the 
defined benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets are immediately 
recognised in the statement of comprehensive income. 

The Group also operates a number of defined contribution pension schemes. 
Pension costs for the defined contribution schemes are charged to the income 
statement when the related employee service is rendered. 

The Group issues equity-settled share options and awards to employees. 
Equity-settled share option awards are measured at fair value of the options  
at the date of the grant. The fair value of the options is expensed on a straight-
line basis over the vesting period, based on the Group’s estimate of shares  
that will eventually vest and adjusted for the effect of non-market-based 
vesting conditions. 

TAXATION 

Current tax 
The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit 
differs from net profit as reported in the income statement as it excludes items 
of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and items 
that are never taxable or deductible. The Group’s liability for current tax is 
calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted  
by the balance sheet date. 

Deferred tax 
Deferred tax is provided on temporary differences arising between assets and 
liabilities’ tax bases and their carrying amounts (the balance sheet method). 
Deferred tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted  
or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date and are expected to apply 
when the related deferred tax asset is realised or the deferred tax liability  
is settled. 

Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that future 
taxable profits will be available against which the temporary deductible 
differences or tax loss carry forwards can be utilised. 

Deferred tax liabilities are provided on all taxable temporary differences except 
on those: 
› arising from the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction 
other than a business combination that at the time of the transaction 
affects neither accounting nor taxable profit 

› associated with investments in subsidiaries and associates, but only to the 
extent that the Group controls the timing of the reversal of the differences 
and it is probable that the reversal will not occur in the foreseeable future 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable 
right to set them off, when they relate to income taxes levied by the same 
taxation authority and if the Group intends to settle its current tax assets  
and liabilities on a net basis. 

Uncertain tax positions 
The Group’s policy is to comply with all enacted laws in the relevant jurisdictions 
in which the Group prepares its tax returns. However, tax legislation, especially 
as it applies to corporate taxes, is not always prescriptive and more than  
one interpretation of the law may be possible. In addition, tax returns in many 
jurisdictions are filed in arrears a year or more after the end of the accounting 
period to which they relate. The tax authorities often have a significant  
period in which to enquire into these returns after their submission. As a result, 
differences in view, or errors in returns, may not come to light until some time 
after the initial estimate of tax due is determined. This necessarily leads to  
a position of uncertain tax positions.  

Where the Group is aware of significant areas where the law is unclear and 
where this has been relied upon in a filing position of a tax return, or, in an area 
where different outcomes and interpretations are possible and may lead to a 
different result, the Group provides for the uncertain tax position. A provision  
is made when, based on the available evidence, the Group considers that it is 
probable that further amounts will be payable, or a recoverable tax position  
will be reduced, and the adjustment can be reliably estimated. The Group 
calculates the uncertain tax position using a single best estimate of the  
most likely outcome on a case-by-case basis.  

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 

General 
Property, plant and equipment assets are initially recognised at cost and 
subsequently treated under the cost model: at cost less accumulated 
depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses.  

Space segment assets 
Space segment assets comprise satellite construction, launch and other 
associated costs, including ground infrastructure. Expenditure charged to 
space segment projects includes invoiced progress payments, amounts 
accrued appropriate to the stage of completion of contract milestones, 
external consultancy costs and direct internal costs. Internal costs, comprising 
primarily staff costs, are only capitalised when they are directly attributable  
to the construction of an asset. Progress payments are determined on 
milestones achieved to date together with agreed cost escalation indices. 
Deferred satellite payments represent the net present value of future 
payments dependent on the future performance of each satellite and are 
recognised in space segment assets when the satellite becomes operational. 
Depreciation on space segment assets is recognised over the life of the 
satellites from the date they become operational and are placed into  
service. The associated liability is stated at its net present value and included 
within borrowings. 

Assets in the course of construction 
These assets are carried at cost with no depreciation charged whilst in the 
course of construction. The assets will be transferred to space segment assets 
and depreciated over the life of the satellites or services once they become 
operational and placed into service.  

Capitalised borrowing costs 
The Group incurs borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, 
construction or production of assets that necessarily take a substantial  
period of time to get ready for its intended use or sale. Such borrowing costs 
are capitalised as part of the cost of the asset. Capitalisation commences when  
the Group begins to incur the borrowing costs and related expenditures for the 
asset, and when it undertakes the activities that are necessary to prepare the 
asset for its intended use or sale. Capitalisation of borrowing costs ceases when 
substantially all of the activities necessary to prepare the asset for its intended 
use or sale are complete.  

Other fixed assets 
Other fixed assets are initially recognised at cost and subsequently measured  
at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. 

Depreciation 
Depreciation is calculated to write-off the historical cost less residual values,  
if any, of fixed assets, except land, on a straight-line basis over the expected 
useful lives of the assets concerned. The Group selects its depreciation rates 
and residual values carefully and reviews them annually to take into account 
any changes in circumstances or expectations. When determining useful lives, 
the principal factors considered are the expected rate of technological 
developments, expected market requirements for the equipment and the 
intensity at which the assets are expected to be used. Any change in useful  
lives are accounted for prospectively. The Group also reviews the residual 
values and depreciation methods on an annual basis. 

Derecognition 
An item of property plant or equipment is derecognised upon disposal or when 
no future economic benefit is expected from its use or disposal. Any gain or 
loss arising on derecognition of the asset, calculated as the difference between 
the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset, is recognised 
in the income statement.  

GOVERNMENT GRANTS 
Government grants are recognised when there is reasonable assurance  
that the grant will be received and all attached conditions will be complied  
with. A grant that relates to an expense item is recognised as income on  
a systematic basis over the period(s) that the related costs are expensed.  
A grant that relates to an asset is deducted from the cost of the relevant  
asset, thereby reducing the depreciation charge over the useful life of  
the asset. 

 
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INTANGIBLE ASSETS 
Intangible assets comprise goodwill, trademarks, software, terminal 
development and network access costs, spectrum rights, orbital slots  
and licences, customer relationships and intellectual property. 

Intangible assets acquired separately are initially recognised at cost. Intangible 
assets acquired as part of a business combination are initially recognised  
at their fair values as determined at acquisition date. After initial recognition, 
intangible assets are carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and any 
accumulated impairment losses. 

Research and development costs  
Research costs related to internally generated intangibles are expensed in  
the period that the expenditure is incurred.  

Development costs are expensed when the costs are incurred unless it meets 
criteria for capitalisation under IAS 38. Development costs are only capitalised 
if the technical feasibility, availability of appropriate technical, financial  
and other resources and commercial viability of developing the asset for 
subsequent use or sale have been demonstrated and the costs incurred can be 
measured reliably. Capitalised development costs are amortised in the income 
statement on a straight-line basis over the period of expected future benefit.  

Amortisation 
Intangible assets with a finite useful life are amortised on a straight-line  
basis over the useful life of the asset. The amortisation period and method  
are reviewed on an annual basis. Intangible assets with an indefinite useful  
life, such as goodwill, are not amortised but reviewed annually for impairment. 

IMPAIRMENT REVIEWS 
Goodwill is not amortised, but is tested annually for impairment at 31 December 
each year.  

Assets that are subject to depreciation or amortisation are reviewed for 
impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the  
full carrying amount may not be recoverable. Indicators of impairment may 
include changes in technology and business performance. An asset is tested 
for impairment on an individual basis as far as possible to determine its 
recoverable amount. Where this is not possible, assets are grouped and  
tested for impairment in a cash generating unit. A cash generating unit is  
the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows that are 
largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets.  

An asset will be impaired if the carrying amount exceeds its recoverable 
amount, which is the higher of the fair value less costs to sell the asset and the 
value in use. The impairment loss will be recognised in the income statement.  

In assessing value in use, estimated future cash flows are discounted to  
their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market 
assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset.  

Subsequent to an impairment loss, if indications exist that an asset’s 
recoverable amount might have increased, the recoverable amount will be 
reassessed and any impairment reversal recognised in the income statement. 
An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying 
amount will not exceed the depreciated historical cost (what the carrying 
amount would have been had there been no initial impairment loss).  

Impairment losses in respect of goodwill are not reversed. 

LEASES 
Leases where significantly all of the risks and rewards pertaining to ownership  
of the underlying leased assets are retained by the Group as lessor are 
classified as operating leases. Rentals receivable and income generated from 
operating leases are recognised in the income statement on a straight-line 
basis over the term of the lease. Rentals payable under operating leases where 
the Group is the lessee are charged to the income statement on a straight-line 
basis over the term of the lease. 

NON-CURRENT ASSETS AND DISPOSAL GROUPS HELD FOR SALE 
Non-current assets and disposal groups are classified as ‘held for sale’ when their 
carrying values will be recovered through a sales transaction rather than through 
continued use. This classification is subject to meeting the following criteria:  
› management is committed to a plan to sell and the asset is being actively 
marketed for sale at a sales price reasonable in relation to its fair value 

› the asset is available for immediate sale 
› the sale is highly probable to be concluded within 12 months of classification 

as held for sale and 

› it is unlikely that the plan to sell will be significantly changed or withdrawn 
Disposal groups are groups of assets and associated liabilities to be disposed 
of together in a single transaction. At the reporting date they are separately 
disclosed as current assets and liabilities on the balance sheet.  

When non-current assets or disposal groups are classified as held for sale, 
depreciation and amortisation will cease and the assets are remeasured  
at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell.  
Any resulting impairment loss is recognised in the income statement,  
except for assets treated under the revaluation model, where the adjustment 
would first decrease the revaluation reserve before any excess will be 
recognised as an impairment loss in the income statement. Any remainder  
in the revaluation reserve will be released to the income statement on  
the date of sale. 

INVENTORIES 
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (determined by the weighted 
average cost method) and net realisable value. Allowances for obsolescence 
are recognised in other operating costs when there is objective evidence  
that inventory is obsolete. 

PROVISIONS 
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation (legal  
or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow  
of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable 
estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.  

The expense relating to a provision is recognised in the income statement, 
except where the obligation is to dismantle or restore an item of property,  
plant or equipment, in which case the amount is capitalised to the cost of  
the asset. The capitalised amount is subsequently depreciated to the  
income statement over the remaining useful life of the underlying asset.  

Provisions are discounted to a present value at initial recognition where  
the effect of discounting is deemed to be material. Discounted provisions  
will unwind over time using the amortised cost method with finance cost 
recognised in the income statement. Provision estimates are revised each 
reporting date and adjustments recognised in line with the provision’s initial 
recognition (either in the income statement or recognised against the cost  
of the asset). 

Asset retirement obligations 
The fair value of legal obligations associated with the retirement of tangible 
property, plant and equipment is recognised in the financial statements in the 
period in which the liability is incurred. Upon initial recognition of a liability for  
an asset retirement obligation, a corresponding asset retirement cost is added 
to the carrying amount of the related asset, which is subsequently amortised  
to income over the remaining useful life of the asset. Following the initial 
recognition of an asset retirement obligation, the carrying amount of the 
liability is increased for the passage of time by applying an interest method  
of allocation to the liability with a corresponding accretion cost reflected  
in operating expenses. 

Revisions to either the timing or the amount of the original estimate  
of undiscounted cash flows are recognised each period as an adjustment  
to the carrying amount of the asset retirement obligation. 

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Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES 
In response to the Guidelines on Alternative Performance Measures (‘APM’s) 
issued by the European Securities and Markets Authority (‘ESMA’), we have 
provided additional information on the APMs used by the Group including 
definitions which are included in the Glossary on page 157. The Directors use 
APMs to better understand the underlying financial performance of the Group 
and to provide comparability of information between reporting periods and 
business units. The measures are also used in discussions with the investment 
analyst community and the credit rating agencies. Given that APMs are not 
defined by International Financial Reporting Standards they may not be 
directly comparable with other companies who use similar measures. APMs 
considered to be KPIs include EBITDA (including adjusted EBITDA), Cash Capex 
and adjusted EPS and are defined on page 16. 

3. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT 

FINANCIAL RISK FACTORS 
The Group’s operations and significant debt financing expose it to a variety  
of financial risks that include the effects of changes in debt market prices, 
foreign currency exchange rates, credit risks, liquidity risks and interest rates. 
The Group has in place a risk management programme that seeks to limit 
adverse effects on the financial performance of the Group by using forward 
exchange contracts to limit exposure to foreign currency risk and to limit the 
impact of fluctuating interest rates by minimising the amount of floating rate 
long-term borrowings. 

The Board of Directors has delegated to the treasury department the 
responsibility for setting and implementing the financial risk management 
policies applied by the Group. The treasury department has an operating 
manual that sets out specific guidelines for managing foreign exchange risk, 
interest rate risk and credit risk (see note 31). The Group does not hold or  
issue derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes. 

(A) MARKET RISK 

(i) Foreign exchange risk 
The functional currency of Inmarsat plc is the US Dollar. Apart from the 
deferred satellite liability, all of the Group’s long-term borrowings are 
denominated in US Dollars, the majority of its revenue is earned in US Dollars 
and the majority of capital expenditure is denominated in US Dollars, which  
are therefore not subject to risks associated with fluctuating foreign currency 
rates of exchange. 

However, the Group operates internationally, resulting in approximately 3% and 
24% of total revenue and total expenditure, respectively, being denominated  
in currencies other than the US Dollar. Approximately 27% (2016: 32%) of  
the Group’s operating costs are denominated in Pounds Sterling. The Group’s 
exposure therefore needs to be carefully managed to avoid variability in future 
cash flows and earnings caused by volatile foreign exchange rates. 

As at 31 December 2017 it is estimated that a hypothetical 1% increase in the 
US Dollar/Sterling year-end exchange rate (US$1.34/£1.00 to US$1.35/£1.00) 
would have increased the 2017 profit before tax by approximately $0.1m  
(2016: $0.6m). Management believes that a 1% sensitivity rate provides  
a reasonable basis upon which to assess expected changes in foreign 
exchange rates. 

(ii) Price risk 
The Group is not exposed to significant equity securities price risk or commodity 
price risk. 

(B) INTEREST RATE RISK 
The Group’s income and operating cash flows are substantially independent  
of changes in market interest rates. The Group has interest-bearing assets 
such as cash and cash equivalents, short-term deposits, and non-current 
other receivables however interest rate risk arises from long-term borrowings. 
Borrowings issued at variable rates expose the Group to cash flow interest  
rate risk; however, as at 31 December 2017, the Group has no borrowings issued  
at variable rates following the full repayment of the EIB loan in October 2016. 
The Senior Notes due 2022 and 2024, the Convertible Bonds due 2023 and 
the Ex-Im Bank Facilities are all at fixed rates. 

(C) CREDIT RISK 
Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty will default on its contractual 
obligations resulting in financial loss to the Group. Financial instruments  
that potentially subject the Group to a concentration of credit risk consist  
of cash and cash equivalents, short-term deposits, trade receivables, other 
receivables, accrued income and derivative financial instruments. The credit 
risk on liquid funds (cash and cash equivalents and short-term deposits) and 
derivative financial instruments is limited because the counterparties are  
highly rated financial institutions. 

The maximum exposure to credit risk as at 31 December is: 

($ in millions) 

Note 

2017 

2016 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Trade receivables, other receivables and 
accrued income 

Derivative financial instruments 

Total credit risk 

16 

31 

31 

144.9 

262.0 

275.3 

250.7 

1.5 

1.8 

421.7 

514.5 

The Group’s average age of trade receivables as at 31 December 2017 was 
approximately 57 days excluding Ligado and approximately 52 days including 
Ligado (2016: 63 days excluding Ligado and 58 days including Ligado).  

At 31 December 2017, $170.0m (2016: $165.6m) of trade receivables were  
not yet due for payment. No interest is charged on trade receivables until the 
receivables become overdue for payment. Thereafter, interest may be charged 
at varying rates depending on the terms of the individual agreements.  

The Group has credit evaluation, approval and monitoring processes intended 
to mitigate potential credit risks, and utilises both internal and third-party 
collection processes for overdue accounts. The Group maintains provisions  
for potential credit losses that are assessed on an ongoing basis. The provision 
for uncollectible trade receivables has decreased to $12.5m as at 31 December 
2017 (2016: $13.7m). 

For 2017, no customer comprised greater than 10% of the Group’s total 
revenues (2016: no customer).  

The ageing profile of past due but not impaired trade receivables is: 

($ in millions) 

Between 1 and 30 days overdue 

Between 31 and 120 days overdue 

Over 120 days overdue 

As at 31 December 

2017 

18.8 

9.0 

– 

27.8 

2016 

35.3 

7.9 

1.5 

44.7 

(D) LIQUIDITY RISK 
The Group is exposed to liquidity risk with respect to its contractual obligations 
and financial liabilities. Prudent liquidity risk management implies maintaining 
sufficient cash and short-term deposits and the availability of funding through 
an adequate amount of committed credit facilities. 

The Group manages liquidity risk by continuously monitoring forecast  
and actual cash flows and matching the maturity profiles of financial assets  
and liabilities. 

