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FY2014 Annual Report · Richtech Robotics Inc. Class B Common Stock
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Rolls-Royce Holdings plc
Annual Report 2014

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© Rolls-Royce plc 2015

Rolls-Royce Holdings plc 
Registered office:  
62 Buckingham Gate 
London 
SW1E 6AT

T +44 (0)20 7222 9020 
www.rolls-royce.com

Company number 7524813

BETTER POWER FOR A CHANGING WORLD

 
 
 
 
 
Rolls-Royce designs, develops, manufactures and services 
integrated power systems for use in the air, on land and at sea. 

We are one of the world’s leading producers of aero engines for large civil aircraft and corporate 
jets. We are the second largest provider of defence aero engines and services in the world. 
For land and sea markets, reciprocating engines and systems from Rolls-Royce are in marine, 
distributed energy, oil & gas, rail and off-highway vehicle applications. In nuclear, we have a strong 
instrumentation, product and service capability in both civil power and submarine propulsion.

Cover image: Transatlantic Air Exchanges | Airline routes between North America and Europe. Félix Pharand-Deschênes/Globaïa
This page: Front fan from a Trent 1000 aero engine

Designed and produced by  
Designed and produced by  

The paper used in the report contains 75% recycled 
The paper used in the report contains 75% recycled 
content, of which 75% is de-inked post-consumer. 
content, of which 75% is de-inked post-consumer. 
All of the pulp is bleached using an elemental chlorine  
All of the pulp is bleached using an elemental chlorine  
free process (ECF).
free process (ECF).

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vegetable inks throughout. PurePrint is a CarbonNeutral® 
company. Both the paper manufacturing mill and the printer 
company. Both the paper manufacturing mill and the printer 
are registered to the Environmental Management System  
are registered to the Environmental Management System  
ISO 14001 and are Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC)  
ISO 14001 and are Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC)  
chain-of-custody certified.
chain-of-custody certified.

  
  
What’s inside…

STRATEGIC REPORT 

DIRECTORS’ REPORT 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OTHER INFORMATION

Our business model and 
how we performed

How we manage  
our business

The financial statements  
of the Group

Auditor’s report and 
shareholder information

Financial statements contents  
 Group financial statements  
Company financial statements  

94
95
149

Subsidiaries, jointly controlled  
152
entities and associates  
Independent auditor’s report  
154
Additional financial information   160 
166 
Shareholder information 
168
Glossary  

54
56
59

Board of directors  
Chairman’s introduction  
Corporate governance  
Committee reports:
  Nominations and governance   64
  Safety and ethics  
66
  Audit  
69
  Remuneration 
74 
Directors’ remuneration  
76
Directors’ remuneration policy  
86
 Responsibility statements  
93
162
Other statutory information 

Group at a glance  
Better power  
Chairman’s review  
Chief Executive’s review  
Innovation and technology  
Market outlook 
Strategy  
Business model 
Chief Financial Officer’s review 
Financial review  
Business reviews:
  Aerospace 
  Land & Sea  
Our people  
Sustainability 
Key performance indicators 
Principal risks 

2 
4
10
14
20
22
23
24
26
28

32
36
42
44
48
50

FINANCIAL  
HIGHLIGHTS

How did we  
perform in 2014?

Order book £m

Underlying* revenue £m

Underlying* profit before tax £m

Underlying* earnings per share

Full year payment to shareholders (excluding buyback)
Reported revenue £m†
Reported profit before tax £m†
Reported earnings per share†

Net cash £m

Free cash flow £m

2014

73,674

14,588

1,617

65.3p

23.1p

13,736

67

3.7p

666

254

2013

71,612

15,505

1,759

65.6p

22.0p

14,642

1,700

73.3p

1,939

781

Change

+3%

-6%

-8%

-0.3p

+5%

-6%

-96%

-69.6p

-66%

-67%

*  Underlying explanation is in note 2 on page 110. 
†  2013 re-presented to reflect Energy as a discontinued operation.

All figures in the narrative of the Strategic Report are underlying unless otherwise stated.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report contains forward-looking statements. Any statements that express forecasts, expectations and projections are not guarantees of future 
performance and guidance may be updated from time to time. Latest information will be made available on the Group’s website. By their nature, these 
statements involve risk and uncertainty, and a number of factors could cause material differences to the actual results or developments. This report is 
intended to provide information to shareholders, is not designed to be relied upon by any other party or for any other purpose, and the Company and its 
directors accept no liability to any other person other than that required under English law.

1

Strategic ReportStrategic Report

GROUP AT A GLANCE

A HIGH-VALUE 
GLOBAL 
BUSINESS

The Group is organised into two Divisions: 
Aerospace and Land & Sea.

Our vision is to create better power for 
a changing world. 

We do this by developing world-leading 
technology, producing highly efficient 
products and providing through-life 
services in each of our chosen markets. 

GROUP

EMPLOYEES (YEAR AVERAGE)

54,100

ENGINEERS (YEAR END)

15,500

ORDER BOOK

£73.7bn

COUNTRIES

50+

INVESTED IN R&D

£1.2bn

PATENTS APPLIED FOR

600

UNDERLYING GROUP 
REVENUE

UNDERLYING GROUP  
REVENUE

£14,588m

 Aerospace 61%

 Land & Sea 39% 

UNDERLYING GROUP  
PROFIT BEFORE TAX

£1,617m

2

Rolls-Royce Holdings plc

Annual Report 2014

 
AEROSPACE

The Aerospace Division is a leading 
producer of aero engines for large 
civil aircraft and corporate jets.  
We are the second largest provider 
of defence aero engines and 
services in the world.

We power more than 50 types of 
aircraft across civil and defence 
markets and have over 29,000 
engines in service.

PAGES 32 TO 35  
FOR MORE INFORMATION

LAND & SEA

The Land & Sea Division 
comprises Power Systems,  
Marine and Nuclear. 

Our Power Systems business 
includes the world-renowned  
MTU range of reciprocating 
engines. Marine has 
equipment installed on over  
25,000 vessels. 

We have a growing civil nuclear 
business and have 55 years of 
experience in nuclear submarine 
propulsion. 

Strategic Report

CIVIL AEROSPACE

DEFENCE AEROSPACE

UNDERLYING 
REVENUE MIX

UNDERLYING REVENUE

£6,837m

UNDERLYING
REVENUE MIX

UNDERLYING REVENUE

£2,069m

OE revenue 48%

Services revenue 52% 

UNDERLYING PROFIT

£942m

OE revenue 39%

Services revenue 61% 

UNDERLYING PROFIT

£366m

POWER SYSTEMS

UNDERLYING
REVENUE MIX

MARINE

UNDERLYING
REVENUE MIX

UNDERLYING REVENUE 

£2,720m

UNDERLYING REVENUE

£1,709m

OE revenue 70%

Services revenue 30% 

UNDERLYING PROFIT

£253m

OE revenue 63%

Services revenue 37% 

UNDERLYING PROFIT

£138m

NUCLEAR 

UNDERLYING
REVENUE MIX

UNDERLYING REVENUE

£684m

ENERGY

We sold the Energy  
gas turbines and 
compressor business  
to Siemens on  
1 December 2014.

PAGES 36 TO 41  
FOR MORE INFORMATION 

OE revenue 37%

Services revenue 63% 

UNDERLYING PROFIT

£48m

UNDERLYING REVENUE

£724m

UNDERLYING PROFIT

£(3)m

3

Strategic Report

BETTER POWER FOR A
CHANGING 
WORLD

4

Rolls-Royce Holdings plc

Annual Report 2014

Strategic Report

Our world is changing, the climate 
is altering and populations are 
increasing. We need more power  
but not at any cost to society.  
The world needs better power.

Rolls-Royce is committed to research 
and technology in order to develop 
innovative and advanced power 
systems that can help. 

Our vision is to deliver better power 
for a changing world. The following 
pages illustrate how we are doing 
this in the air, on land and at sea.

5

BETTER POWER
IN THE AIR

WORLD’S MOST EFFICIENT LARGE AERO ENGINE 
Launch customer Qatar Airways took delivery of the first 
Trent XWB-powered Airbus A350 XWB at the end of 2014. 
The Trent XWB is the world’s most efficient large aero 
engine and is 10% more fuel efficient than the legacy 
engines it is designed to replace. 

This first delivery signifies the start of a major engine 
production programme for the Group. Customers have 
ordered over 1,500 Trent XWB engines, representing  
49% of the Civil aerospace order book. 

6

Rolls-Royce Holdings plc

Annual Report 2014

Strategic ReportStrategic Report

FURTHER AND FASTER ON LESS FUEL
Rolls-Royce continues to be a market leader in powering large 
corporate jets. The latest version of Cessna’s flagship aircraft, the 
Citation X+, entered service in June 2014, further cementing our 
position in this important market sector. The improved version  
of our AE 3007 engines on the Citation X+ delivers an increase in  
thrust at take-off, coupled with a reduction in fuel burn – helping 
people to fly further and faster but using less fuel to do it. 

In addition, we strengthened our long-standing relationship with 
Gulfstream when we were selected in 2014 to power its new  
G650ER corporate jet.

LEADING IN LATEST TRANSPORTER POWER
Rolls-Royce is the market leader in powering military transport 
aircraft with 8,000 engines in service. The new Airbus A400M 
transporter continued to enter service successfully during 2014. 
The A400M is powered by the TP400 turboprop engine in which 
Rolls-Royce is a major partner. We also secured a landmark 
agreement during the year with Lockheed Martin for up to  
600 engines to power its C-130J transporter.

Our fleet of T56 engines has accumulated over 200 million 
operating hours having first entered service in 1954. We 
recently introduced an upgrade for the T56 that a US Air Force 
study predicts could deliver US$240 million in fuel savings for 
its fleet through to 2040. 

7

LOCAL ENERGY – NATURALLY
Efficient, low-emission power systems are  
in demand across the world for effective 
solutions to local energy needs. Through 
MTU Onsite Energy, Rolls-Royce is providing 
reliable power for applications such as 
healthcare, data centres, airports, farms  
and independent power stations.

In Chile for example, two MTU Onsite Energy 
units powered by Series 4000 engines are 
now generating 6,400MWh of electricity  
a year from biogas produced by a local  
pig farm. These units are the first in the 
country to generate electricity from a  
biogas plant. For our customer they provide 
eco-friendly and profitable power to 2,500 
families in the area.

POWERPACKED ON THE RAILWAYS 
Power Systems is a major player in engines 
for the rail industry. To date, over 20,000 
MTU engines have been sold for use in drive 
systems and electrical generation in this 
global market. 2014 marked the 90th year of 
MTU engines being supplied for rail traction.

As well as the anniversary, this year also  
saw an agreement reached with Polish rail 
vehicle manufacturer PESA for the supply  
of up to 940 MTU PowerPacks® to be used in 
railcars operated by Deutsche Bahn. These 
PowerPacks are among the most advanced 
in the industry, meeting all the latest 
European Union requirements on emissions.

Strategic Report

BETTER POWER
ON LAND
AND AT SEA

8

Rolls-Royce Holdings plc

Annual Report 2014

40 YEARS OF OFFSHORE FLAGSHIPS
The UT-Design series from Rolls-Royce is 
recognised worldwide as the benchmark  
for the offshore industry. Today’s vessels 
employ our wave-piercing hull which 
improves efficiency and reduces fuel 
consumption. All major propulsion systems 
are fully integrated with the hull design  
to give optimum performance. 

Rolls-Royce UT-Design vessels have been 
helping pioneer oil & gas exploration  
and providing offshore support for 40 years. 
So far, more than 800 have been built or  
are currently under construction.

9

Strategic ReportCHAIRMAN’S REVIEW

After a decade of strong 
performance and 
growth, 2014 was a year 
of mixed fortunes for 
our Company. 

 We are totally 

focused on returning the 
Company to its long-term 
trajectory of profitable 
growth and of superior 
shareholder returns.”

10

Rolls-Royce Holdings plc

Annual Report 2014

IAN DAVIS
Chairman

Strategic ReportThere have been some real pluses and 
achievements alongside a number of 
challenges that held back the Company’s 
financial performance.

During the course of the year, our order  
book reached its highest ever level. We also 
celebrated the delivery of the first Airbus  
A350 XWB to our launch customer Qatar 
Airways, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB 
engines. Our record of customer service 
continues to improve, in Civil aerospace  
for example, we have maintained a record  
of 100% on-time delivery to Airbus for the 
past two years. In the same period our 
Marine business improved original 
equipment on-time delivery by 11%, while 
spares delivery improved across the Group. 
We still have more to do here and we are 
totally committed to enhancing customer 
satisfaction with our products and services. 
However, progress is encouraging and  
bodes well for the future. Happy customers 
are a precondition for a successful,  
long-term business. 

Set against these achievements, 2014 was 
the first year in a decade in which revenue 
and underlying profits, on a like-for-like 
basis, did not grow. The Defence business 
was hit hard by constraints in government 
expenditure. In our Land & Sea Division,  
we faced tough market conditions, 
characterised by pricing pressure and 
deferred or cancelled orders by customers, 
particularly in the oil & gas, construction 
and mining industries.

In addition to some difficult trading 
conditions, we did not make as much 
progress as planned on improving our cost 
and cash performance. We fully recognise 
this is a priority if we are to provide 
attractive returns to shareholders as well  
as to fund the investment requirements 
that will underpin long-term growth.  
Ours is a business that requires significant 
up-front cash investment to generate 
long-term cash flow.

SHAREHOLDER DISTRIBUTIONS
Despite the short-term challenges, the 
fundamentals of the business remain 
strong. Rolls-Royce is a growth company, 
well positioned in long-term growth 
markets that offer the prospect of  
attractive returns. 

We know that shareholders do not invest  
in growth alone, they invest for growth 
that’s profitable. Our payment to 
shareholders of 23.1p reflects the confidence 
the Board has in the Company’s profitability 
and cash generation prospects. At the same 
time we are committed to retaining a strong 
balance sheet. Civil aerospace in particular, 
although an attractive long-term business, 
can still be prone to external market shocks. 
Our customers, who depend on our service 
support for periods of up to 25 years,  
both expect and demand a financially 
resilient supplier. 

STRATEGY
Rolls-Royce is intrinsically a long-term 
business and has to be directed and 
managed as such. In Civil aerospace  
for example, products take many years  
to develop, test and bring to market, and  
are quite rightly subject to strict regulatory 
process. Revenue from the sale of original 
equipment and subsequent aftermarket 
services generate cash flows for decades.

The Board reviewed the Group’s product 
portfolio and corporate structure in  
light of these financial and investment 
characteristics. This review led to the 
decision to divest our Energy business  
and we completed its sale to Siemens  
in December. At the same time we 
strengthened our position in the core 
division of Land & Sea by completing the 
acquisition of the shares held by Daimler  
in Power Systems. We are focused on the 
twin pillars of Aerospace and Land & Sea 
because of their technology and service 
model synergies and their combined ability 
to create shared competitive advantage.

Our strong belief is that shareholders,  
as well as customers and employees, will  
be best served if the Company continues to 
focus on expanding its position in the highly 
attractive global markets for power and 
propulsion. We have long-established and 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

PAYMENT TO SHAREHOLDERS

23.1p (2013: 22.0p)

UNDERLYING EPS

65.3p (2013: 65.6p)

ORDER BOOK

£74bn (2013: £72bn)

RETURN ON SALES

11.5% (2013: 11.8%)

MORE FINANCIAL INFORMATION  
ON PAGES 26 TO 31

 The 

fundamentals 
of the business 
remain strong.”

11

Strategic ReportCHAIRMAN’S REVIEW
CONTINUED

PEOPLE AND TALENT
We are exploring ways of accelerating  
and broadening career paths for our 
highest potential talent across the world 
and for further increasing diversity as an 
important element of changing and 
strengthening our culture.

MORE INFORMATION  
ON PAGES 42 TO 43

 We are 
committed to being a 
leader in environmental 
and social responsibility 
and to being regarded as 
a good corporate citizen.”

12

competitive technology platforms, as well  
as customer relationships, in gas turbines, 
reciprocating engines, nuclear services and 
controls. We see substantial long-term value 
creation and growth potential from these 
products, not least from aftermarket 
services where Rolls-Royce has been a 
pioneer. There will be cyclicality and 
volatility – external and internal risks are  
not insignificant – however, our long-term 
aspiration is to build on our position  
as a leading global provider of complex 
integrated power systems for use in the  
air, on land and at sea.

INNOVATION
Innovation has been, and is, critical to  
the long-term success of Rolls-Royce.  
We cannot depend on size and scale alone 
for competitive advantage. We invest more 
than £1 billion a year in research and 
development (R&D) to ensure that we 
conceive, design and deliver world-class 
technology that meets our customers’ 
current and future requirements.

Innovation is not just about R&D numbers 
and not just about product technology.  
An increasing focus, for example, is on data 
analytics and on control systems to reflect 
our customers’ increasing requirements for 
integrated solutions. Rolls-Royce has long 
been an innovator in services and we will  
be looking to build on this. I am especially 
proud of our collaborative approach to 
innovation, particularly our work with 
leading universities across the world on 
designated topics and technologies. We are 
quite clear that we must improve our capital 
efficiency, our cost competitiveness and our 
cash generation. However this will not be at 
the expense of our strategic commitment to 
innovation and development. These will be 
the drivers of long-term profitable growth 
and value creation.

TALENT AND CAPABILITIES
I would like to touch on some of the key 
enablers that will be required to deliver  
our strategy and our operational plans. In 
particular, we need to attract, develop and 
retain outstanding talent everywhere we 
operate, commercial and functional talent 
as much as engineering talent. In the past 
year we recruited 354 graduates from 112 
universities in 11 countries and we recruited 

357 apprentices across the world. I am 
pleased that 26% of our graduate recruits 
and 10% of our UK apprentices are female 
– not good enough but progress. Our 
community programmes remain directed 
towards encouraging young people, 
particularly females, to choose science, 
technology, engineering and maths (STEM) 
subjects. We are in the process of reviewing 
our training and leadership development 
programmes, particularly for middle 
managers. We are also exploring ways of 
accelerating and broadening career paths 
for our highest potential talent across the 
world and for further increasing diversity  
as an important element of changing and 
strengthening our culture.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Board recognises that strong 
governance is a hallmark of excellent 
companies. We remain committed to  
being a leader in ethical behaviour and in 
environmental and social responsibility. We 
are updating and upgrading our governance 
structures and controls, with a particular 
focus on risk and compliance procedures. 
The concerns about bribery and corruption 
involving intermediaries in overseas 
markets, and the subsequent SFO enquiry, 
together with wider speculation, have been 
a body blow to the Company and we have 
responded accordingly. We have expanded 
significantly our compliance team, invested 
heavily in training and awareness building 
across the Group and strengthened our 
internal controls. Our staff have received a 
new Global Code of Conduct, together with 
mandatory training. We have established or 
expanded our own offices in many 
international markets and reduced 
dramatically the number of external 
intermediaries. Further details are contained 
in the Safety and Ethics Committee Report 
on page 66. We are grateful to Lord Gold 
who continues to advise us on compliance 
and ethics best practice.

BOARD APPOINTMENTS AND CHANGES
Ruth Cairnie, formerly an executive vice 
president with Royal Dutch Shell, joined  
the Board in September. In addition,  
Pamela Coles, previously at Centrica, has 
joined Rolls-Royce as Company Secretary.  
We are lucky to have both of them.

Rolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014Strategic ReportI would also like to thank John Rishton, his 
management team and all our employees 
for their hard work and exceptional 
dedication in a demanding year.

I hope this review demonstrates our 
understanding of the concerns about 
Rolls-Royce’s financial performance in 2014 
and the 2015 outlook. We are totally focused 
on returning the Company to its long-term 
trajectory of profitable growth and of 
superior shareholder returns. We will 
continue to focus on the 4Cs of Customer, 
Concentration, Cost and Cash to improve 
performance, and we will strengthen our 
financial controls and communications. We 
will sustain our commitment to innovation 
and development.

The fundamentals of the business remain 
strong. They are underpinned by our record 
order book and our expanding installed 
equipment base that will generate value  
for years ahead. This is a sound business 
with continued growth potential.

IAN DAVIS
Chairman
12 February 2015

I was also very pleased to welcome David 
Smith to the Board. David was appointed 
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in November, 
replacing Mark Morris who left the 
Company. David joined Rolls-Royce at  
the beginning of 2014 as the CFO of the 
Aerospace Division. Prior to that, he had 
extensive international experience in 
engineering and technology companies.  
A particular focus for David will be to 
strengthen further our financial controls 
and management information systems  
as well as improving our communications 
with the investment community. 

I would like to thank Mark Morris for his 
years of service and contributions to the 
Company and to the Board. I would also  
like to thank Iain Conn who stood down 
from the Board after nine years of dedicated 
and exemplary service. He was succeeded as 
Senior Independent Director by Lewis Booth.

After a successful career spanning 17 years 
with Rolls-Royce, James Guyette will step 
down from the Board at the conclusion of 
the 2015 Annual General Meeting (AGM) 
and retire from his role as President and 
Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce North 
America on 31 May 2015. James has made a 
tremendous contribution to the Company 
over many years. He has helped guide the 
business through a period of significant 
expansion, especially in the North American 
market. His energy, good humour and 
commitment to our customers will be 
missed by us all.

John Neill has also indicated that he will  
step down from the Board after just over  
six years as a Non-Executive Director and 
will not therefore put himself forward  
for re-election at the 2015 AGM. I would  
like to thank John for his tremendous 
contribution to the Board and his exemplary 
commitment to Rolls-Royce over the last  
six years. He will be missed and we wish  
him well for the future.

I am pleased to announce that Irene Dorner 
will be joining the Board as a Non-Executive 
Director with effect from 27 July 2015.  
She will also become a member of the 
Nominations and Governance Committee 

and the Safety and Ethics Committee from 
the date of her appointment. She brings a 
wealth of experience from international 
banking along with a passion for driving 
culture change in large organisations.

Irene was CEO and president of HSBC  
USA until December 2014 where she was 
responsible for all of HSBC’s operations  
in the US and played a key role in 
strengthening their risk processes. During 
her 29-year career at HSBC, she held a 
number of international roles. She was  
the first woman to lead HSBC in Malaysia 
and launched its Islamic banking unit.  
She is a passionate advocate of diversity  
and inclusion. 

There have been some adjustments to the 
committee structure of the Board, explained 
in more detail in my introduction to the 
Directors’ Report on page 56. Safety and 
Ethics have been combined into one 
committee under the chairmanship  
of Sir Frank Chapman, formerly CEO of  
BG Group. I have also established a Science 
and Technology Committee, under the 
chairmanship of Warren East, formerly  
CEO of ARM Holdings. Science and 
technology are critical to the Company’s 
success and warrant the attention of a 
focused committee, in addition to general 
board oversight.

We have benefited again from the insight 
and experience of our International Advisory 
Board (IAB) the composition of which is 
described on page 57. The role of the IAB  
is to provide contextual understanding  
of international economic and political 
developments, and to help management 
and the Board better understand long-term 
geographical opportunities and risks. 
Members of the IAB are also available to our 
senior management on specific issues and 
areas of expertise. We are fortunate to have 
such a wealth of experience and knowledge 
at our disposal. I am very grateful to them 
and in particular to Lord Powell for his 
exemplary chairmanship of the IAB.

I would like to thank my fellow board 
members for their diligence and 
outstanding commitment to Rolls-Royce.  

13

Strategic ReportStrategic Report

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW

Rolls-Royce is in business 
to deliver better power 
for a changing world.  
The integrated power 
systems that we develop, 
build and maintain, 
address the increasing 
global demand for 
transport and energy.

 We continually 
seek to reduce cost to remain 
competitive and to generate 
the funds we need to invest 
in future growth.”

14

Rolls-Royce Holdings plc

Annual Report 2014

JOHN RISHTON 
Chief Executive

As society becomes more integrated, 
population expands and the world becomes 
more affluent, the requirement for the  
type of advanced engineering solutions  
we provide will grow. These are long-term 
trends that require long-term investment 
and present us with the opportunity for 
long-term profitable growth. 

The path to growth will not always be 
smooth. For Rolls-Royce, 2014 has proved  
a challenging year for reasons that I will 
explain in some detail. During 2014, Group 
underlying revenue was 6% lower than in 
2013 and underlying profit before tax 
declined by 8%. However, the Group order 
book grew to a new record of £73.7 billion, 
demonstrating the confidence our 
customers continue to place in our 
technology and the growth that lies ahead.  
It is encouraging that the Defence aerospace 
order book increased for the first time since 
2010, with continued growth in the order 
books of Civil aerospace and Power Systems.

In this review I will explain why we believe 
our business model is robust, I will describe 
the transformation we are driving through 
the Group and the reasons for our 
confidence in the future. I will also outline 
the challenges we face and the decisive 
action we are taking to accelerate a return 
to our long-term trend of profitable growth.

So let me start with our business model.  
We invest in technology in order to meet  
our customers’ current and future needs. 
Through constant innovation we create the 
opportunity to grow sales and expand our 
market share. We earn revenue both from 
the sale of original equipment and from 
servicing the power systems we produce. 
We continually seek to reduce cost to remain 
competitive and to generate the funds we 
need to invest in future growth.

Strategic Report

We have evolved and simplified our strategy 
to focus on the core areas of: customer, 
innovation and profitable growth. 

Customer: we put customers at the heart of 
the organisation. We understand their needs 
and then focus relentlessly on delivery.

Innovation: is at the core of Rolls-Royce  
and drives a culture of continuous 
improvement. Delivering relevant 
innovation is critical to meeting our 
customers’ current and future needs.

Profitable growth: by focusing on our 
customers and presenting them with a 
competitive portfolio of innovative products 
and services, we create the opportunity  
for long-term profitable growth.

This sharper focus enables us to drive our 
business model harder and will, over time, 
deliver improving financial returns.

From its earliest days Rolls-Royce has 
addressed a range of markets where 
demand exists for advanced engineering 
solutions. Our 1906 articles of association 
describe the business as producing 
technology for use in the air, on land and at 
sea. More than a century later this approach 
remains relevant and we run our business 
through the two Divisions of Aerospace and 
Land & Sea that you will see described in the 
pages of this Annual Report. 

There is an industrial, commercial and 
strategic logic that ties these two Divisions 
together and generates value for the Group. 

Industrially, our knowledge of advanced 
engineering applies across both our 
Divisions. World-class technology is required 
by all of our customers and as the power 
systems we produce become more 
sophisticated, a deep understanding  
of materials science, electronics, data 
management and aftermarket services  
are increasingly important in every part  
of the Group.

BETTER POWER
Our Land & Sea Division is well positioned 
to meet the requirements for cleaner 
power that will be driven by future growth 
in world trade.

£74bn Our order book 

increased in 2014 to a record level

Commercially, we and our competitors 
recognise the requirement of a broad 
portfolio and exposure to differing business 
and investment cycles. It is not a coincidence 
that there is no pure aerospace power 
system company in the world.

The scale represented by our two Divisions  
is important in maintaining a strong 
balance sheet and protecting our 
investment grade rating. Scale has also 
enabled us to maintain a global R&D 
network comprising 31 University 
Technology Centres and seven Advanced 
Manufacturing Research Centres. These 
facilities envisage, develop and test 
emerging technologies that have 
applications across our portfolio. Our 
breadth increases market access and 
generates opportunity. For example, our 
Nuclear business is relatively small but 
extends our influence and gives us access  
to the highest levels of government 
internationally. 

15

Strategic Report

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW
CONTINUED

INNOVATION
We invest in technology in order to meet 
our customers’ current and future needs. 
Through constant innovation we create  
the opportunity to grow sales and expand 
our market share. 

MORE INFORMATION  
ON PAGES 20 TO 21

 We continue  

to make good progress 
improving quality, 
delivery, reliability  
and responsiveness.”

Strategically, our two Divisions address 
markets where long-term growth is  
assured and where increasingly 
sophisticated engineering solutions will  
be required. We believe both aerospace  
and land & sea markets offer attractive 
returns and play to our strengths. 

The future growth of air travel is widely 
understood and reflected in our £63 billion 
Civil aerospace order book. To give this some 
perspective, in the past decade we have 
delivered 1,600 Trent engines. In the decade 
ahead we expect to deliver 4,000. All of the 
engines in this expanding fleet will produce 
service revenues that will extend for 
decades to come. Our Land & Sea Division  
is well positioned to meet the requirements 
for cleaner power that will be driven by 
future growth in world trade (90% of  
which is carried by sea), urbanisation, 
population growth and tighter 
environmental regulations.

Across the Group, we invest in technology 
that is continually setting new standards  
in power efficiency and environmental 
performance. The complexity of what we  
do creates barriers to entry and generates 
new market opportunities. Put simply, there 
will be significant long-term growth in 
demand for the complex integrated power 
systems we deliver, and there are not many 
companies with the ability to do what we 
can do.

Despite these fundamental strengths,  
in 2014 our short-term performance has 
been negatively affected by a number of 
factors. In Aerospace our Defence revenues 
fell by 20%, reflecting reduced government 
defence spending in our main markets of 
North America and Europe. In Land & Sea, 
slowing growth in a number of our major 
markets including Continental Europe, 
South America and China has caused some 
customers to delay or cancel orders. At the 
same time, sharp declines in the price of oil 
and other commodities have led customers  
to reduce or defer expenditure, especially  
in the oil & gas, mining and construction 
industries.

In response to these adverse conditions,  
we have accelerated progress on the 4Cs  
of Customer, Concentration, Cost and Cash 
– with a particular emphasis on cost. This 
decisive action is driving a transformation 
of the business that will, in time, make us  
a stronger Group and hasten our return  
to profitable growth. 

On Customer: we continue to make good 
progress improving quality, delivery, 
reliability and responsiveness; the 
characteristics our customers tell us they 
value most. The results can be seen across  
a wide range of programmes. At Group level 
there has been a further improvement in 
delivery times – particularly for spare parts. 
In Aerospace, the Trent 1000 that powers  
the Boeing 787 Dreamliner has achieved  
an industry-leading 99.9% engine dispatch 
reliability after completing over 500,000 
flying hours in service. Since launch, we  
have doubled the time on wing for both  
our Trent 700 and Trent 800 fleets. In our 
Civil Small and Medium Engines business, 
we achieved a 57 percentage points 
improvement in restoring operational 
availability for business jets in the past year.

Recognising the progress we have made, 
Airbus has presented us with its Supply 
Chain and Quality Improvement Award.  
The US Government’s Defense Logistics 
Agency recognised Rolls-Royce as a ‘first  
tier supplier’ from among 153 companies 
and we were awarded joint first place by 
Aviation International News for the quality 
of our business aircraft support.

In Land & Sea, our delivery on time to 
Marine customers has improved by  
33 percentage points since 2012. Marine 
also signed its first commercial long-term 
service agreement. As the power systems we 
deliver in Land & Sea become more complex, 
we see further opportunities to expand our 
aftermarket activities, building on the data 
and service capabilities we have developed 
in Aerospace. In Power Systems, we opened 
an additional logistics centre in Singapore, 
enabling a 5% improvement in the 
availability of spare parts and setting  
a new standard for customer service. 

Improving performance in this way 
strengthens the relationship we have with 

16

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Annual Report 2014

Strategic Report

our customers, and generates opportunities 
for us to secure additional business. 

Concentration: means deciding where  
we want to invest and where not to.

In August, we were pleased to acquire 
Daimler’s 50% shareholding in Rolls-Royce 
Power Systems for £1.94 billion. Power 
Systems adds scale and capability to our 
reciprocating engines portfolio. It has 
outstanding technology, operates in 
long-term growth markets and has  
proved a valuable addition to our  
Land & Sea Division.

We also divested a significant business in 
December, completing the sale of our Energy 
gas turbines and compressor business to 
Siemens. This is a business that has excellent 
technology and a talented workforce, but it 
lacks the scale required to prosper as part of 
Rolls-Royce. Siemens has a far bigger power 
generation business and is a more suitable 
owner. The sale generated proceeds of 
around £1 billion. We are returning this to 
shareholders by way of a share buyback that 
started in December 2014.

Turning to Cost: we have taken action to 
improve cost performance in every part of 
the business and in every cost category. We 
have made good progress in some areas and 
as a result, Group gross margins improved 
by 1.7 percentage points in 2014. In Defence, 
we have improved margins despite declining 
revenue. In Land & Sea, we closed five plants 
and are rationalising other parts of the 
business. For example, we are consolidating 
production of steering gear in Norway and 
waterjets into Finland. We are driving down 
cost by improving quality, simplifying 
logistics, reducing waste, and adopting 
processes that allow us to make things 
better and faster. 

In November, we announced a restructuring 
programme in our Aerospace Division and 
central functions, which is expected to 
reduce headcount by 2,600. By the end of 
2014, 545 people had left the business, with 
the majority of the reductions expected in 
2015. This programme is expected to result 
in restructuring charges of around  
£120 million, of which £56 million was 
recognised in our 2014 results.  

We anticipate annualised cost benefits of 
around £80 million from 2016 onwards, 
with £50 million in benefits expected in 
2015. Our total Aerospace 2014 
restructuring activities cost £164 million  
(of which £139 million was underlying).

However, in a complex and highly-regulated 
business, we recognise that it will take  
some time for the full benefit of our cost 
programmes to feed through. There are  
also a number of headwinds in our Civil 
aerospace business associated with our 
future growth. For example, we have 
invested in the capacity required to deliver 
our record order book, but delay in a number 
of our customers’ major programmes has 
meant some of this new capacity has come 
on stream before it is needed, leaving us 
with under-utilised production facilities.  
We have also constructed a number of new 
world-class facilities to replace older, less 
productive plants. For a period of transition 
we are carrying the cost of both the old  
and new facilities.

Group restructuring costs in 2014 were 
£188 million, of which £149 million was 
underlying. Over the past two years, the 
Group has reduced indirect headcount  
by 18%. We expect Group underlying 
restructuring costs to be between £90  
and £100 million in 2015.

Cost performance will continue to be a 
major focus, and as we rationalise and 
transform the Group, we have targeted a 
20% reduction in our footprint and a 
doubling of our lower-cost country sourcing 
by 2020. We are now accelerating progress 
towards these targets. 

Cash: we continue to focus on improving 
our free cash flow, particularly in the face  
of near-term headwinds. Our programmes 
to reduce product and aftermarket costs, 
lower our headcount and to reduce our 
footprint all require upfront investment  
but will deliver cost and cash benefits in  
the medium term. As revenue increases,  
we expect to reduce our capital expenditure 
and R&D as a percentage of sales. The 
customer progress highlighted earlier is 
improving our operational performance. 

OUR FIVE PRIORITIES 
FOR THE GROUP

DURING 2014 WE OUTLINED THE PRIORITIES 
FOR THE BUSINESS GOING FORWARD.

FIX THE BASICS (THE 4Cs)
This is about improving the bedrock of the 
organisation: focusing on our customers  
and their needs; concentrating on what we 
are good at; attacking cost across the Group 
and managing our cash position effectively.

CULTURE
We want a business-orientated, innovative 
and cost-conscious culture, one that 
understands our customers and delivers on 
their behalf. We must have a culture where 
ethical behaviour is fully embedded, so that 
we don’t just win but win right.

CIVIL WIDEBODY
We are building on success. In the last decade 
we delivered 1,600 Trents and in the next we 
will deliver 4,000. We power over 50% of new 
widebody aircraft. Our next generation 
engines, Advance and UltraFan™, will help 
maintain our leading market position.

CIVIL NARROWBODY
Narrowbodies represent 70% of the civil 
aircraft market by volume and 50% by value. 
We have the requisite skills and technology  
to return to this market and are determined 
to do so when the opportunity arises.  
This is important in the longer term,  
not just because of the scale this market 
segment offers but also because of the 
chance it presents to develop greater 
customer intimacy.

MEDIUM-SPEED RECIPROCATING ENGINES
Medium-speed reciprocating engines power 
the vast majority of the marine vessels that 
we design and equip. We have world-class 
technology, but it is characteristic of this 
industry that the engine supplier is 
particularly well placed to pull through  
other technologies, so our lack of scale  
in medium-speed engines confers a 
disadvantage we need to address.

17

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW
CONTINUED

TECHNOLOGY
We have continued to invest in our  
Land & Sea Division, bringing new 
technology to market across the portfolio. 
In September, we unveiled the first of a 
new family of medium-speed reciprocating 
engines for power on land and at sea.  
The new Bergen B33:45 offers a 20% 
increase in power per cylinder, while 
reducing fuel consumption, emissions  
and operating costs. 

MORE INFORMATION 
ON PAGE 38

Combined with increasing volumes, this will 
enable us to reduce our inventory buffers. 

While a great deal of attention has been 
focused, quite rightly, on the financial 
performance of the Group, it is important  
to recognise significant achievements in 
2014 that will support the Group’s future 
profitable growth.

We marked a major milestone in the 
development of carbon titanium (CTi) fan 
blades with the launch of a test flight 
programme on board a Boeing 747 flying 
test bed. CTi technology delivers lighter fan 
blades that will be incorporated into future 
aero engines. Combined with a composite 
fan casing, it forms a system that can reduce 
weight by up to 1,500lb per aircraft, the 
equivalent of seven passengers.

In Land & Sea we have also continued to 
strengthen our portfolio, bringing new 
technology to market across the Division.  
In September, we unveiled the first of a  
new family of medium-speed reciprocating 
engines for use on land and at sea. The  
new Bergen B33:45 offers a 20% increase  
in power per cylinder, while reducing fuel 
consumption, emissions and operating 
costs. It is our first new product to combine 
the engineering strengths of our traditional 
Bergen engines operation and our new 
Power Systems business. Because of its 
greater power range, the new engine 
increases our addressable market in 
medium-speed engines by 20%. 

In the naval market two important new 
ships powered by our MT30 gas turbines 
were officially named: the multi-mission 
destroyer USS Zumwalt and the Royal Navy 
aircraft carrier Queen Elizabeth.

In the rail sector, Power Systems has 
developed an MTU hybrid PowerPack that 
generates additional power through the 
braking control system. This technology 
offers a fuel saving of up to 25% with a 
proportional reduction in emissions. 

For off-highway vehicles, MTU’s latest  
Series 4000 engine has improved fuel 
consumption by 5%. For a typical application 
this can represent a saving of up to 100,000 
litres of fuel and reduction of 350 tonnes of 
CO2 emissions each year. 

1,500 Trent XWB 

engines are on order. The first 
engines were delivered to  
Qatar Airways in 2014

In Aerospace in December, we were 
delighted to celebrate the first delivery of the 
Trent XWB, powering the new Airbus A350 
XWB for launch customer Qatar Airways. 
The Trent XWB is the most fuel efficient 
large aero engine operating in the world 
today. I would like to congratulate everyone 
at Rolls-Royce who has worked so hard  
over many years to support the successful 
delivery of this exceptional aircraft, for 
which Rolls-Royce is the sole engine provider.

At the Farnborough International Airshow  
in July, we announced the seventh member 
of the Trent engine family, the Trent 7000, 
that will power the new Airbus A330neo. 
This new engine will incorporate technology 
from our most recent Trents and will deliver 
a 10% improvement in specific fuel 
consumption and halve the noise energy 
output compared to the current engine on 
the A330. Rolls-Royce will be the exclusive 
engine supplier on the A330neo, due to 
enter service in 2017.

We have continued to bring new world-class 
facilities on stream in 2014. These include 
the opening of our new advanced disc 
manufacturing facility at Washington in  
the UK and the first production aerofoil 
from our new Advanced Aerofoil 
Manufacturing Facility at Crosspointe, 
Virginia in the US. 2014 saw the 
inauguration of our new large engine test 
bed in Dahlewitz, Germany and the opening 
of a new marine customer training centre 
outside Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

18

Rolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014Strategic Report Strategically,  

our two Divisions  
address markets  
where long-term growth  
is assured and where 
increasingly sophisticated 
engineering solutions  
will be required.”

This year our Global Code of Conduct has 
been ranked by the Red Flag Group as third 
among those within the FTSE 100 companies 
that were assessed. Following the roll-out  
of our Global Code, dilemma-based ethics 
training has been deployed to all  
our employees to ensure continuing 
attention on this important topic. Training 
in ethics and compliance will continue in 
2015. All employees will be required to 
certify annually that they have completed 
their training. We will be setting similar 
standards for our supply chain through the 
publication of our Supplier Code of Conduct. 

Responding to the difficult circumstances  
of 2014 has required fortitude and resilience 
from the talented men and women who 
work for Rolls-Royce. I would like to thank 
them for their hard work and for the 
enthusiasm I encounter wherever in the 
Company I travel. I am grateful to our 
suppliers and partners who make such an 
important contribution to Rolls-Royce and 
share our commitment to continuous 
improvement. I would like to thank our 
customers who continue to place their faith 
in our technology. Meeting their current  
and future needs is our highest priority.

This year we held our inaugural Trusted  
to Deliver Excellence Awards to recognise 
Rolls-Royce teams who have achieved 
outstanding results for their customers.  
The imagination, passion and ability  
to execute demonstrated by all the finalists 
is inspiring. You can read more about these 
awards on pages 42 to 43.

Returning our Group to profitable growth 
will demand firm resolve and commitment 
and will take some time. However, as I have 
described in this review, the business 
fundamentals of Rolls-Royce remain sound, 
we have the right strategy and we are clear 
about the action that is required. Everything 
I know about this great Company makes  
me confident that the team will rise to  
the challenge.

JOHN RISHTON
Chief Executive
12 February 2015

MTU’s latest Series 4000 
engine has improved fuel 
consumption by

5%

In our Nuclear business, we were 
encouraged that, in October, the European 
Commission approved the construction  
of the first new commercial nuclear power 
station to be built for a generation in  
the UK, at Hinkley Point in Somerset. The 
Commission concluded that new nuclear 
power is vital for Britain’s energy security 
and will be key to reducing carbon emissions 
from the UK’s electricity industry. Hinkley 
Point C is the first of at least 11 new reactors 
planned for the UK, for which Rolls-Royce  
is well positioned to supply components, 
systems and engineering services.

31 University Technology 

Centres. This research network 
extends relationships we have 
with world-leading universities

As the Chairman said, we continued to 
strengthen the governance of the Group.  
We expect the highest standards of 
behaviour from our employees and we  
have been explicit that we will not tolerate 
business misconduct of any sort. The 
Serious Fraud Office investigation into 
concerns about bribery and corruption 
involving intermediaries in overseas 
markets continues and we are cooperating 
fully with the investigating authorities.  
Lord Gold is heading a review of our process 
and procedures regarding compliance and 
business ethics. 

19

Strategic ReportStrategic Report

INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY 

Technology and innovation  
are at the heart of Rolls-Royce.  
We anticipate technology then 
create products and services  
that our customers need ahead  
of market requirements. 
In 2014, we spent £1.2 billion gross 
in R&D and filed for 600 patents.