The available liquidity of the Group as at 31 December is: 

($ in millions) 

Note 

2017 

2016 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Available but undrawn borrowing facilities1 

Total available liquidity 

16 

19 

144.9 

500.5 

645.4 

262.0 

578.9 

840.9 

1  Relates to the Senior Credit Facility (see note 19) 

The Directors believe the Group’s liquidity position is more than sufficient to 
meet its needs for the foreseeable future. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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123 
123

4. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND  
KEY JUDGEMENTS 

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires 
management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the 
reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets 
and liabilities at the balance sheet dates and the reported amounts of revenue 
and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those 
estimates. The more significant judgements and estimates are discussed below: 

(A) TAXATION 
The calculation of the Group’s uncertain tax provisions involves estimation in 
respect of certain items whose tax treatment cannot be finally determined until 
resolution has been reached with the relevant tax authority, or, as appropriate, 
through a formal legal process. Issues can, and often do, take a number of 
years to resolve. The amounts recognised or disclosed are derived from the 
Group’s best estimation. However, the inherent uncertainty regarding the 
outcome of these means eventual realisation could differ from the accounting 
estimates and therefore impact the Group’s results and cash flows.  

The Group maintains tax provisions in respect of ongoing enquiries with  
tax authorities. In the event that all such enquiries were settled as currently 
provided for, we estimate that the Group would incur a cash tax outflow of 
approximately $90m, excluding interest, during 2018. The enquiries remain 
ongoing at this time. 

(B) REVENUE IN RESPECT OF THE LIGADO NETWORKS  
COOPERATION AGREEMENT 
In December 2007, Inmarsat and Ligado Networks (formerly LightSquared LP, 
Skyterra (Canada) Inc. and LightSquared Inc.) entered into a Cooperation 
Agreement for the efficient use of L-band spectrum over North America. The 
Cooperation Agreement was segregated into phases and designed to enable 
and support the deployment of an ATC network by Ligado in North America. 
Key estimates and judgements have been made regarding the future of Ligado 
and the Cooperation Agreement.  

To date total cash payments of $885.7m have been received under the 
Cooperation Agreement, including $110.7m in 2017 (2016: $126.2m).  
The Group has, thus far, recognised $703.9m of revenue and $43.1m of 
operating costs under all phases of the agreement. For the year ended  
31 December 2017, the Group recognised $126.7m of revenue with $2.0m 
operating costs (year ended 31 December 2016: $119.4m and $nil, respectively). 

In March 2016, Ligado Networks agreed to take the 30MHz option (the ‘30MHz 
Plan’) under Phase 2 of the Cooperation Agreement between the companies. 
In exchange for the deferral of some payments from Ligado to Inmarsat, the 
parties agreed to delay the transition to the 30MHz Plan, with Ligado providing 
Inmarsat enhanced spectrum usage rights for its satellite operations for a 
minimum period of two years. Over the three-year period approximately $35m 
of additional contracted payments will be deferred. With this in mind, Ligado 
made quarterly payments to Inmarsat totalling $110.7m during the course of 
2017 and will make aggregate payments of approximately $118m in respect  
of 2018, payable in quarterly instalments. This revenue is recognised on an 
accruals basis.  

At 31 December 2017, deferred income in respect of the Cooperation 
Agreement of $181.8m was recorded on the balance sheet. Although the  
cash has been received, the timing of the recognition of this deferred income, 
together with any related future costs and taxes, is dependent upon when 
Ligado receive their FCC licence, which remains uncertain. During 2017, 
Inmarsat recognised $14.0m of deferred income as revenue to reflect the 
impact of the revenue deferral arising under the revised transition agreement. 
$2.0m was recognised in relation to costs incurred on interference.  

(C) CAPITALISATION OF SPACE SEGMENT ASSETS AND  
ASSOCIATED BORROWING COSTS 
The net book value of space segment assets is currently $2,510m  
(2016: $2,037m). There have been additions of $175m in the year.  
The key judgements involved in the capitalisation of space segment  
assets and associated borrowings costs are: 
› whether the capitalisation criteria of the underlying IAS have been met; 
› whether an asset is ready for use and as a result further capitalisation  
of costs should cease and depreciation should commence and; 

› whether an asset is deemed to be substantially complete and as a result 

capitalisation of borrowing costs should cease. 

(D) PROXY BOARD ARRANGEMENT 
The Group has made key judgements in determining the accounting treatment 
of Inmarsat Government Inc. 

The U.S. Government element of Inmarsat’s Government business unit is 
managed through the U.S. trading entity, Inmarsat Government Inc., a wholly-
owned subsidiary of the Group. The business is managed through a Proxy 
agreement as required by the U.S. National Industrial Security Program 
(‘NISP’). A Proxy agreement is an instrument intended to mitigate the risk of 
foreign ownership, control or influence when a foreign person owns, acquires  
or merges with a U.S. entity that has a facility security clearance under the 
NISP. The Proxy agreement conveys the foreign owner’s voting rights to the 
Proxy Holders, comprised of the Proxy board. There are three Proxy holders 
who are U.S. citizens cleared and approved by the U.S. Defence Security  
Service (‘DSS’).  

The Proxy holders have a fiduciary duty, and agree, to perform their role in the 
best interests of the Group (including the legitimate economic interest), and  
in a manner consistent with the national security interests of the U.S. 

The DSS requires Inmarsat Government Inc. to enter into a Proxy agreement 
because it is indirectly owned by the Group and it has contracts with the 
Department of Defence which contain certain classified information. The Proxy 
agreement enables Inmarsat Government Inc. to participate in such contracts 
with the U.S. Government despite being owned by a non-U.S. corporation. 

Under the Proxy agreement, the Proxy holders have the power to exercise  
all privileges of share ownership of Inmarsat Government Inc. In addition, as a 
result of the Proxy agreement, certain limitations are placed on the information 
which may be shared, and the interaction which may occur, between Inmarsat 
Government Inc. and other Group companies.  

The Group maintains its involvement in Inmarsat Government Inc.’s activities 
through normal business activity and liaison with the Chair of the Proxy Board. 
Inmarsat Government Inc.’s commercial and governance activity is included  
in the business update provided in regular Executive reports to the Board.  
This activity is always subject to the confines of the Proxy regime to ensure  
that it meets the requirement that Inmarsat Government Inc. must conduct  
its business affairs without direct external control or influence, and the 
requirements necessary to protect the U.S. national security interest. 

In accordance with IFRS 10 ‘Consolidated financial statements’, an assessment 
is required to determine the degree of control or influence the Group exercises 
and the form of any control to ensure that the financial statement treatment  
is appropriate. On the basis of the Group’s ability to affect the financial and 
operating policies of the entity, we have concluded that the Group meets the 
requirements of IFRS 10 in respect of control over the entity and, therefore, 
consolidates the entity in the Group’s consolidated accounts. 

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Financial Statements | Consolidated financial statements

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

5. SEGMENTAL INFORMATION 

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the Chief Operating Decision Maker to allocate resources  
and assess the performance of the Group.  

The Group’s operating segments are aligned to five market-facing business units, being:  
› Maritime, focusing on worldwide commercial maritime services 
› U.S. Government, focusing on U.S. civil and military government services 
› Global Government, focusing on worldwide civil and military government services 
› Aviation, focusing on commercial, business and general aviation services 
› Enterprise, focusing on worldwide energy, industry, media, carriers, and M2M services 
Details of these business units are given on pages 20 to 37.  

These five business units are supported by ‘Central Services’ which include satellite operations and backbone infrastructure, corporate administrative costs,  
and any income that is not directly attributable to a business unit (such as Ligado Networks). The Group has aggregated the U.S. Government and Global 
Government operating segments into one reporting segment as the segments have a similar type of customer for the products and services and meet the  
criteria for aggregation under IFRS. Therefore, the Group’s reportable segments are Maritime, Government, Aviation, Enterprise, and Central Services. 

The accounting policies of the operating segments are the same as the Group’s accounting policies described in note 2. Segment results are assessed by the 
Chief Operating Decision Maker at the EBITDA level without the allocation of central costs, depreciation and amortisation, net financing costs and taxation. 

2017 

Maritime 

Government 

Aviation 

Enterprise 

564.7 

– 

564.7 

(122.8) 

441.9 

– 

441.9 

366.7 

– 

366.7 

(101.5) 

265.2 

– 

265.2 

195.0 

– 

195.0 

(91.6) 

103.4 

– 

103.4 

132.6 

– 

132.6 

(40.7) 

91.9 

– 

91.9 

Central 
 Services 

14.5 

126.7 

141.2 

(292.2) 

 (151.0) 

(19.9) 

 (170.9) 

SEGMENT RESULTS 

($ in millions) 

Revenue  

Ligado revenue 

Total revenue 

Net operating costs 

Adjusted EBITDA1 

Restructuring charge 

EBITDA2 

Depreciation and amortisation 

Other3 

Operating profit 

Net financing cost 

Profit before tax 

Taxation 

Profit for the year 

Cash capital expenditure4 

43.4 

9.9 

130.9 

– 

414.5 

Financing costs capitalised in the cost of qualifying assets 

Cash flow timing5 

Total capital expenditure 

Total 

1,273.5 

126.7 

1,400.2 

(648.8) 

751.4 

(19.9) 

731.5 

(406.7) 

(3.3) 

321.5 

(91.7) 

229.8 

(47.5) 

182.3 

598.7 

40.2 

36.6 

675.5 

1   Adjusted EBITDA excludes a one-off restructuring charge of $19.9m incurred in Q4 2017 
2  EBITDA is defined as profit before net financing costs, taxation, depreciation and amortisation, gains/losses on disposal of assets, impairment losses and share of profit of associates and, as a non-statutory metric,  

it has been reconciled to profit after tax later on in this announcement. EBITDA is a commonly used industry measure, which helps investors to understand the contribution made by each of our business units 

3  Other relates to the share of profit from associates ($4.0m) and loss on disposal of assets ($7.3m) 
4  Cash capital expenditure is the cash flow relating to tangible and intangible asset additions; it includes capitalised labour costs and excludes capitalised interest 
5  Cash flow timing represents the difference between accrued capex and the actual cash flows 

 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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125

2016 

Maritime 

Government 

Aviation 

Enterprise1 

575.3 

– 

575.3 

(120.5) 

454.8 

330.5 

– 

330.5 

(86.5) 

244.0 

142.6 

– 

142.6 

(45.2) 

97.4 

144.6  

–  

144.6  

(38.7)  

105.9  

Central  
Services 

16.6 

119.4 

136.0 

(243.3) 

(107.3) 

($ in millions) 

Revenue  

Ligado revenue 

Total revenue 

Net operating costs 

EBITDA 

Depreciation and amortisation 

Other2 

Operating profit 

Net financing cost 

Profit before tax 

Taxation 

Profit for the year 

Cash capital expenditure3 

43.8 

6.1 

153.0 

0.4  

209.6 

Financing costs capitalised in the cost of qualifying assets 

Cash flow timing4 

Total capital expenditure 

Total 

1,209.6 

119.4 

1,329.0 

(534.2) 

794.8 

(349.4) 

1.7 

447.1 

(147.9) 

299.2 

(55.8) 

243.4 

412.9 

36.1 

37.2 

486.2 

1  Enterprise excludes the disposals made during the first half of 2016 
2  Other relates primarily to the share of profit from associates 
3  Cash capital expenditure is the cash flow relating to tangible and intangible asset additions; it includes capitalised labour costs and excludes capitalised interest 
4  Cash flow timing represents the difference between accrued capex and the actual cash flows 

SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS BY GEOGRAPHY 
The Group’s operations are located in the geographical regions listed below. Revenues are allocated to countries based on the billing address of the customer.  
For wholesale customers, this is the distribution partner who receives the invoice for the service, and for retail customers this is the billing address of the customer 
for whom the service is provided. Assets and capital expenditure are allocated based on the physical location of the assets. 

($ in millions) 

United Kingdom 

Rest of Europe 

North America 

Asia and Pacific 

Rest of the world 

Unallocated1 

1  Unallocated items relate to satellites which are in orbit 

2017 

2016 

Non-current 
segment 

Revenue 

assets   

Revenue 

78.9 

430.8 

559.4 

246.1 

85.0 

– 

1,400.2 

870.9   

852.3   

134.8   

120.2   

0.1   

2,123.2   

4,101.5   

99.9 

369.9 

484.4 

279.9 

94.5 

– 

1,329.0 

Non-current 
 segment 
assets 

958.2 

659.0 

439.5 

83.2 

8.5 

1,683.7 

3,832.1 

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Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

6. OPERATING PROFIT  

Costs are presented by the nature of the expense to the Group. Network and satellite operation costs comprise costs to third parties for network service contracts 
and services. A breakdown of employee benefit costs is given in note 7. 

Operating profit is stated after charging the following items: 

($ in millions) 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment  

Amortisation of intangible assets 

Restructuring costs 

Loss on disposal of assets 

Operating lease rentals: 

Land and buildings 

Services equipment, fixtures and fittings 

Cost of inventories recognised as an expense 

Write downs of inventories recognised as an expense 

Research costs expensed 

Remuneration payable to the Group’s auditor Deloitte LLP and its associates in the year is analysed below: 

($ in millions) 

Audit fees: 

Annual audit of the Company 

Annual audit of subsidiary companies 

Total audit fees  

Audit-related assurance services1 

Total audit and audit-related fees 

Tax advisory services 

Other services2 

Total non-audit fees 

Total auditor’s remuneration 

1  Fees paid for audit-related assurance services refer to the half year and quarterly reviews of the Group’s interim financial statements 
2  Other services in 2016 relate to a corporate financing transaction 

7. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT COSTS 

($ in millions) 

Wages and salaries 

Social security costs 

Share-based payments (including employers’ national insurance contribution) 

Defined contribution pension plan costs 

Defined benefit pension plan costs1 

Post-employment benefits costs1 

Employee benefit costs excluding restructuring charge 

Restructuring charge 

Total employee benefit costs 

1  Defined benefit pension plan costs and post-employment benefits costs include current service cost and gain on curtailment for 2017 (see note 28) 

Note 

13 

14 

18 

Note 

28 

28 

2017 

323.5 

83.2 

19.9 

7.3 

13.8 

– 

62.3 

5.1 

8.0 

2016 

278.1 

71.3 

– 

0.7 

14.8 

0.3 

33.3 

0.5 

13.3 

2017 

2016 

0.2 

0.9 

1.1 

0.1 

1.2 

– 

– 

– 

1.2 

2017 

247.8 

20.6 

16.2 

6.0 

2.0 

0.4 

293.0 

19.9 

312.9 

0.2 

0.8 

1.0 

0.1 

1.1 

0.1 

0.1 

0.2 

1.3 

2016 

222.8 

18.0 

15.8 

9.0 

1.9  

0.1 

267.7 

– 

267.7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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EMPLOYEE NUMBERS 
The average monthly number of employees (including the Executive Directors) employed during the year: 

($ in millions) 

By activity: 

Operations 

Sales and marketing 

Development and engineering 

Administration 

By segment1: 

Maritime 

Government 

Enterprise 

Aviation 

Central Services 

2017 

2016 

825 

394 

250 

385 

812 

370 

223 

357 

1,854 

1,762 

107 

199 

65 

171 

1,312 

1,854 

337 

189 

72 

108 

1,056 

1,762 

1  As a result of an internal reorganisation in July 2016 certain employees were transferred between business units, the most significant being Maritime to Central Services 

The employee headcount numbers presented above refer to permanent full time and part time employees and exclude contractors and temporary staff. 
Employee benefit costs of $30.1m (2016: $21.7m) relating to contractors and temporary staff have been included in the cost table above. 

8. KEY MANAGEMENT COMPENSATION 

The Group’s Executive and Non-Executive Directors are the key management personnel of the business. Details of the total amounts earned during the year are 
as follows: 

($ in millions) 

Short-term benefits 

Share-based payments1 

1 

Includes employers’ national insurance or other social security contributions 

2017 

2016 

3.8 

4.8 

8.6 

3.9 

5.1 

9.0 

The Remuneration report contains full disclosure of Directors’ remuneration on pages 76 to 98. In both the current and prior year, no Director has been a member 
of the Group’s defined contribution pension plan.  

9. NET FINANCING COSTS 

($ in millions) 

Bank interest receivable and other interest 

Total financing income 

Interest on Senior Notes and credit facilities 

Interest on Convertible Bonds 

Loss on redemption of 2017 Convertible Bonds 

Amortisation of debt issue costs 

Amortisation of discount on Senior Notes due 2022 

Unwinding of discount on deferred satellite liabilities 

Net interest on the net defined benefit asset and post-employment liability 

Other interest 

Financing costs 

Less: Amounts capitalised in the cost of qualifying assets 

Financing costs excluding derivative adjustments 

Change in fair value of the derivative liability component of the Convertible Bonds1 

Net financing cost 

1  For further details of the derivative liability component of the Convertible Bonds due 2023 please refer to note 19 

2017 

(6.5) 

(6.5) 

93.9 

37.5 

– 

7.9 

1.0 

0.4 

1.9 

3.5 

146.1 

(40.2) 

105.9 

(7.7) 

91.7 

2016 

(4.3) 

(4.3) 

79.8 

33.6 

32.8 

8.2 

1.0 

0.6 

0.4 

3.1 

159.5 

(36.1) 

123.4 

28.8 

147.9 

Borrowing costs capitalised in the cost of qualifying assets during the year are calculated by applying a capitalisation rate to expenditures on such assets.  
The average interest capitalisation rate for the year was 8.5% (2016: 7.4%). 