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Rolls-Royce Holdings plc

Annual Report 2014

ENGINEERING STRENGTH 
Our 15,500* engineers, along with our 
supply chain, commercialise and deploy  
the continuous stream of science developed 
by our university partners into technology 
then products. Competitive technology 
comes from combining great people, tools 
and processes. These fundamental building 
blocks are used across our two Divisions, 
Aerospace and Land & Sea. We also 
continually invest in new talent and in 2014 
we recruited 354 graduates (254 of which 
went into engineering) and 357 apprentices. 
Technical people are the lifeblood of the 
Company. Our investment in technical and 
leadership training allows us to continuously 
develop world-class professionals.

INNOVATION 
We have a track record over many years  
of creating new products and services and 
we continue to strive to be leading edge in 
everything we do. Innovation cannot be left 
to chance. It needs to be encouraged, 
managed, selected and pulled through into 
products and services. Harnessing the total 
intellectual power of our people takes 
enthusiasm and effort. Our new Innovation 
Portal, Big Ideas Forums and Open 
Innovation challenge have been successful 
and each year we reward the most 

Our partnership in seven Advanced 
Manufacturing Research Centres (AMRCs) 
bridges the gap between research and 
industrial application; providing facilities 
for industrial partners and academics to 
develop new manufacturing technology. 

For example, innovative manufacturing 
techniques developed in our AMRC in 
Sheffield, UK, are now deployed in our 
state-of-the-art disc facility in 
Washington, UK.

innovative ideas at our Sir Henry Royce 
Technology Awards. We look at innovation  
in terms of technology and services and  
also in the way we conduct engineering  
and manufacturing. This ensures that  
we continuously simplify and improve 
processes in order to be efficient and  
remove waste. 

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
The strength of our current product portfolio 
results from consistent and long-term 
investment in R&D and our ability to bring 
technology to industrial applications.  
In addition to our extensive in-house 
technology capability, we have partnerships 
with world-leading universities in order to 
create new technology. We continuously 
invest in our global network of 31 world-class 
University Technology Centres (UTCs) where 
we build the foundation for the next 
generation of products. These technologies 
feed into our demonstration programmes, 
where robust validation takes place before 
proceeding in a structured and controlled 
way into new production.

£1.2bn 

R&D INVESTMENT

DEMONSTRATOR PROGRAMMES 
During 2014, progress was made on our 
many new technologies, for example, the 
carbon titanium fan has flown for the first 
time this year in the advanced low-pressure 
systems (ALPS) demonstrator, a modified 
Trent. The composite fan system has been 
developed with the help of four UTCs and 
five AMRCs and will offer over 750lbs of 
weight saving on our future large engines. 
We have demonstrated a new mobile MTU 
gas engine which has been in development 
since 2013. This high-speed gas engine offers 
a fuel alternative whilst maintaining the 
level of performance expected from our 
high-speed diesel engines. At our Dahlewitz 
site in Germany, we are building a new test 
facility for power gearboxes. These 
gearboxes will be used on the next 
generation UltraFan engine and should offer 
a 25% improvement in fuel efficiency when 
compared to the Trent 700. 

*  total as at end of 2014

OUR ‘VISION’ APPROACH

WE LOOK AT TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION 
OVER A 5, 10 AND 20-YEAR HORIZON. 

VISION 5
Vision 5 describes near-term technologies 
that are ready to introduce into our products. 
For instance, this year we have successfully 
demonstrated our low observability 
propulsion and exhaust system integration 
capability on the BAE Systems Taranis 
unmanned aerial vehicle. On reciprocating 
engines our dual-fuel injector design enables 
pre-mixed high pressure gas combustion  
and allows the operator to switch from  
gas to liquid fuel during operation. 

VISION 10
Vision 10 describes leading-edge, validated 
technologies for application in the ‘medium 
term’. Most of these are at demonstration 
level today and will feature in the next 
generation of products. For example, the  
lean burn combustion system for aero gas 
turbines has been in development for some 
years and offers a 60% reduction in the 
pollutant NOx and particulate matter (smoke) 
compared to year 2000 levels. It will reach 
flight test in 2015 and is supported  
by the European Clean Sky Programme. 

VISION 20
Vision 20 describes emerging, or as yet 
unproven, technologies which may be 
applied across our product range in both 
Aerospace and Land & Sea. For example,  
we are developing concepts for autonomous 
ships to reduce operating costs and radically 
simplify onboard facilities.

21

Strategic Report 
 
MARKET OUTLOOK

The Group has identified markets where our skills and 
technology add value for our customers and deliver value 
for shareholders. As a long-term business we assess the 
market potential over a 20-year horizon.

Through the customer-facing 
businesses that make up our two 
Divisions, we are delivering better 
power in the air, on land and at sea.

Our technology, skills and customer 
insight position us to have the right 
products and services today and  
for the future.

Aerospace potential  
for OE and services  
over the next 20 years 

US$2,300bn†

Land & Sea potential  
for OE and services  
over the next 20 years

£1,300bn†

†  Rounded to the nearest 100bn

22

AEROSPACE DIVISION

LAND & SEA DIVISION

CIVIL AEROSPACE
We estimate that the global civil engine 
market will be worth approximately 
US$1,900 billion over the next 20 years,  
with US$1,250 billion being for original 
equipment (OE) and US$650 billion for 
aftermarket services. Over half of this value 
comprises engines for twin-aisle airliners 
and large business jets.

DEFENCE AEROSPACE
The defence market opportunity over the 
next 20 years is US$125-150 billion in OE  
and US$225-250 billion in services.

POWER SYSTEMS
We estimate the off-highway reciprocating 
engine markets we address offer an 
opportunity of £500 billion over the next  
20 years for OE. The total service-related 
market will offer a potential of around  
a third of that OE value, or £150 billion.

MARINE
We forecast a business opportunity 
(excluding reciprocating engines) across  
the offshore, merchant and naval market 
segments over the next 20 years of  
£170 billion for OE and £80 billion for 
associated services.

NUCLEAR
The demand for mission-critical equipment, 
systems and engineering services for  
civil nuclear could reach £220 billion over 
the next 20 years, while the demand for 
associated reactor support services  
could amount to £140 billion over the  
same period. 

Rolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014Strategic ReportSTRATEGY

We are a power systems company competing globally. We win 
in our chosen markets by focusing on, and connecting, three 
powerful themes: customer, innovation and profitable growth.

CUSTOMER

INNOVATION

PROFITABLE GROWTH

Placing the customer at the heart  
of our organisation is key. We 
listen to our customers, share 
ideas, really understand their 
needs and then relentlessly focus 
on delivering our promises.

This is our lifeblood. We 
continually innovate to remain 
competitive. To drive innovation, 
we create the right environment 
– curious, challenging, unafraid  
of failure, disciplined, open-
minded and able to change with 
pace. Most importantly, we ensure 
our innovation is relevant to our 
customers’ needs.

By focusing on our customers  
and offering them a competitive 
portfolio of products and services, 
we create the opportunity to grow 
our market share. We have to 
make sure that we are not just 
growing, but growing profitably. 
That means ensuring our costs  
are competitive. We look after  
our cash and we win right.

PEOPLE 

Our people are the key enabler of our strategy. We are committed to 
recruiting, developing and retaining the best and to creating a climate 
for success. We are building a business-orientated, innovative and 
cost-conscious culture, where our people feel connected to the needs  
of our customers, the needs of our shareholders and the needs of our 
broader communities.

SEE PAGES 44 TO 47 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW SUSTAINABILITY PLAYS A PIVOTAL ROLE IN THE 
DELIVERY OF OUR STRATEGY

23

Strategic ReportStrategic Report

BUSINESS MODEL

We bring advanced technology 
to market through integrated 
power and propulsion systems 
and services for use in the air, 
on land and at sea. 

Engineering excellence is a fundamental source of competitive 
advantage across the Group. Our methods, processes and 
experience enable us to deliver complex, high-value programmes. 
Our ability to optimise and integrate entire systems is a core 
competence informed by a close understanding of customer  
needs and decades of domain knowledge. 

Addressing complementary markets from a shared capability and 
technology base brings breadth and scale, diversity and balance, 
enabling us to invest efficiently, and providing the resilience 
required to offset new project risk. Our manufacturing model  
is consistent across the Group; we only produce parts ourselves 
where we can create and sustain a competitive advantage. 

The balance of our supply chain is built around close and  
long-standing relationships with key partners and suppliers,  
a model that provides flexibility of capacity and secures access  
to world-class capability. Some partners, as well as supplying  
parts, share in the risks and rewards of the whole programme  
from research and development to manufacture, through risk  
and revenue sharing arrangements.

Services are an essential part of our business, building customer 
relationships and providing revenue stability by moderating the 
effects of new equipment order cycles. Services offer strong growth 
potential and the opportunity to align incentives through long-term 
service contracts, providing visibility of costs to our customers and 
helping us secure future revenues. This is particularly the case  
in Civil aerospace where contractual and air safety considerations 
mean that we have rights that secure a large part of the  
aftermarket spare parts business even where we do not have  
a TotalCare® agreement. 

The operation of our business model over decades has resulted  
in a substantial and growing installed base of engines at all stages 
of the product life cycle. Cash flows today from investments made, 
in some cases many years ago, support investment for the future. 
We are focused on making this proven business model more 
effective through relentless focus on costs to generate the funds  
to sustain the investment necessary to remain competitive.

24

Rolls-Royce Holdings plc

Annual Report 2014

CONNECT TECHNOLOGY  
TO CUSTOMER NEEDS

Our deep understanding of customer 
needs drives the development of new 
technologies and products.

AEROSPACE

ALLOCATE CAPITAL TO  
NEW GROWTH

We operate a disciplined capital allocation 
process across the Group. We invest only 
where we believe we can create and 
sustain a competitive advantage and 
achieve a good return for shareholders.

Gas turbinesLarge & globalHighHigh5-20 years40+ yearsSubstantial and growingStrategic Report

INVEST IN R&D AND  
SKILLED PEOPLE

Developing and protecting leading-edge 
technology and deploying it across our 
businesses allows us to compete on a global 
basis and creates high barriers to entry.

DESIGN AND MAKE  
WORLD-CLASS PRODUCTS

We differentiate on performance. We win 
and retain customers by developing and 
delivering products that provide more 
capability and offer better through-life 
value than those of our competitors.

AEROSPACE

 LAND & SEA

SECURE AND MAXIMISE  
SERVICE OPPORTUNITY

Our equipment is in service for decades. 
Our deep design knowledge and in-service 
experience ensures that we are best 
placed to optimise product performance 
and availability.

GROW MARKET SHARE  
AND INSTALLED BASE

Our substantial order book for both 
original equipment and services provides 
good visibility of future revenues and 
provides a firm foundation to invest  
with confidence.

25

NuclearGlobal HighLow/medium20 years40+ yearsGrowing POWER SOURCECUSTOMER BASEBARRIERS TO ENTRYINVESTMENT REQUIREDDEVELOPMENT TIMEPRODUCT LIFESERVICE OPPORTUNITYReciprocating enginesLarge & global Medium/highLow/medium2-8 years20+ yearsGrowing  
Strategic Report

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER’S REVIEW

26

Rolls-Royce Holdings plc

Annual Report 2014

As I reflect on my new role 
as Chief Financial Officer 
at Rolls-Royce, I would like 
to underline the progress 
we’ve made in 2014 and 
outline my priorities for 
2015 and beyond.

This has clearly not been an easy year. 
However, the Group is fundamentally strong. 
We are in the enviable position of having  
a £74 billion order book of products and 
services that will deliver revenue for decades 
to come. We operate in markets with 
excellent long-term growth dynamics and 
high barriers to entry. We are valued by our 
customers. Our innovative team is creating 
products at the forefront of technology. We 
have set out firmly on the path to transform 
our industrial structure. Our objective now  
is to translate these product successes, 
growth markets and internal transformation 
into attractive returns and cash flow in the 
medium term. 

In 2014, we made good progress on our 
business transformation, delivering both 
in-year improvements on our 4Cs such as 
customer delivery performance and creating 
the medium-term platform for improving 
margins and cash flow. 

For example, in Aerospace we have reduced 
our aftermarket costs for our volume engine, 
the Trent 700, and also made good progress 
on our corporate jet and defence contracts. 
Over the past two years, the Group has 
reduced indirect headcount by 18%. We also 
sold our Energy gas turbines and compressor 
business to Siemens on 1 December 2014.

DAVID SMITH 
Chief Financial Officer

SUMMARY 

Order book £m

Underlying* revenue £m

Underlying* profit before tax £m

Return on sales 

Underlying* earnings per share

Full year payment to shareholders

Reported revenue†

Reported profit before tax†

Reported earnings per share†

Net cash

Free cash flow £m

2014

73,674

14,588

1,617

11.5%

65.3p

23.1p

2013

71,612

15,505

1,759

11.8%

65.6p

22.0p

13,736

14,642

67

3.7p

666

254

1,700

73.3p

1,939

781

Change

+3%

-6%

-8%

 -0.3pp

-0.3p

+5%

-6%

-96%

-69.6p

-66%

-67%

*  Underlying explanation is in note 2 on page 110. 
†  2013 re-presented to reflect Energy as a discontinued operation.
All figures in the narrative of the Strategic Report are underlying unless otherwise stated.

We know we need to accelerate our efforts 
on cost and cash. In November, we 
announced a restructuring and cost 
reduction plan that will deliver £80 million 
in annualised savings and we will make 
further announcements at the appropriate 
time. We will also look to reduce our 
facilities’ footprint, increase our activities  
in lower-cost countries, pursue further 
aftermarket cost reductions and continue  
to make progress on inventory, investment 
efficiency and cash management.

A personal priority is strengthening and 
streamlining our financial controls and 
business information. We have excellent 

accounting and technical skills, which are 
critical in our complex business. I will be 
working to deliver financial and non-
financial KPIs that are more forward-looking 
and have a greater focus on the business 
fundamentals which are driving our cash 
and profit performance. 

I will also be working to ensure that our 
communications with shareholders are  
clear, consistent and helpful. As part of this, 
we have started to provide a medium-term 
outlook and will continue to look at 
additional ways to communicate more 
clearly. Our share buyback programme  
is already underway and will return to 

GROUP UNDERLYING 
REVENUE (£m)

RETURN ON 
SALES (%)

15,505

14,588

12.0 11.8 11.5

10.7

12,209

10,866 11,277

GROUP UNDERLYING 
PROFIT BEFORE 
TAXATION (£m)

1,759

1,617

1,434

1,157

955

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

2011 2012 2013 2014

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

shareholders £1 billion in proceeds from  
the sale of our Energy gas turbines and 
compressor business. 

Amid these changes there are certain 
fundamentals that we will continue  
to support. These include: 
•  maintaining a strong balance sheet that 
gives confidence to our customers and 
enables our business to invest in future 
programmes; 

•  continuing to refine our capital allocation 
processes and invest in R&D to develop  
the next generation of products; and

•  managing risk prudently including 

hedging our foreign currency exposures  
to reduce volatility.

There’s no doubt that the recent changes  
in oil and commodity prices, currencies  
and geopolitical strains have increased 
uncertainty. We therefore need to plan 
cautiously while accelerating our business 
improvement activity. In 2015, we expect 
underlying revenue to be flat overall and 
underlying profit before tax to be down 
somewhat, reflecting the present phase  
of our business transformation. We also 
expect free cash flow to be lower given  
our restructuring spend. 

Looking ahead, our product portfolio 
transition will see rising deliveries of new 
civil engines that will significantly increase 
our installed base. We will also continue to 
grow our Land & Sea businesses. This and  
our investment in new technology and 
industrial transformation will constrain 
near-term margins and cash generation. 
However, as we move towards the medium 
term and this growth and investment phase 
moderates, we expect both margins and 
cash conversion to improve in line with our 
medium-term guidance. 

PAGES 95 TO 148 
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

27

Strategic ReportFINANCIAL REVIEW

2014 has been a mixed year during which underlying 
revenue fell for the first time in a decade, reflecting reduced 
spending by our defence customers, macro economic 
uncertainty and falling commodity prices. 

GROUP UNDERLYING INCOME STATEMENT

£ million
Revenue
Profit before financing
Net financing
Profit before taxation
Taxation
Profit for the year
Earnings per share (EPS)
Payments to shareholders
Gross R&D investment
Net R&D charge

SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS

£ million
Civil
Defence
Aerospace Division
Power Systems
Marine
Nuclear 
Intra-segment
Land & Sea Division (excluding Energy)
Energy
Land & Sea Division
Central costs
Group (excluding Energy)
Group

GROUP UNDERLYING REVENUE 

£14,588m

GROUP UNDERLYING PROFIT BEFORE 
TAXATION

£1,617m

28

2014
14,588
1,678
(61)
1,617
(387)
1,230
65.31p
23.1p

1,249
755

2013
15,505
1,831
(72)
1,759
(434)
1,325
65.59p
22.0p

1,118
624

Revenue 

Profit before financing

2014
6,837
2,069
8,906
2,720
1,709
684
(155)
4,958
724
5,682

2013
6,655
2,591
9,246
2,831
2,037
667
(147)
5,388
871
6,259

13,864
14,588

14,634
15,505

Change
182
(522)
(340)
(111)
(328)
17
(8)
(430)
(147)
(577)

(770)
(917)

2014
942
366
1,308
253
138
48
(13)
426
(3)
423
(53)
1,681
1,678

2013
844
438
1,282
294
233
10
2
539
64
603
(54)
1,767
1,831

Change
(917)
(153)
11
(142)
47
(95)
(0.28)
1.1p
131
131

Change
98
(72)
26
(41)
(95)
38
(15)
(113)
(67)
(180)
1
(86)
(153)

Underlying revenue reduced £0.9 billion  
to £14.6 billion, a reduction of 6%, of which 
3% is due to adverse year-on-year foreign 
exchange (FX) rate movements. The 
remaining reduction reflects a 5% decline  
in original equipment (OE) revenue and  
a 1% decline in services revenue. Underlying 
services revenue continues to represent 
around half (48%) of the Group’s underlying 
revenue. Group services revenue included 
increases in Defence aerospace and Power 
Systems partially offset by reductions in our 
Marine, Nuclear and Energy businesses.

Underlying profit before financing and 
taxation reduced 8% to £1.7 billion. We  
saw a negative impact from lower volumes, 
especially in Defence and Land & Sea, 
increased R&D investment (£140 million) 
and higher restructuring charges  
(£100 million), a one-off Marine charge  
(£30 million), and adverse FX (£49 million). 
These factors were offset by an improved 
trading margin which included 
approximately £150 million benefit from 
improved retrospective TotalCare contract 
profitability (£110 million deterioration  
in 2013), reflecting lower cost, changing 
operating patterns and reduced contract 
risk. Trading margins in Defence also 

Rolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014Strategic Reportimproved, driven by both cost reduction 
action and an improved mix. In Land & Sea 
we incurred a loss at our Bergen subsidiary 
(£33 million), reflecting weaker trading 
performance. Lower bonus and share 
incentive costs resulted in a saving  
of £178 million.

PAGES 32 TO 41  
FURTHER DISCUSSION OF TRADING IS INCLUDED  
IN THE BUSINESS REVIEWS

Underlying financing costs reduced by 15% 
to £61 million reflecting reduced financial 
risk and revenue sharing arrangements 
(RRSAs) liabilities and other improvements.

Underlying taxation of £387 million 
represents an underlying tax rate of 23.9%, 
compared with 24.7% in 2013. 

PAGE 160  
THE GROUP’S TAX PAYMENTS 

Underlying EPS was marginally lower  
at 65.31p, with the impact of the lower 
underlying profit after tax largely offset  
by the improvement in the underlying tax 
rate and a lower non-controlling interest in 
Power Systems, following Daimler’s exercise 
of the put option in April 2014.

At the Annual General Meeting on 8 May 
2015, the directors will recommend an issue 
of 141 C Shares with a total nominal value  
of 14.1 pence for each ordinary share. 
Together with the interim issue on 2 January 
2015 of 90 C Shares for each ordinary share 
with a total nominal value of 9.0 pence, this 
is the equivalent of a total annual payment 
to ordinary shareholders of 23.1 pence  
for each ordinary share. Further details are 
on page 162.

Net underlying R&D charged to the income 
statement increased by 21% to £755 million, 
reflecting a combination of increased  
net investment of £98 million and lower  
net capitalisation of £21 million (due  
to the phasing of major new programmes,  
in particular the certification of the  
Trent XWB-84) and £12 million lower net 
deferral of RRSA entry fees — see page 115. 
The net investment spend represents 5.8% 
of Group underlying revenue, although it is 
expected that this will reduce slightly in the 
future towards the longer-term target of 
around 5%. Our gross R&D expenditure of 
£1.2 billion includes funded programmes.

PROFIT BEFORE TAXATION

£ million
Underlying
Mark-to-market adjustments on derivatives
Movements on other financial instruments
Effect of acquisition accounting
Exceptional restructuring
Acquisitions and disposals
Post-retirement schemes
Other (including discontinued operations)
Reported (2013 restated to exclude discontinued operations)

2014
1,617
(1,254)
(87)
(142)
(39)
8
(29)
(7)
67

2013
1,759
217
(251)
(265)
–
335
(90)
(5)
1,700

23.1p payment to shareholders

REPORTED PROFIT BEFORE TAX
Consistent with IFRS and past practice,  
the Group provides both reported and 
underlying figures. We believe underlying 
figures are more representative of the 
trading performance, by excluding the 
impact of year-end mark-to-market 
adjustments, principally the GBP:USD hedge 
book. In addition, post-retirement financing 
and the effects of acquisition accounting are 
excluded. The adjustments between the 
underlying income statement and the 
reported income statement are set out in 
more detail in note 2 to the Financial 
Statements. This basis of presentation has 
been applied consistently.

The mark-to-market adjustments are 
principally driven by movements in the 
GBP:USD exchange rate which moved from 
1.65 to 1.56 during 2014.

Movement on other financial instruments 
primarily relate to the change in value of 
the put option on the Power Systems 
non-controlling interest, which has now 
been exercised.

The effects of acquisition accounting  
in accordance with IFRS 3 are excluded  
from underlying profit so that all businesses 
are measured on an equivalent basis.

Costs associated with the substantial closure 
or exit of a site, facility or activity are 
classified as exceptional restructuring and 
excluded.

Profits and losses arising on acquisitions 
and disposals during the year are excluded. 

Net financing on post-retirement schemes  
is excluded from underlying profit and, in 
2013, the cost of providing a discretionary 
increase to pensions was also excluded.

Appropriate tax rates are applied to these 
adjustments, the net effect of which was  

UNDERLYING 
REVENUE 
(£m)

12,209

10,866 11,277

15,505

14,588

UNDERLYING PROFIT 
BEFORE TAXATION 
(£m)

1,759

1,617

1,434

1,157

955

NET R&D AS A 
PROPORTION OF REVENUE 
(%)

5.8

4.7

4.6

4.7

4.8

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

29

Strategic ReportFINANCIAL REVIEW
CONTINUED

SUMMARY BALANCE SHEET

£ million
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Joint ventures and associates
Net working capital
Net funds
Provisions
Net post-retirement scheme surpluses/(deficits)
Net financial assets and liabilities
Other net assets and liabilities
Net assets
Other items
USD hedge book US$ billion
TotalCare assets
TotalCare liabilities (2013 includes £245m not previously included)
Net TotalCare assets
Customer financing contingent commitments:
  Gross
  Net

Other changes
(77)
241
(6)
229
(1,269)
(108)
1,348
732
(294)
796

Energy disposal
 (note 25)
(106)
(187)
(56)
(393)
(4)
34
–
–
–
(712)

2014
4,804
3,446
539
(1,134)
666
(807)
555
(855)
(827)
6,387

25.6
2,492
(687)
1,805

388
59

2013
4,987
3,392
601
(970)
1,939
(733)
(793)
(1,587)
(533)
6,303

24.7
1,901
(559)
1,342

356
59

a £239 million reduction in the reported tax 
charge (2013 £54 million reduction). The 
adjustment includes a £64 million reduction 
in the value of recoverable advance 
corporation tax recognised. A reconciliation 
of the tax charge is included in note 5.

BALANCE SHEET
Intangible assets (note 9) represent 
long-term assets of the Group. These assets 
decreased by £77 million with additional 
development, contractual aftermarket rights, 
certification and software costs being more 
than offset by annual amortisation charges.

The carrying values of the intangible assets 
are assessed for impairment against the 
present value of forecast cash flows 
generated by the intangible asset. The 
principal risks remain: reductions in assumed 
market share; programme timings; increases 
in unit cost assumptions; and adverse 

 The Group 

continues to maintain 
a strong balance sheet, 
providing reassurance  
to our customers.”

30

movements in discount rates. There have 
been no significant impairments in 2014.

Property, plant and equipment (note 10)
increased by £241 million due to the 
ongoing development and refreshment of 
facilities and tooling as the Group prepares 
for increased production volumes.

Investments in joint ventures and associates 
(note 11) remain stable as the share of 
retained profit was offset by dividends 
received.

Provisions (note 18) largely relate to 
warranties and guarantees provided to  
secure the sale of OE and services. The 
increase is largely a result of the recognition 
of restructuring costs.

Net post-retirement scheme surpluses/
(deficits) (note 19) increased by  
£1,348 million, principally due to relative 
movements in the yield curves used to value 
the underlying assets and liabilities in 
accordance with IAS 19. In addition, the 
scheme rules on the largest UK scheme  
were amended during the year, resulting  
in the surplus being recognised 
(£544 million impact). 

The Group’s principal pension schemes 
adopt a low risk investment strategy that 

reduces volatility going forward and enables 
the funding position to remain stable: 
interest rate and inflation risks are largely 
hedged and the exposure to equities is 
around 8% of scheme assets.

Net financial assets and liabilities (note 17) 
include the fair value of derivatives, financial 
RRSAs, the put option on the non-controlling 
interest of Power Systems and C Shares. The 
reduction primarily reflects the settlement 
of the put option (£1,937 million) offset  
by a reduction in value of the foreign 
exchange derivatives (£1,137 million) due  
to the strengthening of the US dollar.

The USD hedge book increased by 4% to 
US$25.6 billion. This represents around four 
and a half years of net exposure and has an 
average book rate of £1 to US$1.61.

Net TotalCare assets relate to long-term 
service agreement (LTSA) contracts (and 
where appropriate the linked OE contract)  
in the Civil aerospace business, including  
the flagship services product TotalCare. 
These assets represent the timing difference 
between the recognition of income and 
costs in the income statement and cash 
receipts and payments. The increase  
largely reflects high levels of linked Trent 700 
and increasing Trent 1000 engine sales in 
the year.

Rolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014Strategic ReportCustomer financing facilitates the sale  
of OE and services by providing financing 
support to certain customers. Where such 
support is provided by the Group, it is almost 
exclusively to customers of the Civil 
aerospace business and takes the form  
of various types of credit and asset value 
guarantees. These exposures produce 
contingent liabilities that are outlined in 
note 18. The contingent liabilities represent 
the maximum aggregate discounted gross 
and net exposure in respect of delivered 
aircraft, regardless of the point in time at 
which such exposures may arise.

During 2014, the Group’s gross exposure on 
delivered aircraft increased by £32 million, 
due largely to the strengthening of the US 
dollar. On a net basis, exposures remained 
unchanged with a small reduction being 
offset by the exchange rate movement. 

FUNDS FLOW
Movement in working capital – the increase 
reflects the growth of the net TotalCare asset 
offset by a reduction in the amount of 
customer deposits. This increase compares 
to a modest decrease in the previous year 
which is primarily a result of the phasing  
of customer deposit utilisation.

Expenditure on property, plant and 
equipment and intangibles – the decrease 
reflects a reduction in additions to property, 
plant and equipment (£32 million), 
participation fees and certification costs 
(£26 million) and software and other 
intangible assets (£41 million), offset by 
increased expenditure on contractual 
aftermarket rights (£41 million).

Pensions – contributions to defined  
benefit pension schemes in 2014 included 
£33 million to UK schemes to fund the 
discretionary increases agreed in 2013.  
The service cost included a past-service 
credit of £31 million – largely relating  
to restructuring (2013 past-service cost  
£71 million – largely relating to the 
discretionary increases above), which  
is the main reason for the £116 million 
increase in the cash contributions in excess 
of the PBT charge.

The Group’s funding of its defined benefit 
schemes is expected to reduce by around 
30% in 2015, as a result of deficit funding 
requirements ending and the 
non-recurrence of the payment for 
discretionary increases.

FREE CASH FLOW
(£m)

781

714

581

548

254

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Shareholder payments – the increase 
reflects the C Share issues in 2014 
(£51 million increase) and the  
Power Systems dividend to Daimler  
(£14 million increase).

Acquisitions and disposals include the 
payment of £2,013 million (including  
the fair value of derivatives held to hedge 
the cost) for the additional 50% of Power 
Systems offset by £1,027 million of  
net proceeds from the disposal of the  
Energy business.

SUMMARY FUNDS FLOW

£ million
Opening net funds
Closing net funds
Change in net funds

Underlying profit before tax
Depreciation and amortisation
Movement in net working capital
Expenditure on property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
Other
Trading cash flow
Contributions to defined benefit post-retirement schemes in excess of PBT charge
Tax
Free cash flow
Shareholder payments
Share buyback
Acquisitions and disposals
Net funds of businesses acquired
Foreign exchange
Change in net funds

2014
1,939
666
(1,273)

1,617
600
(509)
(1,114)
88
682
(152)
(276)
254
(482)
(69)
(965)
(30)
19
(1,273)

2013
1,317
1,939
622

1,759
608
91
(1,172)
(231)
1,055
(36)
(238)
781
(417)
–
265
36
(43)
622

Change

(142)
(8)
(600)
58
319
(373)
(116)
(38)
(527)
(65)
(69)
(1,230)
(66)
62

Average net funds

(38)

350

(388)

31

Strategic ReportBUSINESS REVIEW – AEROSPACE

As a leading manufacturer 
of aero engines for the civil 
large aircraft, corporate jet 
and defence markets, the 
growing global requirement 
for cleaner, more efficient, 
better power, continues to 
create opportunities for our 
Aerospace Division.

TONY WOOD 
President – Aerospace

Within the civil market we continue to see 
increasing numbers of people travelling  
by air. The International Air Transport 
Association (IATA) reported that available 
seat kilometres (a measure of civil air traffic) 
grew by nearly 6% in 2014 and the long-term 
growth outlook remains at around 5% per 
annum for the foreseeable future. 

In the defence market, despite ongoing 
pressure on budgets, aviation remains a 
vital component of defence forces around 
the world and we secured several important 
new orders during the year.

In 2014, our engines powered the first 
deliveries of two new airliners; one for each 
of our major airframe customers, Airbus 
and Boeing. We launched the seventh 
member of our Trent engine family, achieved 
major milestones for existing Trent engine 

OVERVIEW

CIVIL AEROSPACE 

KEY HIGHLIGHTS
•  First Trent XWB delivered and Trent XWB-97 version on test
•  Trent 7000 chosen to power new Airbus A330neo 
•  Latest Trent 1000 entered service on Boeing 787-9  

and Trent 1000-TEN on test

•  BR725 selected for Gulfstream G650ER and AE 3007C2 

entered service on Cessna Citation X+

23,900 Employees

DEFENCE AEROSPACE

KEY HIGHLIGHTS
•  Lockheed Martin agreement signed for 600 AE 2100 engines
•  A330 MRTT now fully operational in UK and selected by 

France and Singapore

•  A400M transporter deliveries continue 
•  Business resizing to reduce costs and improve 

competitiveness is progressing

7,000 Employees

32

CIVIL
Underlying revenue (£m)

6,437 6,655

6,837

5,572

4,919

CIVIL UNDERLYING 
REVENUE MIX 

CIVIL UNDERLYING
REVENUE BY SECTOR

2010

2011 2012 2013 2014

■  OE revenue 48%
■  Services revenue 52%

■  Widebody 61%
■  Corporate & regional 39%

DEFENCE
Underlying revenue (£m)

2,123 2,235

2,591

2,417

2,069

DEFENCE UNDERLYING
REVENUE MIX

DEFENCE UNDERLYING
REVENUE BY SECTOR

2010

2011 2012 2013 2014

■  OE revenue 35%
■  Services revenue 61%
■  Development 4%

■  Combat 39%
■  Transport 51%
■  UAV/trainer 10%  

Rolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014Strategic Reportprogrammes and made important 
announcements about civil engine 
technologies for the future. 

programmes, such as the Korean K-FX 
combat aircraft and the Anglo-French Future 
Combat Air System.

Business jet owners and operators continue 
to seek greater speed, range and the highest 
levels of service. 2014 saw Rolls-Royce 
selected by Gulfstream for a new ultra-long 
range business jet and we powered a new 
version of the fastest civilian aircraft in the 
world into service for Cessna. We continue 
to invest for the next generation of large 
business jet engines. 

Our defence customers are focused on 
extending the lives and improving the 
efficiency of their in-service aircraft. 
Rolls-Royce is helping air forces to do more 
with less by delivering new or improved 
engines and services. Looking to the future, 
we see opportunities to power new 

We continue to focus on reducing costs  
to support our strategy of customer, 
innovation and profitable growth. The 
investments we have made in new 
technology and capacity will enable us  
to increase output and improve efficiency. 
Delay in a number of customer programmes 
did result in some capacity being ready 
earlier than needed, however these 
programmes are now coming on stream. In 
June, we opened a new facility  
in Washington, UK, specialising in advanced 
manufacturing techniques and robotics 
which will halve the time to manufacture 
fan and turbine discs. We are accelerating 
our plans to consolidate older facilities and 
transition to newer ones. Towards the end  

AEROSPACE LOCATIONS

Key 

 Aerospace locations 
 Corporate locations 
 Aerospace and Corporate

 Multiple Aerospace locations:
England 18 
Germany 3 
Scotland 2
Singapore 2

of the year we announced a programme to 
further improve operational efficiency and 
reduce costs across the Aerospace Division 
over the next 18 months. 

Although revenue remained broadly flat 
through 2014 due to current market 
conditions and lower defence spending,  
our cost reduction actions have yielded 
benefits during the year and laid the 
foundations required to support mid-term 
margin improvement for the Division. 

CIVIL AEROSPACE 

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

WHO WE ARE
The Civil aerospace business is a major 
manufacturer of aero engines for the 
commercial large aircraft and corporate jet 
markets. We power 35 types of commercial 
aircraft and have more than 13,000 engines 
in service around the world. 

FINANCIAL REVIEW
The Civil order book increased 5%. Our net 
order intake was £11.7 billion. Aftermarket 
services now constitute 31% of the Civil 
order book.

Underlying revenue grew 3% (up 4% at 
constant foreign exchange), on 8% growth  
in OE that was partially offset by a 1% 
decline in services. OE growth was primarily 
driven by a ramp up in Trent 1000 engine 
production. This was partially offset by  
a 9% reduction in business jet engine 
deliveries. The decline in services reflects  
the expected 24% decline in the RB211 
programme. Aftermarket revenue from  
our Trent fleet increased 6%.

Underlying profit improved by 12%,  
driven by higher volumes and improved 
aftermarket margins. Profit benefited from 
approximately £150 million in improved 
retrospective TotalCare contract 
profitability, reflecting lower cost, changing 
operating patterns and reduced contract 
risk. Profit also benefited from lower 
commercial and administrative (C&A)  
and bonus costs. This was partially offset  
by £63 million in higher restructuring  
costs and £151 million in higher R&D costs. 

33

Strategic ReportBUSINESS REVIEW – AEROSPACE
CONTINUED

CIVIL AEROSPACE – KEY FINANCIAL DATA

Order book £m*

Engine deliveries*
Underlying revenue £m

Underlying OE revenue £m
Underlying service revenue £m
Underlying profit before financing £m

2010

2011

2012

2013 

2014 

48,490
+3%
846

4,919
+10%
1,892
3,027

392
-20%

51,942
+7%
962

5,572
+13%
2,232
3,340

499
+27%

49,608
-4%
668

60,296
+22%
753

6,437
+16%
2,934
3,503

743
+49%

6,655
+3%
3,035
3,620

844
+14%

63,229
+5%
739

6,837
+3%
3,265
3,572

942
+12%

*  all years before 2012 include IAE order book and engine deliveries include IAE V2500.

The investments we are making in R&D and 
restructuring will support future  
profitable growth. 

Work progressed on the Trent 1000-TEN 
which will be available from 2016 and will 
be capable of powering all variants of the 
Dreamliner. 

In 2015, we expect revenue between £7.0 
and £7.3 billion, with continued growth in 
Trent XWB and Trent 1000 OE sales and good 
growth in aftermarket revenue. We expect 
this to be partially offset by fewer Trent 900 
and Trent 700 sales. We expect profit to be 
between £800 and £900 million, as the 
retrospective TotalCare accounting 
adjustments do not repeat at similar levels. 
This guidance is based on 2014 average 
exchange rates.

OUR YEAR
We have over 50% of the engines on order 
for the widebody airliner market. A number 
of developments during 2014 helped to 
consolidate our position as the leading 
supplier in this sector.

The first Airbus A350 XWB aircraft, powered 
by our Trent XWB engines, was delivered to 
launch customer Qatar Airways at the end 
of the year, marking the start of our largest 
production programme. Earlier, in July we 
ran the more powerful 97,000lb thrust 
version of the Trent XWB for the first time. 
This version will power the larger Airbus 
A350-1000 due to enter into service in 2017. 
In June, Emirates announced the 
cancellation of its order for 70 A350 XWB 
aircraft. This was partially offset by new 
orders and at the end of the year the  
Trent XWB order book stood at more than 
1,500 engines.

The latest version of the Trent 1000 entered 
into service in July, powering Boeing 787-9 
Dreamliners for Air New Zealand and ANA. 

34

Airbus received the 1,500th Trent 700 in 
August, 20 years after the first engine was 
delivered. Rolls-Royce powers 58% of the 
Airbus A330s currently in service or on order. 
A new more fuel-efficient version, the 
A330neo, will be exclusively powered by  
our new Trent 7000 engine. By the end  
of the year we had received commitments 
for Trent 7000 engines to power  
120 A330neo aircraft. This included an  
order from the major US airline Delta for  
25 Trent 7000-powered A330neos together 
with 25 Trent XWB-powered A350-900s.

1,500 Trent XWB 

engines have been ordered 

Throughout 2014 we have been engaged  
in Trent 900 sales campaigns to power new 
orders for Airbus A380s. Decisions on engine 
choice have yet to be made in these ongoing 
campaigns. We continue to work closely 
with Airbus to support the future of this 
important programme.

We took significant steps in the 
development of our future engine 
programmes. In February, we announced 
two innovative new engine designs; the 
Advance turbofan and UltraFan which  
will feature a power gearbox. These will  
be available from 2020 and 2025 
respectively. A new test bed for power 
gearboxes is to be built at our site in 

Dahlewitz, Germany, representing an 
investment of €65 million. An additional  
test bed for future extra-large engines of  
up to 150,000lbs thrust was also opened  
in Dahlewitz in November. We maintained 
our leading position in the business jet 
market. Our BR725 was selected to power 
Gulfstream’s new ultra-long-range business 
jet, the G650ER. The year also saw the entry 
into service of the world’s fastest civilian 
aircraft, the AE 3007C2-powered Citation X+. 

To support operators of Rolls-Royce powered 
business jets we continued to expand our 
global network of authorised service 
centres. The number of engines powering 
corporate aircraft covered by our 
CorporateCare® programme reached more 
than 1,600. The level of TotalCare coverage  
in the commercial transport installed engine 
base increased to 83% this year and 210 
incremental corporate jets were signed  
up to our CorporateCare programme. 

LOOKING AHEAD
In support of our future growth strategy,  
we will make investments that enable us  
to deliver our significant order book and 
develop the next generation of civil engines 
with new technologies, advanced 
manufacturing techniques and more 
efficient processes.

We will develop TotalCare in line with 
changing market requirements for services. 
We will leverage our world-class data 
management capability through our newly 
created Controls and Data Services business. 
We will remain focused on the 4Cs and will 
embed a modern, dynamic and ethical 
culture across all areas of the business. 

DEFENCE AEROSPACE

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

WHO WE ARE
We are the leading engine maker for the 
military transport market and the second 
largest provider of defence aero-engine 
products and services globally. Defence  
has 16,000 engines in service with  
160 customers in over 100 countries.

Rolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014Strategic ReportFINANCIAL REVIEW
The Defence order book grew 12% in 2014, 
the first increase since 2010. Total order 
intake increased 55% to £2.54 billion, from 
£1.64 billion in 2013. 

Underlying revenue fell 20% (down 18%  
at constant foreign exchange), reflecting a  
41% decline in OE partially offset by  
4% growth in aftermarket services. OE 
reductions were due to lower volumes 
across several programmes, including major 
deliveries in 2013 of two export contracts 
that were nearing completion: EJ200 to 
Saudi Arabia and Adour to India. Services 
revenue grew modestly, as LiftSystem™ and 
TP400 maintenance started to ramp up. 

A smaller decline in underlying profit of  
16% (down 14% at constant foreign 
exchange) reflects significant cost reduction 
actions and the favourable mix shift 
towards aftermarket, which represented 
61% of Defence revenue. Profit also 
benefited from lower C&A and bonus costs.

In 2015, we expect revenue of between  
£1.9 and £2.1 billion and profits of between 
£360 and £410 million, based on average 
2014 exchange rates. Cost reduction activity 
will continue across our supply chain, 
operational footprint, headcount and 
service provision. 

OUR YEAR
Customers in our principal markets of North 
America and Europe face continued pressure 
from constraints on government defence 
spending. As a consequence, pricing and 
innovation have become even more 
important as our customers look for ways  
to do more with less. 

In order to be closer to our customers whilst 
reducing cost, we have concentrated our UK 
maintenance, repair and overhaul activity 
into one site in Bristol. We also moved 
support for the Rolls-Royce LiftSystem® to 
Indianapolis to support the F-35B Lightning 
II aircraft programme as it progresses to 
Initial Operating Capability with the US 
Marine Corps in 2015. The F-35 programme 
continues to ramp up, with orders received 
for production and support of the 
LiftSystem in 2014 totalling US$548 million. 

We secured a major long-term agreement 
with Lockheed Martin worth up to  
US$1 billion to supply up to 600 AE 2100 
engines for the C-130J aircraft, in addition to 
over US$200 million in support contracts for  
AE 2100 engines. Deliveries were made to 
Turkey, France, Germany and the UK of the 
TP400-powered Airbus A400M transport 
aircraft. The 100th TP400 production engine 
was delivered in November and in the same 
month, we announced an £18 million 
investment in facilities at Bristol to support 
this programme. 2014 saw good progress in  
the tanker aircraft market where we are  
a shareholder in AirTanker which operates  
the A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) 
on behalf of the Royal Air Force. In 2014,  
the A330 MRTT was also selected by the 
defence forces of France and the Republic  
of Singapore. 