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Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

10. TAXATION 

The tax charge for the year recognised in the income statement: 

($ in millions) 

Current tax: 

Current year  

Adjustments in respect of prior years 

Total current tax  

Deferred tax: 

Origination and reversal of temporary differences 

Adjustments due to reduction in corporation tax rates 

Adjustments in respect of prior years 

Total deferred tax 

Total taxation charge 

The effective tax rate is 20.7% (2016: 18.6%) and is reconciled below: 

($ in millions) 

Profit before tax 

Income tax at 19.25% (2016: 20.00%) 

Differences in overseas tax rates 

Adjustments in respect of prior periods 

Adjustments due to reduction in the corporation tax rate 

Impact of UK patent box regime 

Impact of change in fair value of derivative liability component of Convertible Bond 

Other non-deductible expenses/non-taxable income 

Total taxation charge 

Tax credited directly to equity: 

($ in millions) 

Current tax charge on share-based payments 

Deferred tax credit on share-based payments 

Total tax credited directly to equity 

Tax (charged)/credit directly to other comprehensive income: 

($ in millions) 

Deferred tax credit relating to gains on cash flow hedges 

Deferred tax (charged)/credit on remeasurement of defined benefit asset and post-employment benefits 

Total tax (charged)/credited directly to other comprehensive income 

11. NET FOREIGN EXCHANGE GAIN/(LOSS) 

($ in millions) 

Defined benefit plan and post-employment benefits 

Other operating income 

Total foreign exchange gain/(loss) 

Note 

28 

2017 

2016 

21.8 

(4.5) 

17.3 

13.3 

9.1 

7.8 

30.2 

47.5 

2017 

229.8 

(44.2) 

6.4 

(3.3) 

(9.1) 

3.2 

1.5 

(2.0) 

(47.5) 

2017 

– 

(0.2) 

(0.2) 

2017 

– 

(2.3) 

(2.3) 

2017 

1.5 

(0.3) 

1.2 

36.3 

3.8 

40.1 

26.3 

(0.3) 

(10.3) 

15.7 

55.8 

2016 

299.2 

(59.8) 

2.0 

(3.5) 

10.3 

3.9 

(5.8) 

(2.9) 

(55.8) 

2016 

2.7 

(3.2) 

(0.5) 

2016 

0.1 

2.6 

2.7 

2016 

0.4 

(11.2) 

(10.8) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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12. DIVIDENDS 

During 2017, the 2017 interim dividend of $98.6m (21.62 cents per ordinary share) and the 2016 final dividend of $151.2m (33.37 cents per ordinary share) were 
paid to the Company’s shareholders.  

For the 2017 interim dividend, the Group offered a scrip dividend election allowing shareholders to take their cash dividend entitlement in Inmarsat shares.  
This option was taken up by shareholders holding approximately 63.3m shares (2016 interim dividend: 43.0m shares), representing 13.9% (2016 interim dividend: 
9.5%) of our issued share capital. The scrip amounted to 1,617,973 new shares (2016 interim dividend: 946,283 new shares) and 0.35% (2016 interim dividend: 
0.21%) of the issued share capital, which represented a $13.7m (2016 interim dividend: $8.9m) cash dividend savings. These shares were issued and made available 
for trading on 20 October 2017 (2016 interim dividend: 21 October 2016). 

For the 2016 final dividend, the Group offered a scrip dividend election allowing shareholders to take their cash dividend entitlement in Inmarsat shares.  
This option was taken up by shareholders holding approximately 93.6m shares, representing 20.7% of our issued share capital. The scrip amounted to 2,973,025 
new shares and 0.66% of the issued share capital, which represented a $31.3m cash dividend savings. These shares were issued and made available for trading on 
26 May 2017. The option of a scrip dividend election was not in place for the 2015 final dividend.  

During 2016, the 2016 interim dividend of $91.8m (20.59 cents per ordinary share) and the 2015 final dividend of $143.3m (31.78 cents per ordinary share)  
were paid to the Company’s shareholders. 

The Inmarsat plc Board of Directors intends to recommend a final dividend of 12 cents per ordinary share in respect of the year ended 31 December 2017 to be 
paid on 26 May 2018 to ordinary shareholders on the share register at the close of business on 21 April 2018. 

($ in cents) 

Interim dividend paid per ordinary share 

Final dividend per ordinary share  

Total dividend per ordinary share 

13. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 

($ in millions) 

Cost: 

1 January 2016 

Additions 

Disposals 

Transfers from assets in the course of construction and reclassifications1 

31 December 2016 

Additions 

Disposals 

Transfers from assets in the course of construction and reclassifications1 

31 December 2017 

Accumulated depreciation: 

1 January 2016 

Charge for the year 

Disposals 

31 December 2016 

Charge for the year 

Disposals 

31 December 2017 

Net book amount at 31 December 2016  

Net book amount at 31 December 2017 

2017 

21.62 

12.00 

33.62 

2016 

20.59 

33.37 

53.96 

Freehold land 
and buildings 

Service 
equipment, 
fixtures and 
fittings 

Space 
 segment 

Assets in the 
course of 
construction 

17.3 

3.3 

– 

– 

20.6 

– 

– 

– 

20.6 

(9.9) 

(0.6) 

– 

(10.5) 

(0.5) 

– 

(11.0) 

10.1 

9.6 

328.3 

3,548.5 

8.2 

(7.6) 

15.8 

344.7 

73.0 

(226.7) 

64.2 

255.2 

(243.2) 

(46.6) 

7.4 

(282.4) 

(55.6) 

216.8 

(121.2) 

62.3 

134.0 

54.3 

(1.2) 

51.0 

3,652.6 

174.9 

(99.9) 

565.6 

4,293.2 

(1,384.7) 

(230.9) 

0.2 

1,615.5 

(267.4) 

99.9 

(1,782.9) 

2,037.2 

2,510.3 

603.9 

324.7 

– 

(66.8) 

861.8 

351.6 

(0.9) 

(629.8) 

582.7 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

861.8 

582.7 

Total 

4,498.0 

390.5 

(8.8) 

– 

4,879.7 

599.5 

(327.5) 

– 

5,151.7 

(1,637.8) 

(278.1) 

7.6 

(1,908.3) 

(323.5) 

316.7 

(1,915.1) 

2,971.4 

3,236.6 

1  Reclassifications relate to movements between tangible and intangible asset categories throughout the year to align accounting policies across the Group 

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Financial Statements | Consolidated financial statements

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Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is charged using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives, as follows: 

Space segment assets: 

Satellites 
Other space segment, including ground infrastructure   

Fixtures and fittings, and services-related equipment 
Buildings 

13–15 years 
5–12 years 
3–15 years 
50 years 

Freehold land is not depreciated. At 31 December 2017 and 2016, the Group was carrying certain freehold land and buildings with a net book value of nil.  
Had they been revalued on a market basis, their carrying amount at 31 December 2017 would have been $30.4m (2016: $33.2m). Market valuation is based  
on the Directors’ best estimates. 

In 2017 the Group received government grants in relation to the purchase and construction of certain assets. The grants have been deducted from the cost  
of the relevant asset to arrive at the carrying amount. Government grants received in 2017 were $5.7m (2016: $3.1m). 

14. INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

Goodwill 

Trademarks 

Software 

Terminal 
development 
and network 
access costs 

Intellectual 
property 

Customer 
relationships 

Spectrum 
rights, orbital 
slots and 
licences 

($ in millions) 

Cost: 

1 January 2016 

Additions 

Disposals 

31 December 2016 

Additions 

Disposals 

31 December 2017 

Accumulated amortisation: 

1 January 2016 

Charge for the year 

Disposals 

31 December 2016 

Charge for the year 

Disposals 

31 December 2017 

Net book amount at  
31 December 2016 

Net book amount at  
31 December 2017 

781.3 

– 

– 

781.3 

– 

– 

781.3 

(359.2) 

– 

– 

(359.2) 

– 

– 

(359.2) 

25.3 

0.2 

– 

25.5 

0.1 

– 

25.6 

(12.1) 

(1.0) 

– 

(13.1) 

(1.0) 

– 

(14.1) 

221.7 

54.7 

(0.1) 

276.3 

54.9 

(64.2) 

267.0 

(156.4) 

(28.8) 

0.1 

(185.1) 

(36.2) 

63.9 

(157.4) 

422.1 

12.4 

91.2 

422.1 

11.5 

109.6 

14.7 

– 

(14.0) 

0.7 

– 

(0.1) 

0.6 

(14.7) 

– 

14.0 

(0.7) 

– 

0.1 

(0.6) 

– 

– 

180.5 

32.1 

– 

212.6 

17.9 

(13.8) 

216.7 

(108.3) 

(7.8) 

– 

(116.1) 

(12.5) 

13.8 

(114.8) 

403.8 

– 

(7.7) 

396.1 

– 

– 

396.1 

(239.5) 

(29.2) 

7.7 

(261.0) 

(29.1) 

– 

(290.1) 

46.6 

8.7 

– 

55.3 

3.1 

(3.4) 

55.0 

(11.7) 

(4.5) 

– 

(16.2) 

(4.4) 

3.4 

(17.2) 

Total 

1,673.9 

95.7 

(21.8) 

1,747.8 

76.0 

(81.5) 

1,742.3 

(901.9) 

(71.3) 

21.8 

(951.4) 

(83.2) 

81.2 

(953.4) 

96.5 

135.1 

39.1 

796.4 

101.9 

106.0 

37.8 

788.9 

Goodwill represents the excess of consideration paid on an acquisition over the fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired  
at the date of acquisition.  

Trademarks are being amortised on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which are between seven and 20 years. 

The capitalised software includes the Group’s billing system and other internally developed operational systems and purchased software, which are being 
amortised on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life of three to eight years. 

The Group capitalises costs associated with the development and enhancement of user terminals and associated network access costs as intangible assets and 
amortizes these over the estimated sales life of the related services, which range from five to ten years. 

Customer relationships acquired in connection with acquisitions are being amortised over the expected period of benefit of between 12 and 14 years, using the 
straight-line method. 

Orbital slots and licences relate to the Group’s satellite programmes, and each individual asset is reviewed to determine whether it has a finite or indefinite useful 
life. Amortisation of the GX programme finite life assets commenced when the Inmarsat-5 satellites went operational in December 2015. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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131 
131

ANNUAL IMPAIRMENT REVIEW: GOODWILL 
Impairment reviews of goodwill are performed at the level of the Group’s cash-generating units (‘CGUs’). For the Group, these are considered to be the Maritime, 
Enterprise, Aviation, U.S. Government and Global Government business units. The recoverable amount of each CGU has been determined based on value in  
use calculations. The key assumptions used by management in these calculations are the cash flow projections, long-term growth rates and discount rates  
for each CGU.  

The impairment review conducted annually has identified sufficient headroom in the recoverable value of each CGU above their carrying value. A sensitivity 
analysis has been undertaken by changing key assumptions used for each CGU. Based on this sensitivity analysis, no reasonably possible change in the 
assumptions resulted in the recoverable amount of the CGUs being reduced to their carrying value. We do not anticipate any changes over the next 12 months 
that would result in the recoverable amount of the CGUs being reduced to their carrying value. 

Key assumptions used to calculate the recoverable amount of the CGUs were as follows: 

($ in millions) 

Maritime 

Enterprise 

Aviation 

U.S. Government 

Global Government 

Total Group 

Allocated goodwill 

Pre-tax discount rate 

Long-term growth rate 

215.5 

54.8 

46.4 

50.6 

54.8 

422.1 

9.0% 

9.0% 

9.0% 

9.0% 

9.0% 

2.0%  

2.0% 

2.0% 

2.0% 

2.0% 

Cash flow projections 
The recoverable amount of each CGU is based on the value in use, which is determined using cash flow projections derived from the most recent financial  
budgets and forecasts approved by management covering a five-year period. The short and medium-term cash flows reflect management’s expectations  
of future outcomes taking into account past experience, adjusted for anticipated growth from both existing and new business in line with our strategic plans  
for each segment of our business. The cash flows also take into consideration our assessment of the potential impact of external economic factors.  

Long-term growth rates 
A long-term growth rate has been applied to extrapolate the cash flows into perpetuity. The growth rate has been determined using long-term industry growth 
rates and management’s conservative expectation of future growth. 

Discount rates 
The discount rates reflect the time value of money and are derived from the Group’s weighted average cost of capital, adjusted for the risk associated with the 
CGUs. The risk premium, when compared with the Group discount rate, was consistent across each of the CGUs given the similarities in exposure to economic  
and competitive conditions. 

15. INVESTMENTS 

($ in millions) 

Interest in associates 

Investments held at cost 

Total investments 

At 
31 December 
2017 

At  
31 December 
2016 

15.1 

1.1 

16.2 

13.2 

– 

13.2 

Interest in associates represents the Group’s investments which have been treated as associates and have all been accounted for using the equity method  
of accounting. Individually, all of the investments in associates are deemed to be immaterial and as a result the associates’ assets, liabilities, revenues and  
profits have not been presented.  

Cash dividends received from the associates for the year ended 31 December 2017 total $2.1m (2016: $1.3m). The Group’s aggregate share of its associates’ 
profits for the year is $4.0m (2016: $2.4m) and has been recognised in the income statement. 

Investments held at cost represents the Group’s 0.6% investment in Actility S.A. which was made on 5 April 2017.  

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Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

16. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held on call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three 
months or less, and for the purposes of the cash flow statement also includes bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities  
on the balance sheet. 

($ in millions) 

Cash at bank and in hand 

Short-term deposits 

Cash reclassified to short-term deposits with original maturity of greater than three months 

Cash and cash equivalents 

At 
31 December 
2017 

At  
31 December 
2016 

109.9 

377.0 

(342.0) 

144.9 

50.7 

606.3 

(395.0) 

262.0 

At 31 December 2017, the Group has $342.0m of cash held in short-term deposits with an original maturity of between three and 12 months (2016: $395.0m).  
This amount is presented separately within current assets in the balance sheet. 

Cash and cash equivalents include the following for the purposes of the cash flow statement: 

($ in millions) 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Bank overdrafts  

Net cash and cash equivalents 

17. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES 

($ in millions) 

Current: 

Trade receivables 

Other receivables 

Prepayments and accrued income1 

Total trade and other receivables 

Non-current: 

Prepayments and accrued income 

Defined benefit pension asset 

Other receivables 

Total other receivables 

The Group’s trade and other receivables are stated after allowances for doubtful debts. Movements during the year were as follows: 

($ in millions) 

At 1 January 

Charged to the provision in respect of the current year 

Utilised in the year 

Provision released in the year 

At 31 December2 

1  The balance at year end includes prepayments of $43.5m (2016: $44.7m) and accrued income of $52.7m (2016: $17.0m) 
2  The maturity of the Group’s provision for uncollectable trade receivables for the year ended 31 December 2017 is $0.9m between one and 30 days overdue, $4.8m between 31 and 120 days overdue and $6.8m over 

120 days overdue (2016: $1.4m between one and 30 days overdue, $3.4m between 31 and 120 days overdue and $8.9m over 120 days overdue) 

The Directors consider the carrying value of trade and other receivables to approximate to their fair value. 

Note 

19 

At 
31 December 
2017 

At  
31 December 
2016 

144.9 

(0.3) 

144.6 

262.0 

(0.5) 

261.5 

At 
31 December 
2017 

At  
31 December 
2016 

197.8 

25.4 

96.2 

319.4 

5.8 

18.1 

–  

23.9 

2017 

13.7 

9.7 

(4.2) 

(6.7) 

12.5 

210.3 

34.9 

61.7 

306.9 

6.4 

4.5 

0.8 

11.7 

2016 

16.1 

11.4 

(2.1) 

(11.7) 

13.7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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18. INVENTORIES 

($ in millions) 

Finished goods 

Work in progress 

Total inventories  

The Group’s inventories are stated after allowances for obsolescence. Movements in the allowance during the year were as follows: 

At 
31 December 
2017 

At  
31 December 
2016 

33.3 

0.6 

33.9 

33.6 

0.7 

34.3 

At 
31 December 
2017 

At  
31 December 
2016 

12.8 

3.9 

(5.1) 

11.6 

17.2 

0.5 

(4.9) 

12.8 

($ in millions) 

At 1 January 

Charged to the allowance in respect of the current year 

Released in the year 

At 31 December 

19. NET BORROWINGS 

($ in millions) 

Current: 

Bank overdrafts  

Deferred satellite payments 

Ex-Im Bank Facilities 

Total current borrowings 

Non-current: 

Deferred satellite payments 

Senior Notes due 2022 

– Net issuance discount 

Senior Notes due 2024 

Ex-Im Bank Facilities 

Convertible Bonds due 2023 

– Accretion of principal 

Total non-current borrowings 

Total borrowings 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Short-term investments 

Net borrowings 

At 31 December 2017 

At 31 December 2016 

Amount 

Deferred 
financing cost 

Net balance   

Amount 

Deferred 
financing cost 

Net balance 

0.3 

3.1 

122.2 

125.6 

5.6 

1,000.0 

(4.5) 

400.0 

508.7 

549.2 

12.4 

2,471.4 

2,597.0 

(144.9) 

(342.0) 

2,110.1 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(5.1) 

– 

(4.9) 

(14.9) 

(6.6) 

– 

(31.5) 

(31.5) 

– 

– 

0.3   

3.1   

122.2   

125.6   

5.6   

994.9   

(4.5)  

395.1   

493.8   

542.6   

12.4   

2,439.9   

2,565.5   

(144.9)  

(342.0)  

(31.5) 

2,078.6   

0.5 

3.8 

99.5 

103.8 

8.4 

1,000.0 

(5.5) 

400.0 

533.9 

545.5 

3.7 

2,486.0 

2,589.8 

(262.0) 

(395.0) 

1,932.8 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(6.1) 

– 

(5.6) 

(18.6) 

(7.7) 

– 

(38.0) 

(38.0) 

– 

– 

0.5 

3.8 

99.5 

103.8 

8.4 

993.9 

(5.5) 

394.4 

515.3 

537.8 

3.7 

2,448.0 

2,551.8 

(262.0) 

(395.0) 

(38.0) 

1,894.8 

EX-IM BANK FACILITIES 
The Group has two direct financing agreements with the Export-Import Bank (the ‘Ex-Im Bank Facilities’) of the United States. The $700.0m facility signed in  
2011 was available to be drawn down for four years and is now repayable in equal semi-annual instalments over a further 7.5 years. Drawings under this facility  
incur interest at a fixed rate of 3.11% for the life of the loan. In November 2014, the Group signed a seven-year $185.9m facility which has a total availability period 
of two years and is now repayable in equal semi-annual instalments over a further five years. Drawings under this facility incur interest at a fixed rate of 1.96% for 
the life of the loan. 