There was a softening of demand in the  
civil helicopter market and this impacted 
our engine manufacturing load. However,  
a long-term agreement was signed to install 
upgraded M250 engines in future Bell 
407GX helicopters. The M250 turboprop 
variant was also selected by Jiangsu A-Star 
of China to power its Extra EA500 aircraft  
in a deal worth over US$50 million.

DEFENCE – KEY FINANCIAL DATA

Order book £m

Engine deliveries
Underlying revenue £m

Underlying OE revenue £m
Underlying service revenue £m
Underlying profit before financing £m

2010

6,506
+1%
710

2,123
+6%
1,020
1,103

309
+22%

2011

6,035
-7%
814

2,235
+5%
1,102
1,133

376
+22%

2012

5,157
-15%
864

2,417
+8%
1,231
1,186

395
+5%

2013 

2014 

4,071
-21%
893

2,591
+7%
1,385
1,206

438
+11%

4,564
+12%
744

2,069
-20%
816
1,253

366
-16%

Service delivery contracts worth  
US$1,843 million were secured with  
defence customers globally, many of which 
will provide our popular MissionCare® level 
of engine support. We have further 
improved the time on wing for our V-22 
Osprey customers, delivering a 30% 
reduction in support costs. The T56 engine 
enhancement kit, aimed at legacy C-130 
Hercules and P-3 customers, was certified by 
the US Air Force and has exceeded fuel 
efficiency targets. The US Navy declared 
Initial Operational Capability for the new 
T56-powered E-2D Advanced Hawkeye 
Airborne Early Warning Aircraft.

In the unmanned aircraft market our 
stealthy, integrated, propulsion system 
successfully demonstrated its capability  
in the second round of flight trials of the 
UK’s Taranis demonstrator. Our AE 3007 
engine also powered the US Navy’s Triton 
unmanned aerial system on its first 
trans-America flight. We were named a 
‘superior supplier’ by both the US Navy  
and US Defense Logistics Agency in 2014 
and recognised by Northrop Grumman for 
our support of its Global Hawk unmanned 
aerial vehicle programme.

Together with Snecma, we signed an 
Anglo-French agreement for further  
funded studies as part of the Future  
Combat Air System.

LOOKING AHEAD
We are focused on maintaining our leading 
position in the transport and patrol markets 
and will continue to invest in the industrial 
and technological capability to support 
future growth in this area. We are actively 
engaged in offering propulsion solutions  
to customers in India, Turkey and Korea as 
they pursue ambitions for indigenous 
combat aircraft programmes. 

We anticipate continued pressure on 
defence budgets and remain committed to 
improving both the service lives of products 
and our cost performance. Cost reduction 
activity will continue across our supply 
chain, operational footprint, and service 
provision, ensuring our business is well 
placed for the future in the defence sector.

35

Strategic ReportBUSINESS REVIEW – LAND & SEA

As the world’s population 
expands and becomes  
more affluent, as trade 
increases and we travel 
more, the requirement  
for the technology produced 
by our Land & Sea Division 
will grow. 

LAWRIE HAYNES 
President – Land & Sea

According to the World Bank, approximately 
200 million people per year will join the 
middle classes in the decades ahead, 
requiring the type of power that we deliver 
to support their rising living standards  
and to transport the goods they will buy. 

Our Land & Sea Division provides power  
for a wide range of vehicles and vessels.  
On land we supply engines to power vehicles 
as varied as locomotives, battle tanks and 
mining trucks, applying world-leading 
technology to set new standards of fuel 
efficiency. We also deliver distributed power 
generation and support the world’s civil 
nuclear power industry. At sea we supply 

OVERVIEW

POWER SYSTEMS

KEY HIGHLIGHTS
•  Nearly 1,000 MTU rail PowerPacks contracted by PESA
•  Launch of new efficient Bergen B33:45 medium-speed engine
•  New MTU Onsite Energy 4000 natural gas engine 
•  MTU and Weir agree to develop power systems for hydraulic 

fracking industry

POWER SYSTEMS
Underlying revenue (£m)*

2,831 2,720

POWER SYSTEMS 
UNDERLYING
REVENUE MIX 

POWER SYSTEMS 
UNDERLYING 
REVENUE BY SECTOR

10,700 Employees

2013 2014

■ OE revenue 70%
■ Services revenue 30%

■  Marine 39%
■  Industrial 20%
■  Energy 28%
■  Defence & other 13%

MARINE

MARINE
Underlying revenue (£m)*

MARINE UNDERLYING 
REVENUE MIX 

MARINE UNDERLYING 
REVENUE BY SECTOR

KEY HIGHLIGHTS
•  Largest ever UT vessel designed
•  40 years of leadership in offshore vessels celebrated
•  Naming of HMS Queen Elizabeth and launch of USS Zumwalt
•  Service network further expanded

2,037

1,709

6,400 Employees

2013 2014

■  OE revenue 63%
■  Services revenue 37%

■  Naval 22%
■  Merchant 19%
■  Offshore 59%  

NUCLEAR

NUCLEAR
Underlying revenue (£m)*

NUCLEAR UNDERLYING
REVENUE MIX 

NUCLEAR UNDERLYING
REVENUE BY SECTOR

KEY HIGHLIGHTS
•  New propulsion plant design submitted for Vanguard class 

667

684

replacement submarine

•  US regulatory approval granted for Spinline™ I&C technology
•  Business developed across US, Europe (including UK 

programme) and Asia

3,900 Employees

36

*  Following the creation of 
the Land & Sea Division in 
2014, information on a 
comparable basis is not 
available prior to 2013.

2013 2014

■  OE revenue 37%
■  Services revenue 63%

■  Submarines 73%
■  Civil Nuclear 27%

Rolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014Strategic Report 
engines, propulsion and advanced 
engineering products for craft ranging from 
submarines to complex anchor handlers and 
seismic vessels used in the offshore oil & gas 
industry. This broad portfolio of products 
and services has direct relevance to the 
long-term demand for better power in our 
fast-changing world. 

Whereas the power supplied from our 
Aerospace Division is based on gas turbine 
technology, our Land & Sea Division is to  
a large degree focused on reciprocating 
engines. Our high-speed reciprocating 
engines go to market under the MTU brand 
and medium-speed engines are from Bergen. 

LAND & SEA LOCATIONS

LAND & SEA LOCATIONS

Although the long-term requirement for  
our technology is certain, a number of the 
markets that we address are volatile. During 
2014, sharp falls in oil and other commodity 
prices caused a number of our customers  
to delay or cancel orders. In particular this 
has affected parts of our Power Systems and 
Marine businesses. Power Systems was  
also affected by the trade sanctions imposed 
by the European Union on Russia. 

power for industrial applications. We 
continue to invest in skills and capability  
in our Civil Nuclear business ahead of 
significant growth in the world’s nuclear 
power capacity. Although this business is 
currently relatively small for Rolls-Royce,  
we already provide components, systems  
or services to more than half the world’s  
435 operating reactors, enabling safe and 
efficient power generation. 

On land, business has grown across our 
defence, power generation and services 
markets and we have had success in 
launching innovative products in our MTU 
Onsite Energy range to provide secure, clean 

At sea, our Naval business has done well 
despite continued pressure on defence 
budgets. Nuclear reactors designed and 
manufactured by us have been powering 
the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarine fleet  
for the last 55 years and our engineers are 
currently designing the next generation  
for the fleet of the future. 

The Division is firmly focused on cost 
reduction and the management of cash  
in all areas. We have rationalised a number 
of our Marine facilities and this work will 
continue in the year ahead. We will also 
drive improvement in cost through better 
supply chain management and continuing 
to move more of our production to lower-
cost countries. We will see further benefits 
from this during the coming year. 

During 2014, we acquired the remaining 
interest in Rolls-Royce Power Systems from 
Daimler. Power Systems extends our 
portfolio and adds deep technical 
knowledge of high-speed engines and fuel 
injection systems. It also extends the scale 
and scope of our market presence. 

We have strong long-term relationships  
with customers, deep product knowledge, 
powerful and clean engines, efficient 
propulsion system designs and an 
established global network. These linked  
to a truly experienced workforce provide 
remarkably strong roots, from which the 
Land & Sea Division can grow.

1 in 5 of the world’s 

shipping vessels has Rolls-Royce 
equipment installed

37

Key 

 Land & Sea locations 
 Corporate locations 
 Land & Sea and Corporate

 Multiple Land & Sea locations:
Finland 2
France 2
Germany 10
Italy 2

Netherlands 2
Norway 8
Poland 2
Spain 2
United Kingdom 4

Strategic Report 
BUSINESS REVIEW – LAND & SEA
CONTINUED

POWER SYSTEMS – KEY FINANCIAL DATA

Order book £m
Underlying revenue £m
Underlying OE revenue £m
Underlying services revenue £m
Underlying profit before financing £m

2013
1,927
2,831
2,004
827
294

2014
1,971
2,720
1,893
827
253

Change 
2%
-4%
-6%
–
-14%

Following the creation of the Land & Sea Division in 2014, information on a comparable basis is not available prior to 2013.

POWER SYSTEMS

BUSINESS PERFORMANCE REVIEW

WHO WE ARE
The business consists of the MTU, MTU 
Onsite Energy, Bergen and L’Orange product 
ranges. MTU high-speed engines and 
propulsion systems power ships, railway 
locomotives, defence and heavy off-highway 
vehicles. They are also used for applications 
in the oil & gas industries. Diesel and gas 
genset systems from MTU Onsite Energy 
deliver heat and power. Bergen medium-
speed engines are used in both marine and 
land-based power generation applications. 
L’Orange is a world-leading specialist 
company that designs and manufactures 
complex fuel injection systems for large 
engines. 

FINANCIAL REVIEW
The Power Systems order book grew 2%. 
Order intake was £2.6 billion. 

Underlying revenue declined 4% mainly due 
to adverse foreign exchange effects. Growth 
in defence and power generation was offset 
by substantially lower sales to European 
construction, industrial and agricultural 
customers. Marine revenue also declined, 
driven by weaker yacht markets. As in 
previous years, revenue was biased towards 
the second half. 

Underlying profit declined 14% due to 
adverse foreign currency effects and losses 
in the Bergen business. Profit benefited from 
lower C&A and bonus costs.

In 2015, we expect revenue between  
£2.5 and £2.75 billion and profit between 
£200 and £250 million. We expect growth  
in the industrial, power generation and 

38

commercial marine end markets, offset by 
lower revenue from defence customers, 
particularly naval marine. We expect profit 
headwinds from a deteriorating mix. We  
are taking actions to improve the operating 
performance and cost controls at Bergen. 
Our guidance is based on 2014 average 
exchange rates.

OUR YEAR 
Slower growth in Eurozone countries and 
emerging economies presented challenges 
to our business in 2014. However, the 
breadth of our portfolio presented 
opportunities for growth in some parts  
of the business.

Our Naval marine business benefited from 
stronger defence budgets in Asia and an 
increased demand for security at sea in  
the region; this resulted in orders to power 
several types of military vessels. 

The market for the commercial marine 
application of both our medium and 
high-speed diesel engines recovered in 2014. 
The demand for mega-yachts weakened in 
2014 due to fewer vessels being built, 
particularly in Europe. 

2014 saw the launch of a new family of 
medium-speed engines for the marine 
market, with future variants for land-based 
power generation. The Bergen B33:45 uses 
diesel or gas fuel and features a new 
modular design that can be developed to suit 
a wide range of ship types. It uses less fuel, 
has lower emissions and produces 20% more 
power per cylinder than the previous Bergen 
range. Together with our Marine colleagues, 
we secured orders for it to power two ships, 
with the first entering operation in 2015, 
there is also strong interest from the 
merchant vessel market.

Two projects further highlighted the 
synergies between our Marine and Power 
Systems businesses: as part of a Rolls-Royce 
UT ship design, we supplied MTU diesel-
electric propulsion systems and onboard 
power generators for two platform supply 
vessels for Chinese shipbuilder COSCO; and,  
in Brazil, MTU engines were specified for 
Rolls-Royce UT 535E oil-spill response vessels.

Sales in the European construction, 
industrial and agriculture sectors were 
substantially lower in 2014 compared with 
the high volumes ordered in 2013. Sharp 
falls in commodity prices led customers  
in the mining and oil & gas industries to 
delay or cancel orders for OE. 

The Energy business for high-speed engines 
showed stronger growth in the higher power 
ranges and in the market for packaged MTU 
Onsite Energy power systems, for example  
in data centres and other industrial 
applications. We introduced an upgraded 
Series 4000 L64 natural gas engine with 
improved efficiency. 

In the medium-speed market served by the 
Bergen range, sales decreased. Nevertheless 
we see an ongoing trend towards gas fuel. 
One example is a 100MW power plant in 
Mozambique where Bergen will deliver 
gas-driven B35:40 generating sets.

2014 saw an improvement in our land 
defence business. This was helped by a 
production increase for the German infantry 
fighting vehicle, the MTU-powered Puma. 

Growth in the market for injection systems 
made by L’Orange continued in 2014, driven 
by increased demand for injection systems 
used by dual-fuel engines.

LOOKING AHEAD
We will invest in future technologies such  
as gas engines for commercial marine 
applications and are configuring our 
different engine series to meet tougher 
emissions standards in Europe and North 
America. At the same time, we will continue 
to improve efficiency and maintain our 
focus on costs and cash in all areas. 

Rolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014Strategic ReportImproving competitiveness remains a key 
priority for the Marine business and we took 
important steps in the year, including the 
announcements of facility restructuring  
or closures in South Korea, US, UK, Norway 
and Sweden to consolidate our 
manufacturing activities at fewer locations. 
We made strong progress in improving the 
external supply chain management and 
reducing our indirect headcount.

We are narrowing our product portfolio by 
focusing on the products that provide the 
most return to the business and add most 
value to our customers. We have exited 
non-core product lines such as well 
intervention equipment used for extracting 
oil from mature wells.

We continue to focus on efficiency and cost 
reduction, addressing areas including our 
supply chain, operational footprint and 
indirect headcount. We have reduced the 
number of suppliers to Marine by almost 
40% in the last four years (half of that in 
2014) and reduced indirect headcount  
by more than 500 people over the past  
two years.

 A ship fit for a queen” 

was how First Sea Lord, Sir George 
Zambellas, described the new aircraft 
carrier for the Royal Navy at its naming 
ceremony held at Rosyth, UK, in July 2014.

HMS Queen Elizabeth has two Rolls-Royce 
MT30 gas turbines as main power units 
and they drive Rolls-Royce propellers that 
each weigh 33 tonnes and measure seven 
metres in diameter. 

MARINE – KEY FINANCIAL DATA

Order book £m
Underlying revenue £m
Underlying OE revenue £m
Underlying service revenue £m
Underlying profit before financing £m

*2013 figures restated due to transfer of Submarines to Nuclear business.

2013* 
1,622
2,037
1,288
749
233

2014 
1,567
1,709
1,070
639
138

Change 
-3%
-16%
-17%
-15%
-41%

MARINE 

BUSINESS PERFORMANCE REVIEW

WHO WE ARE
Marine supplies complex propulsion and 
handling systems to the maritime market, 
across three distinct sectors: Offshore, 
Merchant and Naval. We have more than 
4,000 customers, and our equipment is 
installed on around 25,000 vessels.

We have an extensive range of technology 
for propulsion and cargo handling that 
allows us to provide fully integrated systems 
for a variety of ship types.

Our capability in ship design means we can 
also combine our technology into complex 
vessels, where Rolls-Royce technology can 
account for around 40% of the total value  
of a typical offshore vessel and up to 10%  
of a high specification naval combatant.

As part of the Land & Sea Division, we now 
also offer MTU high-speed diesel engines as 
part of our propulsion systems, particularly 
for naval craft, ferries and offshore vessels. 

FINANCIAL REVIEW 
The Marine order book declined 3% in 2014, 
with a 1% reduction in order intake to  
£1.82 billion. At constant exchange rates,  
the order book increased 6%.

Underlying revenue decreased 16% (down 
9% at constant foreign exchange), reflecting 
a 17% decline in OE and a 15% decline in 
services. OE reduction was driven by a 
combination of pricing and the expected 
decline in Offshore, driven by 2013’s weak 
order intake. Service revenue declined in 
Offshore and Merchant, as ship owners 
deferred overhaul and maintenance. 

Underlying profit fell 41%. Excluding foreign 
exchange translation and a one-off charge  
of £30 million to cover the resolution of a 
quality issue, profit declined 25% as a result 
of lower revenue and an adverse mix, 
reflecting pricing pressure and lower 
services revenue. The business also incurred 
restructuring costs as it continued to 
streamline its global footprint, reduce 
indirect headcount, and consolidate 
manufacturing activity. Profit benefited 
from lower C&A and bonus costs.

In 2015, we expect revenue between  
£1.45 and £1.65 billion and profit between 
£90 and £120 million. We anticipate that the 
market will remain challenging in the short 
term, reflecting external factors, particularly 
in Offshore. We will accelerate our cost 
reduction focus on our footprint, our supply 
chain, and our overhead costs in order to 
drive a more competitive business while 
also adapting to volume risks. Our guidance 
is based on 2014 average exchange rates.

OUR YEAR
2014 saw continuing challenges in the 
global maritime market, and there is a 
mixed picture across the market segments 
in which we operate. In the offshore support 
sector, demand was encouraging for 
sophisticated anchor handling vessels, 
including our own UT ship designs, which 
incorporate a wide range of Rolls-Royce 
technology. However, the rapid decline in  
the price of oil in the second half of the year 
dented confidence in the oil & gas industry, 
slowed demand and order intake as we 
approached year end, a trend we expect  
to continue into 2015.

In merchant shipping, many owners 
continued to delay investment in new  
ships and equipment, or are extending 
maintenance intervals.

39

Strategic ReportBUSINESS REVIEW – LAND & SEA
CONTINUED

We are streamlining our global footprint 
and have consolidated manufacturing of 
some key products either into fewer 
locations or into the external supply chain. 

Our programmes to improve competitiveness 
will continue throughout 2015 and beyond, 
as we aim to manage the impact of a 
slowdown in the oil & gas sector. Further 
changes to the structure of the business  
are planned.

In the commercial market, our UT-Design 
celebrated its 40th successful year – it is the 
benchmark ship design for the offshore oil & 
gas industry, with almost 800 now in service 
or on order. We continue to lead ship 
innovation in this sector and this year we 
contracted to supply the largest ever vessel, 
the UT 777 for Island Offshore. This vessel is 
being built in Japan to a high specification 
and will be deployed on drilling operations 
in the Arctic. 

AT SEA 
For 55 years we have been designing  
and manufacturing the reactors that  
power the Royal Navy’s fleet of nuclear 
submarines. In 2014, we submitted  
designs to our customer for the next 
generation of propulsion plant.

ON LAND 
Our Nuclear business currently provides 
components, systems and services  
to over half the world’s 435 operating  
civil nuclear reactors. 

Naval continued to perform well. We are 
contracted to a number of key international 
programmes which to date have been largely 
unaffected by defence budget cuts. These 
include the UK Type 26 frigates and the US 
Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship and ship-to-
shore-connector hovercraft programmes. 
We also delivered the first MT30 to the 
Republic of Korea Navy for the first of its 
eight new frigates. Other highlights were  
the naming of the US Navy’s sophisticated 
multi-mission destroyer USS Zumwalt and 
launch of the Royal Navy’s aircraft carrier 
HMS Queen Elizabeth, both of which are 
powered by our MT30 gas turbine.

Our services business continues to adapt  
to support our customers’ needs and  
this year we expanded our global workshop 
network with a new facility in Bergen, 
Norway.

LOOKING AHEAD
Ship efficiency, and ship intelligence, where 
the smart use of data in more complex ships 
will improve efficiency, will be key market 
drivers in the future, as will the demand for 
more environmentally-friendly power and 
propulsion systems to drive down the costs  
of operating ships. 

Offshore, which accounts for around two-
thirds of our business, responding to the 
uncertainties caused by the significant 
decrease in oil prices over recent months.

NUCLEAR 

BUSINESS PERFORMANCE REVIEW

WHO WE ARE
Rolls-Royce manages all aspects of  
nuclear plant design, safety, manufacture, 
performance and through-life support  
for the UK Submarine Programme.

In the civil nuclear market, we provide 
nuclear reactor vendors and utility operators 
with integrated, long-term support services 
and solutions spanning the whole reactor 
life cycle, from concept design through to 
obsolescence management and plant-life 
extension. 

We have been a key player in the nuclear 
industry for over 50 years, with expertise  
in component manufacturing, licensing, 
project and supply chain management,  
as well as world-class engineering.

We are strongly positioned to provide efficient 
solutions and have the necessary integration 
capability as ships become more complex in 
the future.

FINANCIAL REVIEW 
The order book for the continuing business 
declined 4%, reflecting lower order intake 
following the receipt of a multi-year 
submarines contract in 2013.

Our unified bridge, which entered service 
recently, is one example of the type of 
intelligent control system that we believe will 
become commonplace on new vessels over 
the next five years.

In the near term, we expect the market to 
remain challenging especially in the Offshore 
sector where we may see project deferrals 
and temporary lay-ups of vessels as they come 
off-charter.

We have begun to transform our business to 
improve our competitiveness in all areas and 
this programme will continue, again focusing 
on consolidation of manufacturing, our 
external supply chain and reducing our 
overhead costs. We will adapt to the market 
conditions in our biggest market sector, 

Underlying revenue increased 3%, driven  
by good growth in the Civil Nuclear services 
business, which has been the focus of recent 
acquisitions. Our services capabilities 
include remote inspection, plant-life 
extension and obsolescence management 
and these performed well in 2014.

Underlying profit increased £38 million, 
including £20 million from better operating 
performance, lower C&A and bonus costs 
and a non-repeat of 2013 one-time charges. 

In 2015, we expect revenue between  
£670 and £730 million and profit between 
£40 and £50 million. This is based on 2014 
average exchange rates.

40

Rolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014Strategic ReportNUCLEAR – KEY FINANCIAL DATA

Order book £m
Underlying revenue £m
Underlying OE revenue £m
Underlying services revenue £m
Underlying profit before financing £m

OUR YEAR
In 2014, we made progress on our long-term 
projects for the UK Submarine Programme. 
We submitted the design of the new 
propulsion plant for the Vanguard class 
replacement submarine for customer 
approval. Construction of the Core 
Manufacturing Facility in Derby, UK, has 
progressed well and we successfully 
introduced several innovations to the 
programme which brought cost savings  
for our customer (as part of the foundation 
contract designed to deliver savings of  
£200 million over ten years). Our support to 
the Royal Navy submarine flotilla is mission 
critical and contributes to maintaining the 
UK’s continuous at sea deterrent. 

During 2014, we performed well against  
our strategic intent of growing a global  
civil nuclear business as a technology-
independent partner to the industry. 

Civil nuclear power is increasingly important 
to the energy policy of a growing number of 
countries and regions such as China, India, 
Middle Eastern countries and Central and 
Eastern Europe. Increased focus on low-
carbon electricity generation and security  
of energy supply, continued to drive demand 
for the upgrade, plant-life extension and 
replacement of nuclear capacity. More 
countries are considering adopting nuclear 
power for the first time, with governments 
seeking to develop a nuclear industrial and 
supply chain strategy designed to benefit 
local economies and capability (Turkey and 
Poland being examples).

For the UK civil nuclear new build 
programme, we continued to carry out early 
works to support developers and operators 
and we continue to recruit and develop 
capability in line with market growth 
projections for future years. The UK has one 
of the largest new build programmes in the 
western world with 11 reactors expected to 

2013
2,617
667
236
431
10

2014
2,499
684
254
430
48

Change 
-4%
3%
8%
0%
380%

be built by 2030. European Union 
Commission approval in 2014 of the 
investment contract for the first new reactor 
to be built at Hinkley Point C in Somerset 
was a significant milestone.

During the year we were awarded a contract 
by Fortum, the owner and operator of the 
Loviisa nuclear power plant in Finland, to 
modernise the safety and non-safety 
instrumentation and control (I&C) systems. 
We also received US Nuclear Regulatory 
Commission licensing of Spinline, our 
safety-critical I&C technology, and this  
will help us access new markets. 

We won a contract to supply and 
commission pressure transmitter 
technology for the Flamanville 3 reactor  
in France and continued to deliver against 
our customer commitments on the world’s 
largest I&C upgrade of the 20-strong French 
fleet of reactors. We continued to be 

successful in China, as an important 
supplier to the world’s largest nuclear 
programme. 

We introduced equipment obsolescence 
services and engineering support to new 
customers in the UK, France, Belgium,  
and South Africa. We also provided reactor 
inspection services to EDF Energy’s UK 
operations.

LOOKING AHEAD
Our priorities will be focus on customers, 
winning new orders and high-quality 
delivery. A key feature will be continuously 
improving operational efficiency and 
performance as we expand our products 
and services, and the markets in which  
we operate. We will build on our 
manufacturing capability, engineering 
excellence and supply chain relationships  
to ensure that we contribute positively to 
new build programmes in the UK and other 
international markets. 

We will focus on further extending the suite 
of products and services that we offer to 
operational reactor utilities to enable them 
to achieve safe, efficient and reliable lifetime 
operations while enabling us to further 
grow our nuclear services presence. 

ENERGY BUSINESS 

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

On 1 December, we concluded the sale of 
our Energy gas turbines and compressor 
business to Siemens for a £785 million cash 

consideration, and a further £200 million  
for a 25-year licensing agreement. 

ENERGY – KEY FINANCIAL DATA

Order book £m
Underlying revenue £m
Underlying OE revenue £m
Underlying service revenue £m
Underlying profit before financing £m

2013 
1,226
871
329
542
64

2014 
–
724
302
422
(3)

41

Strategic ReportStrategic Report

OUR PEOPLE 

The engagement of our  
people is essential to the  
success of our strategy. 

In 2014 we launched the Trusted to Deliver 
Excellence Awards. Over 500 submissions were 
received, each of which demonstrates the talent, 
innovation, commitment and ambition of 
Rolls-Royce men and women. 

The achievements of all the entries that resulted 
in the final award winners showcased here, prove 
what’s possible when we put ourselves in 
customers’ shoes.

image: our advanced new unified bridge 
design for an offshore support vessel.

42

Rolls-Royce Holdings plc

Annual Report 2014

CELEBRATING SUCCESS:  
AWARD WINNERS’ STORIES 

SIMPLE TOUCH SCREEN TO HELP 
MARINE CUSTOMERS

MARINE 
ÅLESUND, NORWAY 

On the bridge of a marine customer’s ship, 
the team from Ålesund saw the array of 
different panels, uncoordinated operating 
systems and audible alerts that face our 
customers every day. They saw first-hand 
what could be a source of frustration, 
fatigue and a trigger for human error. The 
team redesigned an overlay to the operating 
system. This coordinated, both functionally 
and visually, the range of essential controls 
via a simplified touch screen to provide  
a unified bridge design.

100% RIGHT-FIRST-TIME DISC 
PRODUCTION

SUPPLY CHAIN 
WASHINGTON, UK 

The £100 million investment in the High- 
Performance Disc Manufacturing facility  
in Washington set the record for the fastest 
new Rolls-Royce facility build in the Group’s 
history. A combination of state-of-the-art 
equipment, training and up-skilling 
programmes has established a culture of 
continuous improvement. This has resulted 
in 100% right-first-time production and it 
means that the discs, which are integral to 
gas turbine engines, can be delivered in half 
the time. 

The delighted right-first-time team from Washington, UK.

 
Strategic Report

CHALLENGING CONVENTIONAL 
THINKING

IMPROVED TURBINE BLADE 
QUALITY AT LESS COST 

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
UK AND GERMANY 

SUPPLY CHAIN 
ROTHERHAM, UK 

The engineering and technology team 
discovered that by challenging traditional 
thinking about how air flows through a 
compressor, they could measurably improve 
fuel efficiency. They started with numerical 
flow simulations and then worked with 
teams across the globe to decrease air 
leakage and improve performance. For our 
customers, the result means less energy lost 
and improved long-term fuel efficiency for 
their engines. The technology has already 
been deployed in the Trent XWB engine and 
will be followed by testing on Boeing 787 
and A350-1000 aircraft. 

STANDING IN OUR CUSTOMERS’ 
SHOES

CIVIL SMALL & MEDIUM ENGINES
MONTREAL, CANADA 

Every quarter, the Montreal team rolls out  
a red carpet on the factory floor. Employees 
from across the business stand up in front of 
their colleagues, role-playing the customers’ 
view of what we deliver to them. Employees 
audition to tell the stories behind the order 
forms and engine part serial numbers. Others 
volunteer to follow customers’ orders through 
the manufacturing process – from order to 
shipment. This innovative approach is 
spurring new highs in employee engagement, 
creating a deeper understanding of what our 
customers need and has increased customer 
satisfaction by almost 10%. 

The winners from Montreal get the red carpet treatment 
themselves as they pick up their award.

A new standard has been achieved in the 
high-performance turbine blade industry  
at the Advanced Blade Casting Facility in 
Rotherham. Lead times and scrap rates are 
on-track to be halved. The team integrated, 
sharpened and automated critical stages in 
the manufacturing process and, in so doing, 
improved the production precision of our 
complex single crystal turbine blades. For 
our customers, it means a perfect blade 
delivered more efficiently, more quickly and 
at a dramatically reduced production cost.

MONITORING THRUSTERS AT SEA 
TO PLAN MAINTENANCE

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
UK AND FINLAND 

Azimuth thrusters give marine and offshore 
vessels superior manoeuvrability. Our ability 
to assess the health of these thrusters at sea 
saves our customers time and money by 
preventing unscheduled and unnecessary 
maintenance. Until now, technology hasn’t 
been able to monitor thrusters in small and 
medium-sized ships – which represent 80% 
of the marine market. 

Working in collaboration, our Strategic 
Research Centre, Marine Services Azimuth 
Thruster team and the University of 
Sheffield’s Technology Centre came up with 
the Thruster Wireless Link. The new 
technology enables us to read the vital signs 
of all our operating thrusters on all sizes of 
vessels and platforms. It also opens a new, 
lucrative market for our services. For 
customers, it means the ability to plan 
maintenance three to six months ahead  
of time and avoid costly propulsion  
failures at sea.

SAVING CUSTOMERS MONTHS  
OF TIME IN COMMISSIONING

NUCLEAR
DERBY, UK 

The UK team that supports the build of the 
Astute class of nuclear submarines has cut 
the time and cost of delivery dramatically. 
The complex pipework and valve systems 
require a flushing process that used to take  
a total of 190 days to complete. Following 
on-site visits, our team saw the opportunity 
to collaborate with our partners to redesign 
the process. The initial time required for 
most flush paths was reduced from 60 
hours to just one. This will save the 
customer four months of commissioning 
time per submarine. It means delivery of the 
same high-quality submarines quicker and 
at a lower cost to the UK Government, one  
of our most important customers.

 We need to work with 

people who make the whole 
production process smarter and 
more cost effective. People like 
these award winners.” 

Nicole Piasecki, VP and General Manager, 
Propulsion Systems Division of Boeing 
Commercial Airplanes, presented the 
awards to the winners.

43

 
SUSTAINABILITY

Our strategy focuses on customer, innovation and profitable 
growth to ensure a sustainable business. 

OUR APPROACH

Sustainability is inherent to our 
strategy. For Rolls-Royce that means 
driving profitable growth whilst 
achieving a positive economic,  
social and environmental impact.  

BETTER POWER 

HELPING OUR CUSTOMERS DO MORE,  
USING LESS

BETTER FUTURE

COMMITTED TO INNOVATION, POWERING 
BETTER, CLEANER ECONOMIC GROWTH

This year, we invested over £1.2 billion  
in gross R&D. As a result of engineering 
expertise and our strong tradition of 
innovation, many of our products are 
currently market-leaders in terms of 
environmental performance. Innovation  
is embedded in all our products and services 
and is key to our competitive edge. 

We use our engineering expertise to  
develop and deliver integrated power 
systems for our customers, helping them  
to do more using less. Our commitment  
is to continuously improve the 
environmental performance of our  
products and services. 

OUR PEOPLE
The Group employed a total of 54,100* 
people in 2014. We know that our future 
depends on the skills, knowledge and 
passion of all of our people and work to 
create an environment where all employees 
can reach their full potential.

We encourage diversity, engagement  
and development. We give full and fair 
consideration to all employment 
applications from people with disabilities, 
and support disabled employees helping 
them to make the best use of their skills  
and potential. 

A diverse workforce will help ensure our 
continued success as a global business and 
contribute towards a better future. More 
information on our approach to diversity 
and gender distribution can be found in the 
Nominations and Governance Committee 
report, on page 65. 

IMPROVING ENVIRONMENTAL 
PERFORMANCE
Our environmental strategy reflects the 
main focus of our investment and effort, 
concentrating on three areas: supporting 
our customers by further reducing the 
environmental impact of our products and 
services; developing new technology for 
future low-emission products; and 
maintaining our drive to reduce the 
environmental impact of our business 
activities.

PRODUCT SAFETY
Our products are often deployed in mission 
critical environments. We are committed  
to delivering products and services that 
achieve the highest standards of product 
safety. We have a consistent approach to 
safety across the Group and systematically 
pursue proactive opportunities for 
improvement. More details can be found in 
the Safety and Ethics Committee report on 
page 66.

44

Average number of employees by region*

2013

2014

24,800 24,500
UK
8,500
7,900
USA
1,600 1,500
Canada
10,500 10,500
Germany
4,100 4,000
Nordics
5,700
5,700
Rest of world
Average number of employees by business unit*

Civil aerospace
Defence aerospace
Marine
Power Systems
Nuclear
Energy
Total*

23,400 23,900
7,900
7,000
6,900 6,400
10,700 10,700
3,900
3,900
2,400 2,200
55,200 54,100

* Headcount data is calculated in terms of average full time 
employees (FTEs) for 2014. Therefore, this includes FTEs 
associated with our Energy gas turbines and compressor 
business disposed of in December 2014. The transfer of this 
business unit has had minimal impact on the average 
headcount numbers for the year. Marine and Nuclear data for 
2013 has been restated to reflect the transfer of our 
Submarines business from Marine to Nuclear.

EMPLOYEE INVOLVEMENT
We use a variety of channels to communicate 
with our employees, including face-to-face  
and online communications. We encourage 
collaboration, employee suggestions and 
feedback through these systems. In addition 
we have mechanisms in place for employees  
to be able to raise concerns both formally  
and anonymously, including through the 
Rolls-Royce Ethics Line. 

We have established frameworks for managing 
employee, trade union and representative 
participation, including formal information 
and consultations. Our incentive schemes  
and all-employee share plans enable every 
employee to have the opportunity to share  
in our success.

EARLY CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES
We continue to attract large numbers of high 
quality graduates and apprentices, and have 
well-established early career programmes in 
11 countries worldwide. 

In 2014, we introduced non-engineering 
graduate and apprenticeship programmes in 
Germany. We continue to focus on expanding 

Rolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014Strategic Report 
Strategic Report

our offerings beyond the UK, particularly  
in India and Germany. 

We have won a number of awards this year, 
including TargetJobs Winner of ‘The most 
popular graduate recruiter – engineering, 
design and manufacture’ in the UK, for the 
fifth year running. 

HUMAN RIGHTS
Our human rights approach is aligned  
with our Global Code of Conduct. It draws 
together relevant internal controls that 
oversee the range of issues encompassed  
by human rights. Our policy sets out our 
commitment to respect the human rights  
of our employees through core labour 
standards. This covers employee 
involvement, diversity and equality, pay  
and benefits, working hours, forced labour 
and child labour.

We comply with the local laws of the 
countries where we operate. In the event 
that our Human Rights policy imposes 
higher requirements than local law, we 
adhere to that higher requirement. We set 
equivalent standards for our supply chain 
through our Global Supplier Code of 
Conduct. This is part of our broader aim to 
align the standards of our suppliers to those 
of the Group. 

EMPLOYEE WELLBEING
We work to enhance the personal wellbeing 
of our people to help them reach their full 
potential. We are committed to empowering 
and enabling employees to lead a healthy 
lifestyle at work. 

We launched new wellbeing initiatives across 
our global locations this year. These include 
physiotherapy and employee assistance 
programmes in the UK, employee sports  
days in China and Germany, and a Wellbeing 
Month across our US facilities. Over 4,000 
employees worldwide participated in the 
Global Corporate Challenge, amassing a 
combined total of over five billion steps.

COMMUNITIES
Our community investment and education 
outreach programmes support our Group 
strategy. We recognise that talented 
engineers are the key to our future and work 
actively to increase interest and encourage 

diversity amongst those taking science, 
technology, engineering and mathematics 
(STEM) subjects. 

More information on our approach to ethics 
can be found in the Safety and Ethics 
Committee report on page 68. 

GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS
We engage in dialogue and partnerships 
with governments and industry bodies 
aligned to our business needs. This year we 
have worked with the UK Government on the 
implementation of the Aerospace Growth 
Partnership. In the EU, we have focused on 
preventing unintended consequences of the 
inclusion of aviation in the European Union 
Emissions Trading Scheme. In North America, 
we continue to engage with a range of 
political stakeholders on issues including 
defence appropriations, aviation policy, 
Federal Aviation Administration approval  
of our products, and trade proposals. 

Our joint venture in India has now reached 
full production and exports to our other 
locations around the world. Through our 
subcontractors TCS and Quest we have  
over 1,000 engineers serving the Group’s 
needs globally. In China we are present in 
more than 30 locations including joint 
ventures. Our manufacturing and services 
centres in Singapore are the heart of a multi-
business and multi-function regional hub, 
where our first major Customer Service 
Centre opened in early 2015.  

BETTER BUSINESS

INVESTING IN TECHNOLOGY, PEOPLE  
AND IDEAS TO IMPROVE ALL ASPECTS  
OF OUR PERFORMANCE AND TO DRIVE 
PROFITABLE GROWTH

ETHICS
High ethical standards, supported by good 
governance, are fundamental to how we  
run our business. We have a strong focus on 
ethics that helps ensure we win right every 
time. This year our Global Code of Conduct 
has been ranked by the Red Flag Group as 
third among those within the FTSE 100 
companies that were assessed. 

Rolls-Royce does not make any corporate 
contributions or donations to political 
parties or causes, as outlined in our Global 
Code of Conduct. 

HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT
We regard the health and safety of our 
employees at work as paramount. It is therefore 
with particular regret that we report the death 
of four employees in a single drowning incident 
which occurred in 2014. This tragic incident 
took place outside work whilst deployed at a 
customer location. This incident is not reported 
in our annual data because it occurred outside 
working hours. We have sought to learn from 
this incident in terms of managing remote 
field-service activities. 

We continue to monitor safety performance  
in the workplace and are continuing with the 
process of integrating our Power Systems 
business into our HS&E management system. 
At present, Power Systems does not collect  
its HS&E data in a manner consistent with  
the Group and therefore this data has  
been excluded from our 2013 and 2014  
HS&E figures. 

In 2014, our total reportable injury (TRI) rate 
fell by 16% to 0.37 TRIs per 100 employees, 
compared to 0.44 in 2013*. In the UK we were 
fined £200,000 and £176,000 in costs for a 
source radiography event that occurred in 
2011. We improve the performance of our 
operations by reducing energy, greenhouse 
gas emissions and waste. We support our 
external suppliers to do the same. 

*  The TRI rate excludes Power Systems, and has been adjusted 

to reflect the disposal of our Energy gas turbines and 
compressor business in December 2014. Entities that were 
part of the Energy business that were not part of the disposal 
have been included. See note at the bottom of page 46.

ACCELERATING PROGRESS
Our goal is to be recognised as a leading 
sustainable business. To achieve this we have 
established a dashboard of higher stretching 
targets, showing progress towards improved 
sustainability performance.

These targets are baselined on our 2014 
performance data, with the exception  
of the ACARE Flightpath 2050 goals. 

Our 2014 sustainability performance and 
targets are detailed overleaf.

45

Strategic Report

2014 PERFORMANCE

Sustainability is inherent to our strategy. To be recognised as a leading sustainable business we 
will deliver better power for our customers, use innovation to secure a better future, and 
develop a better business, ready to meet the opportunities ahead.

CUSTOMER
BETTER POWER 

INNOVATION 
BETTER FUTURE

PROFITABLE GROWTH 
BETTER BUSINESS

In the air
Our new Trent 7000 engine will deliver a 
10% improvement in specific fuel 
consumption and halve the noise energy 
output compared to the current engine on the 
A330. Announced this year, our Advance and 
UltraFan next generation designs will offer at least 
20-25% better fuel burn and CO2 emissions than 
first generation Trent engines. 

On land 
Our MTU technology installed on 
Deutsche Bahn’s diesel Coradia Lint 54  
and 81-type trains reduces particulate 
emissions by 90% and contributes to reducing  
fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Our nuclear 
technology is installed in over 200 reactors across   
20 countries worldwide, making a significant 
contribution to low-carbon electricity generation. 

At sea
Our innovative ship design and 
propulsion systems and pioneering use 
of new cleaner fuel solutions are reducing 
emissions for our customers. Our Environship 
design reduces CO2 by up to 40% compared to 
conventional diesel powered vessels and received 
the Heyerdahl Award this year. 

7,900 customers supported with 

our product learning solutions

Over  

1,000 employee  

STEM ambassadors globally

Supporting a global network of  
31 University Technology  
Centres, engaging over  

700 academics  

in fundamental research into 
cutting edge technologies

Recruited  

354 graduates  
and 357 apprentices

£10.6 million invested in 
supporting communities,  
a 31% increase since 2013

40,000 employees directly 

accessed our learning system, completing 
250,000 individual courses

Hosted almost 

14,000 visitors at our 

Customer Training Centres

In 2014 we invested  
£1.2 billion in gross R&D 
and filed for 600 patents

Rolls-Royce has been listed in the Dow Jones 
Sustainability Index for the 13th consecutive year. 
We achieved an overall score of 66, well above the 
average of 49 in the Aerospace and Defense sector.

A Global Code of Conduct  
issued to all employees in  
21 different languages

Reduced year-on-year energy consumption 
normalised by revenue by  

16% since 2010

Invested 

£4 million

in energy efficiency improvement projects 

565 ktCO2e absolute total 

GHG emissions from our operations*

Total reportable 
injury (TRI) rate of  

0.37  

per 100 employees

Occupational illness 
occurrence rate of  

0.05  

per 100 employees

Our health and safety performance 
continues to improve with a 

45% reduction  

in TRI rate since 2010

Supported suppliers to complete 
2,500 individual courses

We have improved our CDP score to 89. This and  
our maintained performance band rating ‘B’ 
demonstrates our commitment to continually 
improving our environmental performance.

*  Regulatory GHG emissions data detailed on page 164. 

  Limited assurance engagement undertaken by KMPG LLP, using the assurance standards ISAE 3000 and ISAE 3410, over the GHG and TRI data as highlighted. More information detailed on page 164.
   We are in the process of integrating our Power Systems business into our HS&E management system. Energy, GHG, TRI and occupational illness data from Power Systems is excluded for 2014. The 
figures presented have been adjusted to reflect the disposal of our Energy gas turbine and compressor business in December 2014. Entities that were part of the Energy business that were not part  
of the disposal have been included. 

46

Rolls-Royce Holdings plc

Annual Report 2014

Strategic Report

TARGETS 

Our goal is to be recognised as a leading sustainable business. We have established a dashboard 
of higher stretching targets to accelerate progress. 

CUSTOMER
BETTER POWER 

INNOVATION 
BETTER FUTURE

PROFITABLE GROWTH 
BETTER BUSINESS

Reach  

6 million people  
through the Rolls-Royce STEM  
education programmes  
and activities by 2020

All sites to achieve  
Rolls-Royce employee  
health and wellbeing  
LiveWell accreditation  
by 2020

Ensure our  
Sustainable Employee  
Engagement Index  
is greater, or equal to,  
the Global High Performance  
Norm* by 2020 

ACARE Flightpath 2050 goals
The Advisory Council for Aviation Research  
and Innovation in Europe (ACARE) has set 
challenging goals for aviation to meet by 2050. 
These include reducing aircraft CO2 emissions  
by 75% (per passenger kilometre); reducing noise 
by 65%; and reducing oxides of nitrogen (NOx)  
by 90%, all relative to a typical new aircraft 
produced in 2000. 

Trent 700

0

-5

Trent 800

Trent 500

Trent 900

Trent 1000

Trent XWB

n
r
u
b

l
e
u
f

r
o
2

O
C
%

-10

-15

-20

-25

-30

2000

2010

2020

2030

2040

2050

Entry into service

Trent family

ACARE flightpath 2050 target

This chart shows the improved efficiency levels 
of each generation of Trent engine since the 
Trent 700 was introduced in 1995, and our 
latest large civil engine, the Trent XWB.

The Trent XWB is the most efficient turbofan 
aero engine flying today.

Discover more online
www.rolls-royce.com/sustainability

All employees to complete Global 
Code of Conduct certification and 
mandatory ethics training by 2020

Reduce energy use 

by 30%  

normalised by revenue by 2020 

Reduce greenhouse gas 
emissions by  

Reduce total solid  
and liquid waste by

50%  

absolute  
by 2025

Reduce total 
reportable injury 
(TRI) rate to 0.3 per 
100 employees by 
2020, to achieve first 
quartile performance

 25%

normalised by  
revenue by 2020

Zero waste 
to landfill** 
by 2020

All suppliers aligned to our  
own ambitions

All suppliers agree 
adherence to the revised 
Global Supplier Code of 
Conduct  
by 2016

Strategic suppliers 
supported in annual 
Carbon Disclosure 
Project submissions  
by 2016

Strategic supplier 
adherence to the revised 
Code will be monitored 
by 2016

Strategic suppliers 
supported to reduce 
their energy and waste 
by 2016

*  Provided by Towers Watson 
**  Excluding hazardous waste, incineration 

with energy recovery only. 

47

 
 
 
 
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

We continue to build strong foundations for future growth  
in challenging economic conditions.

Financial performance indicators are shown below. The key objectives of the Board and its committees are 
described on pages 59 to 75, non-financial performance indicators are shown in the Sustainability section  
on pages 44 to 47.

CUSTOMER 
ORDER BOOK

+3%

+5% excluding 
Energy

ORDER INTAKE

-28%

WHY WE MEASURE IT 
The order book provides an indicator of future business. We 
measure it at constant exchange rates and list prices and include 
both firm and announced orders. In Civil aerospace, it is common 
for a customer to take options for future orders in addition to firm 
orders placed. Such options are excluded from the order book. In 
Defence aerospace, long-term programmes are often ordered for 
only one year at a time. In such circumstances, even though there 
may be no alternative engine choice available to the customer,  
only the contracted business is included in the order book. 
Conservatively, we only include the first seven years’ revenue  
of long-term aftermarket contracts.

Order intake is a measure of new business secured during the  
year and represents new firm orders, net of the movement in the 
announced order book between the start and end of the period.  
Any orders which were recorded in previous periods and which  
are subsequently cancelled, reducing the order book, are included as  
a reduction to intake. We measure order intake at constant exchange 
rates and list prices and, consistent with the order book policy of 
recording the first seven years’ revenue of long-term aftermarket 
contracts, include the addition of the following year of revenue on 
long-term aftermarket contracts.

UNDERLYING 
REVENUE

-6%

-3% excluding FX

Monitoring of revenues provides a measure of business growth. 
Underlying revenue is used as it reflects the impact of our  
FX hedging policy by valuing foreign currency revenue at  
the actual exchange rates achieved as a result of settling FX 
contracts. This provides a clearer measure of the year-on-year 
trend.

HOW WE HAVE 
PERFORMED 
The order book grew in all 
businesses except Marine 
and Nuclear.

The disposal of the Energy 
business in 2014 reduced  
the order book by £0.9bn.

£bn

71.6

73.7

59.2 62.2

60.1

2010

2011 2012 2013 2014

The reduction mainly reflects 
lower order intake in Civil 
aerospace from a high in 
2013 and includes the 
cancellation of Emirates’ 
A350 XWB order. 

£bn

16.3

16.1

12.3

26.9

19.4

Defence aerospace order 
intake increased by 55%.

The reduction reflects  
an 8% fall in OE revenue  
and a 3% decline in  
services revenue.

2010

2011 2012 2013 2014

£m

10,866 11,277

12,209

15,505

14,588

2010

2011 2012 2013 2014

PAGE 23  
STRATEGY

PAGES 24 AND 25  
BUSINESS MODEL 

PAGES 44 TO 47  
SUSTAINABILITY

48

Rolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014Strategic ReportINNOVATION 
NET R&D 
EXPENDITURE  
AS A PROPORTION 
OF UNDERLYING 
REVENUE

5.8%

CAPITAL 
EXPENDITURE  
AS A PROPORTION 
OF UNDERLYING 
REVENUE

4.6%

WHY WE MEASURE IT 
This measure reflects the need to generate current returns  
as well as to invest for the future. We measure R&D as the 
self-funded expenditure before both amounts capitalised in  
the year and amortisation of previously-capitalised balances.  
We expect to spend approximately 5% of underlying revenues  
on R&D although this proportion will fluctuate depending on 
the stage of development of current programmes. We expect  
this proportion will reduce modestly over the medium term. 

HOW WE HAVE PERFORMED 
The increase reflects 
increased investment due  
to the phasing of major  
new programmes.

%

5.8

4.7

4.6

4.7

4.8

To deliver on its commitments to customers, the Group invests 
significant amounts in its infrastructure. All proposed 
investments are subject to rigorous review to ensure that they 
are consistent with forecast activity and will provide value for 
money. We measure annual capital expenditure as the cost of 
property, plant and equipment acquired during the period and, 
over the medium term, expect a proportion of around 4%.

The level of expenditure 
reflects the ongoing 
investment in facilities  
and tooling as the Group 
prepares for increased 
production volumes.

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

%

3.3

4.6

4.4

4.1

4.0

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

PROFITABLE GROWTH 
UNDERLYING 
PROFIT BEFORE 
FINANCING

-8%

-5% excluding FX

AVERAGE  
CASH/DEBT

-£38m

WHY WE MEASURE IT 
We measure underlying profit before financing on a basis that 
shows the economic substance of the Group’s hedging strategies 
in respect of the transactional exchange rate and commodity 
price movements. In particular: (a) revenues and costs 
denominated in US dollars and euros are presented on the basis 
of the exchange rates achieved during the year; (b) similar 
adjustments are made in respect of commodity derivatives; and 
(c) consequential adjustments are made to reflect the impact  
of exchange rates on trading assets and liabilities and long-term 
contracts on a consistent basis.

We measure average cash based on the weekly balance of net 
funds/debt. These balances are reported at prevailing exchange 
rates and in recent periods, year-on-year movements in average 
cash balances reflect the significant acquisitions and disposals 
which have taken place, most notably RRPS in 2011, IAE 
restructuring in 2012, the purchase of the remaining 50% of RRPS 
and the disposal of our Energy gas turbines and compressor 
business in 2014. The impact on average cash balances will 
depend on when these transactions took place during the year.

HOW WE HAVE PERFORMED 
The reduction reflects  
FX changes, restructuring 
costs, a one-off product 
rectification charge and 
higher R&D, partially offset 
by benefits on TotalCare 
contracts and lower  
bonus costs. 

£m

1,206

1,010

1,831

1,678

1,495

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

The reduction reflects the 
impact of the purchase of  
the remaining 50% of Power 
Systems in August. 

£m

960

The sale of the Energy 
business in December  
had a minimal impact.

320

350

(145)

(38)

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

FREE CASH FLOW

£254m

In a business requiring significant investment, we monitor cash 
flow to ensure that profitability is converted into cash generation, 
both for future investment and as a return to shareholders.  
We measure free cash flow as the movement in net funds/debt 
during the year, before movements arising from payments  
to shareholders, acquisitions and disposals and FX. 

The reduction mainly reflects 
lower profits and movements 
in customer deposits.

£m

714

781

581

548

254

During 2015, we intend to re-consider the dashboard of financial and non-financial KPIs  
against which we believe the Group should be measured.

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

49

Strategic ReportPRINCIPAL RISKS

Managing our risks to deliver better power for a changing world

Rolls-Royce benefits from operating a risk 
management framework within a risk-
conscious organisation. Risk management  
is built into our day-to-day activities and 
forms an integral part of how we work. From 
our engineering design, through to engine 
production, servicing and how we run our 
operations, risk management is a key 
enabler for delivering our brand promise: 
‘trusted to deliver excellence’. 

Given the rapid growth of the business over 
the past few years and the changing risk 
environment that we work in, we have been 
reviewing how far the risk management 
framework continues to meet our needs 
across the Group. This work is now largely 
complete and we will be rolling out some 
improvements across the organisation to 
help ensure greater consistency across the 
different parts of our operations. Part of this 
review has looked at risk governance and 
how the Board assesses our principal risks 
and satisfies itself that these are being 
managed appropriately. 

RISK GOVERNANCE
The review of our risk management 
framework has been conducted alongside 
the governance review described on page 
56. The Board has decided that, from January 
2015, the principal risks will be reviewed  
by the Board or the most appropriate board 
committees to make sure that there is 
sufficient focus and independent oversight 
on the risks. During the year, the relevant 
committees will carry out ‘deep dives’ to 
review their allocated risks in detail and then 
report to the Board. This will ensure that we 

are in a good position to assess how far 
controls and actions are effective. 

The Executive Leadership Team (ELT) assists 
the Board in determining the nature and 
extent of the principal risks it is willing to 
take in achieving its strategic objectives. 
During 2014, as part of the full and half-year 
results process, the ELT reviewed key risks 
which had been reported by the Divisions 
and functions. These were cross-checked 
with the risks that the ELT had identified 
from its own assessments, from which  
it developed a list of principal risks. 

When the ELT reviews the principal risks  
it takes into account changes in external 
strategic factors such as the competitive 
environment, technology, cyber security  
and macro-economic developments as well 
as potential operational, financial and 
compliance risks. Changes in our risk profile 
are highlighted to the Board. The Board  
can regularly review and challenge whether 
the Group’s principal risks are the right ones 
to focus on and have an opportunity to 
discuss with senior management how they 
are being managed. The Board is very 
conscious of the need to both keep the list  
of principal risks under active review and  
to consider potential risks as an explicit part 
of its discussions.

OUR RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
The Board is responsible for the Group’s 
system of internal control and for 
maintaining and reviewing its effectiveness 
from a financial, operational and compliance 
perspective. This system of internal control 

Our risk framework ensures that 
risks are identified, managed and 
communicated at every level of 
the Group. 

Key risks are subject to review and 
challenge by the ELT and are used 
to assist the Board in determining 
our principal risks.

50

The
Board

ELT & board  
committees

Division/functions

Business units

Programmes

is designed to identify and manage, rather 
than eliminate, the risk of failure to achieve 
business objectives and to provide reasonable 
but not absolute assurance against material 
misstatement or loss. Our risk management 
process is a key element of the Group’s internal 
control system and will develop in line with 
our activities, and in response to the risks  
and uncertainties that arise.

Risk management is implemented using a 
Group-wide framework and software tool  
and a network of trained experts. 

Divisions and their business units and 
functions are accountable for identifying  
and managing risk in line with Group 
requirements and they formally review risks  
at least twice yearly. Business continuity plans 
are put in place by the businesses to mitigate 
continuity risks. 

Risk thresholds are set at each level across the 
Group and any risks identified that meet the 
agreed threshold are captured in the Group 
risk software tool and escalated to Group  
level as part of a well structured reporting  
and review system.

This framework benefits from overall 
coordination by the Group’s enterprise risk 
team, led by the director of risk, which is 
responsible for disseminating risk policy and 
processes. To help ensure full coverage and 
efficiency we are currently conducting a risk, 
control and assurance mapping exercise to 
give the Board and committees that have 
oversight responsibility a clearer picture of 
how the internal control and risk management 
framework is working in practice. 

Joint ventures constitute an increasingly large 
part of the Group’s activities. Responsibility for 
internal control procedures in joint ventures 
lies with the managers of those operations. 
We seek to exert influence over such joint 
ventures through board representation. 
Management and internal audit regularly 
review the activities of these joint ventures 
and the director of internal audit and the 
Audit Committee have been taking a close  
look at audit coverage in this area.

PAGE 62  
DIRECTORS’ REPORT

PAGES 71 AND 72  
AUDIT COMMITTEE

Rolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014Strategic ReportThe Board is very aware that the 
effectiveness of risk management is highly 
dependent on behaviours, as a good process 
does not automatically lead to a good 
outcome. Our ethics and compliance 
improvement programme, aimed at 
securing compliance with our ethical 
standards, will help. The launch of the new 
Global Code of Conduct is reinforcing the 

values and behaviours required, which in 
turn will strengthen our risk culture. 

PRINCIPAL RISKS
During the year, the ELT and Board focused 
on the principal risks and the actions being 
taken to manage them. This involved: 
discussing changes to the risk register; 
considering key risk thresholds and agreeing 

changes to limits; reviewing the risk 
indicators for principal risks; and, hearing 
from management how risks that exceed 
the revised thresholds will be managed.

The following table describes the principal risks facing the Group notwithstanding that there are other risks that may 
occur and may impact the achievement of the Group’s objectives. 

RISK OR UNCERTAINTY AND POTENTIAL IMPACT

HOW WE MANAGE IT

PRODUCT FAILURE

•  Operating a safety first culture

Product not meeting safety expectations, or 
causing significant impact to customers or the 
environment through failure in quality control.

BUSINESS CONTINUITY

Breakdown of external supply chain or internal 
facilities that could be caused by destruction of  
key facilities, natural disaster, regional conflict, 
financial insolvency of a critical supplier or scarcity 
of materials which would reduce the ability to 
meet customer commitments, win future business 
or achieve operational results.

•  Applying our engineering design and validation process from initial design, 

through production and into service

•  The Safety and Ethics Committee reviewing the scope and effectiveness  
of the Group’s product safety policies to ensure that they operate to the  
highest industry standards (see Safety and Ethics Committee on page 66)

•  Operating a safety management system (SMS), governed by the product safety 
review board, and subject to continual improvement based on experience and 
industry best practice. Product safety training is an integral part of our SMS

•  Improving our supply chain quality

•  Crisis management team chaired by the Director – Engineering and Technology 

or General Counsel as appropriate

This principal risk is subject to review by the Safety and Ethics Committee 

•   Continuing investment in adequate capacity, and modern equipment and 

facilities (see Aerospace Business review on page 33)

•  Identifying and assessing points of weakness in our internal and external 

supply chain, our IT systems and our people skills

•  Selecting and developing stronger suppliers 

•  Developing dual sources or dual capability

•  Developing and testing incident management and business continuity plans

•  Crisis management team chaired by Director – Engineering and Technology  

or General Counsel as appropriate

•  Customer excellence centres providing improved response to supply  

chain disruption

This principal risk is subject to review by the Audit Committee 

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

Customer

Innovation

Profitable growth

51

Strategic ReportPRINCIPAL RISKS
CONTINUED

RISK OR UNCERTAINTY AND POTENTIAL IMPACT

HOW WE MANAGE IT

COMPETITOR ACTION

The presence of large, financially strong 
competitors in the majority of our markets means 
that the Group is susceptible to significant price 
pressure for original equipment or services even 
where our markets are mature or the competitors 
are few. Our main competitors have access to 
significant government funding programmes  
as well as the ability to invest heavily in technology 
and industrial capability.

•   Accessing and developing key technologies and service offerings which 

differentiate us competitively (see Innovation and Technology on page 21)

•  Focusing on being responsive to our customers and improving the quality, 

delivery and reliability of our products and services

•  Partnering with others effectively

•  Driving down cost and improving margins (see Chief Executive’s review  

on page 17 and Chief Financial Officer’s review on pages 26 and 27)

•  Protecting credit lines 

•  Investing in innovation, manufacturing and production, and continuing 

POLITICAL RISK

Geopolitical factors that lead to an unfavourable 
business climate and significant tensions between 
major trading parties or blocs which could impact 
the Group’s operations. For example: explicit trade 
protectionism, differing tax or regulatory regimes, 
potential for conflict, or broader political issues. 

governance of technology programmes

•  Understanding our competitors

This principal risk is subject to review by the Board 

•  Where possible, locating our domestic facilities and supply chain in  
countries with a low level of political risk and/or ensuring that we  
maintain dual capability

•  Diversifying global operations to avoid excessive concentration of risks  

in particular areas

•  The international network of Rolls-Royce and its business units proactively 

monitoring local situations

•  Maintaining a balanced business portfolio with high barriers to entry and  

a diverse customer base (see Chief Executive’s review on pages 15 and 16 and  
business model on pages 24 and 25)

•  Proactively influencing regulation where it affects us (see Sustainability  

on page 45)

This principal risk is subject to review by the Board

MAJOR PROGRAMME DELIVERY

•   Major programmes are subject to Board approval (see Additional financial 

information on page 160)

Failure to deliver a major programme on time, 
within budget to specification or technical 
performance falling significantly short of  
customer expectations, or not delivering the 
planned business benefits, would have potentially 
significant adverse financial and reputational 
consequences, including the risk of impairment  
of the carrying value of the Group’s intangible 
assets and the impact of potential litigation.

•  Reviewing major programmes at levels and frequencies appropriate to their 

performance against key financial and non-financial deliverables and potential 
risks throughout the programme’s life cycle (see Additional financial 
information on page 160)

•  Conducting technical audits at pre-defined points and performed by a team 

that is independent from the programme

•  Requiring programmes to address the actions arising from reviews and audits 

and monitoring and controlling progress through to closure

•  Applying knowledge management principles to provide benefit to current  

and future programmes

This principal risk is subject to review by the Board

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

Customer

Innovation

Profitable growth

52

Rolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014Strategic ReportRISK OR UNCERTAINTY AND POTENTIAL IMPACT

HOW WE MANAGE IT

COMPLIANCE

•  Taking an uncompromising approach to compliance

Non-compliance by the Group with legislation  
or other regulatory requirements in the heavily 
regulated environment in which it operates  
(for example: export controls, use of controlled 
chemicals and substances, and anti-bribery and 
corruption legislation) compromising the ability  
to conduct business in certain jurisdictions and 
exposing the Group to potential reputational 
damage, financial penalties, debarment from 
government contracts for a period of time, and/or 
suspension of export privileges or export credit 
financing, any of which could have a material 
adverse effect.

MARKET SHOCK

The Group is exposed to a number of market risks, 
some of which are of a macro-economic nature.  
For example, oil price or foreign currency exchange 
rates, and some which are more specific to the 
Group, such as liquidity and credit risks, reduction 
in air travel or disruption to other customer 
operations. Significant extraneous market events 
could also materially damage the Group’s 
competitiveness and/or creditworthiness. This 
would affect operational results or the outcomes  
of financial transactions.

IT VULNERABILITY

Breach of IT security causing controlled or critical 
data to be lost, made inaccessible, corrupted or 
accessed by unauthorised users impacting the 
Group’s operations or reputation.

•  Operating an extensive compliance programme. This programme and the 
Global Code of Conduct are disseminated throughout the Group and are 
updated and reinforced from time-to-time to ensure their continued relevance, 
and to ensure that they are complied with both in spirit and to the letter. The 
Global Code of Conduct and the Group’s compliance programme are supported 
by appropriate training (see Safety and Ethics Committee on page 67)

•  A legal and compliance team is in place to manage our compliance programme 
and any ongoing regulatory investigations (see Safety and Ethics Committee  
on page 68)

•  Lord Gold has reviewed the Group’s current compliance procedures and the 

Group has continued to implement an improvement plan

•  Implementing a comprehensive REACH compliance programme. This includes 

establishing appropriate data systems and processes, working with our 
suppliers, customers and trade associations and conducting research on 
alternative materials 

This principal risk is subject to review by the Safety and Ethics Committee

•   Maintaining a strong balance sheet, through healthy cash balances and  

a continuing low level of debt

•  Providing financial flexibility by maintaining high levels of liquidity and  

an investment grade ‘A’ credit rating (see Additional financial information  
on page 161)

•  Sustaining a balanced portfolio through earning revenue both from the sale  
of original equipment and aftermarket services, providing a broad product 
range and addressing diverse markets that have differing business cycles

•  Deciding where and what currencies to source in, and where and how much 
credit risk is extended or taken. The Group has a number of treasury policies 
that are designed to hedge residual risks using financial derivatives (foreign 
exchange, interest rate and commodity price risk – see Additional financial 
information on page 160 and note 17)

This principal risk is subject to review by the Audit Committee

•  Establishing ‘defence in depth’ through deployment of multiple layers of 

software protection and processes including web gateways, filtering, firewalls, 
intrusion, and advanced persistent threat detectors and integrated reporting 
(see Audit Committee report on pages 71 and 72)

•  Running security and network operations centres 

•  Actively sharing IT Security information through industry, government  

and security forums

This principal risk is subject to review by the Audit Committee

The Strategic Report was approved  
by the Board on 12 February 2015  
and signed on its behalf by

PAMELA COLES
Company Secretary

53

Strategic ReportBOARD OF DIRECTORS

1

9

2

10

3

11

4

12

1. IAN DAVIS CHAIRMAN 2
CHAIRMAN OF THE NOMINATIONS 
AND GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE
Appointed to the Board March 2013  
and as Chairman May 2013
Key areas of experience: Finance, government  
and overseas experience
Other current appointments:
• Johnson & Johnson Inc, non-executive director
• BP p.l.c., non-executive director
• UK Cabinet Office Board, non-executive member 
• Apax Partners LLP, senior adviser
Previous relevant experience: 
•  McKinsey & Company 1979 – 2003 
•  Chairman and worldwide managing  
director of McKinsey 2003 – 2010  
He served as a consultant at McKinsey to a range  
of global organisations across the private, public  
and not-for-profit sectors

2. JOHN RISHTON CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Appointed to the Board March 2007 and  
as Chief Executive March 2011
Key areas of experience: Finance, sales and 
marketing, and overseas experience
Other current appointments: 
• Unilever N.V and Unilever plc, non-executive director
Previous relevant experience: 
•  Ford Motor Company, held a variety of positions  

in the UK and Europe 1979 – 1994

• British Airways Plc 1994 – 2001
•  British Airways Plc, chief financial officer  

2001 – 2005

•  Royal Ahold, CFO from 2006 – 2007 and CEO  

from 2007 – 2011

3. LEWIS BOOTH CBE  
SENIOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR 1,2,5
CHAIRMAN OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
Appointed to the Board May 2011
Key areas of experience: Finance, industrial  
and overseas experience
Other current appointments: 
• Mondelez International Inc., director 
• Gentherm Inc., director 
• University of Liverpool in America Inc., director
Previous relevant experience: 
•  Ford Motor Company, senior positions in Europe, 

Asia, Africa and US, 1978 – 2009

•  Ford Motor Company, executive vice president  

and CFO 2008 – 2012 
He was awarded a CBE in 2012 for services to the 
UK automotive and manufacturing industries

4. DAME HELEN ALEXANDER  
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 2,3,4 
CHAIRMAN OF THE REMUNERATION COMMITTEE 
Appointed to the Board September 2007
Key areas of experience: Media, business  
and finance 
Other current appointments:  
• UBM plc, chairman
• Port of London Authority, chairman
• esure Group plc, deputy chairman
• Bain Capital, senior adviser
• EDF’s UK Advisory Board, member
• University of Southampton, chancellor
•  She is also involved with other not-for-profit 
organisations in media, the arts and education

Previous relevant experience:  
• Economist Group, chief executive 1997 – 2008
•  Economist Intelligence Unit, managing director 

1993 – 1997

• BT Group plc, non-executive director 1998 – 2001
•  Northern Foods plc, non-executive director  

1994 – 2002

• CBI, president 2009 – 2011 
•  Centrica plc, non-executive director 2003 – 2011 
She was awarded a DBE in 2011 for services  
to business

5. RUTH CAIRNIE NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 2,3,5
Appointed to the Board September 2014
Key areas of experience: International marketing 
and supply chain, and overseas experience
Other current appointments:  
• Associated British Foods plc, non-executive director 
•  Keller Group plc, non-executive director Rotterdam 
School of Management, member of advisory board

Previous relevant experience:  
•  Royal Dutch Shell plc, 1976 – 2014 executive vice 
president strategy & planning and other senior 
international roles, including managing the global 
commercial fuels business

6. SIR FRANK CHAPMAN NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 2,3,4 
CHAIRMAN OF THE SAFETY AND ETHICS COMMITTEE
Appointed to the Board November 2011
Key areas of experience: Engineering and industrial
Other current appointments: 
• Golar LNG Limited, chairman
Previous relevant experience:
•  Appointments within BP P.l.c., 1974 – 1978 and  

Royal Dutch Shell plc, 1978 – 1996 

•  BG Group plc, CEO 2000 – 2012  

He was knighted in 2011 for services to the  
oil & gas industries

7. WARREN EAST CBE   NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 1,2,5
CHAIRMAN OF THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 
COMMITTEE
Appointed to the Board January 2014
Key areas of experience: Technology and engineering 
Other current appointments: 
• De La Rue plc, non-executive director
• Dyson Ltd, non-executive director
•  BT Group plc, non-executive director
• Micron Technology Inc., non-executive director
Previous relevant experience:
• ARM Holdings plc, chief executive 2001 – 2013
•  ARM Holdings plc, various senior appointments  

1994 – 2001 
 He was awarded a CBE in 2014 for services to the 
technology industry

54

Directors’ ReportRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 20145

13

6

14

7

15

8

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
1 Audit Committee
2  Nominations and Governance  

Committee

3 Remuneration Committee
4 Safety and Ethics Committee
5 Science and Technology Committee 
 (formed January 2015)

8. LEE HSIEN YANG NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 2,4
Appointed to the Board January 2014
Key areas of experience: Telecommunications, 
government, engineering and finance
Other current appointments: 
• General Atlantic LLC, special advisor
• Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, chairman
• General Atlantic Singapore Fund Pte. Ltd, chairman
• The Islamic Bank of Asia Private Limited, chairman
•  The Australian and New Zealand Banking Group 

10. JOHN NEILL CBE NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 1,2 
Appointed to the Board November 2008
Key areas of experience: Engineering, industrial 
and finance
Other current appointments: 
•  Unipart Group of Companies, chairman  

13. DAVID SMITH CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER 
Appointed to the Board November 2014
Key areas of experience: Finance
Other current appointments: 
•  Motability Operations Group plc,  

non-executive director

and group chief executive

• Atlantis Resources Limited, chairman
•  Business in the Community, council  

and board member

Ltd, director

•  Society of Motor Manufacturers and Trades,  

•  Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, member  

vice president

of the board of governors

• INSEAD South East Asia Council, president
•  Singapore Exchange Limited, director
Previous relevant experience:
•  Singapore Telecommunications Limited,  

chief executive 1995 – 2007

•  Fraser and Neave Limited, chairman  

and non-executive director 2007 – 2013

9. JOHN MCADAM NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 2,3,4 
Appointed to the Board February 2008
Key areas of experience: Retail and industrial
Other current appointments: 
• United Utilities Group PLC, chairman
• Rentokil Initial plc, chairman
• J Sainsbury plc, senior independent director
Previous relevant experience:
•  Unilever PLC, senior positions within Birds Eye 
Walls, Quest and Unichema from 1974 –1998

• ICI Paints, chairman and CEO 1998 – 2002
• ICI plc, chief executive 2003 – 2008
•  Severn Trent plc, non-executive director  

2000 – 2005 

•  Sara Lee Corporation, non-executive director  

2008 – 2012

• BEN, the automotive industry charity, vice president
• The Institute of the Motor Industry, vice president
Previous relevant experience: 
• Bank of England, director 
• Royal Mail, non-executive director
•  Charter International plc, non-executive director 
He was awarded a CBE in June 1994 for services 
to the motor industry

11. JASMIN STAIBLIN NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 2,5
Appointed to the Board May 2012
Key areas of experience: Technology, engineering 
and overseas experience
Other current appointments: 
• Alpiq Holding AG, CEO 
• Georg Fischer AG, non-executive director. 
•  Federal Institute of Technology, the ETH Domain, 

board member

Previous relevant experience:
• ABB Switzerland Ltd, CEO until 2012

12. JAMES GUYETTE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF 
EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF ROLLS-ROYCE NORTH 
AMERICA INC. 
Appointed to the Board January 1998
Key areas of experience: Sales, marketing  
and airline operations
Other current appointments: 
•  PrivateBancorp Inc., chairman
• priceline.com, lead independent director
Previous relevant experience:
•  United Airlines, executive vice president 
marketing and planning 1969 – 1997 

• British Motor Industry Heritage Trust, trustee
Previous relevant experience:
•  Ford and Jaguar Land Rover, various senior 

positions spanning 25 years

• Jaguar Land Rover, CEO 2008 – 2010
• Edwards, chief financial officer 2010 – 2013

14. COLIN P SMITH CBE DIRECTOR – ENGINEERING  
AND TECHNOLOGY 
Appointed to the Board July 2005
Key areas of experience: Engineering
Other current appointments: 
• Council for Science and Technology, member
Previous relevant experience:
•  Rolls-Royce plc, 1974 to date. He has held a variety 
of key positions including Director – Research and 
Technology and Director of Engineering and 
Technology – Civil aerospace  
 In June 2012 he was awarded a CBE for services  
to UK engineering

15. PAMELA COLES COMPANY SECRETARY 
Appointed Company Secretary in October 2014
Key areas of experience: Corporate governance 
and company law
Previous relevant experience:
• Centrica plc, head of secretariat 2008 – 2014
•  Held a variety of company secretary roles 

including: Rank Group plc, group company 
secretary and a member of the executive 
committee 

•  RAC plc, company secretary and head of legal 

Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries  
and Administrators since 1997

55

Directors’ Report 
 
CHAIRMAN’S INTRODUCTION

 We benefit from a 
strong Board that has the 
requisite skills to manage 
an international business.”

Strong ethical standards and behaviours, supported by good 
governance are fundamental to a healthy company. This year  
we have focused on reviewing and amending our governance 
arrangements and structures as well as continuing to reinforce  
the conduct and behaviours we expect, wherever we operate.

We are very conscious that our governance must meet the demands 
of our business, our shareholders and other stakeholder groups. 
Changes in our operating and risk environment are constant, arising 
from developments in technology, regulation and our relative 
competitive position in shifting markets. Furthermore, we need to 
remain alert to our shareholders’ points of view and ensure we are 
well-equipped to respond to their concerns.

During the year, the Board considered the Group’s overall 
governance framework, including the work and composition of the 
board committees and the structure of reporting lines, information 
flow and delegation of responsibilities. We have also reviewed how 
we engage with shareholders and respond to their comments, 
particularly around the forward-looking information provided and 
setting out our strategy. Following this thorough review, we agreed 
a number of changes which took effect from 1 January 2015. 

We invest over £1 billion on R&D every year. Investment in 
innovation and managing engineering-related risks are critical to 
our success and so we have established a Science and Technology 
Committee, under the chairmanship of Warren East. This committee 
will provide greater oversight of the development and 
implementation of our innovation strategy and provide assurance 
that we are concentrating our efforts in the right areas. The 
committee will review the direction of the Group’s research, 
technology and development activities to ensure that significant 
science and technology trends are identified and incorporated  
into future plans. 

We expanded the remit of the Nominations Committee to include 
the regular review of governance arrangements. We strengthened 
our Company Secretarial team with the recent appointment of  
a highly experienced Company Secretary who will be overseeing the 
implementation and regularly reviewing the revised governance 
framework. In particular, I am looking forward to benefiting from 

the support she will provide to me as Chairman and to the Senior 
Independent Director. 

In last year’s Annual Report, I commented that the Safety and Ethics 
Committees would be combined. However, as the governance 
review was underway it was decided to defer this until the review 
was completed. These committees were combined with effect from 
1 January 2015 and have assumed responsibility for sustainability 
as well as their other responsibilities detailed on page 66. This gives 
greater focus of our vision to deliver better power for a changing 
world ethically, safely and sustainably. We see close linkages 
between ethical behaviour, taking a responsible attitude towards 
safety and meeting our social and environmental obligations.

The Board governance structure is set out on page 59 and a full 
copy of the refreshed high-level governance structure is available  
on the Group’s website. 

The structure of the Group was changed in 2014 to bring greater 
organisational and management coherence to the work of our main 
two Divisions, Aerospace and Land & Sea. Through this change we 
are aiming to encourage better coordination across our different 
activities, secure benefits from greater integration and reinforce 
accountabilities. Each of the Divisions is described in more detail  
on pages 32 to 41. As part of the ongoing work looking at 
governance across the Group, we will continue to review our 
processes and structures within the Divisions and as we integrate 
Power Systems. As mentioned in the Audit Committee report on 
page 69, we are further strengthening governance at a divisional  
level through our sector audit committees. 

Also, as part of the ongoing review, the Board is considering  
how internal controls and the risk management framework are 
operating in practice (as outlined on pages 50, 62 and 71). We view 
this as fundamental to understanding and discussing the main 
challenges to the business, both strategic and operational. The 
Executive Leadership Team (ELT) will continue to review all principal 
and emerging risks. As set out on pages 51 to 53, each identified 
principal risk will also be considered by the Board who will allocate 
certain risks to the most appropriate board committee. Those 

56

Directors’ ReportRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014committees will then report back to the Board with their views  
on how those risks are being managed and controlled.

INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD (IAB)

The Audit Committee will continue to review all principal risks and 
the overall internal controls and risk management framework as 
part of its year-end activities. This will remain an area of focus in 
2015, especially as we consider our approach to the changes to the 
UK Corporate Governance Code regarding the Board’s responsibility 
to review, at least annually, the effectiveness of the Group’s risk 
management and internal control systems.

In September 2014, we commissioned Independent Audit, a 
specialist board and governance consultancy, to carry out an 
evaluation of the effectiveness of the Board and its committees.  
I was particularly pleased with its conclusion that the Board was 
working off a firm base with a strong core of highly experienced 
and committed directors, working well together as a team in an 
open and supportive atmosphere. We identified a number of areas 
where we could do better and further details of the evaluation and 
its outcomes can be found on page 61 of this report. 

We benefit from a strong Board that has the requisite skills to 
manage an international business, driven by manufacturing quality 
and innovation. Our Nominations and Governance Committee 
regularly reviews the composition and balance of the Board in terms 
of skills, knowledge, experience and diversity to ensure we have  
the right mix to manage the Group. This is particularly important  
as we work with the Chief Executive to ensure that, at all levels of 
the executive and senior management team, the right people are  
in place. We recruited a highly-experienced Group HR Director who 
will ensure that our long-term executive development and 
succession planning and, more generally, our resourcing and 
retention strategies are implemented successfully.

I am confident that the Board works well together and with the  
ELT. This gives us a strong platform, based on trust and confidence, 
on which to have rigorous discussions and hold executives 
accountable.

During the year we appointed Lewis Booth as the Senior 
Independent Director. His strong capabilities and experience, 
together with his contribution to the Board over several years,  
made him the right candidate for the role. 

As I said in my review on page 13, I am delighted that David Smith 
has joined the Board as Chief Financial Officer. He has an 
exceptional track record as a financial leader and since joining 
Rolls-Royce has demonstrated determination, discipline and 
intellectual rigour. 

A copy of the governance framework is available at
www.rolls-royce.com/about/whoweare/corporate_governance 

The IAB, formed in 2006, advises the Board on political and economic 
developments around the world and alerts the Company to possible 
long-term opportunities, threats and risks. Its members are:

LORD POWELL OF BAYSWATER
(CHAIRMAN OF THE IAB)
Former Foreign Affairs and 
Defence Adviser to Prime  
Ministers Baroness Thatcher  
and Sir John Major

VLADIMÍR DLOUHÝ 
International advisor to Goldman 
Sachs for Central and Eastern 
Europe, European deputy chairman 
of the Trilateral Commission, 
president, Czech Chamber of 
Commerce and a former member 
of the Czech Government 

DR PEDRO SAMPAIO MALAN
Chairman of Itaú Unibanco’s 
international advisory board  
and a member of the boards  
of EDP – Energias do Brasil,  
Souza Cruz, Brazil, Mills 
Engenharia, a director of Thomson 
Reuters Founders Share Company 
and a member of the Temasek 
international panel

AKIO MIMURA
Senior advisor, honorary chairman 
Nippon Steel & Sumitomo 
Metal Corporation, Japan

SIR ROD EDDINGTON
Chairman of JP Morgan (Australia 
& New Zealand) and former chief 
executive of British Airways Plc

LUBNA OLAYAN
CEO and deputy chairperson  
of the Olayan Financing Company, 
Saudi Arabia

DR FAN GANG
Professor at China’s Academy  
of Social Sciences and director  
of National Economic Research 
Institute, China

MUSTAFA KOÇ
Chairman of Koç Holding, A.Ş., 
Turkey 

RATAN TATA
Former chairman of Tata Sons 
Limited, India

AMBASSADOR ROBERT B. 
ZOELLICK
Chairman of Goldman Sachs 
International Advisors, senior 
fellow at the Belfer Center at 
Harvard University, former 
president of World Bank Group,  
US Trade Representative and  
US Deputy Secretary of State

THE EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM (ELT)

The ELT is an executive forum, at which the Group’s most senior business 
and functional leaders review, communicate and agree on issues and 
actions of group-wide significance. Its members are:

JOHN RISHTON
CHIEF EXECUTIVE
(CHAIRS THE ELT)

MILES COWDRY
DIRECTOR GLOBAL CORPORATE 
DEVELOPMENT

JAMES GUYETTE 
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE 
OFFICER – ROLLS-ROYCE NORTH 
AMERICA INC.

LAWRIE HAYNES
PRESIDENT – LAND & SEA

HARRY HOLT
GROUP OPERATIONS STRATEGY 
DIRECTOR

MARY HUMISTON
GROUP HR DIRECTOR

COLIN SMITH
DIRECTOR – ENGINEERING 
AND TECHNOLOGY

DAVID SMITH
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

ROBERT WEBB
GENERAL COUNSEL

TONY WOOD
PRESIDENT – AEROSPACE

57

Directors’ ReportCHAIRMAN’S INTRODUCTION
CONTINUED

James Guyette will be stepping down as a Board member, at the 
conclusion of the AGM on 8 May 2015 and retiring from his role as 
President and Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce North America 
on 31 May 2015. John Neill has also indicated that he will not  
put himself forward for re-election at the 2015 AGM and will 
therefore leave the Board having completed over six years  
as a Non-Executive Director.

The Group has continued to implement the recommendations 
made in Lord Gold’s interim report in 2013 and has developed  
an ethics and compliance improvement programme to deliver the 
recommendations. Lord Gold has continued to work with us and 
reports regularly to the Board. Further details of our activities in  
this area are included in the Safety and Ethics Committee report  
on page 68. 

Overall I am pleased with the progress we are making on updating 
and upgrading our controls and governance. We need to maintain 
our focus on risk management and compliance procedures. We will 
review our governance framework annually to ensure that we are 
well-positioned to provide effective oversight over a complex 
business and to give our shareholders a clear view of our 
performance and strategic direction.

IAN DAVIS 
Chairman

I am delighted that Irene Dorner will be appointed as a Non-
Executive Director with effect from 27 July 2015. Details of Irene’s 
experience are included in my review on page 13.

I am pleased that we have made demonstrable progress to increase 
the number of women on our Board. Most recently Ruth Cairnie 
joined the Board as a Non-Executive Director with effect from  
1 September 2014. The process for Ruth’s appointment is described 
on page 65 of the Nominations and Governance Committee report. 

Women currently represent 7% of senior management and  
we will continue to focus on increasing this proportion over the 
coming years. Historically, women have been under-represented  
in the engineering sector. In order to achieve our aspirations we 
need to increase diversity in all levels of the Group, not just the 
Board and we are working on programmes to achieve this.  
We will select future candidates based on their relevant skills, 
experience and knowledge and in keeping with the business  
needs, irrespective of gender.

Last year we began to roll-out an ethics and compliance programme 
where all employees were asked to certify that they had read and 
understood the Global Code of Conduct (Global Code) and would 
comply with it. This was supported by a training course. By the  
end of 2014, 96% of employees had provided certification in respect 
of the Global Code and while we are satisfied with this level of 
certification, we are looking to improve this figure.

58

Directors’ ReportRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

UK CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CODE
This report sets out how the Company applied the principles of the 
UK Corporate Governance Code 2012 (the Code) and the extent to 
which the Company complied with the provisions of the Code 
during the year. A copy of the Code is available from the Financial 
Reporting Council’s website www.frc.org.uk

The Board considers that the Company complied in all material 
respects with the Code for the whole of the year to 31 December 
2014. The Board has agreed that arrangements by which staff may 
raise concerns in confidence are considered and reviewed by the 
Safety and Ethics Committee. Matters relating to financial 
reporting, the integrity of financial management or fraud are also 
reported to the Audit Committee.