SENIOR NOTES DUE 2022 AND 2024 
On 4 June 2014, the Group issued $1.0bn of 4.875% Senior Notes due 15 May 2022. The aggregate gross proceeds were $992.1m, net of $7.9m issuance 
discount. On 22 September 2016, the Group issued $400.0m of 6.5% Senior Notes due 1 October 2024. 

SENIOR CREDIT FACILITY 
On 22 May 2015, the Group signed a five-year $500.5m revolving credit facility (‘Senior Credit Facility’). Advances under the facility bear interest at a rate equal  
to the applicable USD LIBOR, plus a margin of between 0.70% and 1.70% determined by reference to the ratio of net debt to EBITDA. At 31 December 2017,  
there were no drawings under the Senior Credit Facility. 

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Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

CONVERTIBLE BONDS 
On 9 September 2016, the Group issued $650m of 3.875% Convertible Bonds due 9 September 2023. The bonds are convertible into ordinary shares of the 
Company and have a 3.875% p.a. coupon payable semi-annually and a yield to maturity of 3.681%. The bond is a net share settled instrument, meaning upon 
conversion the Group will repay the principal of $650m in cash and satisfy the remaining conversion value in ordinary shares (if the market value of the Company’s 
shares at settlement date exceeds the conversion price of $13.41 and the option is exercised by the Bondholder).  

Upon issuance, in accordance with IAS 32 the instrument was bifurcated between a cash debt component and a derivative liability component, being $545.5m 
and $104.5m respectively. The debt component meets the definition of net borrowings and over the term of the bond will accrete up to the principal value of 
$650.0m with the cost of that accretion recognised in net financing costs. The derivative liability represents the value of the conversion rights associated with  
the instrument and is accounted for at fair value through profit and loss. It is excluded from net borrowings with the mark-to-market movements recognised  
in net financing costs as this represents the movement in fair value of the derivative component of the bond. 

($ in millions) 

Fair value of Convertible Bonds issued 

Cost of issue 

Net proceeds 

Derivative liability component 

Debt liability component at date of issue net of issue costs 

Cumulative amortisation of debt issue costs to 31 December 2017 

Cumulative interest charged to 31 December 2017 

Cumulative coupon interest to 31 December 2017 

Debt liability component at 31 December 2017 

Fair value of derivative liability component at 31 December 2017 

Fair value of Convertible Bond at 31 December 2017 

2017 

650.0 

(8.1) 

641.9 

(104.5) 

537.4 

1.5 

49.1 

(33.0) 

555.0 

125.7 

680.7 

2016 

650.0 

(8.1) 

641.9 

(104.5) 

537.4 

0.4 

11.6 

(7.9) 

541.5 

133.4 

674.9 

The interest charged for the year is calculated by applying an effective interest rate of 6.8% to the liability component. The total interest charge is split between 
the coupon interest charge of $33.0m and accreted interest of $16.1m, with both charges recognised in net financing costs in the income statement. The coupon 
interest is paid semi-annually in March and September with the liability recognised in accrued interest (note 20). Similarly, the bonds accrete semi-annually in 
March and September with the liability recognised in borrowings.  

The Directors consider the carrying value of borrowings, other than the Senior Notes, Convertible Bonds and the Ex-Im Bank 2011 Facility to approximate to their 
fair value (see note 31). The effective interest rates at the balance sheet dates were as follows: 

Effective interest rate % 

Bank overdrafts 

Senior Notes due 2022 

Senior Notes due 2024 

Ex-Im Bank 2011 Facility 

Ex-Im Bank 2014 Facility 

Deferred satellite payments 

Convertible Bonds due 2023 

2017 

6.5% 

4.9% 

6.5% 

3.1% 

3.6% 

3.0% 

6.8% 

2016 

3.8% 

4.9% 

6.5% 

3.1% 

2.0% 

3.8% 

6.8% 

Reconciliation of movements in liabilities to cash flows arising from financing activities: 

($ in millions) 

Short term borrowings  

Long term borrowings  

Convertible Bond2 

Total liabilities from 
financing activities  

Cash and cash equivalents  

Short term borrowings  

Net debt  

At 31 
December 
2016 

Drawdowns 
and 
repayments 

Cashflows 

Transfers1 

Interest 
expense 

Arrangement 
cost 
amortisation  

Movement in 
Fair Value 

Other non-
cash 
movements  

At 31 
December 
2017 

103.8 

1,906.5 

674.9 

2,685.2 

(262.0) 

(395.0) 

2,028.2 

(80.8) 

78.4 

– 

(3.1) 

(92.0) 

(25.1) 

(2.4) 

(120.2) 

105.1 

(105.1) 

– 

– 

3.2 

90.7 

37.5 

131.4 

– 

6.4 

1.1 

7.5 

– 

– 

(7.7) 

(2.6) 

125.6 

– 

1,884.9 

680.7 

(7.7) 

(2.6) 

2,691.2 

(144.9) 

(342.0) 

2,204.3 

1  Transfers comprise debt maturing from long term to short term borrowings 
2 

Includes derivative liability component 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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135

20. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES 

($ in millions) 

Current: 

Trade payables 

Deferred consideration 

Other taxation and social security payables 

Other payables 

Accruals and deferred income1 

Total trade and other payables 

Non-current: 

Deferred consideration 

Other payables 

Defined benefit pension and post-employment liability 

Total other payables 

At 
31 December 
2017 

At  
31 December 
2016 

210.5 

133.8 

– 

6.2 

4.5 

363.4 

584.6 

– 

7.5 

17.5 

25.0 

0.5 

5.7 

11.2 

357.1 

508.3 

0.2 

23.8 

17.5 

41.5 

1  The deferred income balance includes $181.8m (2016: $197.8m) relating to payments received from Ligado Networks. During the current financial year, $16.0m (2016: $11.0m) of these payments were released to the 

income statement  

The Directors consider the carrying value of trade and other payables to approximate to their fair value. 

21. PROVISIONS 

Movements in the current portion of the Group’s provisions were as follows: 

($ in millions) 

At 1 January 2016 

Charged in respect of current year 

Utilised in current year 

At 31 December 2016 

Charged in respect of current year 

Utilised in current year 

At 31 December 2017 

Current 
provisions 

Non-current 
provisions 

1.8 

3.6 

(3.5) 

1.9 

21.8 

(7.5) 

16.2 

2.5 

0.3 

– 

2.8 

6.9 

– 

9.7 

Total 

4.3 

3.9 

(3.5) 

4.7 

28.7 

(7.5) 

25.9 

The Group’s current provisions consist of a $16.0m restructuring provision along with $0.2m relating to Asset retirement obligations. The associated cash flows  
in respect of the restructuring provision outstanding at 31 December 2017 are expected to occur within one year. 

22. CURRENT AND DEFERRED TAXATION 

The current tax asset of $13.8m and current tax liability of $130.2m (2016: $8.5m and $129.0m, respectively), represent the tax payable in respect of current and 
prior periods less amounts paid. 

RECOGNISED DEFERRED TAX ASSETS AND LIABILITIES 
Deferred tax assets and liabilities (prior to the offsetting of balances within the same jurisdiction as permitted by IAS 12) for the year are shown below: 

($ in millions) 

Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 

Borrowing costs capitalised in the cost of qualifying assets 

Pension and post-employment benefits 

Share options 

Tax losses 

Other 

Net deferred tax liabilities 

At 31 December 2017 

Assets 

Liabilities 

(25.8) 

– 

(0.2) 

(1.5) 

(20.4) 

(11.4) 

(59.3) 

230.9 

27.8 

1.1 

– 

– 

1.2 

261.0 

Net   

205.1   

27.8   

0.9   

(1.5)  

(20.4)  

(10.2)  

201.7   

At 31 December 2016 

Assets 

Liabilities 

(32.7) 

– 

(2.0) 

(3.8) 

(15.9) 

(10.2) 

(64.6) 

198.4 

33.7 

– 

– 

0.5 

1.0 

Net 

165.7 

33.7 

(2.0) 

(3.8) 

(15.4) 

(9.2) 

233.6 

169.0 

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when the 
deferred income taxes relate to the same fiscal authority. 

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Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

The value of deferred income tax assets and liabilities included in the net deferred income tax balance is shown below: 

($ in millions) 

Deferred tax assets 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Net deferred tax liabilities 

Movement in temporary differences during the year: 

($ in millions) 

Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 

Borrowing costs capitalised in the cost of qualifying assets 

Other 

Pension and post-employment benefits 

Share-based payments 

Tax losses 

Total 

 ($ in millions) 

Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 

Borrowing costs capitalised in the cost of qualifying assets 

Other 

Pension and post-employment benefits 

Share-based payments 

Tax losses 

Total 

Total unprovided deferred tax assets: 

($ in millions) 

Unused income tax losses 

Unused capital losses 

Total 

At 
31 December 
2017 

At 
31 December 
2016 

(35.6) 

237.3 

201.7 

(39.3) 

208.3 

169.0 

At 
1 January  
2017 

165.7 

33.7 

(9.2) 

(2.0) 

(3.8) 

(15.4) 

169.0 

At 
1 January  
2016  

149.2 

41.7 

(9.7) 

0.5 

(7.8) 

(21.0) 

152.9 

Recognised  
in income 

Recognised  
in equity 

Recognised  
in other 
comprehensive 
income 

At 
31 December 
2017 

39.4 

(5.9) 

(1.0) 

0.6 

2.1 

(5.0) 

30.2 

– 

– 

– 

– 

0.2 

– 

0.2 

– 

– 

– 

2.3 

– 

2.3 

205.1 

27.8 

(10.2) 

0.9 

(1.5) 

(20.4) 

201.7 

Recognised  
in income 

Recognised  
in equity 

Recognised  
in other 
comprehensive 
income 

At 
31 December 
2016 

16.5 

(8.0) 

0.7 

0.1 

0.8 

5.6 

15.7 

– 

– 

– 

– 

3.2 

– 

3.2 

– 

– 

(0.2) 

(2.6) 

– 

– 

165.7 

33.7 

(9.2) 

(2.0) 

(3.8) 

(15.4) 

(2.8) 

169.0 

At 
31 December 
2017 

At 
31 December 
2016 

(2.4) 

(23.0) 

(25.4) 

(34.1) 

(24.2) 

(58.3) 

Overseas dividends received are largely exempt from UK tax but may be subject to foreign withholding taxes. The unrecognised gross temporary difference in 
respect of the unremitted earnings of those overseas subsidiaries affected by such taxes is $nil (2016: $nil), resulting in a deferred tax liability of $nil (2016: $nil).  

The Budget announced by the Chancellor on 16 March 2016 included changes to the main rates of corporation tax for UK companies. The standard rate of 
corporation tax reduced to 19% with effect from 1 April 2017, and there will be a further reduction to 17% from 1 April 2020. The deferred tax assets and liabilities  
at the balance sheet date are calculated taking account of the forecast impact of the reduction of the corporation tax rate from 20% to the substantively 
enacted rate of 17%. 

On 22 December 2017 the U.S. President signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which included changes to the Federal tax rate. The Federal tax rate reduced from  
35% to 21% with effect from 1 January 2018. The deferred tax assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date are calculated taking account of this reduction  
of the Federal tax rate. 

 
 
 
 
 
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23. RECONCILIATION OF CASH GENERATED FROM OPERATIONS 

Reconciliation of profit for the year to cash generated from operations: 

($ in millions) 

Profit for the year 

Adjustments for: 

Taxation charge  

Financing costs 

Financing income 

Mark-to-market valuation 

Operating profit 

Depreciation and amortisation 

Loss on disposal of assets 

Share of profit of associates 

EBITDA 

Dividends received from associates 

Non-cash employee benefit costs 

Forward exchange contracts 

Non-cash foreign exchange movements 

Changes in net working capital: 

Decrease in restricted cash1 

(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables 

Decrease/(Increase) in inventories 

Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables 

Increase in provisions 

Cash generated from operations 

2017 

182.3 

47.5 

105.9 

(6.5) 

(7.7) 

321.5 

406.7 

7.3 

(4.0) 

731.5 

2.1 

16.2 

– 

1.5 

– 

(25.6) 

0.4 

33.7 

14.6 

2016 

243.4 

55.8 

123.4 

(4.3) 

28.8 

447.1  

349.4 

0.7 

(2.4) 

794.8  

1.3 

15.8 

(1.2) 

(1.5) 

0.2 

19.0 

(9.3) 

(13.6) 

– 

774.4 

805.5  

1  At 31 December 2017, the Group has $2.8m (2016: $2.8m) of restricted cash on the balance sheet, the majority of which are funds held in escrow in relation to the disposal of SkyWave 

24. SHARE CAPITAL 

($ in millions) 

Authorised: 

1,166,610,560 ordinary shares of €0.0005 each (2016: 1,166,610,560) 

Allotted, issued and fully paid: 

457,659,212 ordinary shares of €0.0005 each (2016: 452,062,811) 

At 
31 December 
2017 

At 
31 December 
2016 

0.7 

0.7 

0.3 

0.3 

0.7 

0.7 

0.3 

0.3 

During the year ended 31 December 2017, a total of 1,005,403 (2016: 1,527,989) ordinary shares of €0.0005 each were allotted and issued by the Company 
under its employee share schemes. In addition, 2,973,025 ordinary shares and 1,617,973 ordinary shares (2016: nil and 946,283) of €0.0005 each were allotted 
and issued by the Company as part of the final 2016 and interim 2017 scrip dividend offering respectively. No shares were repurchased during 2017 or 2016. 

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Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

25. EMPLOYEE SHARE OPTIONS AND AWARDS 

The Group operates a number of share plans used to award options and shares to Directors and employees as part of their remuneration packages. In 2014,  
the Inmarsat plc Executive Share Plan (‘ESP’) was approved by shareholders and replaced the previous Executive Share Plans. Share awards since May 2014  
have been made in accordance with the new share plan rules. Under the ESP, the Company can grant Bonus Share Awards (‘BSA’) and Performance Share Awards 
(‘PSA’), which replicate the previous Bonus Share Plan (‘BSP’) and Performance Share Plan (‘PSP’) awards. The costs of these awards are recognised in the income 
statement (see note 7) based on the fair value of the awards on the grant date. Further information on how these are calculated can be found on the next page 
and under ‘Employee benefits’ in the principal accounting policies on page 120. 

INMARSAT EMPLOYEES’ SHARE OWNERSHIP PLAN TRUST 
Under the legacy Staff Value Participation Plan (the ‘2004 Plan’), shares were transferred to the Inmarsat Employees’ Share Ownership Plan Trust (the ‘Trust’) 
(resident in Jersey). These options have now vested and expired, but some remaining shares are still held by the Trust and can be used to satisfy vesting under 
other existing share plans.  

A summary of all share activity within the Trust as at 31 December 2017, is as follows: 

($ in millions) 

Balance at 1 January 20171 

Exercised – Long-Term Incentive Plan and Performance Share Awards 

Balance at 31 December 2017 

Exercisable at 31 December 2017 

1 

Includes shares allocated within the Trust from the 2004 Plan 

Shares 
available for 
grant 

138,086 

(60,810) 

77,276 

77,276 

BONUS SHARE AWARD 
Awards have been made regularly under the BSA to Executive Directors and certain members of senior management. Further information on awards granted  
to Directors can be found in the Remuneration report on pages 76 to 98. 

Awards are made in the form of a conditional allocation of shares. The performance conditions attached to the BSA are non-market-based performance 
conditions. Any dividends paid by the Company will accrue and be added as additional shares upon vesting.  

Under the rules of the BSA, the Remuneration Committee has the discretion to satisfy the awards using cash instead of shares. It is, however, the intention to 
generally satisfy the awards using newly-issued shares. 

As the BSA provides non-contributory share awards that have an entitlement to dividends and no market-based performance conditions attached, the fair value 
of the awards is the value of the grant. This is due to the fact that regardless of the market price at the time the award of shares is made, the total value of shares 
to be awarded (excluding shares added in lieu of dividends) will not change. 

In June 2017, an award was granted under similar conditions to existing BSA schemes for one of the business units.  

PERFORMANCE SHARE AWARD 
The PSA makes regular annual awards to Executive Directors and certain members of senior management. Further information on awards granted to Directors  
can be found in the Remuneration Report. Participants are entitled to receive the value of any dividends that are paid between the date of award and the date  
of vesting in the form of additional shares. Any such additional shares are only added to the number of shares which will vest subject to performance conditions 
being satisfied. 

The PSA shares will not ordinarily be transferred to participants until the third anniversary of the award date. The transfer of shares is dependent upon performance 
conditions being satisfied over the three consecutive financial years starting in the financial year the award date falls. The rules of the PSA provide that the 
Remuneration Committee has the discretion to satisfy the awards using cash instead of shares. It is, however, the intention to satisfy the awards using newly-
issued shares at the end of the relevant three-year period. 