THE BOARD
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES 
The Board believes that good corporate governance is not just  
a matter of compliance: it should be contributing to the Group’s 
performance by making sure we have a clear strategic direction, 
manage our risks to the right level and keep the business under 
control. A clearly defined framework of roles and responsibilities  
has been agreed and this has been fully reviewed during 2014.

The powers of the directors are set out in the Company’s Articles  
of Association (the Articles), which are available on the Group’s 
website. The Articles may be amended by special resolution. In 
addition the directors have responsibilities and duties under 
legislation, in particular the Companies Act 2006.

The Audit Committee has considered the requirement to put the 
audit out to tender every ten years. In line with the FRC’s transitional 
arrangements, the committee will do so during the tenure of the 
current lead partner which expires in 2017. More detail can be 
found in the Audit Committee report on page 73.

GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK FROM JANUARY 2015

NOMINATIONS AND 
GOVERNANCE 
COMMITTEE

AUDIT COMMITTEE 

CHAIRMAN

REMUNERATION 
COMMITTEE

THE BOARD

SAFETY AND ETHICS 
COMMITTEE

SCIENCE AND  
TECHNOLOGY 
COMMITTEE

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM

The Board has a schedule of matters reserved for its approval, 
generally being those items which affect the shape and risk profile 
of the Group, as well as items such as the annual budget and 
performance targets, the financial statements, payments to 
shareholders, major capital investments, substantial changes  
to balance sheet management policy and the strategic plan. The 
schedule of reserved matters was reviewed during the year as part 
of the governance review and is available on the Group’s website.

BOARD MEETINGS
The Board holds regular scheduled meetings throughout the year.  
In 2014, the Board met 11 times, of which nine meetings were 
scheduled and two were unscheduled supplementary meetings. 

We are very conscious of the need to provide directors with the 
information they need to be effective. We send out papers well in 
advance of meetings to help directors prepare. We keep the content 
and structure of papers under review to help make sure that they 
communicate the main issues clearly. This year’s board review has 
highlighted some changes that would help in maintaining the 
Board’s focus on the main strategic issues so we will be looking to 
develop some aspects of the board papers during 2015. The review 
confirmed that the directors are satisfied with the fullness of the 
papers and management’s commitment to transparency but we 
recognise that more can be done to enhance the presentation of 
trends and key performance indicators. 

Directors are expected to attend all meetings of the Board and the 
committees on which they sit and to devote sufficient time to the 
Company’s affairs to enable them to fulfil their duties as directors.  
If directors are unable to attend a meeting, their comments on the 
board papers are discussed in advance with the Chairman so that 
their contribution can be included in the wider board discussion. 

Details of attendance by directors at board meetings during 2014 
are set out in the table overleaf and attendance at committee 
meetings is set out within the reports on pages 64, 66, 69 and 74.

59

Directors’ ReportCORPORATE GOVERNANCE
CONTINUED

Members
Ian Davis (Chairman) 
John Rishton
Dame Helen Alexander
Lewis Booth CBE
Ruth Cairnie (appointed 1 September 2014)
Sir Frank Chapman
Iain Conn (retired 1 May 2014)
Warren East CBE
James Guyette
Lee Hsien Yang
John McAdam
Mark Morris (left 4 November 2014)
John Neill CBE
Colin Smith CBE
David Smith (appointed 4 November 2014)
Jasmin Staiblin

Attendance in 2014
9/9 
9/9
7/9
9/9
3/3
9/9
4/4
9/9
9/9
8/9
9/9
7/7
9/9
9/9
2/2
9/9

BOARD COMPOSITION
The Board comprises a Non-Executive Chairman, four Executive 
Directors and nine Non-Executive Directors. 

Details of the Board are set out on pages 54 and 55. Details of the 
Executive Directors’ service contracts, or letters of appointment in 
the case of Non-Executive Directors, are on page 80. Details of their 
remuneration and share interests are set out in the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report on pages 76 to 84.

KEY ROLES
The roles of the Chairman, Chief Executive, Senior Independent 
Director and Company Secretary are set out in writing and have 
been agreed by the Board. 

THE CHAIRMAN
Ian Davis 
Responsibilities

•   effective running of the Board and its committees in accordance with  

the highest standards of corporate governance

•  setting the Board agenda

•   managing the Board to ensure adequate time for discussion of all agenda 

items

•  ensuring the Board receives accurate, timely and clear information

THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE
John Rishton
Responsibilities

•  overseeing the day-to-day operation of the Company’s business

•  developing and implementing the Company’s strategy as approved  

by the Board

•  establishing and maintaining formal and appropriate delegations  

of authority

•  maintaining a close working relationship with the Chairman

THE SENIOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR
Lewis Booth CBE
Responsibilities

•  providing a sounding board for the Chairman

•  being available to major shareholders if they have concerns which have 
not been resolved through the normal channels of the Chairman, Chief 
Executive or other Executive Directors

•  conducting an annual review of the performance of the Chairman

THE COMPANY SECRETARY
Pamela Coles
All directors have access to the advice and services of the Company 
Secretary. She acts as Secretary to the Board and its committees.

Responsibilities

•   ensuring compliance with board procedures and corporate governance
•   administering the process for directors to access external independent 

advice at the Company’s expense

•   assisting the Nominations and Governance Committee with plans for 

directors’ induction and ongoing training

•  ensuring the Board receives accurate, timely and clear information

The guiding principles, agreed by the Board, to govern the 
relationship between the Chairman and the Chief Executive  
are contained within the governance framework available  
on the Group’s website.

INDEPENDENCE OF NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
The Board conducts a rigorous review of the independence of the 
Non-Executive Directors every year, based on the criteria in the 
Code. This review was undertaken in November 2014 and the Board 
concluded that all the Non-Executive Directors remained 
independent in character and judgement.

The Code does not consider the test of independence to be 
appropriate to the chairman of a company. However, Ian Davis  
did meet the Code’s independence criteria upon his appointment  
as Chairman in May 2013. His other external commitments are 
described on page 54. 

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Directors have a duty to avoid a situation in which they have, or can 
have, a direct or indirect interest which conflicts, or possibly may 
conflict, with the interests of the Company unless that situational 
conflict has been authorised by the Board. The Nominations 
Committee reviewed and authorised all directors’ situational 
conflicts and has agreed, that while directors are required to keep 
confidential all Company information, they shall not be required to 
share with the Company confidential information received by them 
from a third party which is the subject of the situational conflict.

60

Directors’ ReportRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014APPOINTMENTS AND RE-APPOINTMENTS
A formal, rigorous and transparent process is followed during the 
selection and subsequent appointment of new directors. Each director 
stands for re-appointment at each AGM. Non-Executive Directors’ 
terms of office will be terminated without compensation if they fail  
to be re-elected (see page 91 for further information). Non-Executive 
Directors are appointed for an initial term of three years, which  
may be extended with the agreement of the Board, although  
re-appointment is not automatic. A rigorous review is undertaken, 
taking account of their performance and ability to contribute to the 
Board in the light of the knowledge, skills, experience and diversity 
required, when considering extending a term for a Non-Executive 
Director beyond six years. For 2014, this has consisted of face-to-face 
discussions between the Chairman and each director, taking into 
account observations arising from the external board review.

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM (ELT)
The ELT is the senior decision-making executive committee and is 
chaired by the Chief Executive. Its membership is shown on page 57. 
During the year it developed detailed strategic options for the Board  
to consider. It also reviewed HS&E performance, customer relations, 
governance, principal risks, financial and operational performance as 
well as acquisitions and disposals during the year. 

The ELT assists the Board in determining the nature and extent of the 
principal risks as described on page 50. 

DIRECTORS’ INDEMNITIES AND INSURANCE
In accordance with the Articles, and to the extent permitted by law,  
the Company has entered into separate deeds of indemnity with its 
directors, which were in force during the financial year and remain in 
force at the date of this report. The Company also maintains directors’ 
and officers’ liability insurance cover for its directors and officers. This 
cover also extends to directors of subsidiary companies.

In addition to its routine business, matters considered by the Board 
in 2014 included:

•  an update by Lord Gold on his interim report on ethical issues;
•  the proposed acquisition of Wärtsilä;
•  discussions with FRC over accounting for risk and revenue sharing 

arrangements (RRSAs);

•  our relationship and strategy with major airframe customers;
•  the sale of our Energy gas turbines and compressor business  

to Siemens; 

•  the £1 billion share buyback; 
•  a proposal to provide engines for the Airbus A330neo;
•  feedback from investor days held during the year;
•  renewal of £2.75 billion Euro Medium Term Note programme;
•  the Board external evaluation report and actions to be taken;
•  the revised corporate governance framework;
•  management succession issues; and
•  the integration of Power Systems.

BOARD EVALUATION
The Board and its committees undertake an annual evaluation  
of their performance, which is conducted by external consultants  
at least once every three years. In 2014, the evaluation was 
conducted by Independent Audit who do not have any other 
connection to the Company. 

Independent Audit reviewed a year’s worth of board and committee 
papers and interviewed all directors and others who have 
significant interaction with the Board and its committees including 
the external auditors and our remuneration advisors. They also 
observed meetings of the Board and committees. The final report 
was discussed in detail by the Board at a board dinner and with 
Independent Audit during a full discussion at a board meeting. 
Follow-up meetings with individual committee chairmen, the 
Company Secretary and other senior management are underway.

THE WORK OF THE BOARD 
At each scheduled meeting, Executive Directors supplied reports  
on business and financial performance including the approval of 
financial statements and budgets. The Board also received regular 
updates on HS&E, employee and legal issues and conducted a 
review of its governance arrangements. The chairman of each of  
the board committees provided verbal reports on matters discussed 
by that committee since the previous board meeting.

The review concluded that we benefit from a strong Board which 
works well as a team of directors and enjoys a constructive and 
open relationship with management. Numerous positive points 
were noted and particular emphasis was put on the changes that 
have already been made to introduce new directors who bring  
fresh perspectives and different experience to the Board, and  
to encourage lively debate at meetings. 

In September 2014, the Board held its annual strategy meeting.  
We focused on areas of particular importance and immediacy 
including our human resource strategy and our approach to 
strengthening our technology infrastructure and exploiting 
technological developments.

61

Directors’ ReportCORPORATE GOVERNANCE
CONTINUED

There is always scope for improvement so we have taken into 
account Independent Audit’s recommendations and during  
2015 will be implementing a number of changes in emphasis,  
which include:

•  reaffirming our strategy and business model for the  

Land & Sea Division;

•  making sure our agendas are managed actively to reflect  

our priorities;

•  enhancing the board information to make sure it is more  
explicitly tied into our strategic priorities and objectives;
•  monitoring and guiding management’s programme for 

enhancing our management information;

•  ensuring that our investor communications are at the right level;
•  driving through the human resource and executive development 

programmes; and

•  making sure that our risk management and internal control 

frameworks are meeting our business and governance needs.

The committees’ work was reviewed and this confirmed that all 
committees are providing effective support to the Board. Areas for 
further development are noted in the individual committee reports.

The evaluation of the Chairman was carried out by Lewis Booth, 
Senior Independent Director, who sought the individual views  
of each of the Executive and Non-Executive Directors, particularly 
given that this was the Chairman’s first full year in the role. All the 
directors, with the exception of the Chairman, then met in 
December 2014 to discuss the feedback and Lewis Booth 
subsequently met with the Chairman to discuss the outcome. 

The Board unanimously agreed that the Chairman’s performance 
had been very strong and that he had established himself in the  
role very effectively. The Chairman’s engagement across the entire 
spectrum of the Group was notable, and he has developed strong 
working relationships with both the Non-Executive and Executive 
Directors while being very effective in introducing new directors 
onto the Board.

BOARD DEVELOPMENT
Newly appointed directors participate in a structured induction 
programme, facilitated by the Company Secretary, and receive  
a comprehensive data pack providing detailed information  
on the Group. 

We recognised last year that our induction programme needed 
further development and we were pleased to note that the new 
directors informed the external reviewers that they were very 
satisfied with the support they received.

This thorough introduction for new directors includes meetings 
with a range of management. Visits by board members to our 
operating sites are also an important part of both induction and 
continuing education, to ensure that directors understand our 
business through direct experience of operating processes and 
discussions with employees at different levels throughout the 

62

business. During the year, some of the Non-Executive Directors 
visited sites in the UK at Derby and Bristol, Ålesund in Norway and 
our Crosspointe facility in the US. We are reviewing the programme 
for 2015 to make sure that all directors have opportunities to visit 
our operations.

Further training is available for all the directors, including 
presentations by the executive team on particular aspects  
of the business. In addition, there is a procedure for directors  
to take independent professional advice at the Company’s  
expense and every director has access to the Company Secretary. 

FINANCIAL REPORTING 
The Group has a comprehensive budgeting system with an annual 
budget approved by the Board. Revised forecasts for the year are 
reported at least quarterly. Actual results, at both a business and 
Group level, are reported monthly against budget and variances are 
kept under scrutiny. The new Chief Financial Officer is undertaking 
an in-depth review of our management reporting and budgeting 
processes to ensure that they fully provide what we need, taking 
into account the size and shape of the Group and the structure  
of our operations.

Financial managers are required to acknowledge in writing that 
their routine financial reporting is based on reliable data and that 
results are properly stated in accordance with Group requirements. 
In addition, for annual reporting, business presidents and finance 
directors are required to confirm that their business has complied 
with the Group’s finance manual.

INTERNAL CONTROL AND RISK MANAGEMENT 
The Group’s system of internal controls is designed to manage, rather 
than eliminate, the risk of failure to achieve business objectives for the 
Group’s subsidiaries (not including joint ventures and associates) and 
can only provide reasonable and not absolute assurance against 
material misstatement or loss.

The Board will continue routinely to challenge management in order 
to ensure that the system of internal control is constantly improving 
and remains fit for purpose. A major review of our risk management 
framework has been conducted over the past year and 
implementation is now underway. The Board, with the advice  
of the Audit Committee, has reviewed the effectiveness of the systems 
of internal control for the year under review and to the date of this 
report. Further information can be found in the Audit Committee 
report on page 71. 

The Board confirms that the Group continues to be compliant  
with the Turnbull Guidance. Details of the Group’s approach to risk 
management are set out on pages 50 to 53. We are working on our 
approach to meeting the new standards introduced in September 
2014 by the FRC’s changes to the UK Corporate Governance Code.

Directors’ ReportRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014The Company intends to send the AGM notice and any relevant related 
papers to shareholders at least 20 working days before the meeting. 
The AGM notice will be available to view on the Group’s website.

A poll is conducted on each resolution at all Company general 
meetings. All shareholders have the opportunity to cast their votes  
in respect of proposed resolutions by proxy, either electronically  
or by post. Following the AGM, the voting results for each resolution 
are published and are available on our website.

Shareholders unable to attend the AGM can vote on the business  
of the meeting either by post or online.

At the 2015 AGM, a special resolution is being proposed to amend  
the Articles by increasing the directors’ powers to incur borrowings  
as set out in Article 130 from £3 billion to £5 billion. The current fixed 
limit was introduced in 2004. The Company has grown very 
significantly over the last decade in terms of market capitalisation, 
revenue, order book and global operational scale. The Board considers 
it commercially prudent and timely to refresh the borrowing limit. 
This will create additional flexibility for the Company to respond  
to any future needs of the business. The Company’s external 
borrowing is already limited by existing internal controls, the need  
to maintain a favourable credit rating, the limits contained in the 
financial covenants in the Group’s committed borrowing facilities  
and the principles of sound corporate governance. The adoption  
of the higher limit will not materially change the Company’s 
borrowing policy and the Board believes it to be in the best 
commercial interests of the Group.

INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THE DIRECTORS’ REPORT
Certain additional information that fulfils the requirements of the 
Corporate Governance Statement can be found in the section headed 
Other Statutory Information on page 162 and is incorporated into  
this Corporate Governance Report by reference. 

RELATIONS WITH SHAREHOLDERS
INVESTOR RELATIONS
The Board recognises and values the importance of maintaining  
an effective investor communication programme. It is proactive  
in obtaining an understanding of shareholder views on a number  
of key matters affecting the Group. We recognise that, at certain 
points over the past year, our communications might have been more 
effective and so we are now undertaking a full review of the processes 
underpinning our investor communications and relations.

A dedicated Investor Relations department, that reports to the Chief 
Financial Officer, conducts an investor relations programme with 
institutional investors which includes formal events during the year, 
as well as a regular series of one-to-one and group meetings. The 
purpose of these events is to highlight particular issues, themes or 
announcements that the Group believes warrant further explanation 
or clarification. The events also provide opportunities for shareholders 
to meet members of the senior management team to discuss topics  
of interest. Examples of these events in 2014 were: the full and 
half-year results announcements; the AGM; a capital markets day held 
in June to discuss our strategy and contract accounting; visits to the 
Group’s sites; a Marine capital markets day in Ålesund; and industry 
conferences. The one-to-one and group meetings provide additional 
context around the Group’s business strategy and financial 
performance such that shareholders are able to consistently and fairly 
value the Group’s businesses.

Lewis Booth, the Senior Independent Director, is available to major 
shareholders if they have concerns that contact through the normal 
channels has either failed to resolve or is deemed inappropriate. Since 
his appointment as Senior Independent Director in May 2014, Lewis 
Booth attended the June capital markets day in London and the 
October Marine capital markets day in Ålesund, both of which allowed 
him to engage directly with investors and analysts. 

The Group’s website contains up-to-date information for  
shareholders which includes an online version of the Annual  
Report, share price information, news releases, presentations  
to the investment community and information on shareholder 
services. It also contains factual data about the Group’s businesses, 
products and services. 

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)
All holders of ordinary shares may attend the Company’s AGM at 
which the Chairman and Chief Executive present a review of the key 
business developments during the year. This year’s AGM will be held  
at 11.00am on Friday, 8 May 2015 at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre,  
Broad Sanctuary, Westminster, London SW1P 3EE. 

Shareholders can ask questions of the Board on the matters put  
to the meeting, including the Annual Report and the running of  
the Company generally. All directors are invited to attend each AGM. 
Unless unforeseen circumstances arise, all committee chairmen  
will be present to take questions at the AGM.

63

Directors’ ReportNOMINATIONS AND GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

The role of the Nominations and Governance Committee is to lead 
the process for appointments to the Board, ensuring there is a 
formal and appropriate procedure for the appointment and 
induction of new directors. As part of the governance review 
conducted in the year, the Board agreed that corporate governance 
would become the responsibility of the Nominations Committee.  
As a result, the committee’s remit has been widened so that  
it is responsible for reviewing the governance framework  
going forward. 

The committee reviews the composition and balance of the Board 
and senior executive team on a regular basis to ensure that the 
Group has the right structure, knowledge, skills, and experience  
in place to ensure effective management of the Group.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND ATTENDANCE 
The committee, which met four times during 2014 as the 
Nominations Committee, consists of all of the Non-Executive 
Directors.

BALANCE OF BOARD

Members
Ian Davis (Chairman)
Dame Helen Alexander
Lewis Booth CBE
Ruth Cairnie (appointed 1 September 2014)
Sir Frank Chapman
Iain Conn (retired 1 May 2014)
Warren East CBE
Lee Hsien Yang
John McAdam
John Neill CBE
Jasmin Staiblin

Responsibilities:

Attendance in 2014
4/4 
4/4
4/4
1/1
4/4
2/2
4/4
3/4
4/4
4/4
4/4

•  reviewing the structure, size and composition (including skills, 

knowledge, experience and diversity) of the Board and its committees 
and make recommendations to the Board

•  giving consideration and formulating plans for succession planning  

for directors and senior executives

•  evaluating any conflicts of interest that the directors may have
•  reviewing the Board’s diversity policy
•  reporting to the Board on the Company’s corporate governance practices 

and procedures to ensure they, and their development and 
implementation, remain appropriate for a group of the size and 
complexity of Rolls-Royce and reflect best practice principles

•  overseeing induction plans for directors
•  reviewing the results of the annual board performance evaluation
•  reviewing the independence of the Non-Executive Directors
•  conducting an annual evaluation of the Chief Executive

The terms of reference for the committee were reviewed during the 
year and can be accessed on the website.

64

BOARD BALANCE AND COMPOSITION
During the year, the committee reviewed the balance and 
composition of the Board taking into account skills, knowledge, 
experience and diversity. The review highlighted the skills and 
attributes required in order to determine and identify new Board 
members. 

TENURE OF NON-EXECUTIVES

NATIONALITIES OF THE BOARD

UK 11

US 1 

Singaporean 1

German 1

0 – 3 years 4

3 – 6 years 2

6 – 9 years 3 

Chairman 1

Executive 
Directors 4 

Non-Executive 
Directors 9

We are confident that we now have the right mix of skills, 
experience and diversity. Across the board membership we benefit 
from extensive experience of working in global and complex 
businesses operating in diverse geographical and product markets. 
Our Non-Executive Directors have extensive experience of working 
at the most senior levels within complex multi-national companies 
and organisations and our Audit Committee chairman was CFO  
of a global company. They have had direct experience of a range  
of significant factors in common with Rolls-Royce including product 
quality and customer service across a diverse range of engineering, 
manufacturing and extractive environments, innovative 
technology and long-term product development. Our Non-Executive 
Directors also have extensive listed company experience with a 
good understanding of investor relations, financing, reporting and 
regulatory issues. 

The appointment of Irene Dorner, who has extensive risk 
management and international experience, will be a strong 
addition to our Board. We are particularly pleased that she will be 
joining our Safety and Ethics Committee, as well as the Nominations 
and Governance Committee, from the date of her appointment.

We are satisfied with the current composition of the Board 
although the Chairman and the committee will, of course,  
regularly review membership of the Board and ensure we continue 
to have the requisite skills and experience as our markets and 
product mix develop.

Directors’ ReportRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014The recruitment processes are formal, rigorous and transparent. Job 
specifications are drawn up for all new appointments against which 
potential candidates are considered. Recommendations are made to 
the Board who consider and approve appointments. We were 
pleased to note Independent Audit’s findings: the directors feel that 
the recruitment processes have been sufficiently transparent, 
inclusive, and that the director succession plans are well-structured 
and are discussed openly with the Board.

The committee discusses with the Chief Executive the senior 
executive positions and succession plans and this will continue  
to be a particular point of focus during 2015.

Ruth Cairnie joined the Board as a Non-Executive Director with 
effect from 1 September 2014. Her strategic and international 
experience and her roles in addressing technology and 
environmental challenges will enable her to make a significant 
contribution to Rolls-Royce. MWM Consulting was engaged as  
the search consultants for a new Non-Executive Director with  
the particular skills required as set out in its brief, which resulted in 
Ruth Cairnie’s appointment. MWM Consulting does not provide  
any other services to the Company. 

David Smith joined the Board as Chief Financial Officer with effect 
from 4 November 2014. He was previously chief financial officer  
for the Aerospace Division and has an exceptional track record as  
a financial leader having held a number of senior positions at Ford 
and Jaguar Land Rover, and more recently as chief financial officer  
at the technology group, Edwards.

The committee is also responsible for nominating appropriate 
individuals for membership of the Board’s committees. A number  
of changes were considered, recommended to the Board and 
implemented as part of the governance review.

DIVERSITY 
Increasing diversity is an important element of the changing 
culture in Rolls-Royce. The Board fully recognises and embraces the 
benefits of diversity throughout the Group at both Board and senior 
management levels as it brings a broader and more rounded 
perspective to decision making. Increasing diversity is an important 
element of the changing culture in Rolls-Royce.

A diverse workforce will help ensure our continued success as a 
global business and contribute towards a better future. We face 
challenges in increasing diversity throughout the Group but we are 
working with our leadership teams, championed by the ELT, to raise 
awareness and to create a more inclusive workplace. 

We have seen increased levels of diversity in both our early career 
and high potential pool and, as I detailed in my introduction on 
page 12, graduate intake for women has increased.

EMPLOYEE HEADCOUNT BY GENDER

BOARD MEMBERS BY GENDER

Male 46,100 (85%)

Female 8,000  (15%) 

Male 11 (79%)

Female 3 (21%) 

SENIOR MANAGERS BY GENDER

Male 168 (93%)

Female 12 (7%) 

With the appointment of Ruth Cairnie, the proportion of female 
Non-Executive Directors exceeds 25% (33%) and in total 21% of the 
Board are female. Although we have not set a fixed target we are 
committed to maintaining the current level of women on the  
Board. We continue to participate in the FTSE 100 Cross-Company 
Mentoring Programme which aims to increase the number of 
eligible female candidates for UK board positions and we have 
comprehensive programmes in place to increase the diversity  
in our talent pipeline. 

We will continue to consider candidates for future Board 
appointments from the widest possible pool and will only engage 
executive search firms that have signed up to the Voluntary Code  
of Conduct for Executive Search Firms in relation to gender diversity 
on corporate boards. 

In addition to the work described above, the committee also carried 
out the following:
•  recommended the appointment of a new Senior Independent 

Director;

•  renewed terms of office for Lewis Booth, Sir Frank Chapman  

and John Neill;

•  considered the independence of the Non-Executive Directors;
•  considered the schedule of directors’ conflicts of interests and 
recommended that the schedule be approved by the Board;
•  considered the proposal for a revised governance framework  
and recommended to the Board that it should be approved; 
•  reviewed and revised the Non-Executive Directors induction 

programme; and

•  reviewed its own terms of reference.

65

Directors’ ReportSAFETY AND ETHICS COMMITTEE REPORT 

The attendance at the separate Safety and Ethics Committee 
meetings during the year is shown below:

SAFETY

Members
Sir Frank Chapman (Chairman)
Iain Conn (retired 1 May 2014)
Lee Hsien Yang
John McAdam

ETHICS

Members
Sir Frank Chapman (Chairman)
Dame Helen Alexander
Lewis Booth CBE
Iain Conn* (retired 1 May 2014)
Lee Hsien Yang
Jasmin Staiblin

*  Committee Chairman until 1 May 2014

Attendance in 2014
2/2
n/a
2/2
1/2 

Attendance in 2014
2/2
3/3
3/3
1/1 
2/3
3/3

SAFETY
PRODUCT SAFETY
Our Aerospace and Land & Sea Divisions supply high-value products 
that people’s lives depend upon. These products have to meet our own 
internal standards and strict regulatory requirements with regards  
to safety. The Product Safety policy describes five principles that 
govern our approach: leadership commitment and accountability; 
level of product safety; maintaining and improving product safety; 
conforming product; and, safety awareness and competence. The 
safety management system (SMS) links these to our operational 
processes. An overview of the key elements is shown below and this 
provides a framework for our product safety governance work.

During the year, it was agreed that the Group’s Safety and Ethics 
Committees would be combined with effect from 1 January 2015 
and, to that end, I assumed the chairmanship of both committees, 
taking over from Iain Conn as Chairman of the Ethics Committee  
in May 2014. I would like to express my thanks to Iain Conn for  
his support.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND ATTENDANCE
The combined committee comprises four Non-Executive Directors, 
Sir Frank Chapman (Chairman), Dame Helen Alexander, Lee Hsien 
Yang and John McAdam, and will meet at least four times a year.

Working with the other members over the course of the year,  
I have very much valued the way they apply their personal 
experience and am convinced that we have the right combination  
of skills for securing rigorous independent review of our safety  
and ethics practices.

Responsibilities

•  maintaining an understanding of, and keeping under review, the Group’s 

frameworks for the effective governance of safety and ethics
•  overseeing and reviewing annually safety and ethics policies

•  reviewing progress reports on implementation of annual plans and 

programmes

SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (SMS) OVERVIEW

COMPANY OBJECTIVE

Provide products and services that meet or exceed regulatory requirements, 
achieving the high standard of safety we require and our customers expect.

Continuously pursue opportunities to improve the safety of our products.

•  reviewing compliance with relevant legislation and regulation in relation 

to safety and ethics and the environment

STRATEGIES – PRODUCT SAFETY POLICY PRINCIPLES

•  reviewing key performance indicators in relation to safety and ethics

Clear leadership and management accountabilities and commitment.

•  ensuring appropriate training is provided for all employees in relation  

Continuously improve product safety in design.

to safety and ethics

Raise the level of product safety by setting higher standards, correcting 
issues and learning from experience.

The new terms of reference for the combined committee are 
available on the Group’s website.

Improve product quality to support product safety.

Safety awareness and competence for all our people.

The role of the committee is to assist the Board in fulfilling its 
oversight responsibilities in respect of all aspects of safety and 
ethics as detailed in the following sections. 

KEY ENABLERS

CAPABILITY

Competence  
and capacity

ROLLS-ROYCE 
MANAGEMENT 
SYSTEM

High consequence 
group processes

METHODS  
AND STANDARDS

Rolls-Royce 
specific and 
external

ORGANISATIONAL 
STRUCTURES

Product Safety 
Boards
Quality Boards
Process Councils

66

Directors’ ReportRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014 
The Safety Committee conducted a thorough review of our product 
safety approach during 2014 including receiving detailed briefings  
on the SMS and the safety assurance framework. In part the objective 
was to make sure all committee members are fully familiar with  
our process framework. Also we used this ‘walk through’ as an 
opportunity for management to ensure that the processes can  
be readily understood and communicated, and for sharing our 
experience of similar processes from companies we have worked  
with. This detailed review will continue during 2015.

In respect of the policy of continuous improvement, the committee 
reviewed progress with a significant product safety programme 
aimed at improvements to our parts classification process. In addition 
we extended the committee’s understanding of product safety risks 
outside of the Aerospace activities, focusing on Marine activities.  
We kept under review the product safety metrics emanating from 
management’s safety boards and management’s response to 
significant product safety events. Important highlights were  
brought to the attention of the Board.

HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT
The committee received reports on the HS&E risk profile, 
improvements currently being implemented in the HS&E 
management system, periodic performance trends and a new 
balanced scorecard together with major incident investigation 
reports. The committee reviewed the insights from serious chemical 
incidents which occurred during the year at our Crosspointe and 
Indianapolis facilities in the US. Common themes were identified from 
the investigations that were carried out and improvements were 
identified that will help to strengthen controls across the Group.

We agreed to a rolling agenda of HS&E topics for future discussion 
and reviewed the Group level HS&E risk profile to assess levels of 
control and current improvement and assurance priorities and 
programmes. In 2015, the committee will continue oversight of Group 
HS&E across the three strategic areas of people and culture, 
management systems and risk based improvement programmes. 

In both areas of product safety and HS&E, we have been very pleased 
with the open-minded and constructive approach management have 
exhibited in looking for opportunities to learn from the committee’s 
experience of practice elsewhere. I was pleased to note that the 
external review of the Board’s work highlighted the efforts made  
by both management and the committee to undertake a rigorous 
review and to work together to consider any opportunities for 
strengthening our approach.

The committee discussed HS&E and process safety leadership and 
culture, and creating the right environment for effective management 
systems and risk control. We also considered progress with significant 
programmes, most notably the Group-wide electrical safety 
enhancement initiative. Further information on HS&E performance  
can be found in Sustainability on pages 45 to 47.

GLOBAL CODE OF CONDUCT  
(GLOBAL CODE)

We reviewed updates on the Global Code 
roll-out and training programmes. By the 
end of 2014, 96% of all employees had 
provided certification in respect of the 
Global Code. The roll-out of the Global Code 
in Power Systems commenced in 2014. 
Whilst we are satisfied with this level of 
completion, the committee is looking  
at the reasons behind the outstanding gaps.

The Red Flag Group, a US company that 
provides consulting and governance 
training to help companies manage risk, has 
ranked Rolls-Royce third amongst  
the FTSE 100 companies that had their code 
of conduct assessed. 

Global Code  
of Conduct

96%

of employees have 
certified that they 
have read and 
understood the 
Global Code of 
Conduct

Discover more online
www.rolls-royce.com/sustainability/better_
business/ethics/

 A high-performance 

safety culture with sound 
and ethical business 
practices wherever we 
operate is being embedded 
in everything that we do.” 

67

Directors’ ReportSAFETY AND ETHICS COMMITTEE REPORT 
CONTINUED

formed in 2014, review all high-risk cases, analyse the contact 
trends and provide updates to the committee highlighting  
any high-risk cases. Where appropriate we share cases with  
the Audit Committee. 

The committee fully recognises the importance of the Board 
showing leadership around ethical and behavioural standards.  
We have committed significant board time to the issue during the 
year and have taken steps to send clear messages, including all 
directors completing the ethics training course. Lord Gold has 
regularly discussed his work with both the Board and the 
committee. As part of the review of the Board’s effectiveness, our 
approach was considered by Independent Audit who recognised  
the structured and committed approach taken by the Board over 
the course of the year. We are now turning our attention to working 
out the most effective way of monitoring policy and process 
implementation and gauging behaviour and attitudes so that the 
Board can be confident that the right values and attitudes are being 
consistently reflected in the way we work.

CONCLUSION
Safety in Rolls-Royce is given the highest priority for our customers, 
those affected by the operation of our products, our people and the 
communities in which we work. Overall, product safety and HS&E 
performance is improving, but as we strive for continuously 
improving standards there is still more we can and will do. 

The Board has been explicit that improper business conduct will  
not be tolerated and disciplinary action will be taken against 
anyone not adhering to the ethics and compliance policies.  
We are making excellent progress with our ethics programme.

A high-performance safety culture with sound and ethical business 
practices wherever we operate is being embedded in everything 
that we do in order to underpin long-term sustainability and to 
deliver to all stakeholders our brand promise of ‘trusted to  
deliver excellence’.

SIR FRANK CHAPMAN
Chairman of the Safety and Ethics Committee

SECURITY
The committee received a briefing on personnel security matters  
for employees travelling to higher-risk regions and how the  
Group reviews operational security for those regions. International 
travellers complete mandatory in-house e-learning courses  
before travelling to regions where specific security risks have  
been identified.

ETHICS
REGULATORY INVESTIGATIONS
We reported last year that the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) had begun  
a formal investigation. The committee received regular updates on 
the regulatory investigations. The Group is continuing to cooperate 
fully with the authorities in the UK, US and elsewhere. As the 
investigation is still ongoing we are unable to give any further 
details or a timescale when the investigation will conclude.

LORD GOLD’S REVIEW
The Group has continued to implement the recommendations 
made in Lord Gold’s interim report in 2013 and has developed  
an ethics and compliance improvement programme to deliver the 
recommendations. In December 2014, Lord Gold issued a second 
interim report and the recommendations made in that report have 
been accepted by the Company and incorporated into the 
improvement plan.

During the year, we received updates on this improvement 
programme and the Group has made good progress. Throughout 
the year, Lord Gold and the director of risk have held focus groups 
made up of employees throughout our domestic and international 
operations to obtain feedback on the Group’s ethics and compliance 
improvement programmes.

ANTI-BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION POLICIES (ABC)
We reviewed progress made by the ABC compliance team who 
completed a review of all of the Group’s current advisers, reducing  
the overall number significantly. All advisers must comply with the 
Group’s new adviser policy.

During 2014, the ABC compliance team reviewed, issued and 
updated a suite of new Group-wide mandated policies including: a 
new Group ABC policy; advisers; confidential information; gifts and 
hospitality; and facilitation payments. The majority of the revised 
ABC policies were issued in 2014 with the balance issued in January 
2015. A further ABC training programme will be rolled out to all 
staff in 2015. The size, structure and skills of the ethics and ABC 
compliance team were reviewed to ensure that the composition  
of the team is appropriate for the demands placed upon it. 

ETHICS LINE
We reviewed effectiveness of the Company’s 24/7 confidential 
reporting line ‘the Ethics Line’ which, since its relaunch last year,  
has seen calls rise significantly from the 2013 level of 588 to the 
2014 level of 850. This is thought to be mainly due to improving 
awareness and engagement across the Group following the Global 
Code roll-out and mandatory ethics training. The oversight group, 

68

Directors’ ReportRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT 

I am pleased to present the 2014 report of the Audit Committee. 

Our key aim is to review and report to the Board on financial 
reporting, internal control and internal audit, and to ensure the 
relationship with the external auditors is open and effective.  
Our work to deliver this objective during 2014 is summarised later 
in this report. I would like to thank the members of the committee, 
the executive management team and KPMG for the open 
discussions that take place at our meetings and the importance  
they all attach to its work.

The terms of reference for the committee were reviewed during the 
year as part of the wider governance review. This has clarified some 
aspects of the committee’s responsibilities, primarily around 
oversight of risk management. From 2015, we will be working to  
this revised version, which is available on the Group’s website.

Responsibilities

Financial reporting
•  reviewing the financial results announcements and financial statements 

and monitoring compliance with relevant regulations

•  reviewing the appropriateness of accounting policies and the supporting 

key judgements and estimates

Internal control and internal audit
•  assessing the scope and effectiveness of the systems to identify, manage 

and monitor financial and non-financial risks

•  reviewing the procedures for detecting, monitoring and managing the 

risk of fraud

•  reviewing the scope, resources, results and effectiveness of internal audit 

External audit
•   overseeing the relationship with the external auditor, reviewing the 

effectiveness of the external audit process and making recommendations 
to the Board regarding the external auditor’s appointment

The Audit Committee consists of Non-Executive Directors and met 
five times in 2014.

Members
Lewis Booth CBE (Chairman)*
Iain Conn (retired 1 May 2014)
Warren East CBE 
John Neill CBE

Attendance in 2014
5/5
3/3
3/5
5/5

*  Lewis Booth has recent and relevant financial experience. His biography is on page 54.

SECTOR AUDIT COMMITTEES
In support of the committee’s work, each of the Group’s businesses  
now has its own sector audit committee. We felt that this would be 
helpful in building in a level of detailed executive oversight which 
would strengthen further accountability for the quality of financial 
reporting and internal control at the divisional and sector level. All 
the sector committees are chaired by the director of internal audit 
to introduce a degree of independence from management and to 
support their effective organisation and operation.

The sector committees meet twice a year to consider the accounting 
policies, judgements and estimates and the internal control 
environment of each business. We receive formal reports and 
discuss the results of these meetings. This gives us further insight 
into the extent of management control and accountability, broadens 
our reach within the Group and informs areas for further 
consideration at our meetings. Over the next year, their focus on 
internal control and risk management systems will develop further. 

OUR WORK DURING 2014
FINANCIAL REPORTING
In meeting our responsibilities over the past year, we have devoted  
a lot of time to discussing accounting policies and judgements and 
our work and conclusions are discussed in detail below. Coming out 
of these discussions, we fully recognise the need for the Group to 
communicate clearly to shareholders and to give them confidence 
that our accounting policies are sound and subject to thorough 
review by the committee as well as the auditors and management. 

We review financial announcements and financial statements  
with both management and KPMG. In 2014, we focused on:

•  compliance with financial reporting standards and governance 

reporting requirements;

•  the appropriateness of accounting policies, focusing on areas 

requiring significant judgements;

•  the procedures and controls around estimates that are key in 

applying accounting policies;

•  the response of senior executives to their perception of the 
increased risk relating to the pressure on, and incentives for, 
management to achieve financial targets;

•  whether 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; and

•  any relevant correspondence from regulators.

69

Directors’ ReportAUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
CONTINUED

We place considerable emphasis on making sure that the 
accounting policies are appropriate so that the financial statements 
faithfully represent the results and financial position of the Group 
and its underlying contractual arrangements. This is particularly so 
for the Civil aerospace business, where our business model includes 
a number of unique features. 

As described in the business model on page 24, the development  
of gas turbine engines for use in civil aircraft applications involves 
large upfront investments, which may be shared with suppliers, and 
which are expected to be recovered over long periods from the sale 
of OE; and subsequently from the aftermarket from the sale of 
spare parts and engine maintenance work. Much of the aftermarket 
repair and overhaul is provided through long-term service 
agreements. Given this long exposure, which may extend for 
decades from the initial concept, the amount of revenue and profit 
recognised during any period requires a significant number of 
accounting judgements and estimates. Consequently, one of our 
primary responsibilities is to ensure that the bases for these 
judgements and estimates are robust. 

As reported last year, we monitored the enquiry from the FRC’s 
Conduct Committee on the accounting for risk and revenue sharing 
arrangements (RRSAs). I joined management and KPMG in meeting 
with the Conduct Committee to hear first-hand and to participate in 
the debate. We considered carefully the Conduct Committee’s views 
and possible alternative approaches. The Audit Committee 
concurred with management’s view that the revised policy adopted 
in 2013 best reflects the nature of the transactions.

We also monitored an enquiry from the Conduct Committee 
regarding the accounting for long-term contractual arrangements 
in Civil aerospace. No adjustments resulted from this. However, the 
discussions did lead us to conclude that we had been insufficiently 
clear in explaining how the different ways we do business with our 
Civil aerospace customers lead to our accounting policies. In 
response to this and the views of investors, the Group has taken two 
principal steps. Firstly, an investor day was held in June, at which 
management explained the different commercial arrangements 
that apply and how we account for each. Secondly we have made 
enhancements to this year’s Annual Report, primarily:

ACCOUNTING POLICIES: SIGNIFICANT JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES

Given the long-term nature of the Group’s businesses it is inevitable that most of the accounting policies subject to significant 
accounting judgement will remain the same from year to year, though the facts and circumstances on which those judgements  
are based will vary. In 2014, our discussions were principally on whether:

Key issue

Activity

•  the key accounting judgements set out on 

pages 101 to 103 are appropriate. 

The Group finance department presented to the committee the key accounting judgements and the 
reasons why these judgements had been made. We were satisfied that these are the appropriate key 
judgements. For 2014, two new areas of judgement were identified. The first related to the disposal of the 
Energy business — see below. The second related to whether the leaseback of spare engines that the Group 
has sold to joint ventures should be classified as operating leases (when the profit on sale is recognised 
immediately) or finance leases (when it is spread over the lease term). We concluded that certain 
arrangements should be treated as finance leases and, accordingly, the profit has been deferred.

•  there are any indications of impairment of 
the carrying values of the intangible assets 
in Civil aerospace.

We considered the business plans for the relevant engine programmes, including the key assumptions on 
which they are based, and which support the value in use assessments for the intangible assets. We were 
satisfied that no impairments were required. For 2014, we focused particularly on the intangible assets 
related to the Trent 900 programme.

•  the estimates used in accounting for 

long-term contractual arrangements in 
Civil aerospace are appropriate.

•  the provisions for customer financing 

liabilities in Civil aerospace are adequate.

We reviewed the forecasts of future contract performance on which the accounting is based. We also 
considered performance to date against these forecasts and the results of a detailed review of certain 
aspects of the processes supporting these forecasts. Where the accounting results in a contract asset,  
we assessed the recoverability of the asset against agreed criteria. We were satisfied that the forecasts 
have been prepared on an appropriate and consistent basis.

We considered the likelihood of the liabilities crystallising, based on an assessment of customers’ fleet 
plans and their creditworthiness. We also considered the value of any security held, based on third-party 
valuations. We were satisfied that provisions have been made on an appropriate basis. For 2014, we 
considered in particular the release of previously established provisions relating to unexpired guarantees 
under which the Group’s obligations are judged to have been terminated. 