The performance conditions for the PSA are based on the Group’s Total Shareholder Return (‘TSR’) relative to constituents of the FTSE 50-150 and FTSE 350 
Indices (excluding investment trusts), depending upon the year of the award, and on EBITDA or revenue growth measured over a three-year period. For the  
award made in 2014, the vesting schedule is structured so that 50% of the reward is linked to the performance of TSR and 50% is linked to EBITDA, as individual 
performance measures. The market-based performance condition has been incorporated into the fair value. For the 2015, 2016 and 2017 awards, the vesting 
schedule has been restructured so that 30% of the reward is linked to the performance of TSR for Executive Directors (for any participants below Executive 
Director level this is linked to revenue growth over the three-year period of the awards), 30% is linked to EBITDA and 40% is linked to strategic objectives set  
out prior to the grant date of the scheme. 

 
 
 
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The fair values and the assumptions used in the calculation of PSA awards vesting or due to vest in 2017 or after are as follows: 

Grant date 

Grant price 

Exercise price 

Bad leaver rate 

Vesting period 

Volatility 

Fair value per share option (Executive Director level) 

Fair value per share option (below Executive Director level) 

Performance Share Awards 

22 March 2017  23 March 2016  30 March 2015 

£7.62 

£9.30 

nil 

12% 

3 years 

28.6% 

£4.43 

£7.63 

nil 

12% 

3 years 

22.5% 

£7.91 

£9.43 

£9.34 

nil 

12% 

3 years 

20.8% 

£8.50 

£9.41 

Both the BSA and PSA share awards expire 10 years after date of grant or such shorter period as the Remuneration Committee may determine before the  
grant of an award. For share awards outstanding at the period end the weighted average of the remaining contractual life for the BSA and PSA share awards  
at 31 December 2017 is 0.8 and 1.3 years, respectively. 

UK SHARESAVE SCHEME AND INTERNATIONAL SHARESAVE PLAN 
The UK Sharesave Scheme is an approved HM Revenue and Customs scheme. A grant made in June 2017 with an option price of £6.04 (reflecting the maximum 
discount permitted of 20%) will mature in August 2020. A grant made in June 2016 with an option price of £5.68 (reflecting the maximum discount permitted  
of 20%) will mature in August 2019.  

The International Sharesave Plan mirrors the operation of the UK Sharesave Scheme as closely as possible. Participants are given either the opportunity  
to receive options in the same way as the UK Sharesave Scheme, or the spread between the share price at the date of exercise and the grant price, delivered  
(at the Company’s discretion) in cash or shares. It is the Company’s intention to satisfy the awards using shares, some of which are held by the Trust and some  
of which will be newly-issued. A grant made in June 2017 with an option price of £6.04 (reflecting the maximum discount permitted of 20%) will mature in  
August 2020.  

Options under the UK Sharesave Scheme and International Sharesave Plan expire after a maximum of 3.5 years following the initial savings payments having been 
made. The weighted average of the remaining contractual life for the current grant of the UK Sharesave Scheme and International Sharesave Plan at 31 December 
2017 is 2.1 years for each plan. 

EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN 
The Employee Stock Purchase Plan (‘ESPP’) is for U.S. and Canadian employees to purchase the Company’s stock at a 15% discount using funds accumulated 
from monthly contributions. A grant made under the scheme in December 2015 with an option price of £9.22 (reflecting the maximum discount permitted of 15%) 
will mature in March 2018. A grant made under the scheme in June 2017 with an option price of £7.16 (reflecting the maximum discount permitted of 15%) will 
mature in July 2019.  

Options under the UK Sharesave Scheme, International Sharesave Plan and ESPP have been valued with a Black-Scholes model using the following assumptions: 

Grant date 

Market price at date of grant 

Exercise price 

Bad leaver rate 

Vesting period 

Volatility 

Dividend yield assumption 

Risk-free interest rate 

Fair value per option 

Sharesave 
Scheme  
(UK and 
International) 
6 June 2017 

Sharesave 
Scheme  
(UK and 
International) 
30 June 2016 

ESPP  
6 June 2017  

ESPP  
14 December 
2015 

£8.43 

£6.04 

3% pa 

£8.05 

£5.68 

3% pa 

£8.43 

£7.16 

3% pa 

£10.85 

£9.22 

3% pa 

36 months 

36 months 

25 months 

26 months 

27.9% 

24.6% 

32.7% 

20.4% 

5.1% 

0.1% 

£1.93 

4.5% 

0.1% 

£1.85 

5.0% 

0.1% 

£1.61 

3.0% 

0.4% 

£1.74 

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Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

UK SHARE INCENTIVE PLAN 
The UK Share Incentive Plan (‘SIP’) has made several awards and is an approved HM Revenue and Customs scheme. Arrangements exist which replicate the 
awards as closely as possible for eligible international employees, using the same market values per award as used by SIP. 

A summary of share awards activity as at 31 December 2017 is as follows: 

Balance at 1 January 2017 

Granted/allocated 

Forfeited/lapsed 

Exercised/sold/transferred 

Balance at 31 December 2017 

Exercisable at 31 December 2017 

Exercise price per share 

SIP (UK) 

BSA 

PSA 

Total 

237,261 

2,554,288 

1,380,010 

4,171,559 

– 

– 

1,660,251 

767,153 

2,427,404 

(622,211) 

(416,040) 

(1,038,251) 

(51,320) 

(779,140) 

(251,800) 

(1,082,260) 

185,941 

2,813,188 

1,479,323 

4,478,452 

185,941 

n/a 

– 

nil 

185,941 

– 

nil 

A summary of share option activity as at 31 December 2017 and the weighted average exercise price per award is as follows: 

Balance at 1 January 2017 

Granted/allocated 

Forfeited/lapsed 

Exercised 

Balance at 31 December 2017 

Exercisable at 31 December 2017 

Sharesave (UK) 

Weighted 
average 
exercise price 

Sharesave 
(International) 

Weighted 
average 
exercise price 

543,735 

486,398 

(120,977) 

(3,300) 

905,856 

– 

£5.68 

£6.04 

£5.81 

£5.68 

£5.86 

432,514 

350,837 

(74,522) 

(99) 

708,730 

– 

£5.68 

£6.04 

£5.71 

£5.68 

£5.86 

Weighted 
average 
exercise price 

£9.22 

£7.16 

£8.66 

Total 

1,050,123 

903,280 

(230,071) 

– 

(3,399) 

ESPP 

73,874 

66,045 

(34,572) 

– 

105,347 

£8.11 

1,719,933 

– 

– 

Exercise price per share 

£5.68 to £6.04 

  £5.68 to £6.04 

  £7.16 to £9.22 

26. RESERVES 

Cash flow hedge reserve: 

($ in millions) 

Balance at 1 January 

Loss recognised on cash flow hedges: 

Forward exchange contracts 

Reclassified and capitalised on the balance sheet: 

Forward exchange contracts 

Reclassified to the income statement: 

Interest rate swaps 

Tax charged related to amounts transferred to the income statement 

Balance at 31 December 

Gains and losses reclassified from equity into the income statement during the period are included in the following income statement lines. 

($ in millions) 

Total net operating costs 

Tax credit 

Total credited to the income statement in the year 

2017 

(23.3) 

2016 

0.9 

14.1 

(24.7) 

1.5 

– 

– 

(7.7) 

2017 

– 

– 

– 

1.3 

(0.9) 

0.1 

(23.3) 

2016 

(0.9) 

0.1 

(0.8) 

Gains and losses relating to the effective portion of cash flow hedges are recognised in other comprehensive income and the cash flow hedge reserve. When  
a hedged item is recognised in the income statement the cumulative deferred gain or loss in other comprehensive income and the cash flow hedge reserve  
is reclassified to the income statement. When a hedged item is recognised as a non-financial asset or liability in the balance sheet the accumulated gain  
or loss is transferred from the cash flow hedge reserve and included in the initial measurement of its cost. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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27. EARNINGS PER SHARE  

Earnings per share for the year ended 31 December 2017 has been calculated based on profit attributable to equity holders for the year and the weighted average 
number of ordinary shares in issue (excluding shares held by the Employee Benefit Trust).  

For diluted earnings per share, the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue is adjusted to assume conversion of all potentially dilutive ordinary shares. 
These represent share options and awards granted to employees under the employee share plans. The convertible bonds due 2023 could potentially dilute basic 
earnings per share in the future, however these shares were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share because they were anti-dilutive in the 
period, as the contingent conditions associated to the bond had not been met.  

($ in millions) 

Profit attributable to equity holders of the Company 

Profit attributable to equity holders for diluted earnings per share 

(millions) 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue  

Potentially dilutive ordinary shares  

Weighted average number of ordinary shares for diluted earnings per share  

($ per share) 

Basic earnings per share  

Diluted earnings per share 

2017 

181.7 

181.7 

2017 

454.8 

5.1 

459.9 

2017 

0.40 

0.40 

2016 

242.8 

242.8 

2016 

449.7 

4.9 

454.6 

2016 

0.54 

0.53 

Adjusted earnings per share 
Adjusted earnings per share for the year ended 31 December 2017 has been calculated based on profit attributable to equity holders adjusted for the post-tax 
impact of the early repurchase of the 2017 convertible bonds (2016 amounts only), the impact of the movement in the fair value of the conversion liability 
component of the 2023 convertible bonds and the post-tax impact of restructuring costs. 

($ in millions) 

Profit attributable to equity holders of the Company 

Adjustment for: 

(Decrease)/Increase in fair value of conversion of the liability component of 2023 convertible bonds  

Loss on redemption of 2017 convertible bonds (post-tax) 

Restructuring costs (post-tax) 

Adjustable profit attributable to equity holders of the Company1 

(millions) 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue  

Potentially dilutive ordinary shares  

Weighted average number of ordinary shares for diluted earnings per share  

($ per share) 

Basic earnings per share1 

Diluted earnings per share1 

2017 

181.7 

(7.7) 

– 

16.1 

2016 

242.8 

23.0 

26.2 

– 

190.1 

292.0 

2017 

454.8 

5.1 

459.9 

2017 

0.42 

0.41 

2016 

449.7 

4.9 

454.6 

2016 

0.65 

0.64 

1  The 2017 fair value of the conversion liability component of the convertible bond is a pre-tax figure, whereas the 2016 comparative is post-tax. If we were to align 2016 to 2017, the adjusted profit attributable to equity 

holders would be 297.8 and basic and adjusted EPS would be $0.66 

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Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

28. PENSIONS AND POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS 

The Group operates pension schemes in each of its principal locations. The Group’s pension plans are provided through both defined benefit schemes and defined 
contribution arrangements. 

The Group operates defined benefit pension schemes in the United Kingdom, regulated by the Pensions Regulator, and The Netherlands. The Group’s principal 
defined benefit pension plan is the Inmarsat Global scheme, which is a UK funded scheme with assets held in a separate fund administered by a corporate trustee; 
the scheme is closed to new employees and the Company closed the defined benefit plan to future accruals during 2017. The trustee is required by law to act in 
the interest of the fund and of all relevant stakeholders in the scheme. The trustees of the pension schemes are responsible for the investment policy with regards 
to the assets of the fund. 

The Group is required to ensure that the plan is fully funded where the future liabilities for benefits are covered by the fund’s assets. The Group is also required  
to make employer contributions at 15% of the members’ salary to the fund assets. The size of the asset that can be recognised as a result of a pension surplus 
should not exceed the recoverable amount and is restricted to the asset ceiling per IAS 19. 

The Inmarsat Global defined benefit plan was valued using the projected unit credit method with the valuation undertaken by professionally qualified and 
independent actuaries as at 31 December 2017. The results of the valuation, which have been updated for any material transactions and material changes  
in circumstances (including changes in market prices and interest rates) up to 31 December 2017, are set out below. 

The Group also provides post-employment benefits for some of its employees. The Group’s principal scheme is the Inmarsat Global post-retirement healthcare 
benefit scheme, which is the provision of healthcare to retired employees (and their dependants) who were employed before 1 January 1998. Employees who have 
10 years of service at the age of 58 and retire are eligible to participate in the post-retirement healthcare benefit plans. Membership of this plan is multinational, 
although most staff are currently employed in the UK. The plans are self-funded and there are no plan assets from which the costs are paid. The cost of providing 
these benefits is actuarially determined and accrued over the service period of the active employee groups. The Group’s post-retirement medical liability is 
capped at CPI plus 1%. 

Schemes denominated in local currencies are subject to fluctuations in the exchange rate between US Dollars and local currencies. 

The primary risk to which the Inmarsat Global defined benefit plan exposes the Group is the risk arising through a mismatch between the plan’s assets and its 
liabilities. This is primarily made up of a number of strategic investment risks. The key strategic investment risks inherent in the current investment strategy  
are as follows: 
› market risk (the risk that investment returns on assets are lower than assumed in the actuarial valuation, thereby resulting in the funding level being lower  

than expected) 

› interest rate risk (the risk that the assets do not move in line with the value placed on the liabilities in response to changes in interest rates) 
› inflation risk (similar to interest rate risk but concerning inflation) 
› credit risk (the risk that payments due to corporate bond investors may not be made) 
› active management risk (the risk that active managers underperform the markets in which they invest, resulting in lower-than-expected investment returns) 

and 

› currency risk (the risk that currency market movements adversely impact investment returns) 
In addition to the investment-related risks, the plan is also subject to the risk that members live longer than expected, or that the financial assumptions used in 
valuing the liabilities are not borne out in practice. This could lead to unexpected contributions from the Group being required to meet the benefit payments due. 

The principal actuarial assumptions used to calculate the Group’s pension and post-employment benefits liabilities under IAS 19 are: 

Weighted average actuarial assumptions: 

Discount rate 

Future salary increases 

Medical cost trend rate 

Future pension increases 

At 
31 December 
2017 

At 
31 December 
2016 

2.6% 

2.3% 

3.2% 

2.9% 

2.7% 

3.2% 

3.6% 

2.8% 

Mortality assumptions have been updated to reflect experience and expected changes in future improvements in life expectancy. The average life expectancy 
assumptions for the Company’s pension and post-employment benefits liabilities are as follows: 

Male current age 65 

Female current age 65 

Life  
expectancy 
2017 

Life  
expectancy 
2016 

88.8 

90.0 

88.6 

89.7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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143

Mortality assumptions used are consistent with those recommended by the individual scheme actuaries and reflect the latest available tables, adjusted for the 
experience of the Group where appropriate. For the Inmarsat Global defined benefit pension scheme and the Inmarsat Global post-retirement healthcare benefits 
for 2017, mortality has been assumed to follow the SAPS tables with -1 year age rating for males and CMI 2013 improvement with a long-term trend of 1.5% p.a. 

Significant actuarial assumptions for the determination of the defined benefit obligation are discount rate, expected salary increase, mortality and healthcare  
cost trend rates. The sensitivity analysis below is for the Group’s principal pension and post-employment benefits schemes, and has been determined based  
on reasonable possible changes of the assumptions occurring at the end of the reporting period assuming that all other assumptions are held constant. 

Inmarsat Global defined benefit scheme: 

Change in assumption ($ in millions) 

Increase in discount factor of 0.25% 

Decrease in discount factor of 0.25% 

Increase in inflation of 0.25% 

Decrease in inflation of 0.25% 

Mortality: -2 years for males and -1 year for females 

Inmarsat Global post-retirement healthcare benefit scheme: 

Change in assumption ($ in millions) 

Increase in discount factor of 0.5% 

Increase in inflation of 0.5% 

Increase in healthcare cost trend rate of 1% 

Decrease in healthcare cost trend rate of 1% 

Impact on 
benefit 
obligation 
increase/ 
(decrease) 

Impact on 
projected 
pension cost 
increase/ 
(decrease) 

(5.5) 

5.9 

5.9 

(5.4) 

2.9 

(0.2) 

0.2 

 0.2 

(0.1) 

 0.1 

Impact on 
benefit 
obligation 
increase/ 
(decrease) 

Impact on 
service cost 
increase/ 
(decrease) 

(0.9) 

1.0 

2.1 

(1.7) 

– 

– 

0.1 

(0.1) 

In reality, there is an expectation of inter-relationships between the assumptions, for example, between discount rate and inflation. The above analysis does not 
take the effect of these inter-relationships into account. 