•  the disposal of the Energy business has 

been appropriately accounted for.

We considered the estimates made in determining the amounts of the proceeds deferred in respect  
of the Group’s continuing obligations for transitional commitments to provide future goods and services 
to Siemens. We were satisfied that the disposal has been accounted for appropriately.

•  the disclosures of contingent liabilities, in 
particular those in respect of the possible 
outcome of the SFO enquiries are adequate.

We considered legal advice in respect of the SFO enquiries. We were satisfied that the disclosures 
appropriately reflect the current position.

70

Directors’ ReportRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014•  The description of the Civil aerospace business now emphasises 
that whenever we sell engines, we secure contractual rights to 
profitable aftermarket business even where there is no TotalCare 
agreement. Consequently, the description of the resulting 
intangible asset previously referred to as ‘recoverable engine 
costs’ has been changed to ‘contractual aftermarket rights’.
•  The accounting policies include a plain English description of  
the rationale for the accounting we apply and the detailed 
descriptions have been enhanced (see page 101).

 We place considerable emphasis 

on making sure that the Group’s 
accounting policies are appropriate.”

Following these two enquiries, we instigated a review of all the 
Group’s significant accounting policies as described in note 1  
of the Financial Statements and the key judgements and estimates 
supporting them.

From 2015 onwards, as a result of a broad ranging review of  
our risk governance approach, our overall assessment will combine 
oversight of the principal risks management activities undertaken 
by each board committee or the Board (as explained in the 
Chairman’s Introduction on page 56); the Audit Committee will 
consider financial control and reporting, fraud and IT risks together 
with an assessment of the integrated control and risk management 
approach covering all financial and non-financial risks. In this  
way we aim to make sure that the Board’s oversight of risks and  
risk management is rigorous in its coverage and depth, making  
sure that principal risks are assessed in detail and that one 
committee has an integrated review of how the internal control 
framework is operating.

In line with this, during 2014, we carried out an assessment of 
financial controls, primarily based on a self-assessment of these 
controls by each of the businesses. A priority for 2015 is to 
standardise and, where necessary, enhance the Group’s financial 
internal control framework, against which this assessment is made. 
This will create greater consistency, particularly in the Group’s small 
operations, and reinforce ownership and accountability for effective 
internal control throughout the organisation.

These reviews were undertaken by management and involved 
analysis of the relevant accounting standards and guidance, 
comparative analysis with other companies with similar or 
analogous transactions to the extent available, consideration  
of the pros and cons of options in the context of achieving the most 
faithful representation of the transactions in the Group’s accounts, 
and informal discussions with accounting firms other than KPMG. 
KPMG also provided the committee with its views. 

We also schedule detailed reviews with the management of each  
of the Group’s businesses and with key functions. The objective of 
these reviews is to have the opportunity to discuss and challenge 
key accounting judgements and estimates, and to assess the 
internal control and risk management systems. They also provide 
the committee members with the opportunity to meet and 
evaluate the financial and risk management personnel deeper  
in the Group. 

We were satisfied with the results of these reviews, which 
concluded that the accounting policies adopted by the Group were 
the most appropriate available and that enhancements and 
revisions in note 1 should be made to add clarity to the accounting 
policies and the rationale on which they are based.

Since the year end, we have reviewed the form and content of the 
Group’s 2014 Annual Report together with the production process 
used to develop and verify the report. We have reported to the 
Board that, taken as a whole, we consider the Annual Report to  
be fair, balanced and understandable.

INTERNAL CONTROL AND RISK MANAGEMENT
To support the Board in carrying out its review of internal controls 
and risk management, we reviewed the process by which the Board 
reaches its conclusion. This involved consideration of the key 
findings from the ongoing oversight, monitoring and reporting 
processes, management representations and independent 
assurance reports. 

We are currently assessing how we will develop our approach to 
meeting the revised Code standards requiring the monitoring of 
internal control and risk management as an ongoing process as well 
as evaluating effectiveness at least annually.

At our meetings during 2014, we received presentations from: 
•  The Civil aerospace business — we discussed: the key business 

risks (including possible competitor actions, ensuring profitable 
delivery of the increased engine volumes, ensuring on-time 
delivery of new programmes, business continuity risks including 
supply chain disruption and market shock due to external events 
or factors reducing air travel); accounting policies; key accounting 
judgements, estimates and controls; credit risks associated with 
customers; and, CorporateCare and TotalCare accounting. 
•  The Marine business — we discussed: key challenges for the 
business (slower than anticipated recovery of the business’s 
markets, cost reduction initiatives, and delivering critical systems 
changes); key business risks (competitor actions linked with failure 
to address our own cost base, market shock to which the offshore 
sector is particularly vulnerable, failure to invest in the right 
technologies, and failure to maintain customer satisfaction 
through poor quality or late delivery); the control environment  
in a widely dispersed business; ERP systems; and key accounting 
policies and judgements including warranty/reliability issues, 
with a focus on an emerging product quality issue.

•  The chief information officer — we discussed: current trends in 

cyber security including inherent risks and vulnerabilities and the 
current landscape; the Group’s ‘defence in depth’ approach to 
cyber security; the Group’s recent experience of attacks; and plans 

71

Directors’ ReportAUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
CONTINUED

for the future. The committee asked for KPMG’s views on the 
Group’s approach. We agreed that committee members would 
visit the Group’s key cyber-security centre in 2015 to see the 
approach being applied in practice.

•  The director of tax — we discussed: the approach to managing 

the Group’s tax affairs; the role of the tax function and its 
interaction with other areas of finance and external suppliers;  
key tax risks and how they are managed; the profile of tax 
payments over the last five years; the effective tax rate; the UK  
tax position (in particular the impact of R&D expenditure, 
pension contributions and the timing of tax payments on 
TotalCare profits); and key tax-related accounting policies and 
judgements (including accounting for advance corporation tax). 

These reviews provide the committee with invaluable insights into 
the risks facing the Group and the management of them, and the 
application of key accounting policies, judgements and estimates.

We were also notified of any matters raised through the Group’s 
whistle-blowing arrangements or otherwise that related to financial 
reporting, the integrity of financial management or fraud. There 
were no cases of fraud that were significant or that demonstrated 
weaknesses in internal controls. Additionally we monitor 
compliance with the Group’s policies in respect of expenses 
incurred by the directors and other senior executives; no significant 
issues were identified.

INTERNAL AUDIT
The new director of internal audit has been working closely with the 
committee in undertaking a full review of our audit structure and 
approach. This has given us an opportunity to review internal audit’s 
effectiveness. The discussions on his conclusions and suggestions for 
changes have formed the basis of the committee’s review of internal 
audit effectiveness over the course of 2014.

We are very pleased with the progress that has been made. A number 
of changes have been made to improve the structure of audit reports 
and we are satisfied that the approach to reporting to the committee 
is now working well. A process for mapping risks, controls and 
assurance is underway and this will help ensure that our audit 
coverage is sound.

Twice a year, we review detailed updates on significant findings and 
audit operations. In particular, we review the nature and number of 
issues raised by internal audit and the time to complete the related 
actions, which during 2014 we considered to be reasonable. We were 
pleased to see that the responsiveness of management across all 
areas of the business to audit findings has improved and we consider 
that audit findings are being followed through effectively and 
promptly. Between these six-monthly updates, we review a 
dashboard which identifies key trends. 

I meet the director of internal audit in private before each meeting 
and on an ad-hoc basis throughout the year, and the committee as  
a whole has a private meeting with him at least once a year. These 
discussions cover the activities, findings, resolution of control 
weaknesses, progress against the agreed plan and the resourcing  
of the department.

We were satisfied that the scope, extent and effectiveness of 
internal audit work are appropriate for the Group and that the 
director of internal audit has a sound plan for ensuring that this 
continues to be the case as our business progresses and the risks we 
face change.

EXTERNAL AUDITOR
The audit cycle is continuous. In April, following the completion of 
the 2013 audit, the lead audit partner presented the audit strategy 
for 2014, identifying KPMG’s assessment of the key audit risks and 
the proposed scope of audit work. In addition to those described in 
the auditor’s report (pages 154 to 159), these risks were: valuation of 
derivatives; accounting for RRSAs; warranties and guarantees; 
valuation of derivative financial instruments; valuation of pension 
liabilities; recoverability of tax assets and adequacy of tax 
provisions; litigation and claims; and the form and content of the 
Annual Report.

As part of the reporting of the half and full-year results, in July 2014 
and February 2015, KPMG reported to the committee on their 
assessment of the Group’s judgements and estimates in respect  
of these risks and the adequacy of the reporting. 

The 2013 Annual Report included, for the first time, an extended 
auditor’s report under new auditing standards. We agreed to assist 
KPMG in their trialling of a report that went beyond the minimum 
requirements. We were pleased to note the positive comment that this 
report generated and have agreed to continue with this approach. 

I meet the lead audit partner before each meeting and the whole 
committee meets with KPMG in private at least once a year. In 2014, 
I met senior members of the KPMG team to discuss key accounting 
policies, judgements and estimates in depth and, upon his 
appointment to the committee, Warren East was briefed by KPMG. 
In addition, I met with a small group of KPMG’s senior partners to 
discuss emerging and leading audit committee practices in 
comparable UK listed companies as well as other topical matters.

NON-AUDIT SERVICES PROVIDED BY KPMG
In order to safeguard auditors’ independence and objectivity, we  
do not engage KPMG for any non-audit services except where it is 
work that they must, or are clearly best suited to, perform. Fees paid 
to KPMG for audit, audit related and other services are set out in 
note 8 to the Financial Statements.

72

Directors’ ReportRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014All proposed services must be pre-approved in accordance with an 
agreed policy which is approved annually. We also review the 
non-audit fees charged by KPMG quarterly.

AUDIT FEES 2014

AUDIT FEES 2013

Audit £5.7m

Non-audit £2.2m

Audit £5.8m

Non-audit £2.9m

Non-audit related fees paid to KPMG during the year were 39%  
of the audit fee, principally in respect of assurance work requested 
by Siemens in respect of the disposal of the Energy business, grant 
claims and tax compliance. The nature and level of all services 
provided by the external auditor is a factor taken into account by 
the Audit Committee in its annual review of the external auditor.

As described in last year’s Annual Report, we took the decision to 
allow Power Systems to complete engagements already in progress. 
Non-audit related services provided to Power Systems in 2014 
amounted to £0.9 million, a reduction of 57% compared to 2013.

Based on our review of the services provided by KPMG and 
discussion with the lead audit partner we concluded that neither 
the nature nor the scale of these services gave any concerns 
regarding the objectivity or independence of KPMG.

RE-APPOINTMENT OF AUDITOR AND AUDIT TENDERING
Following the completion of the audit, we reviewed the 
effectiveness and performance of KPMG with feedback from 
committee members, senior finance personnel and internal audit.  
A wide range of factors were considered including: independence 
and objectivity; business understanding; technical knowledge; 
quality, continuity and experience of the audit personnel, in 
particular the lead audit partner; responsiveness; planning and risk 
identification; working with management; the quality of reporting 
to, and discussions with, the committee; cost effectiveness; and the 
quality of the report to shareholders. We also considered the reports 
on KPMG by the FRC’s audit quality review team. The audit of 
Rolls-Royce was not subject to their review in 2014. We also 
reviewed the fees of the external auditor.

Our conclusions were that the external audit was carried out 
effectively, efficiently and with the necessary objectivity and 
independence. The committee and the Board have recommended 
their re-appointment at the 2015 AGM. 

KPMG were appointed as auditors in 1990 and this appointment 
has not been subject to a tender process since that date. No 
contractual obligations restrict our choice of external auditors.  
The lead audit partner is required to rotate every five years and 
other key audit partners are required to rotate every seven years. 
Jimmy Daboo took over as lead audit partner in 2013. 

The new EU Directive requires that audits be tendered at least every 
ten years and that an incumbent auditor can only be re-appointed 
once. Under the transitional arrangements, we will be required to 
appoint a different auditor no later than the audit of the 2020 
financial statements. 

The Group is a complex and technologically advanced business  
with a long cycle from the development of an engine to its eventual 
retirement. We believe that KPMG’s knowledge of this, built up over 
a number of years, enhances the effectiveness of the audit and that 
the existing professional requirements, such as the rotation of audit 
personnel, maintain independence. 

In accordance with the requirements of the EU Directive, we plan  
to recommend a tender of the audit during the tenure of the 
current lead partner which, subject to KPMG’s annual re-
appointment, would end following the 2017 audit. Before we make 
such a recommendation, we will satisfy ourselves that: (i) it will not 
be unnecessarily disruptive, taking account of any other activities; 
and (ii) appropriate plans are in place to ensure audit effectiveness 
is maintained. We do not propose to tender the audit in 2015.

LOOKING FORWARD
The work of an audit committee is increasingly broad and complex. 
We are very conscious of the need to keep on top of developments  
in financial accounting and reporting and to stay alert to regulatory 
changes around external audit. There is also considerable change  
in our responsibilities to make sure that the internal control 
framework is working well and to give the Board confidence that  
the business is under control and risks are appropriately mitigated.

The external review undertaken in 2014 gave particular attention  
to the committee’s work and how, as a Board and committee, we are 
approaching internal control and risk management. This risk 
governance assessment, along with the wider governance review 
conducted by the Board, has helped me consider how we will 
develop further the committee’s work.

The reviews have highlighted areas where oversight and risk 
management need more structured review by the committee  
so that we receive an integrated picture of the effectiveness of  
the control framework in addition to our usual active oversight  
of financial controls. As described in this report, we have made  
good progress during the course of this year, very ably and actively 
supported by the management team. I look forward to seeing that 
progress continue with the implementation of the new risk 
management framework and other initiatives during 2015. 

LEWIS BOOTH CBE
Chairman of the Audit Committee

73

Directors’ ReportREMUNERATION COMMITTEE REPORT

 Our remuneration policy  

is aligned with our strategy  
to generate the funds we need  
to invest in future growth.”

As part of the 2014 board review, the effectiveness of the committee 
was considered by the external reviewers, Independent Audit. I was 
pleased to note its view that the make-up of the committee is 
sound, with members bringing a good knowledge of remuneration 
issues and all making an informed contribution. Our processes 
ensure the right issues are considered in a timely way and with 
robust discussion. Suggestions were put forward to strengthen 
further the way management works with the committee and we 
will follow through on these in 2015. 

COMMITTEE MEMBERS, ATTENDANCE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Remuneration Committee comprises four independent 
Non-Executive Directors and met five times in 2014.

Members
Dame Helen Alexander
Ruth Cairnie (appointed 1 September 2014)
Sir Frank Chapman
John McAdam

Attendance in 2014
5/5
3/3
5/5
5/5

The Chairman, the Chief Executive, the Group HR Director, the HR 
director reward and pensions, the Company Secretary and the Chief 
Financial Officer were invited to attend meetings. None of them was 
present during any discussion of their own remuneration packages.

When considering remuneration for our senior executives, the 
Remuneration Committee has used the policy framework approved 
by shareholders at the AGM in May 2014. 

Our remuneration policy aligns the interests of our directors and 
senior executives with that of our shareholders by linking incentives  
to the performance of the business on both short and long-term 
measures. Our performance was not as strong as targeted during 
2014 and therefore we will not be making an annual bonus payment 
as a result.

The Performance Share Plan (PSP), granted in 2012, was measured 
over a three-year performance period that ended at the end of 2014.
The three measures for performance, earnings per share (EPS), cash 
flow per share (CPS) and total shareholder return (TSR) have 
exceeded the base threshold which has resulted in the 2012 grant 
vesting in March 2015, but at a lower level than in previous years.

On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present our Directors’ 
Remuneration Report for 2014.

THE WORK OF THE COMMITTEE
During the year, the committee continued to perform its 
responsibilities and, in particular, we kept under review the 
performance against incentive plans and the appropriateness  
of metrics. On a longer-term basis, the committee initiated a review 
of the Group’s remuneration principles to ensure that they remain 
aligned with our strategic objectives. A project is now underway  
to develop an integrated reward strategy which also aligns with  
our overall people strategy. 

During 2014, the committee:
•  endorsed the out-turn of the 2013 annual bonus and 2011 PSP;
•  established new rules for the PSP, including malus and clawback 

provisions;

•  considered the requirements of the new remuneration reporting 

regulations in formulating the remuneration report and 
recommended the approval of the 2013 report to the Board;

•  reviewed Executive Directors’ base salary levels;
•  established new minimum shareholding requirements for 

Executive Directors;

•  set 2014 annual bonus targets and performance targets for the 

PSP 2014 – 2016;

•  considered a benchmarking report on executive benefits;
•  considered a benchmarking report for the executive salary review 

in 2015;

•  approved mid-year PSP grants to certain senior executives;
•  considered the projected out-turns for the 2014 annual bonus,  

All Employee Bonus Scheme and the 2012 PSP;

•  agreed termination terms for the former Chief Financial Officer; 
•  agreed the remuneration terms for David Smith who was 

appointed as Chief Financial Officer; 

•  reviewed our terms of reference; 
•  reviewed our reward principles;
•  considered provisional targets for 2015; and
•  considered the structure of the annual bonus for 2015.

I am confident that we have covered our responsibilities effectively.

74

Directors’ ReportRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014LOSS OF OFFICE PAYMENTS
The committee gave careful consideration to remuneration matters 
relating to the departure of Mark Morris, the former Chief Financial 
Officer, in accordance with the remuneration policy agreed by the 
Board and approved by shareholders at the 2014 AGM. The details  
of the payments are on page 80.

Overall, our remuneration policy is aligned with our strategy to 
generate the funds we need to invest in future growth. Our 
overarching aim is to ensure the long-term health of the Company. 
Therefore we need to ensure and continually monitor that our 
incentives are market-competitive and are designed to attract, 
retain and develop the best talent which will drive long-term value 
and future business success. 

DAME HELEN ALEXANDER
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

We continue to believe our incentive programmes support our 
business strategy. Our short-term incentive is based on cash and 
profit, which are key objectives; it is also linked to personal 
performance which includes longer-term strategic objectives.  
Our long-term incentive is primarily based on cash flow per share 
which continues to be critical for our growth and success. Part of 
the annual bonus is deferred into shares and executives have an 
ongoing shareholding requirement which aligns them to the 
interests of shareholders.

Responsibilities

•  considering and making recommendations to the Board on the strategy 

and policy for the remuneration of the Executive Directors, the Chairman 
and members of the ELT

•  determining the design, conditions and coverage of annual and long-
term incentive plans for senior executives and approving total and 
individual payments under the plans

•  determining targets for any performance-related pay plans
•  determining the issue and terms of all share-based plans available to all 

employees

•  determining compensation (if any) in the event of termination of service 

contracts of Executive Directors or ELT members

ANNUAL BONUS OUTCOME
Group underlying profit and cash flow were below the base level 
targets of performance set by the Remuneration Committee and 
therefore there will be no bonus paid for 2014. 

PSP OUTCOME
Over the three-year performance period for the 2012 PSP grant, 
earnings per share growth was 16%, which exceeded the OECD 
index of consumer prices of 5%, and cash flow per share was 63p. 
This resulted in 49% of the shares conditionally granted being 
released. The Company’s total shareholder return (TSR) performance 
was 39th in the FTSE 100 over the three-year performance period 
which resulted in a 37% increase in the shares released to Executive 
Directors. 

2015 SALARY REVIEW
The committee has reviewed the salary levels of the Executive 
Directors in accordance with our approved remuneration  
policy. The Executive Directors did not receive an increase in 2014 
and again in 2015 John Rishton and James Guyette will not receive  
a salary increase. Colin Smith and David Smith will receive salary 
increases based on their individual business circumstances and 
their positioning within the external market range. The details  
of the increases are on page 77. 

75

Directors’ ReportDIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

This section gives information on directors’ remuneration and incentive out-turns, and details how the remuneration policy, set out  
on pages 86 to 92, will be applied in 2015.

The bar chart below shows the total remuneration received for current Executive Directors, except David Smith who was only appointed 
on 4 November 2014.

£000*

John Rishton

James Guyette

Colin Smith

5,000

4,500

4,000

3,500

3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

Performance Levels

SINGLE FIGURE OF REMUNERATION (SUBJECT TO AUDIT)

Key† 
1. Minimum
2. Base level
3. On-target
4. Maximum
5. Actual

* Salary values are as at 31 December 2014
† See page 91 for more detail

Salary, plus pension and benefits

Potential value of APRA depending 
on the performance scenario

Potential value of PSP depending 
on the performance scenario

Actual remuneration received which includes 
share price appreciation on the PSP grants

Salary/fees (a)
£000 

Benefits (b) 
£000 

Bonus (c) 
£000 

LTIP (d)
£000

Other (e)
£000

Sub-total 
£000

Pension (f)
£000

Total 
£000 

2014 

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

925
510
429
525
84
2,473

Executive Directors
921
John Rishton
535 
James Guyette
Mark Morris1
506
523
Colin Smith CBE
David Smith2 
–
Sub-total
2,485
Chairman and Non-Executive Directors
Ian Davis3
292
75
Dame Helen Alexander
80
Lewis Booth CBE
Ruth Cairnie4
–
75
Sir Frank Chapman
Iain Conn5
82
Warren East CBE6
–
Lee Hsien Yang7
–
60
John McAdam
60
John Neill CBE
60
Jasmin Staiblin
784
Sub-total
3,269
Total

425
85
100
23
85
29
67
67
67
67
67
1,082
3,555

151
108
149
138
2
548

3
1
6
–
3
–
–
2
–
2
1
18
566

125
114
159
128
–
526

2
–
10
–
3
–
–
–
–
2
2
19
545

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

824 1,007
373
423
–
383
364
394
–
–
1,744
2,024

3,478
1,256
318
1,140
–
6,192

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

2,024

1,744

6,192

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

1  Mark Morris left the Company on 4 November 2014.
2  David Smith was appointed as an Executive Director on 4 November 2014.
3  Ian Davis was appointed Chairman on 2 May 2013.
4  Ruth Cairnie was appointed as a Non-Executive Director on 1 September 2014.
5  Iain Conn retired as a Non-Executive Director on 1 May 2014.
6  Warren East CBE was appointed as a Non-Executive Director on 1 January 2014.
7  Lee Hsien Yang was appointed as a Non-Executive Director on 1 January 2014.

76

– 2,083
991
–
578
6
1,027
–
–
86
6

303
462
137
131
27
4,765 11,233 1,060

5,348
2,328
1,372
2,185
–

303 2,386
1,453
532
162
715
531 1,158
113

5,651
2,860
1,534
2,716
–
5,825 12,761

–
1,528

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

428
86
106
23
88
29
67
69
67
69
68
1,100

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
6 5,865 12,036 1,060

294
75
90
–
78
82
–
–
60
62
62
803

–
428
–
86
–
106
–
23
–
88
–
29
–
67
–
69
–
67
–
69
68
–
– 1,100

294
75
90
–
78
82
–
–
60
62
62
803
6,925 13,564

1,528

Directors’ ReportRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014Notes to the table 
(a)   Salary/fees – cash paid in the year. James Guyette was paid in US dollars translated at £1 = US$1.6477 (2013 US$1.565).
(b)   Benefits – taxable value of all benefits paid in the year. The benefits for the Non-Executive Directors relate to travel and subsistence associated with attending board meetings.

John Rishton 
£000

James Guyette 
£000

Mark Morris 
£000

Colin Smith CBE
£000

David Smith
£000

Benefits
Car or car allowance including fuel allowance
Chauffeur services
Financial planning
Medical insurance
Life assurance
Club membership fees
Travel and subsistence
Housing costs
Total

2014
21
14
5
2
–
–
3
106
151

2013
18
13
–
1
–
–
–
93
125

2014
11
–
18
7
33
24
–
15
108

2013
11
–
19
7
38
23
–
16
114

2014
21
–
5
1
–
–
23
99
149

2013
24
–
–
1
–
–
30
104
159

2014
24
–
5
2
–
–
3
104
138

2013
21
–
–
1
–
–
3
103
128

2014
2
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
2

2013
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

 Bonus. Group profit and cash performance were below the base level targets set by the committee and therefore no bonus was awarded for 2014. 

(c) 
(d)   Long-term incentive plan (LTIP). This is the estimated value of the PSP shares that are due to vest in March 2015 (2014 being the final year of the performance period) and for John 
Rishton, as well as his PSP shares, the performance related shares he received on joining the Company. It is based on the number of shares that will vest multiplied by the average 
share price of 863.65p over the quarter ending 31 December 2014 (as the vesting price is not known at the date of approval of the Directors’ Remuneration Report). The performance 
against targets for 2014 has been determined for these awards as detailed on page 79 and 67% of the original award, which includes the TSR kicker, will vest. The LTIP amounts for 
2013 relating to shares that vested in 2014 have been recalculated using the vesting price of 1015.81p per share. The original calculation used a share price of 1184.52p per share, as 
the vesting price was not known at the time. 
 Value of the gain made on the exercise of ShareSave options is the difference between the exercise price of 387p and the mid-market price of 1062p on the date of exercise relating 
to the ShareSave option exercised in 2013.
 Pensions. For defined benefit plans, this is the increase in pension benefit net of inflation for the current year and applying the HMRC methodology multiplier of 20. Cash in lieu of 
pension accrual is also included. David Smith opted not to join the UK defined contribution pension scheme and receives a cash allowance. The pension figure shown in the single 
figure table is his benefits accrued from 4 November 2014.

(e) 

(f) 

BASE SALARY 
The committee has reviewed the salary levels of Executive Directors and the result of the review is shown below. Executive Directors did 
not receive an increase in 2014 and there will be no increase to the salaries for John Rishton and James Guyette in 2015. David Smith’s 
increase reflects that his salary on appointment was positioned to allow scope for progression in the role. The increase for Colin Smith 
reflects the importance of the role to the business, along with the current modest positioning compared to the external market range. 

Name
John Rishton
James Guyette
Colin Smith CBE
David Smith* 

Base salary as at 
1 March 2015
£925,000
$840,000
£550,000
£540,000

Base salary as at 
1 March 2014
£925,000
$840,000
£525,000
£510,000

 Base salary as at 
1 March 2013
£925,000
$840,000
£525,000
n/a

*   David Smith’s salary level was set at the date of his appointment on 4 November 2014. 

ANNUAL BONUS 
The annual bonus pool is delivered under the Annual Performance Related Award plan (APRA) and in 2014, Executive Directors were 
eligible for award levels detailed in the remuneration policy.

APRA 2014 PERFORMANCE MEASURES
The APRA bonus is determined by Group financial performance and personal performance and for 2014, the Group financial measures 
were cash flow performance and profit. Levels for both measures were set as  follows:

Base
Target
Maximum

Profit element %
15
30
50

Cash element %
15
30
50

% of maximum bonus
30
60
100

The Group financial performance is the addition of the cash and profit out-turns, provided a specified minimum level is achieved on both, 
after deduction of the cost of bonus from profit, otherwise no bonus is payable. 

77

Directors’ ReportDIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT
CONTINUED

The 2014 financial performance resulted in no APRA bonus out-turn:

Group underlying profit

Group underlying profit* was £1,649 million which was below the base level of £1,800 million and therefore  
no bonus was payable for 2014. 

Cash flow 

Cash flow* for the year was an outflow of £232 million which was below the hurdle of zero inflow/outflow which 
was required to activate any bonus payments.

Overall award

No bonus is payable for 2014.

*   Group underlying profit and cash flow, after deduction of the cost of bonus, and excludes the impact of acquisitions and disposals in the year and unbudgeted foreign exchange 

translation effects where material.

The extent of this disclosure reflects the Board’s view that APRA profit and cash targets are commercially sensitive and this will be kept 
under review.

DEFERRED APRA AWARDS IN MARCH 2014 (SUBJECT TO AUDIT)
Executive Directors receive 40% of any annual bonus in deferred shares. For 2013 APRA, the following deferred share awards were made in 
March 2014. Ordinary shares held as deferred shares may receive a bonus issue of C Shares during the deferral period.

Name
John Rishton
James Guyette
Mark Morris*
Colin Smith CBE

*  Mark Morris forfeited the above award when he left the Company.

Number
of shares
33,490
16,307
15,543
16,000

Face 
value
£000
330
161
153
158

Vesting
date
03/03/2016
03/03/2016
n/a
03/03/2016

APRA 2015
The committee has determined that the bonus in respect of 2015 will be operated on similar terms to 2014. There will be no change to the 
maximum bonus opportunities for Executive Directors. 

APRA TIMELINE
The chart below provides an illustration of the annual bonus resulting from performance in year 1. This is usually delivered in March of 
year 2, partially in cash and partially in deferred shares. The deferred shares are held in trust for two years and are then released in March 
of year 4, subject to the recipient being still employed by the Group. Malus and clawback provisions apply.

Targets set for year

Bonus paid 60% cash and 
40% in deferred shares

Deferred shares released

Performance year

Deferred shares held

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

PERFORMANCE SHARE PLAN (PSP) TIMELINE
The chart below provides an illustration of PSP awards, which are conditional share awards, entitling senior executives to a number  
of shares determined by reference to corporate performance over a three-year performance period. PSP awards are usually made  
in March of year 1 and released in March of year 4, subject to the performance criteria being met. Malus and clawback provisions apply.

Targets set for period

Grant of share awards

Shares released subject to performance criteria

Performance period

50% after-tax shares continue to be held 
under share retention policy* 

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Ongoing

*  For details of the share retention policy, see page 82.

78

Directors’ ReportRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014LONG-TERM INCENTIVES – PSP
The PSP is designed to reward and incentivise selected senior executives who can influence the long-term performance of the Group. 

PSP 2014 AWARD TARGETS (SUBJECT TO AUDIT)
The targets were as follows and straight line vesting will apply between these points.

Aggregate cash flow per share (CPS) over the three-year period
Less than 125p
125p
155p

PSP AWARDS MADE IN MARCH 2014
In 2014, Executive Directors received PSP grants in line with the remuneration policy as follows:

% of maximum award released
0%
30%
100%

John Rishton
James Guyette
Mark Morris* 
Colin Smith CBE

Number 
of shares
awarded
112,768
51,770
51,812
53,336

Face 
value (at
 maximum
 vesting)
£000
1,665
764
765
788

% of 
salary
120
100
100
100

Minimum
 % vesting 
(as a % of
 maximum)
20
20
20
20

Performance
 period 
end date
31/12/2016
31/12/2016
n/a
31/12/2016

*   Mark Morris forfeited the above award when he left the Company on 4 November 2014.

All awards are made as performance shares based on a percentage of salary and the value is divided by the average share price over  
a three-day period which was 984.33p before to the date of grant. The face value is the maximum number of shares that would vest  
(150% of the award) multiplied by the share price at the date of grant. If the EPS or base CPS targets are not achieved, no shares vest.

PSP AWARDS VESTING IN MARCH 2015
The following sets out details in respect of the March 2012 PSP award, for which the final year of performance was the 2014 financial year. 

EPS growth (hurdle)

Aggregate CPS 
(100% of award)

TSR performance
(multiplier of up to 50%)

Total

Targets for 2012 – 2014 period
Awards may vest if EPS growth exceeds the OECD index  
of consumer prices. Awards will lapse if hurdle not met.
Aggregate CPS over three-year period of less than 56p – zero vesting.
Aggregate CPS over three-year period of 56p – 30% vesting.
Aggregate CPS over three-year period of 83p – 100% vesting.
Straight-line vesting between these points.
TSR below median of FTSE 100 – no additional vesting.
TSR above median of FTSE 100 – 25% increase.
TSR at upper quartile of FTSE 100 – 50% increase.
Straight-line basis between these points.

Performance against targets
EPS growth of 16% over the three-year period  
exceeded the hurdle which was 5%.
Aggregate CPS performance over three years  
of 63p.
49% vesting. 

TSR performance was 39th best amongst the  
FTSE 100.
37% increase.

67% of shares will vest during March 2015.

PSP AWARDS TO BE MADE IN MARCH 2015
The performance targets in respect of the 2015 to 2017 performance period under the aggregate CPS measure will be as follows:

Aggregate CPS over the three-year period
Less than 60p
60p
100p

% of maximum award released
0%
30%
100%

CPS is calculated as reported cash flow before the cost of business acquisitions or proceeds of disposals, foreign exchange translation 
effects, special payments into pension schemes and payments to shareholders, divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue.
CPS is cumulative over a three-year period.

79

Directors’ Report 
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT
CONTINUED

We believe that the combination of EPS, CPS and TSR targets are challenging and that the performance necessary to achieve awards 
towards the upper end of the range is stretching. They should not, therefore, be interpreted as providing guidance on the Group’s 
performance over the relevant period.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ SERVICE CONTRACTS
The table below summarises the notice periods contained in the Executive Directors’ service contracts.

John Rishton
James Guyette
Colin Smith CBE
David Smith

Date of 
contract
10 Mar 2011
29 Sep 1997
1 July 2005
19 Nov 2014

Notice 
period
Company
12 months
30 days
12 months
12 months

Notice 
period
individual
6 months
30 days
6 months
6 months

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ LETTERS OF APPOINTMENT
The Chairman and Non-Executive Directors have letters of appointment rather than service contracts.

Ian Davis
Dame Helen Alexander 
Lewis Booth CBE
Ruth Cairnie
Sir Frank Chapman
Warren East CBE
Lee Hsien Yang
John McAdam
John Neill CBE
Jasmin Staiblin

Appointment date
1 Mar 2013
1 Sep 2007
25 May 2011
1 Sep 2014
10 Nov 2011
1 Jan 2014
1 Jan 2014
19 Jan 2008
13 Nov 2008
21 May 2012

Current letter 
of appointment 
end date
29 Feb 2016
31 Aug 2016
24 May 2017
31 Aug 2017
9 Nov 2017
31 Dec 2016
31 Dec 2016
18 Feb 2017
12 Nov 2015
20 May 2015

PAYMENTS TO PAST DIRECTORS (NOT SUBJECT TO AUDIT)
Dr Mike Howse retired from the Board on 30 June 2005. Following his retirement, he has continued to be retained by the Company for his 
expertise in engineering and was paid £27,720 in 2014 (2013 £23,310).

LOSS OF OFFICE PAYMENTS (SUBJECT TO AUDIT)
Mark Morris left the Company on 4 November 2014. It was agreed to pay him 12 months’ salary and benefits, in equal monthly payments, 
in lieu of his notice period totalling £717,150 gross (base salary £510,000 and benefits comprising a cash payment in respect of pension  
of £163,200 and other benefits of £43,950 which included: car and fuel allowance, tax planning, medical and life insurance) and a payment 
for unused leave of £15,632. The total paid to him after leaving the Company up to 31 December 2014 was £133,443 which includes the 
unused leave payment. The contractual payments were made in accordance with his service agreement. He received his 2013 APRA 
deferred shares of 18,591 shares in accordance with the rules of the plan. His 2014 APRA deferred shares and his ShareSave option lapsed, 
and he forfeited his PSP awards. He was offered up to £48,000, including VAT, in respect of career transition support which the Company 
will pay. No further payments were made to Mark Morris in respect of his loss of office. If he commences alternative employment within 
12 months following his departure, the committee will consider reducing the amount due to be paid.

EXTERNAL DIRECTORSHIPS 
The directors retained the payments detailed below from serving on the boards of these companies:

John Rishton1
James Guyette2,3
David Smith

Directorships held 
Unilever PLC and Unilever N.V.
PrivateBancorp Inc. and priceline.com
Motability Operations Group plc

Payments
received
£000
86
135
43

1  John Rishton’s fee was partly paid in euros translated at £1 = EUR 1.24.
2 

 James Guyette received 1,881 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) at US$26.59 per share in PrivateBank and 187 RSUs at US$1,338.24 per share in priceline.com, in addition to his annual fees. 

3  James Guyette was paid in US dollars translated at £1=US$1.6477.

80

Directors’ ReportRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ FEES PAID
The Chairman and Non-Executive Directors are not eligible to participate in any of the Group’s share schemes, incentive arrangements  
or pension schemes. A facility is in place which enables Non-Executive Directors to use some or all of their fees, after the appropriate 
statutory deductions, to make market purchases of shares in the Company on a monthly basis. The base fees were increased with  
effect from 1 May 2014 following shareholder approval.

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ BASE FEES

Chairman
Other Non-Executive Directors
Chairman of Audit Committee
Chairman of Safety and Ethics Committee
Chairman of Remuneration Committee
Senior Independent Director

2014
£000
425
70
25
20
20
15

2013
£000
425
60
20
15
15
12

The Chairman of the Science and Technology Committee will be paid £20,000 with effect from 1 January 2015.

PENSION ENTITLEMENTS (SUBJECT TO AUDIT) 
The Group’s UK pension schemes are funded, registered schemes and were approved under the regime applying until 6 April 2006. 
They include both defined contribution and defined benefit schemes. Normal retirement age for the defined benefit schemes is 62.

John Rishton is a member of one of the Group’s UK defined contribution pension schemes and received employer contributions restricted 
to the annual allowance limits with any excess paid as a cash allowance. The cash allowance is calculated as equivalent to the cost of the 
pension contributions allowing for National Insurance costs.

Mark Morris, who left the Company on 4 November 2014, had opted out of future pension accrual with effect from 16 August 2012  
and received a cash allowance in lieu of future pension accrual.

Colin Smith CBE opted out of future pension accrual with effect from 1 April 2006 and receives a cash allowance in lieu of future  
pension accrual.

David Smith receives a cash allowance in lieu of a defined contribution pension.

James Guyette participates in pension plans sponsored by Rolls-Royce North America Inc. He is a member of two defined benefit plans in 
the US, one qualified and one non-qualified. He accrues a retirement lump sum benefit in both of these plans. In addition, James Guyette  
is a member of two 401(k) Savings Plans in the US, one qualified and one non-qualified, to which both he and his employer, Rolls-Royce 
North America Inc., contribute. He is also a member of an unfunded non-qualified deferred compensation plan in the US, to which his 
employer makes notional contributions. Under the defined benefit plans, 65 was the earliest age at which benefits could have been taken 
without consent and without actuarial reduction. 

Details of the defined benefits of the Executive Directors as at 31 December 2014, in the Group’s UK and US pensions schemes are given 
below: 

Mark Morris*
Colin Smith

*  The accrued pension for Mark Morris is as at 4 November 2014 when he left the Company.

James Guyette1

1  Benefits are translated at £1 = US$1.5877 (2013 US$1.6542).

Total accrued annual pension
 entitlement at 
31 December 2014 
£000
172
393

Total accrued retirement lump
 sum entitlement at 
 31 December 2014 
£000
1,380

81

Directors’ ReportDIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT
CONTINUED

Details of defined contribution pension contributions paid by the Group on behalf of the following Executive Directors are given below:

John Rishton 
James Guyette1

1   Benefits are translated at £1=US$1.6477 (2013 US$1.565).

2014
£000
42
349

2013
£000
50
395

SHARE RETENTION POLICY (SUBJECT TO AUDIT)
We believe it is important that the interests of the Executive Directors should be closely aligned with those of shareholders. The deferred 
APRA award and the PSP provide considerable alignment. However, participants in the PSP are also required to retain at least one half of 
the number of after-tax shares released from the PSP, until the value of their shareholding reaches the percentage of salary shown in the 
table below. When this level is reached it must be maintained until retirement or departure from the Group. The Executive Director’s total 
shareholding, for the purposes of comparing it with the minimum shareholding requirement, includes shares held: by their connected 
persons; in the SIP; and PSP shares that have vested, but does not include unvested PSP awards. The shareholding requirement increased in 
2014 to 250% of salary for the Chief Executive and 200% of salary for the other Executive Directors. APRA deferred shares do not count 
towards their minimum shareholding requirement. 

Except for David Smith, who was appointed on 4 November 2014, and has not had an opportunity to build up his shareholding, the 
Executive Directors each complied with the 2014 minimum shareholding requirement as detailed in the table below. 

John Rishton
James Guyette 2
Colin Smith CBE
David Smith

Base salary
£000
925
529
525
510

Total
 shareholding
411,061
384,898
202,369
116

Minimum
 shareholding
 requirement
as % of salary
250
200
200
200

Minimum
 shareholding
requirement 1
234,931
107,484
106,671
103,623

Actual
 shareholding as
 % of minimum
 requirement
175
358
190
0.11

1  Salary divided by the March 2014 PSP grant price of 984.33p multiplied by percentage of salary.
2  Translated at £1 = US$1.5877.

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS IN SHARES (SUBJECT TO AUDIT)
The directors and their connected persons had the following interests in the ordinary shares and C Shares1 of the Company at 31 December 
2014, or at date of leaving or retirement, if earlier, are shown in the table below: 

Unvested awards

Vested awards

Conditional
 shares not
 subject to
 performance
 conditions
 (APRA)

Conditional
shares 
subject to
performance
conditions 
(PSP)

Options over
 shares subject
 to savings
 contracts
 (ShareSave)

Vested shares
 and options 
exercised 
in year

 Ordinary 
shares

C Shares

411,061
384,863
82,736
202,369
116

19,027
3,566
30,000
4,540
9,137
28,401
999
702
2,452
44,919
–

–
–
–
–
–

81,740
42,077
33,600
39,207
–

354,621
167,869
161,549
167,627
18,287

1,745
–
541
–
–

388,459
152,824
37,674
140,216
–

–
–
1,675,000
–
1,515,481
11,178
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Executive Directors
John Rishton
James Guyette
Mark Morris (left on 4 November 2014)
Colin Smith CBE 
David Smith (appointed 1 November 2014)
Chairman and Non-Executive Directors
Ian Davis 
Dame Helen Alexander
Lewis Booth CBE
Ruth Cairnie (appointed 1 September 2014)
Sir Frank Chapman
Iain Conn (retired 1 May 2014)
Warren East CBE
Lee Hsien Yang 
Dr John McAdam
John Neill CBE
Jasmin Staiblin

1  Non-cumulative redeemable preference shares of 0.1p each. 

82

Directors’ ReportRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014 
CHANGES IN INTERESTS (SUBJECT TO AUDIT)

Executive Directors
John Rishton
James Guyette
Colin Smith CBE 
David Smith
Chairman and Non-Executive Directors
Ian Davis
Dame Helen Alexander
Lewis Booth CBE
Ruth Cairnie
Sir Frank Chapman
Warren East CBE
Lee Hsien Yang
Dr John McAdam
John Neill CBE

Ordinary shares 

C Shares

31 December 2014

Changes from
31 December 2014 to
12 February 2015

31 December 2014

Changes from
31 December 2014 to
12 February 2015

411,061
384,863
202,369
116

19,027
3,566
30,000
4,540
9,137
999
702
2,452
44,919

4,255
3,983
2,053
17

641
236
–
443
900
–
229
54
723

–
–
–
–

–
–
1,675,000
–
1,515,481
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
(1,675,000)
–
741,960
–
–
–
–

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS IN UNVESTED AND VESTED AWARDS
JOHN RISHTON

PSP 2011
PSP 2012
PSP 2013
PSP 2014

Performance related shares
Performance related shares

APRA 2011
APRA 2012
APRA 2013

ShareSave (options)
ShareSave (options)

31 December
 2013
164,866
133,383
 108,470 
–
406,719
63,397
40,565
103,962
44,400
 48,250 
–
92,650
1,450
–

Granted 
during year
 – 
 – 
–
112,768
112,768
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 –
33,490
33,490
–
295

TSR uplift/ 
dividend
 enhancement
82,433 
 – 
 – 
–
82,433
 31,699 
 – 
31,699
1,664
 – 
–
1,664 
–
–

Vested
awards
247,299 
 – 
 – 
–
247,299
 95,096 
 – 
95,096
46,064
 – 
–
46,064 
–
–

31 December
 2014
–
133,383
108,470
112,768
354,621
–
40,565
40,565
–
48,250
33,490
81,740
1,450
295

Market price at
date of award 
(p)

Date 
Date 
of grant
of vesting
601.50 09/03/2011 09/03/2014
809.70 01/03/2012 01/03/2015
1023.33 01/03/2013 01/03/2016
984.33 07/05/2014 03/03/2017

Market price 
at vesting 
(p)
1015.81
–
–
–

601.50 09/03/2011 01/03/2014
601.50 09/03/2011 01/03/2015

1015.81
–

808.80 01/03/2012 01/03/2014
1023.33 01/03/2013 01/03/2015
984.40 07/05/2014 03/03/2016

1015.81
–
–

525.00* 01/02/2012 01/02/2017
961.60* 01/02/2014 01/02/2017

–
–

*   For ShareSave, the share price shown is the exercise price which was 85% of the market price at the date of the award. The performance related shares were awarded as part of a special 

grant of shares to John Rishton on joining the Company and were intended to mirror the fair value and vesting profile of incentives he forfeited on leaving his previous employer.