Amounts recognised in the balance sheet are: 

($ in millions) 

Present value of funded defined benefit obligations (pension) 

Present value of unfunded defined benefit obligations (pension) 

Present value of unfunded defined benefit obligations (post-employment benefits) 

Fair value of defined benefit assets 

Net defined benefit asset/(liability) recognised in the balance sheet 

The above net liability is recognised in the balance sheet as follows: 

($ in millions) 

Defined benefit pension asset 

Defined benefit pension and post-employment liability 

At 
31 December 
2017 

At 
31 December 
2016 

(126.5) 

(0.5) 

(15.9) 

143.5 

0.6 

(135.9) 

(0.4) 

(16.7) 

140.0 

(13.0) 

At 
31 December 
2017 

At 
31 December 
2016 

18.1 

(17.5) 

4.5 

(17.5) 

Note 

17 

20 

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

Analysis of the movement in the present value of the defined benefit obligations is as follows: 

($ in millions) 

At 1 January2016 

Current service cost 

Interest cost 

Remeasurement losses: 

Actuarial loss arising from changes in financial assumptions  

Foreign exchange gain 

Benefits paid 

Contributions by pension participants 

At 31 December 2016 

Current service cost 

Past service cost1 

Interest cost 

Remeasurement gains: 

Actuarial gains arising from changes in financial assumptions  

Foreign exchange loss 

Benefits paid 

Contributions by pension participants 

At 31 December 2017 

Analysis of the movement in the fair value of the assets of the defined benefit pension plans is as follows: 

($ in millions) 

At 1 January  

Interest income 

Remeasurement gains/(losses): 

Experience return on plan asset (excluding interest income) 

Actuarial (loss)/gains arising from changes in financial assumptions  

Contributions by employer 

Contributions by pension participants 

Benefits paid 

Expenses paid (included in service cost) 

Foreign exchange gain/(loss) 

At 31 December 

Defined benefit 
pension plan 

Post-
employment 
benefits 

109.9 

1.7 

3.6 

37.8 

(16.8) 

(0.9) 

1.0 

136.3 

1.6 

(4.1) 

3.6 

(2.6) 

11.3 

(19.5) 

0.4 

127.0 

2017 

140.0 

3.7 

7.2 

(0.4) 

1.0 

0.3 

(19.6) 

(0.4) 

11.7 

143.5 

17.0 

0.1 

0.6 

2.0 

(2.7) 

(0.3) 

– 

16.7 

0.4 

– 

0.5 

(3.3) 

1.9 

(0.3) 

– 

15.9 

2016 

127.6 

4.2 

25.6 

0.8 

1.5 

1.0 

(0.6) 

(0.2) 

(19.9) 

140.0 

1  The Group Defined Benefit Pension Plan closed to further benefit accrual on 31 March 2017 and all former active members have now become deferred members. This curtailment has resulted in a past service credit  

and decrease to the defined benefit obligation 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Amounts recognised in the income statement in respect of the plans are as follows: 

($ in millions) 

Current service cost 

Past service gain 

Net interest (income)/expense 

Foreign exchange (gain)/loss 

2017 

2016 

Defined 
benefit 
pension plan 

Post-
employment 

benefits   

Defined 
 benefit  
pension plan 

Post-
employment 
benefits 

2.0 

(4.1) 

(0.1) 

(0.4) 

(2.6) 

0.4   

0.0   

0.5   

1.9   

2.8   

1.9 

– 

(0.6) 

3.1 

4.4 

0.1 

– 

0.6 

(2.7) 

(2.0) 

Current service cost is included within employee benefit costs (note 7). The net financing costs together with foreign exchange gains and losses are included within 
interest payable (note 9). 

Amounts recognised in the statement of comprehensive income in respect of the plans are as follows: 

($ in millions) 

Actuarial gains arising from changes in financial assumptions 

Actuarial gains arising from changes in experience adjustment 

Return on plan asset (excluding interest income) 

Remeasurement of the net defined benefit asset and liability 

The assets held in respect of the Group’s defined benefit schemes were as follows: 

Equities 

Cash 

Bonds 

Other 

Fair value of scheme assets 

2017 

2016 

Defined 
benefit 
pension plan 

Post-
employment 

benefits   

Defined 
 benefit 
 pension plan 

Post-
employment 
benefits 

(2.2) 

– 

(7.2) 

(9.4) 

(3.3)  

–   

–   

(3.3)  

37.0 

(25.6) 

– 

11.4 

2.0 

– 

– 

2.0 

At 31 December 2017 

At 31 December 2016 

Percentage 
of total plan 

assets   

21.4%   

1.0%   

56.4%   

21.2%   

Value 
($ in millions) 

30.7 

1.4 

80.9 

30.5 

143.5 

Value 
($ in millions) 

Percentage  
of total plan  
assets 

36.0 

1.6 

78.5 

23.9 

140.0 

25.7% 

1.1% 

56.1% 

17.1% 

The Inmarsat Global defined benefit plan assets, which contribute over 93% of the total Group assets, are all invested in pooled investment funds, the majority  
of which are priced daily, except for the High Income UK Property, Liquid Alternative Strategies Alternatives and Multi Asset Credit funds which are priced monthly 
and the UCITS Alternative Strategies fund which is priced weekly. With regard to private debt, the portfolio will be valued on an absolute basis, using the ‘best 
efforts’ value on a quarterly basis. Therefore, fund investments are primarily valued based on the market value/capital account statements received from the 
underlying general partners of the underlying funds. Capital account statements and unaudited financial statements are distributed approximately 90 days  
after each quarter. The fund also distributes U.S. GAAP audited financials, including capital account statements, for each 31 December fiscal year-end around  
30 June of the subsequent year. 

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

The allocations to each of the investment funds as at 31 December 2017 are as follows: 

Fund 

Passive Global Equity 

Global Fundamental (RAFI) Equity 

Global Low Volatility Equity 

Global Small Cap Equity 

Sustainable Equity 

Global Listed Infrastructure Equity 

Eurozone Equity 

Emerging Markets Equity 

Emerging Markets Debt 

Global High Yield Bonds 

Multi Asset Credit 

Absolute Return Fixed Income 

Liquid Alternatives Strategies 

Mercer UCITS Alternatives Strategies 

High Income UK Property 

Private Debt 

UK Cash 

Total growth portfolio 

UK Credit 

UK Long Gilt Fund 

Inflation Linked Bonds 

Long Flexible Enhanced Matching Fixed 

Medium Flexible Enhanced Matching Real 

Long Flexible Enhanced Matching Real 

Total matching portfolio 

Total assets 

Legal structure 

Mercer QIF CCF 

Mercer QIF CCF 

MGI Funds PLC 

MGI Funds PLC 

MGI Funds PLC 

MGI Funds PLC 

MGI Funds PLC 

MGI Funds PLC 

MGI Funds PLC 

MGI Funds PLC 

Mercer QIF Fund PLC 

MGI Funds PLC 

Mercer QIF Fund PLC 

MGI Funds PLC 

Mercer QIF CCF 

Mercer Private Investment Partners (Offshore) LLP 

MGI Funds PLC 

Mercer PIF Fund PLC 

MGI Funds PLC 

MGI Funds PLC 

Mercer QIF Fund PLC 

Mercer QIF Fund PLC 

Mercer QIF Fund PLC 

Allocation  
(%) 

3.2% 

3.1% 

2.8% 

3.3% 

1.8% 

1.3% 

1.5% 

5.9% 

2.7% 

0.6% 

3.1% 

1.8% 

8.9% 

2.8% 

2.6% 

1.9% 

0.5% 

47.8% 

13.2% 

0.2% 

9.3% 

8.1% 

14.0% 

7.4% 

52.2% 

100.0% 

The investment portfolio seeks to mitigate the investment risks identified above through a combination of asset class diversification, underlying investment 
manager diversification and the use of currency hedging where appropriate. The assets are split into two portfolios, the growth portfolio and the matching 
portfolio. The assets within the growth portfolio are invested so as to achieve an appropriate level of growth above that of the plan’s liabilities, ensuring a sufficiently 
diversified portfolio of investments provides the plan with a variety of sources of return, without unduly exposing the plan to a single type of risk. The assets within 
the matching portfolio are invested so as to minimise the level of unrewarded risk and ensure the portfolio broadly matches changes in the value of the plan’s 
liabilities. This is achieved by investing in a range of pooled investment funds as outlined in the table above, with the allocation to each fund determined by a 
combination of the following: the nature of the plan’s liability structure, the target level of hedging deemed appropriate to reflect the Trustee’s risk tolerance  
and a ‘fair value’ assessment of market levels. Some of these funds achieve their objectives by utilising a range of bond or bond type instruments, resulting in 
leveraged exposure which enables the plan to match a greater proportion of its liabilities than would be possible by only holding physical securities. Instruments 
utilised within the funds include fixed interest gilts, index-linked gilts, corporate bonds, gilt repos, interest rate swaps, inflation swaps and total  
return swaps. 

The plan does not hold any direct investments in the Group; however, due to the pooled nature of the investment funds, there may be some indirect investment. 

The duration of the defined benefit liabilities within the Inmarsat Global defined benefit plan is approximately 26 years. The defined benefit obligation as at 
December 2017 is split as follows: 

Active members  

0% (following the closure of the plan to future accrual effective 1 April 2017, all former active members have become deferred members)  

Deferred members 

Pensioner members 

90% 

10% 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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The average age of the active, deferred and pensioner members at the date of the last statutory funding valuation for the Inmarsat Global defined benefit plan  
(31 December 2014) was 54 years, 55 years and 68 years, respectively. 

The estimated contributions expected to be paid into the Inmarsat Global defined benefit pension plan during 2018 are $0.1m. In 2017 actual contributions under 
this plan were $0.2m (2016: $0.7m). 

Under the current Inmarsat Global defined benefit plan Recovery Plan and Schedule of Contributions there are no further contributions due in respect of the  
past service deficit revealed as part of the last statutory funding valuation as at 31 December 2014. The current Schedule of Contributions requires the Company 
to pay 15% of pensionable salary in respect of the additional accrual of future benefits for members of the defined benefit tier of the Pensionbuilder section and 
any notional member contributions payable under the SMART arrangement. Contributions in respect of the Defined Contribution tier and the Pensionsaver 
section are paid in addition.  

The next statutory funding valuation of the plan will be carried out as at 31 December 2017. As part of this, the Trustees and Company will be required to agree  
a pattern of contributions to cover any deficit revealed by the valuation, along with the rate payable for future accrual of benefits. This could lead to an increase  
or decrease from the current level of contributions. 

29. OPERATING LEASE AND OTHER COMMITMENTS 

The Group’s future aggregate minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases and other unrecognised contractual commitments are as follows: 

($ in millions) 

Within one year 

Within two to five years 

After five years 

At 31 December 2017 

At 31 December 2016 

Non-
cancellable 
operating 
leases 

Other 
unrecognised 
contractual 
commitments 

12.7 

46.6 

29.3 

88.6 

6.9 

40.3 

0.4 

47.6 

Non-
cancellable 
operating 
leases 

Other 
unrecognised 
contractual 
commitments 

15.5 

50.5 

72.1 

138.1 

5.4 

36.4 

0.8 

42.6 

Total   

19.6   

86.9   

29.7   

136.2   

Total 

20.9 

86.9 

72.9 

180.7 

Operating lease commitments primarily relate to leased office space, including the Group’s head office located at 99 City Road, London EC1Y 1AX. Other unrecognised 
non-cancellable contractual commitments relate to network service contracts and maintenance contracts, which have varying terms. 

The total of future sublease payments expected to be received under non-cancellable subleases at 31 December 2017 relating to the aforementioned head office 
lease is $0.1m over one year (at 31 December 2016: $0.2m over one year). 

In addition, the Group has the following purchase commitments, relating to future obligations to purchase space segment capacity: 

($ in millions) 

Within one year 

Within two to five years 

At 
31 December 
2017 

At 
31 December 
2016 

24.7 

11.5 

36.2 

30.4 

5.8 

36.2 

The Group has various agreements deriving revenue from designated leased capacity and leased equipment. These amounts are recorded as revenue on a 
straight-line basis over the respective lease terms and represent the majority of the Group’s future aggregate minimum lease payments under non-cancellable 
operating leases expected to be received: 

($ in millions) 

Within one year 

Within two to five years 

At 
31 December 
2017 

At 
31 December 
2016 

28.7 

18.7 

47.4 

23.3 

2.5 

25.8 

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

30. CAPITAL RISK MANAGEMENT 

The following table summarises the capital of the Group: 

($ in millions) 

As per balance sheet 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Short-term deposits greater than three months 

Borrowings 

Net borrowings 

Equity attributable to shareholders of the parent 

Capital 

At 
31 December 
2017 

At 
31 December 
2016 

(144.9) 

(342.0) 

2,565.5 

2,078.6 

1,254.7 

3,333.3 

(262.0) 

(395.0) 

2,551.8 

1,894.8 

1,239.7 

3,134.5 

The Group’s objective when managing its capital is to safeguard its ability to continue as a going concern in order to provide returns for shareholders and benefits 
for other stakeholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital. The Group continually evaluates sources of capital and may 
repurchase, refinance, exchange or retire current or future borrowings and/or debt securities from time to time in private or open-market transactions, or by any 
other means permitted by the terms and conditions of borrowing facilities and debt securities. Additionally, the Group may adjust the amount of dividends paid  
to shareholders, return capital to shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets to reduce debt. 

The Group uses a maximum ratio of net borrowings to EBITDA as an internal planning parameter and in regular forecasting and monitoring activities.  
In addition, movements in cash and borrowings as well as total available liquidity are monitored regularly. 

The net borrowings to EBITDA ratio for the year ended 31 December 2017 is 2.8 (2016: 2.4). The Group’s liquidity is disclosed in note 3(d). No changes were made 
in the Group’s objectives, policies or processes for managing capital during the current or preceding year. 

31. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

TREASURY MANAGEMENT AND STRATEGY 
The Group’s treasury activities are managed by its treasury department which reports into the Chief Financial Officer. The treasury department operations are 
bound by the Board-approved treasury policy and related treasury operating manual. The overriding objective of treasury activities is to manage financial risk. 

Key features of treasury management include: 
› ensuring that the Group is in a position to fund its obligations in appropriate currencies as they fall due 
› maintaining adequate undrawn borrowing facilities and 
› maximising return on short-term investments based on counterparty limits and credit ratings 
Treasury activities are only transacted with counterparties who are on the approved counterparty list approved by the Board. 

The Group’s foreign exchange policy is not to hedge its foreign currency transactions. Where there is a material contract with a foreign currency exposure,  
a specific hedge to match the specific risk will be evaluated and must be approved by the Chief Financial Officer prior to any hedge being undertaken.  

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS BY CATEGORY 
The following table sets out the categorisation of financial assets and liabilities in terms of IAS 39: 

($ in millions) 

Assets as per balance sheet 

Trade receivables and other1 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Derivative financial instruments 

1  Consists of trade receivables, other receivables and accrued income (see note 17) 

At 31 December 2017 

At 31 December 2016 

Loans and 
receivables 

Derivatives 
used for 
hedging 

Total   

Loans and 
receivables 

Derivatives  
used for  
hedging 

275.3 

144.9 

– 

420.2 

– 

– 

1.5 

1.5 

275.3   

144.9   

1.5   

421.7   

250.7 

262.0 

– 

512.7 

– 

– 

1.8 

1.8 

Total 

250.7 

262.0 

1.8 

514.5 

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
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($ in millions) 

Liabilities as per balance sheet 

Borrowings 

Trade payables and other1 

Derivative financial instruments 

At 31 December 2017 

At 31 December 2016 

Derivatives 
used for 
hedging 

Fair value 
through  
profit and loss 

 Other  
financial 
liabilities 

Derivatives  
used for  
hedging 

Fair value 
through  
profit and loss 

 Other 
financial 
liabilities 

Total   

– 

– 

10.0 

10.0 

– 

– 

125.7 

125.7 

2,565.5 

2,565.5   

328.0 

– 

328.0   

135.7   

2,893.5 

3,029.2   

– 

– 

26.1 

26.1 

– 

– 

133.3 

133.3 

2,551.8 

236.4 

– 

2,788.2 

2,947.6 

Total 

2,551.8 

236.4 

159.4 

1  Consists of trade payables, deferred consideration, other payables and accruals (see note 20) 

The table below analyses the Group’s financial liabilities and net-settled derivative financial instruments into relevant maturity groupings based on the remaining 
period at the balance sheet date to the contractual maturity date. The amounts disclosed in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows. Balances due 
within 12 months equal their carrying values as the impact of discounting is not significant. 

($ in millions) 

Borrowings1 

Trade payables and other 

Derivative financial instruments 

At 31 December 2017 

Less than  
1 year 

Between  
1 and 2 years 

Between  
2 and 5 years 

260.2 

321.3 

7.9 

589.4 

254.4 

1,694.0 

1.7 

1.9 

3.5 

0.2 

258.0 

1,697.7 

Over 
5 years 

1,188.5 

1.5 

125.7 

1,315.7 

Total 

3,397.1 

328.0 

135.7 

3,860.8 

1 

Includes interest obligations on the Senior Notes due 2022 and 2024, Ex-Im Bank Facilities and Convertible Bonds. The interest obligations on those borrowings are at fixed rates for the term of the borrowing 

($ in millions) 

Borrowings1 

Trade payables and other 

Derivative financial instruments 

At 31 December 2016 

Less than  
1 year 

Between  
1 and 2 years 

Between  
2 and 5 years 

223.6 

213.2 

5.9 

442.7 

219.3 

17.9 

16.9 

254.1 

216.7 

3.9 

3.2 

Over 
5 years 

2,741.5 

1.4 

133.4 

Total 

3,401.1 

236.4 

159.4 

223.8 

2,876.3 

3,796.9 

1 

Includes interest obligations on the Senior Notes due 2022 and 2024, Ex-Im Bank Facilities and Convertible Bonds. The interest obligations on those borrowings are at fixed rates for the term of the borrowing 

FAIR VALUES OF DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 
The Group’s derivative financial instruments consist of forward foreign currency contracts which are primarily designated as cash flow hedges and the conversion 
liability component of the convertible bonds due 2023.  

Derivative financial instruments are initially measured at fair value (see further below) on the contract date and are re-measured at each reporting date.  
The change in the fair value is accounted for differently depending on whether the instrument qualifies for hedge accounting (eg where a forward foreign currency 
transaction is designated as a cash flow hedge) or not (eg undesignated cash flow hedges and the conversion liability component of the 2023 convertible bond). 

Under hedge accounting, the change in fair value initially goes through other comprehensive income. At the point hedge accounting is discontinued, ie when  
the hedging instrument expires, is exercised or no longer qualifies for hedge accounting, the amounts sitting in other comprehensive income are recycled to the 
income statement or, where appropriate, capitalised to the balance sheet. Where hedge accounting does not apply, the change in fair value is included in net 
financing costs in the income statement.  

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

The fair values at the balance sheet date were: 

($ in millions) 

Financial assets: 

Forward foreign currency contracts – designated cash flow hedges 

Forward foreign currency contracts – undesignated 

Total derivative financial assets 

Current portion of derivative financial assets 

Non-current portion of derivative financial assets 

Financial liabilities: 

Conversion liability component of 2023 Convertible Bond 

Forward foreign currency contracts – designated cash flow hedges 

Forward foreign currency contracts – undesignated  

Total derivative financial liabilities 

Current portion of derivative financial liabilities 

Non-current portion of derivative financial liabilities 

At 
31 December 
2017 

At 
31 December 
2016 

1.5 

– 

1.5 

1.2 

0.3 

125.7 

9.9 

0.1 

135.7 

7.9 

127.8 

0.8 

1.0 

1.8 

1.7 

0.1 

133.4 

23.9 

2.1 

159.4 

5.9 

153.5 

The full value of a hedging derivative is classified as a non-current asset or liability if the remaining maturity of the hedged item is more than 12 months and,  
as a current asset or liability if the maturity of the hedged item is less than 12 months. 

The fair values of forward foreign exchange contracts are based on the difference between the contract amount at the current forward rate at each period  
end and the contract amount at the contract rate, discounted at a variable risk-free rate at the period end. The fair value of the conversion liability component  
of the Convertible Bonds due 2023 is determined as the difference between the market value of the Convertible Bond and the carrying amount of the liability 
component of the Convertible Bond. Both are classified as level 2 in the fair value hierarchy according to IFRS 7.  

The Group has no financial instruments with fair values that are determined by reference to significant unobservable inputs, ie those that would be classified as 
level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, nor have there been any transfers of assets or liabilities between levels of the fair value hierarchy. There are no non-recurring  
fair value measurements.  

FORWARD FOREIGN EXCHANGE 
The following tables set out the face value and fair value of forward foreign exchange contracts outstanding for the Group as at 31 December 2017 and 2016: 

Outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts (in millions) 

Face value 

At 31 December 2017 

Maturing 
within  
1 year 

Maturing 
between  
1 and 2 years 

Maturing 
between  
2 and 5 Years 

GBP contracts 

CAD contracts 

£105.2 

£87.6 

£13.7 

£3.8 

CAD 30.9 

CAD 20.1 

CAD 7.8 

CAD 3.0 

Outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts (in millions) 

Face value 

At 31 December 2016 

Maturing 
within  
1 year 

Maturing 
between  
1 and 2 years 

Maturing 
between  
2 and 5 Years 

GBP contracts 

CAD contracts 

£124.1 

£24.8 

£81.8 

£17.5 

CAD 50.5 

CAD 22.2 

CAD 17.5 

CAD 10.8 

Fair value 
(US$) 

(9.0) 

0.9 

Fair value 
(US$) 

(24.5) 

0.3 

The Group has entered into contracts to build the I-6 satellite. The Group has entered into forward foreign exchange contracts (for terms equivalent to when  
the milestone payments fall due) to hedge the exchange rate risk arising from these anticipated milestone payments, which are designated as cash flow hedges. 

As at 31 December 2017, the aggregate amount of losses under forward foreign exchange contracts deferred in the cash flow hedging reserve relating to the 
exposure on these payments is $7.7m. The milestone payments will take place at irregular periods throughout each year until 2021, at which time the related  
cash flow hedges deferred in equity will be reclassified to profit and loss. 

NON-DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL ASSETS AND FINANCIAL LIABILITIES 
Non-derivative financial assets consist of cash at bank, short-term investments, trade receivables, other receivables and accrued income. 

Non-derivative financial liabilities consist of borrowings, trade payables, deferred consideration, other payables and accruals. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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FAIR VALUE OF NON-DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL ASSETS AND FINANCIAL LIABILITIES 
With the exception of the Senior Notes, the Ex-Im Bank Facilities and the Convertible Bonds, the fair values of all non-derivative financial instruments approximate 
to the carrying value in the balance sheet. The fair value of Senior Notes, Ex-Im Bank Facilities and Convertible Bonds are classified as level 2 in the fair value 
hierarchy according to IFRS 7. 

The following methods and assumptions have been used to determine fair values: 
› the fair values of cash at bank, overdrafts and short-term deposits approximate their carrying values because of the short-term maturity of these instruments 

(see note 16) 

› the fair value of trade and other receivables and payables, accrued income and costs, and deferred consideration approximate their carrying values (see notes 

17 and 20 respectively) 

› the carrying amount of deferred satellite payments represents the present value of future payments discounted, using an appropriate rate, at the period end. 

This carrying amount approximately equals fair value (see note 19) 

› the Senior Notes due 2022 are reflected in the balance sheet net of unamortised arrangement costs and net issuance premium of $5.1m and $4.5m, 
respectively (see note 19). The fair values of the Senior Notes due 2022 are based on the market price of the bonds and are reflected in the next table 
› the Senior Notes due 2024 are reflected in the balance sheet net of unamortised arrangement costs of $4.9m (see note 19). The fair values of the Senior 

Notes due 2024 are based on the market price of the bonds and are reflected in the next table 

› the Ex-Im Bank Facilities are reflected in the balance sheet net of unamortised arrangement costs of $14.9m (2016: $18.6m). The fair value of the 2011 facility 

has been based on the implicit interest rate of the 2014 facility (see note 19) and 

› the liability component of the Convertible Bonds is reflected in the balance sheet on an amortised cost basis, net of unamortised arrangement costs  

of $6.6m (2016: $7.7m) (see note 19). The fair value of the Convertible Bonds is based on the market price of the bonds and is reflected in the table below 

($ in millions) 

Senior Notes due 2022 

Senior Notes due 2024 

Ex-Im Bank Facilities 

Convertible Bonds due 2023 

32. CAPITAL COMMITMENTS 

At 31 December 2017 

At 31 December 2016 

Carrying 
amount 

Fair value 

amount   

1,000.0 

1,000.8   

400.0 

630.9 

561.6 

408.1   

639.7   

687.3   

Carrying 
amount 

1,000.0 

400.0 

633.4 

549.2 

Fair value 
amount 

975.0 

408.3 

649.4 

682.6 

The Group had authorised and contracted but not provided for capital commitments as at 31 December 2017 of $968.0m (2016: $972.2m). These amounts 
primarily represent commitments in respect of the Group’s I-6 satellite programmes. The Group has not reported the split between tangible assets and intangible 
assets for these capital commitments, as the necessary information is not available and the cost to develop it would be excessive. 

33. CONTINGENT LIABILITY 

In the ordinary course of business, the Group is subject to contingencies pursuant to requirements that it complies with relevant laws, regulations and standards. 
Failure to comply could result in restrictions in operations, damages, fines, increased tax, increased cost of compliance, interest charges, reputational damage  
and other sanctions. These matters are inherently difficult to quantify. 

In cases where the Group has an obligation as a result of a past event existing at the balance sheet date, and it is probable that an outflow of economic resources 
will be required to settle the obligation and the amount of the obligation can be reliably estimated, a provision will be recognised based on best estimates and 
management judgement.  

A contingent liability is disclosed where the existence of the obligation will only be confirmed by future events, or where the amount of the obligation cannot be 
measured with reasonable reliability. At 31 December 2017, the Group had no material contingent liabilities. 

34. EVENTS AFTER THE BALANCE SHEET DATE 

Since the balance sheet date there have been no other significant events which would require disclosure in the 31 December 2017 financial statements. 

35. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 

In the normal course of operations the Group engages in transactions with its equity-owned investees Navarino UK and JSAT Mobile Communications Inc.  
These transactions represent sales of airtime and equipment and are measured at the amounts exchanged. Group revenue from the related parties for the 2017 
financial year was $38.1m and $16.9m, respectively (2016: $33.1m and $18.2m, respectively). The amount receivable from the related parties at 31 December 2017 
was $12.6m and $1.7m, respectively (2016: $9.3m and $1.8m, respectively). 

Amounts owing to the Executive as at 31 December 2017 and 2016 were $1.2m and relate to remuneration earned in the normal course of operations (see note 8). 

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Financial Statements | Consolidated financial statements

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

36. PRINCIPAL SUBSIDIARY UNDERTAKINGS 

At 31 December 2017, the Company had investments in the following subsidiaries and associates: 

Inmarsat Holdings Limited 
Inmarsat Group Limited 
Inmarsat Finance PLC 
Inmarsat Investments Limited 
Inmarsat Ventures Limited 
Inmarsat Global Limited 
ISAT Global Xpress OOO  
Inmarsat Brasil Limitada  
Inmarsat Leasing (Two) Limited 
Inmarsat New Zealand Limited 
Inmarsat Services Limited 
PT ISAT 
Inmarsat Communications Company LLC  
Inmarsat Group Holdings Inc.  
ISAT US Inc.  
Inmarsat Government Inc. 
Stratos Government Services Inc. 
Inmarsat Commercial Services Inc. 
Inmarsat Solutions (US) Inc. 
Inmarsat Inc. 
Inmarsat US Investments Limited 
Europasat Limited 
Inmarsat Employment Company Limited  
Inmarsat Trustee Company Limited 
Inmarsat Finance III Limited 
Inmarsat Solutions Limited 
Inmarsat Solutions (Canada) Inc. 
Stratos Holdings (Cyprus) Limited 
Stratos Gesellschaft fur satelliten-kommunikation mbH. 
Stratos Global Japan KK 
Stratos Investments BV  
Inmarsat Solutions B.V. 
Inmarsat Solutions SA (PTY) Limited  
Inmarsat Spain S.A.  
Inmarsat Hong Kong Limited  
Inmarsat (IP) Company Limited  
Inmarsat Hellas Satellite Services SA  
Inmarsat Navigation Ventures Limited  
Inmarsat Global Xpress Limited  
Inmarsat SA  
Inmarsat Solutions Global Limited 
Inmarsat Solutions AS 
Inmarsat Solutions Pte. Limited 
Inmarsat Solutions ehf. 
Inmarsat Australia Pty Limited 
Inmarsat KK 
Inmarsat Solutions (Shanghai) Co. Limited 
Inmarsat India Private Limited 
Inmarsat Licences (Canada) Inc. 
Flysurfer Columbia 
Flysurfer Peru S.A.C. 
Navarino UK Limited  
JSAT Mobile Communications Inc. 

1  For the list of registered addresses please refer to the next table 

Principal activity 
Holding company 
Holding company 
Finance company 
Holding company 
Operating company 
Satellite telecommunications 
Operating company 
Dormant 
Satellite leasing 
Operating company 
Operating company 
Operating company 
Operating company 
Operating company 
Operating company 
Operating company 
Operating company 
Operating company 
Operating company 
Holding company 
Dormant 
Operating company 
Employment company 
Dormant 
Operating company 
Holding company 
Operating company 
Holding company 
Operating company 
Holding company 
Holding company 
Operating company 
Operating company 
Operating company 
Operating company 
Operating company 
Satellite telecommunications 
Operating company 
Operating company 
Operating company 
Operating company 
Operating company 
Operating company 
Operating company 
Operating company 
Operating company 
Operating company 
Operating company 
Holding company 
Operating company 
Operating company 
Associate 
Associate 

Country of incorporation /  
registered address key1 
England and Wales / A  
England and Wales / A  
England and Wales / A  
England and Wales / A  
England and Wales / A  
England and Wales / A  
Russian Federation / X  
Brazil / H  
England and Wales / A  
New Zealand / U  
England and Wales / A  
Indonesia / Q  
United Arab Emirates / AC  
United States / C  
United States / C  
United States / C  
United States / D  
United States / D  
United States / D  
United States / E  
England and Wales / A  
England and Wales / A  
Jersey / T  
England and Wales / A  
England and Wales / A  
England and Wales / A  
Canada / B  
Cyprus / K  
Germany / L  
Japan / S  
The Netherlands / V  
The Netherlands / V  
South Africa / Z  
Spain / AA  
Hong Kong / N  
England and Wales / A  
Greece / M  
England and Wales / A  
England and Wales / A  
Switzerland / AB  
England and Wales / A  
Norway / W  
Singapore / Y  
Iceland / O  
Australia / F  
Japan / S  
China / J  
India / P  
Canada / B  
Columbia / I  
Peru / R  
England and Wales / AD  
Japan / G  

Interest in 
issued ordinary 
share capital at  
31 December 
2017 

Interest in issued  
ordinary share 
capital at  
31 December 
2016 

100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
49% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
90% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
51% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
49% 
26.67% 

100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
49% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
90% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
51% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
– 
– 
49% 
26.67% 

In accordance with s479A of the Companies Act 2006, the following companies are exempt from the requirements relating to the audit of individual accounts for 
the year ended 31 December 2017: Inmarsat Trustee Company Limited (03688399), Stratos Global Holdings Limited (04113448) and Inmarsat Employee Share 
Plan Trustees Limited (03669306). 

 
 
 
 
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Financial statements | Consolidated financial statements 

Financial Statements | Consolidated financial statements

153 
153

REGISTERED ADDRESS KEY 

Key 

Registered Address 

A 

B 

C 

D 

E 

F 

G 

H 

I 

J 

K 

L 

M 

N 

O 

P 

Q 

R 

S 

T 

U 

V 

W 

X 

Y 

Z 

AA 

AB 

AC 

AD 

99 City Road, London EC1Y 1AX 

34 Glencoe Drive, Box 5754, Donovan’s Bus. Park, Mount Pearl Newfoundland A1N 4S8, Canada 

874 Walker Road, Suite C, City of Dover DE 19904, United States 

2711 Centerville Road, Suite 400, Wilmington, New Castle DE, United States 

1101 Connecticut Avenue, N.W. Suite 1225 WA 20036, United States 

Level 40, Governor Macquarie Tower, 1 Farrer Place, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia 

Nisso Building #22 8F, Azabudai1-11-10, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0041, Japan 

Av Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek 50, Suite 172, Room 7, 17th Floor, São Paulo, CEP 04543-000, Brazil 

Cra. 7 No. 71-52 Tower B 9th Floor, Bogota, DC, Colombia 110231 

4th and 5th floors of No. 20-4, Ronghui Park, Yuhua Road, Area B, Tianzhu Airport Industrial Zone, Shunyi District, Beijing 

1, Lampousas, Nicosia, 1095, Cyprus 

Aarberger Strasse 18, 12205, Berlin, Germany 

280 Kifisias Avenue, Halandri, 152 32, Greece 

19 Floor, Millennium Trade Centre, No. 56 Kwai Cheong Road, Kwai Chung, New Territories, Hong Kong 

Hlíðarsmára 10, 201 Kópavogi 

B-92, 9th Floor Himalaya House, K.G. Marg, New Delhi, 110001, India 

Panbil Residence 1st – 2nd Floor, Jl. Ahmad Yani, Muka Kuning – Batam – 29433, Indonesia  

General Córdova N° 313, Miraflores – Lima 18, Perú 

Level 25 Ark Hills Sengokuyama Mori Tower, 1-9-10, Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-0032, Japan 

44 Esplanade, St. Helier, Jersey JE4 9WG, Jersey 

Bell Gully, Lvl 22, Vero Centre, 48 Shortland Street, Auckland, New Zealand 

Loire 158-160, 2491 AL, The Hague, Netherlands 

Borgundfjordvegen 116, 6017 Alesund, 1504 Ålesund, Norway 

Bld. 5, 13 Kasatkina Street, 129301, Moscow, Russian Federation 

11 Lorong 3 Toa Payoh , #01-31, Jackson Square, 319579, Singapore 

Deloitte Place, The Woodlands, 20 Woodlands Drive, Woodmead, Sandton, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa, 2052 

Príncipe de Vergara 73, 28006, Madrid, Spain 

Route de Crassier 19, 1262, Eysins, Switzerland 

Al Maktoum Street, Al Reem Tower, Suite 402, P.O. Box 27313, Dubai, UAE, United Arab Emirates 

Camburgh House, 27 New Dover Road, Canterbury, Kent CT1 3DN 

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Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

COMPANY BALANCE SHEET 

at 31 December 2017 

($ in millions) 

Assets 

Non-current assets 

Investments1 

Other receivables2 

Deferred tax assets 

Current assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Trade and other receivables3 

Current tax assets 

Restricted cash 

Total assets 

Liabilities 

Current liabilities 

Trade and other payables4 

Non-current liabilities 

Borrowings5 

Derivative financial instruments 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Shareholders’ equity 

Ordinary shares 

Share premium 

Other reserves 

Retained earnings 

Total equity 

2017 

2016 

1,111.0 

438.0 

0.2 

1,100.4 

356.8 

0.7 

1,549.2 

1,457.9 

1.8 

19.0 

10.8 

0.4 

32.0 

2.3 

9.3 

5.1 

0.4 

17.1 

1,581.2 

1,475.0 

44.2 

44.2 

555.0 

125.7 

680.7 

724.9 

856.3 

0.3 

745.4 

99.6 

11.0 

856.3 

33.6 

33.6 

542.2 

133.4 

675.6 

709.2 

765.8 

0.3 

700.4 

85.0 

(19.9) 

765.8 

Investments consist of a $1,007.8m investment in Inmarsat Holdings Limited (2016: $1,007.8m) and $103.2m of capital contributions to Group companies in respect of share-based payments (2016: $92.4m) 

1 
2  Other receivables consist of $438.0m amounts due from Group companies (2016: $356.8m) 
3  Trade and other receivables consist of $19.0m amounts due from Group companies (2016: $9.3m) 
4  Trade and other payables consists of $1.4m due to shareholders in respect of dividends paid during 2017 (2016: $1.9m), accruals of $11.7m (2016: $10.8m), amounts due to Group companies of $30.2m (2016: $20.4m) 

and other payables of $0.9m (2016: 0.5m) 

5  Borrowings comprise the Convertible Bonds discussed in note 19 to the consolidated financial statements 

The Company reported a profit for the financial year ended 31 December 2017 of $281.4m (2016: $154.4m). 