JAMES GUYETTE

PSP 2011
PSP 2012
PSP 2013
PSP 2014

APRA 2011
APRA 2012
APRA 2013

31 December
 2013
82,404
64,385
51,714
–
198,503
28,161
25,770
–
53,931

Granted 
during year
–
–
–
51,770
51,770
–
–
16,307
16,307

TSR uplift/
dividend
 enhancement
41,204
–
–
–
41,204
1,055
–
–
1,055

Vested 
awards
123,608
–
–
–
123,608
29,216
–
–
29,216

31 December
 2014
–
64,385
51,714
51,770
167,869
–
25,770
16,307
42,077

Market price at 
date of award
 (p)

Date 
Date 
of grant
of vesting
601.50 09/03/2011 09/03/2014
809.70 01/03/2012 01/03/2015
1023.33 01/03/2013 01/03/2016
984.33 07/05/2014 03/03/2017

Market price 
at vesting 
(p)
1015.81
–
–
–

808.80 01/03/2012 01/03/2014
1023.33 01/03/2013 01/03/2015
984.40 07/05/2014 03/03/2016

1015.81
–
–

83

Directors’ Report 
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT
CONTINUED

MARK MORRIS

PSP 2011
PSP 2012
PSP 2013
PSP 2014

APRA 2011
APRA 2012
APRA 2013

ShareSave (options)

31 December
 2013
25,039
59,899
49,838
–
134,776
6,145
18,057
–
24,202
541

Granted 
during year
 – 
 – 
–
51,812
51,812
 – 
 –
15,543
15,543
–

TSR uplift*/ 
dividend
 enhancement
6,260
 – 
 – 
–
6,260
230
 – 
–
230
–

Vested
awards
31,299 
 – 
 – 
–
31,299
6,375
 – 
–
6,375
–

4 November
 20141
–
59,899
49,838
51,812
161,549
–
18,057
15,543
33,600
541

Market price at
date of award 
(p)

Date 
Date 
of grant
of vesting
601.50 09/03/2011 09/03/2014
n/a
809.70 01/03/2012
n/a
1023.33 01/03/2013
n/a
984.33 07/05/2014

Market price 
at vesting 
(p)
1015.81
–
–
–

808.80 01/03/2012 01/03/2014
1023.33 01/03/2013 01/03/2015
n/a
984.40 07/05/2014

1015.81
–
–

525.00 01/02/2012

n/a

–

*  The TSR uplift applied was 25% of the original grant. 
1  All the above awards except the APRA 2012, granted in 2013, were forfeited on leaving the Company. 

COLIN SMITH CBE

PSP 2011
PSP 2012
PSP 2013
PSP 2014

APRA 2011
APRA 2012
APRA 2013

DAVID SMITH 

PSP 2014

31 December
 2013
74,813
62,987
51,304
–
189,104
26,985
23,207
–
50,192

Granted 
during year
–
–
–
53,336
53,336
–
–
16,000
16,000

TSR uplift/
dividend
 enhancement
37,407
–
–
–
37,407
1,011
–
–
1,011

Vested
awards
112,220
–
–
–
112,220
27,996
–
–
27,996

31 December
 2014
–
62,987
51,304
53,336
167,627
–
23,207
16,000
39,207

Market price 
at date 
of award
 (p)

Date 
Date 
of grant
of vesting
601.50 09/03/2011 09/03/2014
809.70 01/03/2012 01/03/2015
1023.33 01/03/2013 01/03/2016
984.33 07/05/2014 03/03/2017

Market price
 at vesting
(p)
1015.81
–
–
–

808.80 01/03/2012 01/03/2014
1023.33 01/03/2013 01/03/2015
984.40 07/05/2014 03/03/2016

1015.81
–
–

4 November
 2014
18,287

Granted 
during year
–

TSR uplift at
 vesting/
dividend
 enhancement
–

Vested
awards
–

31 December
 2014
18,287

Market price 
at date 
of award
 (p)

Date 
Date 
of grant
of vesting
984.33 03/03/2014 03/03/2017

Market price
 at vesting
(p)
–

CHIEF EXECUTIVE PAY, TSR AND ALL-EMPLOYEE PAY
This section of the report enables our remuneration arrangements to be seen in context by providing:
•  a five-year history of our Chief Executive’s remuneration; 
•  our TSR performance over the same period; 
•  a comparison of the year-on-year change in our Chief Executive’s remuneration with the change in average remuneration across the Group; and 
•  a year-on-year comparison of the total amount spent on employment costs across the Group and shareholder payments.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE PAY

Year
2014
2013
2012
2011 
2011
2010

Chief Executive 1, 2
John Rishton
John Rishton
John Rishton
John Rishton
Sir John Rose
Sir John Rose

Single figure of total 
remuneration
£000
2,386
6,228
4,577
3,677
3,832
3,914

Annual bonus
 as a % of
 maximum
–
55
85
63
–
100

PSP
 as a % of 
 maximum
45
100
–
–
75
100

1  On 31 March 2011, Sir John Rose retired as Chief Executive and John Rishton was appointed.
2   The remuneration for Sir John Rose does not include any pension accrual or contribution as he was receiving his pension from 1 February 2008. John Rishton received a special grant  
of shares on joining the Company on 1 March 2011 to mirror the shares he forfeited on resigning from his previous employer. The share price has increased from 483.50p at the time  
this grant was made to 870p at the end of 2014. These are the main reasons why John Rishton’s remuneration in 2012 and 2013 exceeds that of his predecessor.

84

Directors’ ReportRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014TSR PERFORMANCE
The Company’s TSR performance over the previous six years 
compared to a broad equity market index is shown in the graph 
below. The FTSE 100 has been chosen as the comparator because  
it contains a broad range of other UK listed companies.

STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDER VOTING

 For

 Against Votes withheld 

Approval of 2013 remuneration report
Percentage of votes (%)
Number of votes cast

94.16

5.84
1,242,179,846 77,016,965

14,049,941

The graph shows the growth in value of a hypothetical £100 holding 
in the Company’s ordinary shares over six years, relative to the  
FTSE 100 index. The values of the hypothetical £100 holdings at the 
end of the six-year period were £302.23 and £184.40 respectively.

We monitor carefully shareholder voting on our remuneration 
policy and implementation. We recognise the importance of 
ensuring that our shareholders continue to support our 
remuneration arrangements.

ROLLS-ROYCE – SIX YEAR REBASED TSR

Rolls-Royce Holdings plc             FTSE 100

450

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

PERCENTAGE CHANGE IN CHIEF EXECUTIVE REMUNERATION
The following table compares the percentage change in the Chief 
Executive’s salary, bonus and benefits to the average percentage 
change in salary, bonus and benefits for all UK employees from  
2013 to 2014. 

Chief Executive
UK employees average

Salary
0%
3%

Benefits
21%
-0.1%

Annual
 bonus
-100%
-98.5%

UK employees were chosen as a comparator group in order to  
avoid the impact of exchange rate movements over the year.  
UK employees make up approximately 45% of the total  
employee population.

RELATIVE SPEND ON PAY
The following chart sets out the percentage change in payments  
to shareholders and overall expenditure on pay across the Group.

ADVISERS TO THE COMMITTEE
During the year, the committee had access to advice from Deloitte 
LLP’s executive compensation advisory practice. Total fees for  
advice provided to the committee during the year by Deloitte  
were £81,432. Deloitte also advised the Company on tax, assurance, 
pensions and corporate finance and Deloitte MCS Limited provides 
consulting services. 

Deloitte is a founding member of the Remuneration Consultants 
Group and adheres to its code in relation to executive remuneration 
consulting. The committee requests Deloitte to attend meetings 
periodically during the year. The committee is satisfied that the 
advice it has received has been objective and independent.

STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS
The Directors’ Remuneration Report has been prepared on behalf  
of the Board by the Remuneration Committee.

We adopt the principles of good governance as set out in the  
UK Corporate Governance Code 2012 and comply with the 
regulations contained in the Schedule 8 of the Large and Medium-
sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) (Amendment) 
Regulations 2013, the Listing Rules of the Financial Conduct 
Authority and the relevant schedules of the Companies Act 2006.

The Companies Act 2006 and the Listing Rules require the 
Company’s auditor to report on the audited information in their 
report on page 159 and to state that this section has been properly 
prepared in accordance with these regulations. The Directors’ 
Remuneration Report is subject to shareholder approval at the  
AGM on 8 May 2015.

PAYMENTS TO SHAREHOLDERS 
(note 17 – financial statements)

GROUP EMPLOYMENT COSTS
(note 7 – financial statements)

The Directors’ Remuneration Report was approved by the Board  
on 12 February 2015 and signed on its behalf.

2014

2013

£414m 13%

£366m

2014

2013

£3,357m (10%)

£3,717m

DAME HELEN ALEXANDER 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

Rolls-Royce Holdings plc

Annual Report 2014

85

Directors’ Report  
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICY

•  the system of remuneration should establish a close identity of 
interest between senior executives and shareholders through 
measures such as encouraging the senior executives to acquire 
shares in the Company. Therefore a significant proportion of 
senior executive remuneration will comprise share-based 
long-term incentives; and

•  when determining remuneration, the committee will take into 

account pay and employment conditions elsewhere in the Group.

The policy was approved by shareholders at the 2014 AGM and  
is reproduced here for information only.

REMUNERATION POLICY FRAMEWORK
The Group is committed to achieving sustained improvements  
in performance and this depends crucially on the individual 
contributions made by the executive team and by employees  
at all levels. The Board believes that an effective remuneration 
strategy plays an essential part in the future success of the Group.

Accordingly, the remuneration policy will continue to reflect the 
following broad principles:
•  the remuneration of Executive Directors and other senior 

executives should reflect their responsibilities and contain 
incentives to deliver the Group’s performance objectives  
without encouraging excessive risk taking;

•  remuneration must be capable of attracting and retaining  

the individuals necessary for business success;

•  remuneration policy must be sufficiently flexible to take  
account of changes in the Group’s business environment  
and market practices;

•  total remuneration should be based on Group and individual 

performance, both in the short and long term;

POLICY REPORT
The policy became effective from 1 May 2014.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICY

Purpose and link 
to strategy

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance measures

It is essential that the 
Company provides 
competitive salaries, 
suitable to attract and 
retain individuals of  
the right calibre to 
develop and execute  
the business strategy. 

Salary levels are set using careful judgement, 
taking into account the scope of the role and 
responsibilities, performance, experience, 
potential, retention issues and salaries 
elsewhere in the Group. Judgement will be 
informed, but not led, by reference to 
companies of a similar size, complexity and 
internationality.

Salaries are reviewed annually and normally 
fixed for 12 months from 1 March each year. 
However, salary increases are not automatic. 
Exceptionally, salaries may be increased on 
other dates in the year. 

Executive Directors may be appointed at 
salaries below the target level to enable pay 
progression commensurate with growth  
in the new role. 

Annual salary increases will not normally 
exceed average increases for employees 
in other appropriate parts of the Group. 

On occasion, increases may be larger 
where the committee considers this to be 
necessary. Circumstances where this may 
apply include: growth into a role; to 
reflect a change in scope of role and 
responsibilities; where market conditions 
indicate a level of under competitiveness 
and the committee judges that there is a 
risk in relation to attracting or retaining 
executives.

Where the committee exercises its 
discretion to award increases above the 
average for other employees, the 
resulting salary will not exceed the 
competitive market range.

None, although individual 
performance is the primary 
consideration in setting salary 
alongside overall Company 
affordability and market 
competitiveness. 

Element

Salary

86

Directors’ ReportRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICY

Element

Benefits

Purpose and link 
to strategy

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance measures

Benefits will be market competitive 
taking into account the role and the  
local market.

None.

Benefits excluding any accommodation, 
relocation and associated tax costs will 
not exceed £100,000 per annum. 

The value of benefits provided for 
international and domestic relocation 
and any ongoing accommodation and 
travel support will be appropriate to  
the individual circumstances of the 
executive and only expenses that the 
committee considers necessary and 
appropriate will be supported.

To provide market 
competitive benefits 
sufficient to recruit and 
retain, and to support  
the executive to give 
maximum attention  
to their role.

Benefits provided include a car or car 
allowance, contribution to the cost of fuel, use 
of a driver, financial planning assistance, life 
assurance and medical insurance. Other 
appropriate benefits may be provided from 
time-to-time at the discretion of the 
committee.

Certain benefits, such as accommodation or 
use of a driver, are to enable an executive to 
devote maximum time and attention to their 
role. Club membership fees may also be 
provided. The Group may pay any tax due on 
these benefits.

The Group offers relocation for executives  
to be located within reasonable reach of their 
place of work. Where relocation is not practical 
or a preferred option, or where work is mainly 
split between two locations, support for 
accommodation and travel may be provided.

Relocation support may include items such  
as transaction and legal fees, removals, 
disturbance allowance and temporary travel 
and subsistence costs. International relocation 
support may include items such as school fees, 
tax equalisation and home visits.

Pension

To provide market-
competitive pensions 
sufficient to recruit and 
retain.

New executives to the Company are offered 
membership of a defined contribution pension 
plan. Pension contributions are based on base 
salary only.

There are a number of legacy pension 
arrangements, including defined benefit plans, 
which were in place before 27 June 2012 and 
have not been changed since. Commitments to 
these arrangements will be honoured. 

Executives may opt to receive a cash allowance 
in lieu of pension.

None.

The maximum employer contribution to 
defined contribution pension 
arrangements is 38% of base salary. 
Under the Group’s legacy defined benefit 
arrangements, the pension due is the 
higher of a pension based on the 
executive’s final salary, with a maximum 
annual accrual rate of 2.5%, or based on 
career average salary with a maximum 
annual accrual rate of 3.3%. The resulting 
pension is limited so that the maximum 
pension at normal retirement age is two 
thirds of the executive’s final 
remuneration. The benefits under these 
arrangements include a lump sum 
payable on death in service and pensions 
for surviving spouses, civil partners and 
certain dependants. 

Executives may opt to receive a cash 
allowance in lieu of pension. The cash 
allowance is calculated to be equivalent 
to the employer’s defined contribution 
pension contributions, reduced to allow 
for the additional National Insurance 
cost incurred by the employer.

James Guyette participates in qualified 
and non-qualified defined benefit and 
defined contribution pension 
arrangements in the US. Under these 
various arrangements combined it is 
expected that the benefits provided by 
the Company will be equivalent in value 
to a pension of two thirds of salary, with 
post retirement increases similar to 
those required by statute in the UK. 

87

Directors’ ReportDIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICY
CONTINUED

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICY

Purpose and link 
to strategy

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance measures

The current maximum annual bonus, 
linked to business performance, is 135% 
of salary for the Chief Executive and 
125% for other Executive Directors. This  
is based on achieving the highest targets 
set for business performance. However, 
the committee may adjust the bonus  
to reflect personal performance as 
described in the previous column, giving 
an overall maximum of 162% and 150% 
respectively.

The committee has the discretion  
to increase the overall maximum bonus 
level to 200% of salary for the Chief 
Executive and 175% for other Executive 
Directors, subject to this not being above 
the competitive market range.

To incentivise and reward 
execution of the business 
strategy, delivery of 
financial performance 
targets and achievement 
of personal objectives.

Compulsory deferral of 
part of any bonus 
encourages retention  
and provides alignment 
with shareholders.

The committee sets Group financial targets and 
agrees personal objectives for each executive 
director at the start of the financial year. At the 
end of the year, business performance 
determines the Company bonus payout level 
and the committee considers whether any 
adjustment to the payout level is appropriate. 
Each Executive Director’s bonus is also 
dependent on the achievement of their 
personal objectives and wider contribution to 
the Group. The committee may apply an uplift 
of up to 20% or a reduction, potentially to zero, 
as appropriate.

A portion of the bonus paid, in a range 30% to 
50%, is compulsorily deferred into the 
Company’s shares for a period of two years and 
is subject to continued employment (with early 
release in certain circumstances). There are no 
further performance conditions. 

Deferred shares may receive a bonus issue  
of C Shares or equivalent during the  
deferral period. 

The bonus plan is non-contractual and may be 
offered on a year-by-year basis. The committee 
has the right to apply the malus provision on an 
individual or group basis and amend or 
withdraw the bonus before payment. From 
2014, the same right over deferred shares will 
apply as will the right to clawback bonuses paid 
or vested shares on an individual basis if it can 
be demonstrated that individuals have acted  
in an improper manner. Malus and/or clawback 
provisions may apply in exceptional cases such 
as: material misstatement of results; a material 
failure of risk management; serious 
reputational damage; serious individual 
wrongdoing such as non-compliance with  
the Company’s Code of Conduct; or gross 
misconduct. 

The bonus payout level is determined 
primarily by Group financial 
performance but the committee may 
introduce non-financial metrics and/
or adjust the payout level to reflect 
other factors as appropriate. The final 
bonus awarded to each director is 
also linked to their personal 
performance.

Any non-financial metrics used in  
the annual bonus plan will be linked 
to the Group’s strategy and will not 
be weighted more than 50% of the 
whole bonus. A principle applies that 
no bonus is payable unless the base 
financial targets are achieved and 
this also applies if non-financial 
measures are introduced.

Based on the current bonus 
opportunity:

Chief Executive: Bonus generated  
by business performance is 40% of 
salary for achieving the base level 
targets and 135% of salary for 
achieving the highest level of targets. 
Bonus may then be adjusted for 
personal performance in a range 
0-120% at committee discretion  
with 100% typically applying for  
good performance and a 20%  
uplift available for outstanding 
personal performance.

Other Executive Directors: Bonus 
generated by business performance 
is 37% of salary for achieving the base 
level targets and 125% of salary for 
achieving the highest level of targets. 
Bonus may then be adjusted for 
personal performance as above.

Element

Annual bonus

88

Directors’ ReportRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICY

Element

Purpose and link 
to strategy

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance measures

Performance 
Share Plan 
(PSP)

Post 2014 AGM 
onwards

To incentivise and  
reward development  
and execution of the 
business strategy over  
the longer term.

The plan provides 
alignment with 
shareholder interests 
through the performance 
measures chosen and  
a retention element 
through the plan 
timescale. 

A shareholding 
requirement is linked  
to the PSP in order to 
further provide alignment 
with shareholders. 

The link between the 
performance measures 
and the Company’s 
strategy is explained  
in the notes to this table 
on page 90.

The Chief Executive is granted awards 
each year over shares to the value of 
120% of salary. Other Executive Directors 
are granted 100% of salary. Subject to the 
earnings per share (EPS) condition being 
met, these shares vest at the end of the 
performance period if the Company has 
achieved the maximum target set for 
cash flow per share (CPS). The number  
of shares vesting can be increased  
by 25% for above median TSR ranking 
rising to 50% increase for upper quartile 
TSR ranking.

Maximum face values of annual awards 
are therefore 180% of salary for the Chief 
Executive and 150% of salary for other 
Executive Directors.

Executive Directors are granted awards over 
shares annually at the start of a three-year 
performance period. The proportion of those 
awards that vest is determined at the end  
of the period according to a set of Company 
performance measures.

Vesting of awards is subject to continued 
employment until vesting date with the 
exception of certain leaver circumstances,  
in which case vesting is subject to Company 
performance and pro-rating for service.

The plan rules contain malus and clawback 
provisions. The committee has the right to 
amend and withdraw share grants before 
vesting for individuals and groups and the right 
to reclaim vested shares or their proceeds from 
individuals where it has been demonstrated 
that they acted in an improper manner. 
Situations where the provisions will apply are 
as described in the bonus section on page 88. 

Executive Directors are required to hold a level 
of shareholding.

The three corporate performance 
measures are:

1. EPS – condition. The increase in EPS 
over the three-year period must 
exceed an appropriate index of 
consumer prices for the same period. 
If this condition is not met share 
vesting is zero.

2. CPS – prime measure. The 
aggregate CPS over the performance 
period will determine the number  
of shares which vest. Achieving a base 
target of CPS will result in 30% of the 
shares vesting and achieving a 
maximum CPS target will cause 
100% of the shares to vest. The 
number of shares which may vest is 
determined on a straight-line basis 
between the 30% and 100% level.

3. Total shareholder return (TSR) 
relative to FTSE 100 or other 
appropriate index. The number of 
shares vesting will be increased by 
25% if the Company’s TSR is ranked 
above the median of the FTSE 100,  
or other appropriate index, over the 
same periods and by 50% if ranked  
at or above the upper quartile  
of the same group. Intermediate  
TSR ranking will increase the  
number of shares released on  
a straight-line basis.

Performance 
Share Plan 
(PSP)

Legacy awards 
– 2004 plan

The purpose of the  
2004 share plan is fully 
consistent with the 
purpose of the 2014  
plan described above.

ShareSave Plan This savings-related share 

option plan provides all 
employees worldwide an 
interest in the 
performance of 
Rolls-Royce shares.

UK employees may elect 
to receive part of any 
annual bonus in shares. 

UK employees may elect 
to make regular monthly 
purchases of shares from 
pre-tax income.

Share 
Incentive 
Plan (SIP)

The operation of the 2004 plan is as  
described above with the exception  
of malus and clawback elements which  
will apply for 2014 grants.

As above.

As above.

Executive Directors may participate on the 
same terms as other employees. The option 
price may be discounted by up to 20%.

Accumulated savings may be used to exercise 
an option to acquire shares. 

The maximum savings amount is 
currently £250 per month over a three- or 
five-year period. This may be increased in 
accordance with changes to UK 
legislation.

No performance measures are 
permitted by UK legislation 
applicable to this type of plan.

UK-based Executive Directors may participate 
on the same terms as all other UK employees. 
Shares held in the SIP for five years will vest free 
from income tax and National Insurance 
contributions.

Currently, up to £3,000 of the  
annual cash bonus can be applied  
to purchase shares.

The maximum monthly amount of  
£125 may be used to purchase shares.

The above limits may be increased  
in accordance with changes to  
UK legislation.

The award of any bonus will depend 
on performance conditions  
(see page 88) but no further 
conditions apply once the employee 
elects to participate in the SIP.

89

Directors’ Report 
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICY
CONTINUED

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICY

Purpose and link 
to strategy

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance measures

Element

Fees 

To reward individuals  
for fulfilling the relevant 
role and to attract 
individuals of the skills 
and calibre required.

Benefits

To devote maximum time 
and attention to the 
requirements of the role.

None

The Articles of Association require the 
Company to set a maximum ceiling on 
the total remuneration payable to 
Non-Executive Directors including the 
Non-Executive Chairman. A resolution to 
increase this to £1,400,000 was proposed 
at the 2014 AGM. 

Fees are set at a level appropriate for the 
role and are reviewed regularly, taking 
into account fees payable to Non-
Executive Directors of companies  
of a similar size and complexity.

The maximum value for chauffeur 
services will not exceed £25,000  
per annum. 

None

The maximum contribution towards tax 
advice and filing is £5,000 per annum.

The committee makes recommendations  
to the Board on the remuneration of the 
Chairman. The Chairman and the Executive 
Directors determine the remuneration for  
the Non-Executive Directors. The level of 
remuneration is set within a limit approved 
from time-to-time by shareholders.

The Chairman is paid a single consolidated  
fee. Other Non-Executive Directors are paid  
a base fee covering Board and committee 
membership. Committee chairmen and  
the Senior Independent Director receive  
an additional fee. 

The Chairman has occasional use of  
chauffeur services. 

Travel, hotel and subsistence expenses 
incurred in attending Board meetings and 
committee meetings or otherwise required  
to attend the Company’s offices are 
reimbursed by the Company. The Group  
may pay any tax due on such benefits.

Where a Non-Executive Director is based 
outside the UK and has to file a UK tax  
return, the Company may pay towards  
tax advice and filing.

reasonable and materially no more or less difficult than the original 
condition when set.

SHAREHOLDERS’ VIEWS 
This statement of remuneration policy is largely a consolidation of 
policies which have enjoyed the support of shareholders for many 
years. We considered the guidance provided by the GC 100 and 
shareholder advisory groups in preparing this policy and have 
followed this insofar as it is appropriate in the context of our 
business. Prior to finalising the policy, we shared it with a selection 
of major shareholders. Looking ahead, we welcome an open 
dialogue with shareholders and intend to continue to consult with 
major shareholders before implementing any significant change.

GROUP EMPLOYEE CONSIDERATIONS 
When setting remuneration for Executive Directors the committee 
takes into account contextual information about pay and 
conditions within the Group, including the following:
•  salary increases for the all-employee population;
•  bonus awards for the all-employee population; and
•  pay ratios between Executive Directors and other employees.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND TARGETS
The annual bonus measures are primarily based on Group financial 
performance but may contain non-financial measures as detailed  
in the above table. 

The committee will set the Group financial targets with reference  
to the prior year and to the budgets and business plans for the 
coming year, ensuring the levels to achieve base, on-target and 
maximum bonus payout are appropriately challenging.

The PSP performance measures set out in the policy table support 
the Group’s strategy as follows:

•  the EPS growth hurdle ensures any payout is supported by 

sound profitability;

•  the aggregate CPS measure incentivises the generation of cash 
flow in line with the Group’s strategy. This measure is set in line 
with the principles described for the annual bonus; and

•  the TSR performance measure aligns interests with shareholders 

by rewarding TSR out-performance. The TSR is measured  
with reference to constituents of an appropriate index such  
as the FTSE 100.

In accordance with the rules of the PSP, the performance conditions 
may be replaced or varied if an event occurs or circumstances arise 
which cause the committee to determine that the performance 
conditions have ceased to be appropriate. If the performance 
conditions are varied or replaced, the amended performance 
conditions must, in the opinion of the committee, be fair, 

90

Directors’ ReportRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014Rolls-Royce employs over 54,000 people in more than 50 countries. 
Inevitably remuneration arrangements differ to reflect local 
markets, but some common themes apply to employees at all 
levels worldwide:

•  we aim to offer competitive levels of remuneration, benefits  

and incentives to attract and retain employees;

•  all employees participate in bonus arrangements where the 
bonus is determined by the same financial measures as that 
applicable to Executive Directors; and

•  all employees have the opportunity to participate in a savings 

related share option plan.

At more senior levels, remuneration is increasingly long term and 
larger proportions are dependent on both Group and individual 
performance and paid in the form of shares.

Given the scale of the employee population, the committee 
considered that it would be impractical to consult all employees 
when drawing up the policy. 

ILLUSTRATIONS OF REMUNERATION POLICY APPLICATION
The bar chart below illustrates projected executive remuneration 
for 2014 at four different levels of performance showing payments 
from minimum to maximum. The table below the chart explains 
performance levels one to four and the associated remuneration. 

£000*

John Rishton

James Guyette

Colin Smith

4,500

4,000

3,500

3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

39%

30%

16%

18%

25%

29%

30%

34%

11%

22%

24%

13%

20%

25%

16%

25%

29%

30%

10%

21%
[•]%

13%

20%

25%

100%

66%

45%

32%

71%

51%

100%

37%

76%

58%

45%

100%

77%

59%

45%

1

2

3

4

1

2

3

4

1

2

3

4

* Salary values are as at 31 December 2013

Salary, plus pension and benefits
Potential value of bonus depending on the performance scenario
Potential value of PSP depending on the performance scenario

Remuneration achieved for key levels of performance are:

1. Minimum

Fixed remuneration only. No bonus or PSP paid.

2. Base level

3. On-target

4. Maximum

Bonus and PSP resulting from base level of business 
performance. Bonus at 30% of maximum payment assuming  
no adjustment for personal performance. PSP vesting at 30% of 
maximum from achieving base CPS target with no TSR multiplier.

Bonus and PSP resulting from performance in line with Company 
expectations. Bonus at 60% of maximum assuming no 
adjustment for personal performance. PSP vesting mid-way 
between base and maximum levels with 25% TSR multiplier.

Maximum annual bonus based on achieving the highest targets 
set for business performance and outstanding individual 
performance: PSP vesting from achieving maximum CPS target 
and with maximum 50% TSR multiplier.

SERVICE CONTRACTS
UK-based Executive Directors’ contracts include the 
following provisions:

•  12 months’ notice of termination from Rolls-Royce;
•  6 months’ notice of termination from the executive; and 
•  reimbursement of reasonable business expenses.

The committee recognises that in the case of appointments  
to the Board from outside the Group, it may be necessary to offer  
a longer initial notice period, which would subsequently reduce  
to 12 months after that initial period.

James Guyette has a contract with Rolls-Royce North America Inc., 
drawn up under the laws of the State of Virginia, US. This provides 
that, on termination without cause, he is entitled to 12 months’ 
severance pay without mitigation and, in addition, appropriate 
costs incurred in relocating household and personal effects. The 
contract also provides for the payment of club membership fees 
and for tax and financial planning up to a maximum of US$15,000 
per annum and the Group will gross up any amounts to cover  
any applicable taxes arising.

All contracts also include the entitlement to paid holidays, sick pay 
and other standard employee terms.

The Chairman and the Non-Executive Directors have letters  
of appointment rather than service contracts. No compensation  
is payable to the Chairman or to any Non-Executive Director  
if the appointment is terminated early or if they fail to be  
re-elected at an AGM.

POLICY ON EXIT PAYMENTS
The notice period the Company is required to give to Executive 
Directors under their contracts of employment is 12 months. 
Payment in lieu of notice will not exceed the value of 12 months’ 
salary, benefits and pension contributions. Both mitigation and  
the staggering of payments through the notice period will be 
considered by the committee where appropriate, as will the funding 
of reasonable outplacement and other professional fees. Should 

91

Directors’ ReportDIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICY
CONTINUED

additional compensation matters arise, such as a settlement or 
compromise agreement, the committee will exercise judgement 
and will take into account the specific commercial circumstances.

Pension benefits on early retirement should be payable in 
accordance with the normal rules of the relevant pension plan. 
Under legacy UK defined benefit pension arrangements, accrued 
pension is reduced to reflect early receipt in accordance with factors 
set by the trustees from time-to-time and is limited to a maximum 
pension of two thirds of the executive’s final remuneration, 
pro-rated by actual service to potential service.

The committee has the discretion to preserve incentive awards 
pro-rated to service and to release deferred shares. In exercising  
this discretion, the committee will have regard to performance  
and the circumstances of leaving. For deferred shares these are 
usually released in cases such as retirement, death, injury,  
ill-health and redundancy.

For PSP, the rules state that unvested awards may be preserved at 
the committee’s discretion according to the circumstances. In such 
cases vesting will be at the normal date, subject to the established 
performance conditions, and pro rata to employment in the 
performance period. In cases such as death and terminal illness,  
the committee also has the discretion to vest the awards 
immediately using an estimate of future out-turn.

The treatment of leavers in the Company’s ShareSave and SIP plans 
is governed by the plan rules. The UK rules are HMRC approved. An 
Executive Director who has ShareSave options who retires or who 
leaves the Company through ill-health, disability or redundancy will 
be entitled to exercise their options, pro rata to the savings made, 
within six months of leaving the Company. An Executive Director 
who leaves in any other manner such as dismissal would only be 
entitled to have their savings returned to them. Participants in the 
SIP who leave the Company for the same reasons listed above will 
have their shares released to them free of tax and National 
Insurance contributions.

In the event of a change of control of the Company, PSP awards  
will vest based on the extent to which the committee determines 
the performance conditions have been or would have been met. 
Pro-rating for service in the performance period will apply. Deferred 
shares earned under APRA would vest in full. ShareSave options 
would immediately be exercisable pro rata to savings made. 
Consideration received as shares would be held in the SIP, if possible, 
otherwise the consideration would be treated as a disposal from  
the SIP.

POLICY ON NEW APPOINTMENTS 
The committee will normally award newly appointed Executive 
Directors with a remuneration package which is consistent with  
the policy and principles as set out in this report. Base salary may  
be set at a level higher or lower than previous incumbents and  
in certain circumstances, to facilitate the recruitment of individuals 
of the required calibre, the committee may use its discretion to 
make individual additional incentive awards up to a maximum  
of 100% of annual salary. Incentive levels may also be increased by 
up to 30% of salary per annum for incentives commencing within 
two years of joining. This level of discretion is considered 
appropriate given the current conservative market positioning  
of Rolls-Royce and our potential need to recruit from other market 
sectors or countries outside of the UK.

In addition, remuneration forfeited on resignation from a previous 
employer may be compensated. The form of this compensation 
would be considered on a case-by-case basis and may comprise 
either cash or shares. Generally: 

•  if such remuneration was in the form of shares, compensation 

will be in the Company’s shares;

•  if remuneration was subject to achievement of performance 

conditions, compensation will be subject to Rolls-Royce 
performance conditions; and

•  the timing of any compensation will, where practicable, match  

the vesting schedule of the remuneration forfeited.

A newly appointed Executive Director may be provided with 
reasonable relocation support as set out in the policy table. Internal 
appointments would receive a remuneration package that is 
consistent with the remuneration policy. Legacy terms and 
conditions would be honoured, including pension entitlements  
and any outstanding incentive awards. 

If an Executive Director is appointed following a merger  
or an acquisition of a company by Rolls-Royce, of which the 
Executive Director was employed, legacy terms and conditions  
may be honoured.

LEGACY COMMITMENTS
Contractual commitments made before 27 June 2012 and before 
the policy came into effect will be honoured. This will include grants 
made under the old PSP arrangement which will vest, subject to the 
performance criteria being achieved after the adoption of this 
policy, as well as previous contractual provisions relating to the 
defined benefit pension scheme. 

If awards are made on recruitment (such as buy-outs) the  
treatment on leaving would be determined at the time at the 
committee’s discretion.

The committee may make minor amendments to the policy set  
out above (for regulatory, exchange control, tax, administrative 
purposes or to take account of a change in legislation) without 
obtaining shareholder approval for that amendment.

92

Directors’ ReportRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014 
RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENTS

Directors’ Report

RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENTS 
STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES IN RESPECT OF  
THE ANNUAL REPORT AND THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The directors, as listed on pages 54 and 55, are responsible  
for preparing the Annual Report and the Group and parent  
company financial statements in accordance with applicable  
law and regulations.

Company law requires the directors to prepare Group and parent 
company financial statements for each financial year. Under that 
law they are required to prepare the Group financial statements  
in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU and applicable law 
and have elected to prepare the parent company financial 
statements in accordance with UK Accounting Standards and 
applicable law.

Under company law the directors must not approve the financial 
statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair 
view of the state of affairs of the Group and parent company and  
of their profit or loss for that period.

In preparing each of the Group and parent company financial 
statements, the directors are required to:

The directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity  
of the corporate and financial information included on the Group’s 
website. Legislation in the UK governing the preparation and 
dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation  
in other jurisdictions.

RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENTS UNDER THE DISCLOSURE AND 
TRANSPARENCY RULES 
Each of the persons who is a director at the date of approval of this 
report confirms that to the best of his or her knowledge:

i) 

ii) 

 each of the Group and parent company financial statements, 
prepared in accordance with IFRS and UK Accounting Standards 
respectively, gives 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 on pages 1 to 53 and Directors’ Report on 
pages 54 to 92 and pages 162 to 165 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

•  select suitable accounting policies and then apply them 

iii)   the Annual Report, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and 

consistently;

•  make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
•  for the Group financial statements, state whether they have been 

prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU;

understandable and provides the information necessary for 
shareholders to assess the Company’s position and performance, 
business model and strategy.

•  for the parent company financial statements, state whether 

By order of the Board

applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject 
to any material departures disclosed and explained in the parent 
company financial statements; and

•  prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis 
unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group and the 
parent company will continue in business.

PAMELA COLES
Company Secretary
12 February 2015

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting 
records that are sufficient to show and explain the parent and 
Group’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any 
time the financial position of the parent company and enable them 
to ensure that its financial statements comply with the Companies 
Act 2006. They have general responsibility for taking such steps as 
are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the Group 
and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.

Under applicable law and regulations, the directors are also 
responsible for preparing a Directors’ Report, Directors’ 
Remuneration Report and Corporate Governance Statement  
that complies with that law and those regulations.

93

Financial Statements

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET 
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Accounting policies 
Segmental analysis 
Research and development and other income 

Investments 
Inventories 

Note
1 
2 
3 
4  Net financing 
Taxation 
5 
Earnings per ordinary share 
6 
Employee information 
7 
Auditors’ remuneration 
8 
9 
Intangible assets 
10  Property, plant and equipment 
11 
12 
13  Trade and other receivables 
14  Cash and cash equivalents 
15  Borrowings 
16  Trade and other payables 
17  Financial instruments 
18  Provisions for liabilities and charges 
19  Post-retirement benefits 
20  Share capital 
21  Share-based payments 
22  Leases 
23  Contingent liabilities 
24  Related party transactions 
25  Acquisitions and disposals 

95
96 
97
98 
100 

101

101
110
115
115
116
118
119
119
120
122
123
127
127
127
128
128
129
137
139
144
145
146
147
147
148

COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

COMPANY BALANCE SHEET 
RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENTS IN SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS 

NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Accounting policies 
Investments – subsidiary undertakings 
Financial liabilities 
Share capital 

Note
1 
2 
3 
4 
5  Movements in capital and reserves 
6 
7  Other information 

Contingent liabilities 

149
149 

150

150
150
150
151
151
151
151

94

Rolls-Royce Holdings plc

Annual Report 2014

Rolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
For the year ended 31 December 2014 

Continuing operations
  Revenue
  Cost of sales
  Gross profit
  Other operating income
  Commercial and administrative costs
  Research and development costs
  Share of results of joint ventures and associates
  Operating profit
  Profit on acquisition/reclassification of joint ventures
  Profit on disposal of businesses
  Profit before financing and taxation

  Financing income
  Financing costs
  Net financing

  Profit before taxation 1
  Taxation
Profit for the year from continuing operations

Discontinued operations
  Profit for the year from ordinary activities
  Profit on disposal
Profit for the year from discontinued operations

Profit for the year

Attributable to:
Ordinary shareholders
Non-controlling interests
Profit for the year

Earnings per ordinary share attributable to ordinary shareholders:
From continuing operations
  Basic
  Diluted
From continuing and discontinued operations
  Basic
  Diluted

Payments to ordinary shareholders in respect of the year
Per share
Total

Notes

2014
£m

Re-presented *
2013
£m

2

 3

3
11

25
2

4
4

5

2
25

6

17

13,736 
(10,533)
3,203 
10 
(1,124)
(793)
94 
1,390 
2
6 
1,398 

121 
(1,452)
(1,331)

67 
(151)
(84) 

4
138
142

14,642
(11,482)
3,160 
 65
(1,237)
(658)
149 
1,479 
119 
216 
1,814 

327 
(441)
(114)

1,700 
(377)
1,323 

56
–
56

58 

1,379 

69 
(11)
58 

1,367 
12 
1,379 

(3.90)p
(3.90)p

3.68p
3.68p

70.26p
69.48p

73.26p 
72.44p 

23.1p
435

22.0p 
414 

1  Underlying profit before taxation

2

1,617

1,759 

*  Re-presented to reflect the Energy business as a discontinued operation. The relevant notes have also been re-presented.