The financial statements of the Company, registered number 4886072, on pages 154 to 155 were approved by the Board of Directors on 9 March 2018 and 
signed on its behalf by 

RUPERT PEARCE 
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 

TONY BATES 
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Financial statements | Company financial statements 
Financial Statements | Company financial statements

155 
155

COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 

for the year ended 31 December 2017 

Ordinary share 
capital 

Share premium 
account 

Equity reserve 

Share option 
reserve 

($ in millions) 

Balance at 1 January 2016 

Share-based payments 

Early repurchase of 2017 convertible bonds 

Transfer equity reserve to retained earnings 

Dividends declared 

Scrip dividend cash reinvestment 

Scrip dividend share issue 

Issue of share capital 

Profit for the year 

0.3 

687.6 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

8.9 

3.9 

– 

Balance at 31 December 2016 

0.3 

700.4 

Share-based payments 

Dividends declared 

Scrip dividend cash reinvestment 

Scrip dividend share issue 

Profit for the year 

Balance at 31 December 2017 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

0.3 

– 

– 

– 

45.0 

– 

745.4 

1  The ‘other reserve’ relates to ordinary shares held by the employee share trust 

73.8 

14.1 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

87.9 

14.6 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Other  
reserve1 

(2.9)  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

(2.9)  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

Retained 
earnings 

12.8 

(0.1) 

– 

48.1 

Total 

828.5 

14.0 

(8.8) 

– 

(235.1) 

(235.1) 

8.9 

(8.9) 

– 

154.4 

(19.9) 

(0.7) 

8.9 

– 

3.9 

154.4 

765.8 

13.9 

(249.8) 

(249.8) 

45.0 

(45.0) 

281.4 

11.0 

45.0 

– 

281.4 

856.3 

102.5 

(2.9)  

56.9 

– 

(8.8) 

(48.1) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

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Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

for the year ended 31 December 2017 

A) PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

BASIS OF ACCOUNTING 
The Company meets the definition of a qualifying entity under FRS 100 ‘Application of Financial Reporting Requirements’ issued by the Financial Reporting Council 
(‘FRC’). Accordingly, the Company financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework.  

As permitted by FRS 101, the Company has taken advantage of the disclosure exemptions available under that standard in relation to presentation of a cash flow 
statement, the reconciliation of net cash from operations, and related party transactions.  

Where relevant, equivalent disclosures have been given in the Group accounts of the Company.  

The accounting policies and financial risk management policies and objectives, where relevant to the Company, are consistent with those of the consolidated 
Group as set out in notes 2 and 3 to the consolidated financial statements. 

B) CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND KEY JUDGEMENTS 

The critical accounting estimates and key judgements, where relevant to the Company, are consistent with those of the consolidated Group as set out in note 4  
to the consolidated financial statement. 

C) INCOME STATEMENT 

The Company has taken advantage of the exemption available under Section 408 of Companies Act 2006 and has not presented an income statement.  
The profit for the year ended 31 December 2017 was $281.4m (2016: $80.6m). 

AUDITOR’S REMUNERATION 
During the year, the Company paid its external auditor $0.1m for statutory audit services (2016: $0.1m). 

EMPLOYEE COSTS AND DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION 
The average monthly number of people employed during the year was two (2016: two). Total staff costs for 2017 were $9.2m (2016: $7.4m). Full details  
of Directors’ remuneration and Directors’ share options and share awards are given in the Remuneration report. 

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION 
Accounting for foreign currency transactions of the Company is consistent with that of the Group, which is disclosed in note 2 to the consolidated  
financial statements. 

SHARE CAPITAL 
The share capital of the Company is disclosed in note 24 to the Group’s consolidated financial statements. 

D) FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

The IFRS 7, ‘Financial Instruments’ disclosures, where relevant to the Company, are consistent with that of the Group as set out in note 31 to the consolidated 
financial statements. 

The differences between the Group and the Company in relation to intercompany balances are $466.0m (2016: $366.0m) amounts due from Group companies 
and $30.2m (2016: $21.1m) amounts due to Group companies, which eliminate on consolidation. The Directors consider the carrying value of the intercompany 
balances to approximate to their fair value. 

 
 
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Financial statements | Glossary of terms 

Financial Statements | Glossary of terms

157 
157

GLOSSARY OF TERMS 

Due to the technical nature of satellite 
communications and financial reporting we 
use a number of terms and abbreviations in this 
Annual Report and Accounts that are widely used 
within those industries but are less commonly 
used by our broader community of stakeholders. 
The principal ones are summarised below.

A

ACTIVE TERMINAL
A terminal that has been used to access 
commercial services (except certain handheld 
terminals) at any time during the preceding 
12 months and is registered with one of our 
services at the period end. It includes the 
average number of certain handheld terminals 
active on a daily basis during the final month 
of a period and excludes M2M terminals.

ADJUSTED EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA is EBITDA excluding 
restructuring costs.

ALPHASAT
A satellite developed with the European Space 
Agency and launched in 2013. It supplements 
our Inmarsat-4 satellite constellation.

ARPA
Average Revenue Per Aircraft.

ARPU
Average Revenue Per User.

ATC
Ancillary Terrestrial Components provide 
communications services from ground 
stations either as stand-alone services or 
to complement satellite services.

ATG
ATG means the air to ground terrestrial 
component of the EAN.

B

BANDWIDTH
The radio spectrum is divided into different bands 
which each cover a section of frequencies that 
are usually used for a similar purpose. Bands are 
allocated to specific uses at international level 
by the ITU and regulated at a national level 
by domestic organisations and governments.

BGAN
Broadband Global Area Network is a high-speed 
data satellite network using L-band frequency 
that spans the globe.

C

CASH CAPITAL EXPENDITURE
Cash capital expenditure is the cash flow 
relating to tangible and intangible asset 
additions, it includes capitalised labour 
costs and excludes capitalised interest.

COMMISSIONED TERMINAL
A terminal that is registered with one 
of our services at the period end.

CAGR
The Compound Annual Growth Rate 
measures average annual growth over a  
period of time and is used in the Employee 
Performance Share Award scheme.

[Being edited by front end team] 

CGU
A cash-generating unit is the smallest group 
of assets that generates cash inflows largely 
independently from the other parts of the 
business and which represents the lowest 
level at which goodwill is monitored within 
the business.

THE COMPANY
Where we refer to the Company we are 
referring to Inmarsat plc, the holding 
company of the Inmarsat Group.

D

DEFINED BENEFIT AND DEFINED 
CONTRIBUTION SCHEMES
Defined benefit pensions schemes provide 
post-employment benefits based on an 
employee’s final salary. Defined contribution 
pension schemes are schemes into which 
Inmarsat makes fixed contributions based 
on a percentage of an employee’s salary.

E

EAN
For our European Aviation Network (‘EAN’),  
the satellite and the complementary ground 
component (‘CGC’) are integrated and the CGC  
is not stand alone. 

EBITDA
Profit before net financing costs, taxation, 
depreciation and amortisation, gains/losses 
on disposal of assets, impairment losses 
and share of profit of associates.

F

FLEETBROADBAND
Our flagship L-band maritime service 
providing voice and broadband data 
services across the world’s oceans.

FREE CASH FLOW
How much cash is available to pay back 
borrowings, distribute to investors or invest 
in the business in future periods.

FX
Fleet Xpress is Inmarsat’s GX-based 
product for the maritime market using our 
Ka-band satellites.

G

GAAP
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles 
is the standard financial reporting framework 
as defined by a body of accounting standards 
and other guidance used in a given jurisdiction 
(see ‘IFRS’).

GEOSTATIONARY ORBIT
A circular geosynchronous orbit directly above 
the Earth’s equator. Satellites in geosynchronous 
orbit match their orbit to the orbit of the earth 
and so remain permanently in the same area 
of the sky.

GLOBAL XPRESS (‘GX’)
Services offered by Inmarsat using Inmarsat’s 
Inmarsat-5 satellites and Ka-band frequencies. 
GlobalXpress is the first high-speed broadband 
satellite network to span the globe, from a single 
operator. It uses powerful beams able to reach 
small antennas on earth providing digital 
connections for aviation, land and maritime use.

GMDSS
Global Maritime Distress and Safety Service 
which is a system designed to automate a 
vessel’s radio distress alert, eliminating the 
need for manual watchkeeping of distress 
channels. Inmarsat is the only approved 
provider of this Maritime Safety Service by 
the International Maritime Organization (‘IMO’).

GROUND STATIONS
Our Ground Stations connect Inmarsat satellites 
to terrestrial networks and the internet. They are 
in locations across the globe and continuously 
monitored from our network operations centre 
in London as well as from our back-up centre.

THE GROUP
The Group refers to Inmarsat plc and all of its 
subsidiaries. We may also use ‘we’ and ‘our’ 
in reference to the Group, depending on 
the context.

GSPS
Global Satellite Phone Services are our 
handheld products and services including 
IsatPhone Pro and IsatPhone 2.

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Financial Statements | Glossary of terms

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

T

TÉLÉCOMS SANS FRONTIÈRES (‘TSF’)
The telecommunications relief aid organisation, 
it is a core beneficiary of our charitable support.

TERMINALS
The consumer hardware used to receive and 
transmit voice and data from earth across our 
satellite network. It includes antenna enabled 
hardware such as satellite phones and 
onboard antennas.

V

VSAT
Very Small Aperture Terminals are small 
mobile two-way satellite antennas able to 
receive and transmit voice and broadband 
data to a satellite. VSAT services are typically 
charged using a fixed monthly fee.

X

XPRESSLINK
XpressLink is a fully-integrated 
Ku-band and L-band service with VSAT 
and FleetBroadband terminals for  
maritime end-users.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS CONTINUED 

I

IAS OR IFRS
International Accounting Standards or 
International Financial Reporting Standards 
are the accounting standards issued by the 
International Accounting Standards Board. 
IFRS is also used to refer to international 
GAAP as a whole.

ICAO
International Civil Aviation Organization. 

INMARSAT-3 (‘I-3’), INMARSAT-4 (‘I-4’), 
INMARSAT-5 (‘I-5’), INMARSAT-6 (‘I-6’)
The third, fourth, fifth and sixth generations of 
Inmarsat satellites. Individual satellites in each 
constellation are numbered F1, F2, F3, etc, so I-5 
F2 refers to the second satellite launched in the 
fifth generation of Inmarsat satellites.

INMARSAT GATEWAY
Our platform for GX delivering customer support, 
network services and an app store, it also opens 
up our networks to innovators through a 
developer portal.

ITU
International Telecommunications Union.

J

JX
JetConneX is Inmarsat’s GX-based product 
for the business and general aviation market.

K

KA-BAND
Downlink frequencies between 18GHz and 
22GHz and uplink frequencies between 27GHz 
and 31GHz. Often referred to as 20/30GHz. 
This is the frequency band used by our GX 
satellites, it has higher bandwidth than other 
bands allowing more data to be transmitted 
over the same satellite capacity.

KU-BAND
Downlink frequencies between 10.7GHz and 
12.74GHz and uplink frequencies between 
13.75GHz and 14.8GHz. Often referred to as 
11/14 or 12/14GHz. This is the frequency band 
used by a number of our products and services 
that we procure from other satellite network 
operators to complement our own spectrum.

L

L-BAND
Uplink and downlink frequencies between 
satellites and mobile users between 1.5GHz 
and 1.6GHz. This is the frequency band used 
by our Inmarsat-3 and Inmarsat-4 satellites 
and also by our planned Inmarsat-6 satellites.

LIGADO NETWORKS
A Cooperation Agreement between Inmarsat 
and Ligado Networks (formerly LightSquared LP, 
Skyterra (Canada) Inc. and LightSquared Inc.) 
for the use of L-band in North America.

M

M2M
Machine-to-machine services and products.

MSS
Mobile Satellite Services.

MBPS
Megabits per second are the units used to 
measure data transfer rates in the satellite 
communications industry.

N

[Being edited by front end team] 

NETWORK AND SATELLITE 
OPERATIONS COSTS
The costs of operating our ground stations.

O

OWN WORK CAPITALISED
Employee-related costs including salary and 
travel costs incurred in bringing property, plant 
and equipment into use. Own work capitalised is 
capitalised as part of the total cost of an asset.

S

SAS
Satellite Access Station is another term 
for a Ground Station.

S-BAND
A mobile satellite band between 2 and 
2.5GHz, which we are using for a high-speed 
broadband service under development for 
the EU aviation industry. The programme has 
an Inmarsat S-band satellite fully integrated 
with a ground network. We also use the term 
S-band to refer to the S-band programme 
in general.

SCOPE 1, 2 AND 3 EMISSIONS
Carbon emissions as defined by the 
greenhouse gas protocol.

Scope 1: All direct greenhouse gas emissions.

Scope 2: Indirect emissions from 
purchased electricity, heat or steam.

Scope 3: Other indirect emissions 
including travel.

SWIFTBROADBAND
A global service providing voice and  
high-speed data simultaneously through 
a single installation on an aircraft.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Financial statements | Additional information 

Financial Statements | Additional information

159 
159

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

FIVE-YEAR SUMMARY 

($ in millions) 

Revenues 

EBITDA 

EBITDA margin 

Profit before tax 

Profit for year 

Net cash inflow from operating activities 

Net cash used in investing activities 

Net cash used in financing activities 

Total assets 

Total liabilities 

Shareholders’ equity 

Inmarsat Australia (formerly TC Comms) is included in the results from 8 May 2013 
Globe Wireless is included in the results from 1 January 2014 

FINANCIAL CALENDAR 2018 

2 May  

19 April 

20 April 

25 May 

August 

October 

November 

2017 

2016 

1,400.2 

1,329.0 

731.5 

52.2% 

229.8 

182.3 

760.1 

(546.7) 

(328.6) 

4,959.5 

3,704.2 

1,255.3 

794.8 

59.8% 

299.2 

243.4 

770.9 

(807.9) 

122.1 

4,843.3 

3,603.0 

1,240.3 

2015 

1,274.1 

726.0 

57.0% 

338.0 

282.0 

705.5 

(460.7) 

(275.2) 

2014 

1,285.9 

701.0 

54.5% 

342.3 

341.1 

644.8 

(424.4) 

(156.4) 

2013 

1,261.9 

648.8 

51.4% 

189.1 

102.6 

597.1 

(583.7) 

(204.5) 

4,246.1 

4,091.9 

3,868.8 

(2,996.2) 

(2,908.8) 

(2,821.0) 

1,249.9 

1,183.1 

1,047.8 

Annual General Meeting and Q1 2018 results 

Ex-dividend date for 2017 final dividend 

Record date for 2017 final dividend 

2017 final dividend payment date 

2018 interim results 

2018 interim dividend payment 

Q3 2018 results 

REGISTERED OFFICE 

AUDITOR 

99 City Road 
London EC1Y 1AX 
Tel: +44 (0)20 7728 1000 
Fax: +44 (0)20 7728 1044 
www.inmarsat.com 

REGISTERED NUMBER 

4886072 England and Wales 

Deloitte LLP 
2 New Street Square 
London EC4A 3BZ 

SOLICITORS 

Clifford Chance LLP 
10 Upper Bank Street 
London E14 5JJ 

BROKERS 

J.P. Morgan Cazenove 
25 Bank Street 
London E14 5JP 

Credit Suisse 
1 Cabot Square 
London E14 4QJ 

REGISTRARS 

Equiniti Limited 
PO Box 4630 
Aspect House 
Spencer Road 
Lancing 
West Sussex BN99 6DA 

GovernanceFinancial StatementsStrategic Report  
 
 
160

Financial Statements | Cautionary statement

Inmarsat plc | Annual Report and Accounts 2017

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING  
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Inmarsat undertakes no obligation to update 
or revise any forward-looking statement to 
reflect any change in its expectations or any 
change in events, conditions or circumstances, 
except where it would be required to do so 
under applicable law.

Certain statements in this Annual Report 
constitute ‘forward-looking statements’ 
within the meaning of the U.S. Private 
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. 
These forward-looking statements involve 
risks, uncertainties and other factors that 
may cause our actual results, performance 
or achievements, or industry results, to be 
materially different from those projected 
in the forward-looking statements. These 
factors include: general economic and 
business conditions; changes in technology; 
timing or delay in signing, commencement, 
implementation and performance of 
programmes, or the delivery of products 
or services under them; structural change 
in the satellite industry; relationships with 
customers; competition; and ability to 
attract personnel. You are cautioned not to 
rely on these forward-looking statements, 
which speak only as of the date of this 
Annual Report.

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99 City Road  
London  
EC1Y 1AX  
United Kingdom

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