95

Financial StatementsCONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the year ended 31 December 2014

Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income

Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss

  Movements in post-retirement schemes
  Related tax movements

Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss

  Foreign exchange translation differences on foreign operations
  Reclassified to income statement on disposal of businesses
  Share of other comprehensive income of joint ventures and associates
  Related tax movements

Total comprehensive income for the year

Attributable to:
Ordinary shareholders
Non-controlling interests
Total comprehensive income for the year

Notes

19
5

11
5

2014
£m
58 

1,192 
(431)
761 

(158)
(29)
(13)
(2)
(202)
617 

650 
(33)
617 

2013
£m
1,379 

48 
10 
58 

(64)
–
(6)
1 
(69)
1,368 

1,356 
12 
1,368

96

Financial StatementsRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014 
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
At 31 December 2014

Notes

2014
£m

2013
£m

ASSETS
Non-current assets
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investments – joint ventures and associates
Investments – other
Other financial assets
Deferred tax assets
Post-retirement scheme surpluses

Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Taxation recoverable
Other financial assets
Short-term investments
Cash and cash equivalents
Assets held for sale

Total assets

LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Borrowings
Other financial liabilities
Trade and other payables
Current tax liabilities
Provisions for liabilities and charges

Non-current liabilities
Borrowings
Other financial liabilities
Trade and other payables
Non-current tax liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Provisions for liabilities and charges
Post-retirement scheme deficits

Total liabilities

Net assets

EQUITY
Equity attributable to ordinary shareholders
Called-up share capital
Share premium account
Capital redemption reserve
Cash flow hedging reserve
Other reserves
Retained earnings

Non-controlling interests
Total equity

9
10
11
11
17
5
19

12
13

17

14

15
17
16

18

15
17
16

5
18
19

20

11

The financial statements on pages 95 to 148 were approved by the Board on 12 February 2015 and signed on its behalf by:

JOHN RISHTON Chief Executive 

DAVID SMITH Chief Financial Officer

4,804 
3,446 
539 
31 
107 
369 
1,740 
11,036 

2,768 
5,509 
19 
22 
7 
2,862 
1 
11,188 
22,224 

(68)
(209)
(6,791)
(184)
(433)
(7,685)

(2,193)
(717)
(2,445)
(10)
(1,228)
(374)
(1,185)
(8,152)
(15,837)

4,987 
3,392 
601 
27 
674 
316 
248 
10,245 

3,319 
5,092 
16 
74 
321 
3,990 
6 
12,818 
23,063 

(207)
(1,976)
(7,045)
(204)
(348)
(9,780)

(2,164)
(360)
(2,138)
(10)
(882)
(385)
(1,041)
(6,980)
(16,760)

6,387 

6,303 

376 
179 
159 
(81)
78 
5,671
6,382 
5 
6,387 

376 
80 
163 
(68)
250 
4,804 
5,605 
698 
6,303

97

Financial Statements 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
For the year ended 31 December 2014

Reconciliation of cash flows from operating activities
Operating profit from continuing operations
Operating (loss)/profit from discontinued operations
Operating profit
(Profit)/loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Share of results of joint ventures and associates
Dividends received from joint ventures and associates
Return of capital from joint ventures
Gain on consolidation of previously non-consolidated subsidiary
Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets
Depreciation and impairment of property, plant and equipment
Increase/(decrease) in provisions
Decrease in inventories
Increase in trade and other receivables
Increase in trade and other payables
Cash flows on other financial assets and liabilities held for operating purposes
Net defined benefit post-retirement cost recognised in profit before financing
Cash funding of defined benefit post retirement schemes
Share-based payments
Net cash inflow from operating activities before taxation
Taxation paid
Net cash inflow from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Additions of unlisted investments
Disposals of unlisted investments
Additions of intangible assets
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
Government grants received
Disposals of property, plant and equipment
Acquisitions of businesses
Acquisition of non-controlling interest
Reclassification of joint ventures to subsidiaries
Acquisition of preference shares in subsidiary
Disposal of discontinued operations
Disposals of other businesses
Investments in joint ventures and associates
Net cash outflow from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Repayment of loans
Proceeds from increase in loans and finance leases
Net cash flow from decrease in borrowings and finance leases
Interest received
Interest paid
Decrease/(increase) in short-term investments
Issue of ordinary shares (net of expenses)
Purchase of ordinary shares – share buyback
Purchase of ordinary shares – other
Dividend paid to non-controlling interest
Redemption of C Shares
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities

Change in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January
Exchange gains/(losses) on cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December

98

Notes

11
11
11

9
10

21

25

25
25

2014
£m

1,390 
(1)
1,389 
(3) 
(94)
73 
3
(3)
367 
375 
129 
166 
(878)
214 
(30)
170 
(322)
21 
1,577 
(276)
1,301 

(11)
– 
(477)
(648)
11 
65 
(3)
(1,937)
–
–
1,027
24 
(17)
(1,966)

(233)
49 
(184)
18 
(63)
313 
1 
(69)
(2)
(76)
(406)
(468)

(1,133)
3,987 
8 
2,862 

2013
£m

1,479 
56
1,535
7 
(160)
99 
–
–
428 
372 
(17)
119
(533)
376 
9 
279 
(315)
79 
2,278 
(238)
2,040 

(1)
1 
(503)
(669)
21 
7 
(37)
–
245 
(34)
–
273 
(43)
(740)

(133)
1,013 
880 
15 
(58)
(313)
32 
–
(3)
(60)
(357)
136 

1,436 
2,585 
(34)
3,987

Financial StatementsRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014Reconciliation of movements in cash and cash equivalents to movements in net funds
Change in cash and cash equivalents
Cash flow from decrease/(increase) in borrowings and finance leases
Cash flow from (decrease)/increase in short-term investments
Change in net funds resulting from cash flows
Net funds (excluding cash and cash equivalents) of businesses acquired
Exchange gains/(losses) on net funds
Fair value adjustments
Movement in net funds
Net funds at 1 January excluding the fair value of swaps
Net funds at 31 December excluding the fair value of swaps
Fair value of swaps hedging fixed rate borrowings
Net funds at 31 December

2014
£m 

(1,133)
184 
(313)
(1,262)
(30)
19 
(59)
(1,332)
1,940 
608 
58 
666 

2013
£m 

1,436 
(880)
313 
869 
(204)
(43)
105 
727 
1,213 
1,940 
(1)
1,939 

The movement in net funds (defined by the Group as including the items shown below) is as follows:

Cash at bank and in hand
Money market funds
Short-term deposits
Overdrafts
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments
Other current borrowings
Non-current borrowings
Finance leases
Net funds excluding fair value of swaps
Fair value of swaps hedging fixed rate borrowings
Net funds

At
 1 January 
2014
£m
982 
1,157 
1,851 
(3)
3,987 
321 
(204)
(2,163)
(1)
1,940 
(1)
1,939 

Funds
flow
£m
(228)
(470)
(438)
3 
(1,133)
(313)
229 
(3)
(42)
(1,262)

(1,262)

Net funds
of businesses
acquired
£m

– 
(30)
– 
– 
(30)

(30)

Exchange 
differences
£m
(15)
5 
18 
– 
8 
(1)
– 
14 
(2)
19 

19 

Fair value
 adjustments
£m
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(2)
(57)
– 
(59)
59 
– 

Reclassifications
£m
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(60)
60 
– 
– 

– 

At
31 December
2014
£m
739 
692 
1,431 
– 
2,862 
7 
(67)
(2,149)
(45)
608 
58 
666 

99

Financial StatementsCONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
For the year ended 31 December 2014

Attributable to ordinary shareholders

Notes

Share 
capital
£m
374 
– 

Share 
premium
£m
– 
– 

Capital 
redemption 
reserve
£m
169 
– 

Cash flow 
hedging 
reserve1
£m
(63)
– 

Other 
reserves2
£m
314 
– 

Retained 
earnings3
£m
5,185 
1,367 

At 1 January 2013
Profit for the year
Foreign exchange translation differences on 
foreign operations
Movement on post-retirement schemes
Share of other comprehensive income of joint 
ventures and associates
Related tax movements
Total comprehensive income for the year
Arising on issues of ordinary shares
Issue of C Shares
Redemption of C Shares
Ordinary shares purchased
Share-based payments – direct to equity 4
Reclassification of Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG 5
Transactions with NCI (including dividend of £60m)
Initial recognition of put option on NCI 6
Related tax movements
Other changes in equity in the year
At 1 January 2014
Profit for the year
Foreign exchange translation differences on 
foreign operations
Reclassified to income statement on disposal of 
businesses
Movement on post-retirement schemes
Share of other comprehensive income of joint 
ventures and associates
Related tax movements
Total comprehensive income for the year
Arising on issues of ordinary shares
Issue of C Shares
Redemption of C Shares
Ordinary shares purchased – share buyback 7
Ordinary shares cancelled 7
Ordinary shares purchased – other
Share-based payments – direct to equity 4
Transactions with NCI – acquisition of NCI shares
Dividend paid to NCI
Related tax movements
Other changes in equity in the year
At 31 December 2014

19

11
5

20
17
17

5

25
19

11
5

20
17
17

20

5

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
2 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
2 
376 
– 

– 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
2 
– 
– 
– 
(2)
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
–
376 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
80 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
80 
80 
– 

– 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
99 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
99 
179 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
(366)
360 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(6)
163 
– 

– 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
(414)
408 
– 
2
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(4)
159 

– 
– 

(5)
– 
(5)
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(68)
– 

– 

– 
– 

(13)
– 
(13)
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(81)

Non-
controlling 
interests 
(NCI)
£m
17 
12 

– 
– 

– 
– 
12 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
669 
(45)
45 
– 
669 
698 
(11)

Total
£m
5,979 
1,367 

(64)
48 

(6)
11 
1,356 
1 
(363)
– 
(3)
99 
– 
– 
(1,477)
13 
(1,730)
5,605 
69 

Total
equity
£m
5,996 
1,379 

(64)
48 

(6)
11 
1,368 
1 
(363)
– 
(3)
99 
669 
(45)
(1,432)
13 
(1,061)
6,303 
58 

(64)
– 

(1)
1 
(64)
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
250 
– 

– 
48 

– 
10 
1,425 
(81)
3 
(360)
(3)
99 
– 
– 
(1,477)
13 
(1,806)
4,804 
69 

(141)

– 

(141)

(17)

(158)

(29)
– 

– 
(2)
(172)
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
78 

– 
1,199 

– 
(433)
835 
(100)
2 
(408)
(69)
– 
(2)
29 
584
– 
(4)
32
5,671

(29)
1,199 

(13)
(435)
650 
1 
(412)
– 
(69)
– 
(2)
29 
584 
– 
(4)
127
6,382

– 
(7)

– 
2 
(33)
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(584)
(76)
– 
(660)
5

(29)
1,192 

(13)
(433)
617
1 
(412)
– 
(69)
– 
(2)
29 
– 
(76)
(4)
(533)
6,387 

1   See accounting policies note 1.
2   Other reserves include a merger reserve of £3m (2013 £3m, 2012 £3m) and a translation reserve of £75m (2013 £247m, 2012 £311m). 
3   At 31 December 2014, 14,561,097 ordinary shares with a net book value of £129m (2013 11,960,535, 2012 20,365,787 ordinary shares with net book values of £91m and £125m 

respectively) were held for the purpose of share-based payment plans and included in retained earnings. During the year, 7,770,113 ordinary shares with a net book value of £64m 
(2013 16,603,840 shares with a net book value of £118m) vested in share-based payment plans. During the year the Company acquired 169,404 (2013 298,588) of its ordinary shares  
via reinvestment of dividends received on its own shares. In addition, the Company issued 10,200,000 (2013 7,900,000) new ordinary shares to the Group’s share trust for its employees 
share-based payment plans with a net book value of £100m (2013 £81m).

4   Share-based payments – direct to equity is the net of the credit to equity in respect of the share-based payment charge to the income statement and the actual cost of shares vesting, 

excluding those vesting from own shares.

5  On 1 January 2013, the Group exercised rights that resulted in Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG (RRPS) being classified as a subsidiary and consolidated.
6   As part of the Rolls-Royce Power Systems Holding GmbH (RRPSH) shareholders’ agreement, Daimler had the option to sell its shares in RRPSH to Rolls-Royce for a period of six years  
from 1 January 2013. The initial fair value of the exercise price of this option in respect of Bergen Engines AS (£166m) was recognised in 2012 and the amount in respect of RRPS  
was recognised in 2013 and charged to retained earnings. In addition, £45m of the initial recognition of the put option on NCI relating to Bergen Engines AS, recognised in 2012,  
was reclassified from NCI to retained earnings. Subsequent movements in the value of the liability are included in the income statement but excluded from the underlying results.

7  Following the completion of the sale of the Energy business to Siemens on 1 December 2014 and further to the announcement on 19 June 2014 of a £1bn share buyback, on
   10 December 2014 the Company put in place a £250m programme to enable the purchase of its ordinary shares. The aim of the buyback is to reduce the issued share capital of the 
  Company, helping enhance returns for shareholders. In the period to 31 December 2014, 8,215,000 shares were purchased at an average price of 840p. These shares were cancelled.

100

Financial StatementsRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1  ACCOUNTING POLICIES

THE COMPANY
Rolls-Royce Holdings plc (the ‘Company’) is a company domiciled in the United Kingdom. The consolidated financial statements  
of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2014 consist of the consolidation of the financial statements of the Company  
and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the ‘Group’) and include the Group’s interest in jointly controlled and associated entities. 

BASIS OF PREPARATION AND STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE
In accordance with European Union (EU) regulations, these financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), as adopted for use in the EU effective 
at 31 December 2014 (Adopted IFRS). 

The Company has elected to prepare its parent company financial statements under UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practices.  
These are set out on pages 149 to 151 and the accounting policies in respect of Company financial statements are set out on page 150.

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except where Adopted IFRS requires the 
revaluation of financial instruments to fair value and certain other assets and liabilities on an alternative basis – most significantly 
post-retirement scheme obligations are valued on the basis required by IAS 19 Employee Benefits – and on a going concern basis  
as described on page 164.

The consolidated financial statements are presented in sterling which is the Company’s functional currency.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Adopted IFRS requires management to make judgements and estimates that 
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and 
expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

KEY AREAS OF JUDGEMENT
INTRODUCTION
The Group generates a significant portion of its revenues and profit on aftermarket arrangements arising from the installed original 
equipment (OE) fleet. As a consequence, the Group will often agree contractual prices for OE deliveries that take into account the 
anticipated aftermarket arrangements. Accounting policies reflect this aspect of the business model, in particular the policies for  
the recognition of contractual aftermarket rights and the linkage of OE and aftermarket arrangements.

When a civil large engine is sold, the economic benefits received usually far exceed the cash receivable under the contract, due to the 
rights to valuable aftermarket spare parts business. However, because the value of this right cannot be estimated with enough precision, 
accounting standards require that the revenue recognised in the accounts on sale of the engine is restricted to a total amount that results 
in a break even position. The amount of the revenue recognised in excess of cash receivable is recognised as an intangible asset, which is 
called a ‘contractual aftermarket right’ (previously referred to as a ‘recoverable engine cost’; this change has been made to reflect better 
the nature of the asset).

There is only one circumstance where accounting standards require the recognition of more of the value of the aftermarket rights  
when an engine is sold. This occurs where a long-term aftermarket contract (generally a TotalCare agreement — TCA) and an engine  
sale contract have been negotiated together. In this circumstance, the part of the aftermarket rights covered by the TCA can be valued 
much more precisely and is recognised at the time of the engine sale through accounting for the engine sale and TCA as a single contract. 
Nevertheless, the accounting profit recognised is still less than the economic benefits on the sale as there will be other valuable 
aftermarket rights (for instance for the period beyond the TCA term or for the sale of parts which are outside the scope of the TCA) which 
cannot be recognised.

The Group enters into arrangements with long-term suppliers to share the risks and rewards of major programmes – risk and revenue 
sharing arrangements (RRSAs). The accounting policy for these arrangements has been chosen, consistent with Adopted IFRS, to reflect 
their commercial effect.

The key judgements in determining these accounting policies are described below. 

CONTRACTUAL AFTERMARKET RIGHTS (CARs)
On delivery of Civil aerospace engines, the Group has contractual rights to supply aftermarket parts to the customers and its intellectual 
rights, warranty arrangements and, where relevant, statutory airworthiness or other regulatory requirements provide reasonable control 
over this supply. The directors consider that these rights meet the definition of an intangible asset in IAS 38 Intangible Assets. However,  
the directors do not consider that it is possible to determine a reliable fair value for this intangible asset. Accordingly, an intangible asset 
(CAR) is only recognised on the occasions where the contractual price of the engine is below the cost of manufacture and then only to the 
extent of this deficit, as this amount is reliably measureable. An equal amount of revenue is recognised at the same point. Where a 
long-term aftermarket contract is linked to the OE contract (see below), the contractual price of the engine (including amounts allocated 
from the aftermarket contract) is above its cost of manufacture; consequently no CAR is recognised.

MEASURE OF PERFORMANCE ON LONG-TERM AFTERMARKET CONTRACTS
A large proportion of the Group’s activities relate to long-term aftermarket contracts, in particular TotalCare and similar arrangements  
in the Aerospace Division. Under these contracts, the Group’s primary obligation is to maintain customers’ equipment in an operational 
condition and achieves this by undertaking various activities, such as engine monitoring, line maintenance and repair and overhaul, over 

101

Financial Statements1  ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED
the period of the contract. In general, the directors consider that the stage of performance of the contract should be by reference to the 
obligation to maintain an operational fleet and that this is best measured by the operation of the fleet. Accordingly, stage of performance 
is measured by reference to flying hours of each fleet under contract. 

LINKAGE OF ORIGINAL AND LONG-TERM AFTERMARKET CONTRACTS 
Where the key terms of a long-term aftermarket contract are substantively agreed (eg in a term sheet) at the same time as an OE contract 
with the operator, the directors consider these to be linked for accounting purposes and they are treated as a single contract, as this best 
reflects the overall commercial effect. Where the OE contract is not with the operator, eg where it is with an OE manufacturer or a lessor, 
the contracts are not linked as they were not negotiated on a unified basis.

RISK AND REVENUE SHARING ARRANGEMENTS (RRSAs)
RRSAs with key suppliers (workshare partners) are a feature of our Civil aerospace business. Under these contractual arrangements the  
key commercial objectives are that: (i) during the development phase the workshare partner shares in the risks of developing an engine  
by performing its own development work, providing development parts and paying a non-refundable cash entry fee; and (ii) during the 
production phase it supplies components in return for a share of the programme revenues as a ‘life of type’ supplier (ie as long as the 
engine remains in service). The share of development costs borne by the workshare partner and of the revenues it receives reflect the 
partner’s proportionate cost of providing its production parts compared to the overall manufacturing cost of the engine. The share is 
based on a jointly agreed forecast at the commencement of the arrangement.

These arrangements are complex and have features that could be indicative of: a collaboration agreement, including sharing of risk and 
cost in a development programme; a long-term supply agreement; sharing of intellectual property; or a combination of these. In summary, 
and as described below, the directors’ view is that the development and production phases of the contract should be considered separately 
in accounting for the RRSA, which results in the entry fee being matched against the non-recurring costs incurred by the Group.

Having considered the features above, the directors considered that there is no directly applicable IFRS to determine an accounting policy 
for the recognition of entry fees of this nature in the income statement. Consequently, in developing an accounting treatment for such 
entry fees that best reflects the commercial objectives of the contractual arrangement, the directors have analysed these features in the 
context of relevant accounting pronouncements (including those of other standard setters where these do not conflict with IFRS) and have 
weighed the importance of each feature in faithfully representing the overall commercial effect. The most important considerations that 
need to be balanced are: the transfer of development risk; the workshare partner receiving little standalone value from the payment of the 
entry fee; and the overall effect being collaboration between the parties which falls short of being a joint venture as the Group controls the 
programme. Also important in the analysis is the fact that, whilst the Group and the workshare partner share risks and rewards through 
the life of the contract, these risks and rewards are very different during the development and production phases.

In this context, the entry fee might be considered to represent: an amount paid as an equalisation of development costs; a payment to 
secure a long-term supply arrangement; a purchase of intellectual property; or some combination thereof. The accounting under these 
different scenarios could include: recognition of the entry fee to match the associated costs in the income statement; being spread over 
the life of the programme as a reduction in the cost of supply during production; or being spread over the time period of the access to the 
intellectual property by the workshare partner.

The directors consider that the most important features of the arrangement are the risk sharing and that the entry fee represents a 
contribution to the development costs that the Group incurs in excess of its proportionate programme share. The key judgements taken in 
reaching this view are: the entry fee is determined by the parties on that basis and the contract specifies that, in the event that a derivative 
engine is to be developed, additional entry fees will also be calculated on this basis; the workshare partners describe the entry fee in this 
way; although the workshare partner receives little stand-alone value from paying the entry fee, the entry fee together with its own 
development activities represent its aggregate investment in the collaboration; the amount of the entry fee does not include any amount 
in excess of that necessary to equalise forecast development costs; the Group is not ‘on risk’ for the full development costs it incurs but for 
that amount less the entry fees received; and, as far as can be determined, this appears to be common industry accounting for 
arrangements of this type, under both Adopted IFRS and US accounting standards (which the directors do not believe conflicts with IFRS  
in this regard).

The resulting accounting policy (described on page 105) represents the commercial effect of the contractual arrangements in that the 
Group recognises only those development costs to which it is exposed (and thus reflects the significant transfer of development risk to the 
workshare partner) and the costs of supply of parts during the production phase is measured at the workshare partner’s share of 
programme revenues (which we consider to be a commercial fair value). The directors do not consider that accounting which would result 
in entry fees only being recognised in the production phase would appropriately reflect the sharing of development risk. Accordingly, the 
directors believe that the policy adopted best reflects the commercial objectives of the arrangements, the nature of the relationship with 
the workshare partner and is in accordance with Adopted IFRS.

As described in the 2013 Annual Report, an alternative view is that the RRSA contract cannot be divided into separate development and 
production phases, as the fees and development components received by the Group during the development phase are exchanged for  
the obligation to pay the supplier a predetermined share of any sales receipts during the production phase. On this basis the entry fees 
received would be deferred in their entirety and recognised over the period of production. The size of the difference between the two 

102102

Financial StatementsRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014Financial StatementsRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED1  ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED
approaches is monitored and is not currently expected to become material in the foreseeable future. The impact of the different 
approaches on profit before tax and net assets, which is not considered to be material, is as follows:

Adopted policy
Difference
Alternative policy

2014

2013

Reported 
profit before tax
£m
67
(30)1
37

Underlying profit 
before tax
£m
1,617
(30)
1,587

Net assets
£m
6,387
(402)
5,985

Reported profit
 before tax
£m
1,700
(37)
1,663

Underlying profit
 before tax
£m
1,759
(37)
1,722

Net assets
£m
6,303
(383)2
5,920

1  If the alternative policy were adopted, the difference would be included in profit before financing, which would change from £1,398m as reported to £1,368m.
2  The 2013 adjustment includes a consequential adjustment to transactions with joint ventures, which was not reflected in the 2013 Annual Report.

INTERNALLY GENERATED DEVELOPMENT COSTS
IAS 38 requires that internally generated development costs should only be recognised if strict criteria are met, in particular relating to 
technical feasibility and generation of future economic benefits. The directors consider that, due to the complex nature of new equipment 
programmes, these criteria are not met until relatively late in the programme – Civil aerospace programmes represent around half of 
development costs recognised; for these, the criteria are generally satisfied around the time of the initial engine certification.

CUSTOMER FINANCING CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
The Group has contingent liabilities in respect of financing support provided to customers. In order to assess whether a provision should 
be recognised, judgement as to the likelihood of these crystallising is required. This judgement is based on an assessment on the 
knowledge of the customers’ fleet plans, the underlying value of the security provided and, where appropriate, the customers’ 
creditworthiness.

KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY
In applying the accounting policies, estimates are made in many areas; the actual outcome may differ from that calculated. The key 
sources of estimation uncertainty at the balance sheet date, that have a significant risk of causing material adjustment to the carrying 
amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are set out below. The estimation of the relevant assets and liabilities 
involves the combination of a number of assumptions. Sensitivities are disclosed in the relevant notes where this is appropriate and 
practicable.

FORECASTS AND DISCOUNT RATES
The carrying values of a number of items on the balance sheet are dependent on the estimates of future cash flows arising from the 
Group’s operations, in particular:

•  The assessment of whether the goodwill and other intangible assets (carrying value at 31 December 2014 £1,658 million, 31 December 

2013 £1,864 million) arising on the consolidation of RRPS is impaired is dependent of the present value of the future cash flows expected 
to be generated by the business. 

•  The assessment as to whether there are any indications of impairment of development, participation, certification and contractual 
aftermarket rights recognised as intangible assets (carrying values at 31 December 2014 £2,533 million, 31 December 2013 £2,499 
million) is dependent on estimates of cash flows generated by the relevant assets and the discount rate used to calculate a present value. 
These estimates include the performance of long-term contractual arrangements as described below, as well as estimates for future 
market share, pricing and unit cost for uncontracted business. The risk of impairment is generally higher for newer programmes and  
for customer specific intangible assets (CARs) for launch customers.

ASSESSMENT OF LONG-TERM CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENTS
The Group has long-term contracts that fall into different accounting periods and which can extend over significant periods – the most 
significant of these are long-term service arrangements in the Civil aerospace business. The estimated revenues and costs are inherently 
imprecise and significant estimates are required to assess: engine flying hours, time on wing and other operating parameters; the pattern 
of future maintenance activity and the costs to be incurred; and life cycle cost improvements over the term of the contracts. The estimates 
take account of the inherent uncertainties and the risk of non-recovery of any resulting contract balances. 

POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS
The Group’s defined benefit pension schemes and similar arrangements are assessed annually in accordance with IAS 19. The accounting 
valuation, which is based on assumptions determined with independent actuarial advice, resulted in a net surplus of £555 million before 
deferred taxation being recognised on the balance sheet at 31 December 2014 (31 December 2013 net deficit £793 million). The size of the 
net surplus/deficit is sensitive to the market value of the assets held by the schemes and to actuarial assumptions, which include price 
inflation, pension and salary increases, the discount rate used in assessing actuarial liabilities, mortality and other demographic 
assumptions and the levels of contributions. Further details are included in note 19.

103103

Financial StatementsFinancial Statements1  ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED
PROVISIONS
As described in the accounting policy on page 108, the Group measures provisions (carrying value at 31 December 2014 £807 million, 
31 December 2013 £733 million) at the directors’ best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the obligation at the balance sheet 
date. These estimates take account of information available and different possible outcomes.

TAXATION
The tax payable on profits is determined based on tax laws and regulations that apply in each of the numerous jurisdictions in which the 
Group operates. Where the precise impact of these laws and regulations is unclear then reasonable estimates may be used to determine 
the tax charge included in the financial statements.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The Group’s significant accounting policies are set out below. These accounting policies have been applied consistently to all periods 
presented in these consolidated financial statements and by all Group entities.

BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION
The Group consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiary undertakings together 
with the Group’s share of the results of joint arrangements and associates made up to 31 December. In line with common practice in 
Germany, a small number of immaterial subsidiaries of Rolls-Royce Power Systems are not consolidated and are carried at cost in other 
investments. If such subsidiaries become material, they are consolidated. The difference between the net assets recognised and the 
investment cost eliminated is recognised in other operating income.

A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the Company. Control exists when the Company has power over an entity, exposure to variable 
returns from its involvement with an entity and the ability to use its power over an entity so as to affect the Company’s returns. 

A joint arrangement is an entity in which the Group holds a long-term interest and which is jointly controlled by the Group and one  
or more other venturers under a contractual arrangement. Joint arrangements may be either joint ventures or joint operations; all the 
Group’s joint arrangements have been classified as joint ventures. An associate is an entity, being neither a subsidiary nor a joint 
arrangement, in which the Group holds a long-term interest and where the Group has a significant influence. The results of joint ventures 
and associates are accounted for using the equity method of accounting.

Any subsidiary undertakings, joint ventures or associates sold or acquired during the year are included up to, or from, the dates of change 
of control. Transactions with non-controlling interests are recorded directly in equity.

Where a put option over shares held by a non-controlling interest has been agreed, the Group recognises a liability for the estimated 
exercise value of that option. Movements in the estimated liability after initial recognition are recognised in the income statement.

All intra-group transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated on consolidation. Adjustments are made to eliminate the 
profit or loss arising on transactions with joint ventures and associates to the extent of the Group’s interest in the entity.

REVENUE RECOGNITION
Revenues comprise sales to outside customers after discounts, excluding value added taxes.

Sales of products (both original equipment and spare parts) are recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the 
goods are transferred to the customer, the sales price agreed and the receipt of payment can be assured – this is generally on delivery. On 
occasion, the Group may participate in the financing of OE, most commonly by the provision of guarantees as described in note 18. In such 
circumstances, the contingent obligations arising under these arrangements are taken into account in assessing when the significant risks 
and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the customer. As described on page 101, a sale of OE at a contractual price below its 
cost of manufacture is considered to give rise to revenue to the extent that an intangible asset, (contractual aftermarket right), is 
recognised at the same time. 

Sales of services are recognised by reference to the stage of completion based on services performed to date. As described on page 103,  
the assessment of the stage of completion is dependent on the nature of the contract, but will generally be based on: flying hours or 
equivalent for long-term aftermarket arrangements where the service is provided on a continuous basis; costs incurred to the extent these 
relate to services performed up to the reporting date; or achievement of contractual milestones where relevant. 

As described on page 102, sales of products and services are treated as though they are a single contract where these components have 
been negotiated as a single commercial package and are so closely interrelated that they do not operate independently of each other and 
are considered to form a single transaction with an overall profit margin. The total revenue is allocated between the two components such 
that the total agreed discount to list prices is allocated to revenue for each of the two components pro rata, based on list prices. The 
revenue is then recognised for each component on this basis as the products are delivered and services provided, as described above. 
Where the contractual price of the OE component is below the revenue allocated from the combined arrangement, this will give rise  
to an asset included in ‘amounts recoverable on contracts’. This asset reduces as services are provided, increases as costs are incurred,  
and reduces to zero by the end of the contract. Where the balance is a liability, it is recognised in ‘accruals and deferred income’.

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Financial StatementsRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014Financial StatementsRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED1  ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED
Provided that the outcome of construction contracts can be assessed with reasonable certainty, the revenues and costs on such contracts 
are recognised based on stage of completion and the overall contract profitability. Full provision is made for any estimated losses to 
completion of contracts, having regard to the overall substance of the arrangements.

Progress payments received, when greater than recorded revenue, are deducted from the value of work in progress except to the extent 
that payments on account exceed the value of work in progress on any contract where the excess is included in accruals and deferred 
income within trade and other payables. The amount by which recorded revenue of long-term contracts is in excess of payments on 
account is classified as amounts recoverable on contracts and is separately disclosed within trade and other receivables.

TOTALCARE ARRANGEMENTS
As described above, these are accounted for on a stage of completion basis, with the stage of completion based on the proportion of flying 
hours completed compared to the total estimated under the contract. In making the assessment of future revenues, costs and the level of 
profit recognised the Group takes account of: (i) the forecast utilisation of the engines by the operator; (ii) the forecast costs to maintain the 
engines in accordance with the contractual requirements – the principal variables being the time between shop visits and the cost of each 
shop visit; and (iii) the recoverability of any contract asset arising. The Group benchmarks the forecast costs against previous programmes, 
recognising that the reliability of the forecasts will improve as operational experience of the engine increases. To the extent that actual 
costs differ from forecast costs or that forecast costs change, the cumulative impact is recognised in the period. An allowance is made 
against contract assets arising, based on both the customer’s creditworthiness and an assessment of the importance of the particular 
engine fleet to the customer. Again, changes in this allowance are recognised in the period.

RISK AND REVENUE SHARING ARRANGEMENTS (RRSAs)
As described on page 102, the Group enters into arrangements with certain workshare partners under which these suppliers: (i) contribute 
to the forecast costs of developing an engine by performing their own development work, providing development parts and paying a 
non-refundable cash entry fee; and (ii) supply components for the production phase for which they receive consideration, which is an 
agreed proportion of the total programme revenues. Both the suppliers’ contributions to the forecast non-recurring development costs 
and their consideration are determined by reference to their proportionate forecast scopes of supply relative to that of the engine overall. 
Once the forecast costs and the scopes of supply have been agreed at the inception of the contract, each party is then accountable for its 
own incurred costs. No accounting entries are recorded when the suppliers undertake development work or when development 
components are supplied. Cash sums received are recognised in the income statement, as a reduction in research and development costs 
incurred, to match the expensing of the Group’s related costs – where the cash sums are received in advance of the related costs being 
expensed or where the related costs are capitalised as intangible assets, the recognition of the cash received is deferred (in accruals and 
deferred income) to match the recognition of the related expense or the amortisation of the related intangible asset respectively. The 
payments to suppliers of their shares of the programme revenues for their production components are charged to cost of sales as 
programme revenues arise.

The Group has arrangements with partners who do not undertake development work or supply parts. Such arrangements are considered  
to be financial instruments as defined by IAS 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation and are accounted for using the amortised 
cost method.

GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT
Where a government or similar body has previously invested in a development programme, the Group treats payments to that body  
as royalty payments, which are matched to related sales.

GOVERNMENT GRANTS
Government grants are recognised in the income statement so as to match them with the related expenses that they are intended to 
compensate. Where grants are received in advance of the related expenses, they are included in the balance sheet as deferred income. 
Non-monetary grants are recognised at fair value.

INTEREST
Interest receivable/payable is credited/charged to the income statement using the effective interest method. Where borrowing costs are 
attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset, such costs are capitalised as part of the specific asset.

TAXATION
The tax charge/credit on the profit or loss for the year comprises current and deferred tax:

•  Current tax is the expected tax payable for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date, and  

any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.

•  Deferred tax is provided using the balance sheet liability method, providing for temporary differences between the carrying amounts  
of the assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes and is calculated using the 
enacted or substantively enacted rates that are expected to apply when the asset or liability is settled.

Tax is charged or credited in the income statement or other comprehensive income (OCI) as appropriate, except when it relates to items 
credited or charged directly to equity in which case the tax is also dealt with in equity.

105105

Financial StatementsFinancial Statements1  ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED
Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries and joint ventures, except 
where the Group is able to control the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse 
in the foreseeable future. Deferred tax is not recognised on taxable temporary differences arising on the initial recognition of goodwill  
or for temporary differences arising from the initial recognition of assets and liabilities in a transaction that is not a business combination 
and that affects neither accounting nor taxable profit.

Deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the 
assets can be utilised. 

Accruals for tax contingencies require management to make judgements and estimates of exposures in relation to tax audit issues.  
Tax benefits are not recognised unless the tax positions will probably be sustained. Once considered to be probable, management reviews 
each material tax benefit to assess whether a provision should be taken against full recognition of that benefit on the basis of potential 
settlement through negotiation and/or litigation. All provisions are included in current liabilities. Any liability relating to interest on tax 
liabilities is provided for in the tax charge.

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION
Transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the transacting Group undertaking are translated into  
the functional currency at the exchange rates ruling on the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign 
currencies are translated into the relevant functional currency at the rate ruling at the year end. Exchange differences arising on foreign 
exchange transactions and the retranslation of assets and liabilities into functional currencies at the rate ruling at the year end are taken 
into account in determining profit before taxation.

The trading results of Group undertakings are translated into sterling at the average exchange rates for the year. The assets and liabilities 
of overseas undertakings, including goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on acquisition, are translated at the exchange rates ruling 
at the year end. Exchange adjustments arising from the retranslation of the opening net investments, and from the translation of the 
profits or losses at average rates, are recognised in OCI. The cumulative amount of exchange adjustments was, on transition to IFRS in 
2004, deemed to nil. 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement requires the classification of financial instruments into separate categories  
for which the accounting requirement is different. The Group has classified its financial instruments as follows:

•  short-term investments are generally classified as available for sale;
•  short-term deposits (principally comprising funds held with banks and other financial institutions), trade receivables and short-term 

investments not designated as available for sale are classified as loans and receivables;

•  borrowings, trade payables, financial RRSAs, put options on NCI, and C Shares are classified as other liabilities; and
•  derivatives, comprising foreign exchange contracts, interest rate swaps and commodity swaps are classified as fair value through profit 

or loss.

Financial instruments are recognised at the contract date and initially measured at fair value. Their subsequent measurement depends  
on their classification:

•  Available for sale assets are held at fair value. Changes in fair value arising from changes in exchange rates are included in the income 
statement. All other changes in fair value are taken to equity. On disposal, the accumulated changes in value recorded in equity are 
included in the gain or loss recorded in the income statement.

•  Loans and receivables and other liabilities are held at amortised cost and not revalued (except for changes in exchange rates and 

forecast contractual cash flows, which are included in the income statement) unless they are included in a fair value hedge accounting 
relationship. Where such a hedging relationship exists, the instruments are revalued in respect of the risk being hedged, with the change 
in value included in the income statement.

•  Fair value through profit or loss items are held at fair value. Changes in fair value are included in the income statement unless the 

instrument is included in a cash flow hedge. If the instruments are included in an effective cash flow hedging relationship, changes  
in value are taken to equity. When the hedged forecast transaction occurs, amounts previously recorded in equity are recognised  
in the income statement.

Financial instruments are derecognised on expiry or when all contractual rights and obligations are transferred.

HEDGE ACCOUNTING
The Group does not generally apply hedge accounting in respect of forward foreign exchange contracts or commodity swaps held  
to manage the cash flow exposures of forecast transactions denominated in foreign currencies or in commodities respectively.

The Group applies hedge accounting in respect of transactions entered into to manage the fair value and cash flow exposures of its 
borrowings. Forward foreign exchange contracts are held to manage the fair value exposures of borrowings denominated in foreign 
currencies and are designated as fair value hedges. Interest rate swaps are held to manage the interest rate exposures and are designated 
as fair value or cash flow hedges of fixed and floating rate borrowings respectively.

106106

Financial StatementsRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014Financial StatementsRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED1  ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED
Changes in the fair values of derivatives designated as fair value hedges and changes in fair value of the related hedged item are 
recognised directly in the income statement.

Changes in the fair values of derivatives that are designated as cash flow hedges and are effective are recognised directly in equity.  
Any ineffectiveness in the hedging relationships is included in the income statement. The amounts deferred in equity are recognised  
in the income statement to match the recognition of the hedged item.

Hedge accounting is discontinued when the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated, exercised, or no longer qualifies for hedge 
accounting. At that time, for cash flow hedges and if the forecast transaction remains probable, any cumulative gain or loss on the hedging 
instrument recognised in equity is retained in equity until the forecast transaction occurs. If a hedged transaction is no longer expected  
to occur, the net cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in equity is transferred to the income statement.

The portion of a gain or loss on an instrument used to hedge a net investment in a foreign operation that is determined to be an effective 
hedge is recognised directly in equity. The ineffective portion is recognised immediately in the income statement. Gains and losses 
accumulated in the translation reserve will be recycled to profit when the foreign operation is sold.

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND GOODWILL
On the acquisition of a business, fair values are attributed to the identifiable assets and liabilities and contingent liabilities unless the fair value 
cannot be measured reliably, in which case the value is subsumed into goodwill. Where fair values of acquired contingent liabilities cannot be 
measured reliably, the assumed contingent liability is not recognised but is disclosed in the same manner as other contingent liabilities. 

Goodwill recognised represents the excess of the fair value of the purchase consideration over the fair value to the Group of the net of 
the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. On transition to IFRS on 1 January 2004, business combinations were not 
retrospectively adjusted to comply with Adopted IFRS and goodwill was recognised based on the carrying value under the previous 
accounting policies. Goodwill in respect of the acquisition of a subsidiary is recognised as an intangible asset. Goodwill arising on the 
acquisition of joint ventures and associates is included in the carrying value of the investment.

CERTIFICATION COSTS AND PARTICIPATION FEES
Costs incurred in respect of meeting regulatory certification requirements for new civil aero-engine/aircraft combinations including 
payments made to airframe manufacturers for this and participation fees are carried forward in intangible assets to the extent that they 
can be recovered out of future sales and are charged to the income statement over the programme life, up to a maximum of 15 years  
from the entry into service of the product.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
In accordance with IAS 38 Intangible Assets, expenditure incurred on research and development is distinguished as relating either  
to a research phase or to a development phase.

All research phase expenditure is charged to the income statement. Development expenditure is capitalised as an internally generated 
intangible asset only if it meets strict criteria, relating in particular to technical feasibility and generation of future economic benefits.  
As described on page 103, the Group considers that it is not possible to distinguish reliably between research and development activities 
until relatively late in the programme.

Expenditure capitalised is amortised over its useful economic life, up to a maximum of 15 years from the entry into service of the product.

CONTRACTUAL AFTERMARKET RIGHTS
As described under key judgements on page 101, the Group may sell OE to customers at a price below its cost, on the basis that it also 
receives valuable aftermarket rights. Such a sale is considered to give rise to an intangible asset which is recognised, in accordance with  
IAS 38, at the same time as the revenue at an amount equal to the cash deficit and is amortised on a straight-line basis over the period  
that highly probable aftermarket sales are expected to be earned.

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS
The fair value of customer relationships recognised as a result of a business combination relate to the acquired company’s established 
relationships with its existing customers that result in repeat purchases and customer loyalty. Amortisation occurs on a straight-line  
basis over its useful economic life, up to a maximum of 15 years.

SOFTWARE
The cost of acquiring software that is not specific to an item of property, plant and equipment is classified as an intangible asset and 
amortised over its useful economic life, up to a maximum of five years.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any provision for impairment in value.

107107

Financial StatementsFinancial Statements1  ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED
Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis to write off the cost, less the estimated residual value, of property, plant and equipment 
over their estimated useful lives. No depreciation is provided on assets in the course of construction. Estimated useful lives are as follows:

i)  land and buildings, as advised by the Group’s professional advisers:
  a)  freehold buildings – five to 45 years (average 25 years);
  b)  leasehold buildings – lower of adviser’s estimates or period of lease;

c)  no depreciation is provided on freehold land;

ii)  plant and equipment – five to 25 years (average 13 years);
iii) aircraft and engines – five to 20 years (average 14 years).

OPERATING LEASES
Payments made and rentals received under operating lease arrangements are charged/credited to the income statement on a straight-
line basis.

IMPAIRMENT OF NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Impairment of non-current assets is considered in accordance with IAS 36 Impairment of Assets. Where the asset does not generate cash 
flows that are independent of other assets, impairment is considered for the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. Goodwill 
and intangible assets not yet available for use are tested for impairment annually. Other intangible assets, property, plant and equipment 
and investments are assessed for any indications of impairment annually. If any indication of impairment is identified, an impairment  
test is performed to estimate the recoverable amount.

If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be below the carrying value, the carrying value is reduced  
to the recoverable amount and the impairment loss recognised as an expense. The recoverable amount is the higher of value in use or fair 
value less costs to sell, if this is readily available. The value in use is the present value of future cash flows using a pre-tax discount rate  
that reflects the time value of money and the risk specific to the asset.

INVENTORIES
Inventories and work in progress are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value on a first-in, first-out basis. Cost comprises direct 
materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads, including depreciation of property, plant and equipment, that 
have been incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location and condition. Net realisable value represents the estimated 
selling prices less all estimated costs of completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash and cash equivalents includes cash at bank and in hand, investments in money-market funds and short-term deposits with  
a maturity of three months or less on inception. The Group considers overdrafts (repayable on demand) to be an integral part of its  
cash management activities and these are included in cash and cash equivalents for the purposes of the cash flow statement.

PROVISIONS
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation as a result of a past event, and it is probable that the Group will  
be required to settle that obligation. Provisions are measured at the directors’ best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the 
obligation at the balance sheet date, and are discounted to present value where the effect is material.

POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS
Pensions and similar benefits (principally healthcare) are accounted for under IAS 19 Employee Benefits.

For defined benefit plans, obligations are measured at discounted present value, using a discount rate derived from high-quality corporate 
bonds denominated in the currency of the plan, whilst plan assets are recorded at fair value. Surpluses in schemes are recognised as assets 
only if they represent economic benefits available to the Group in the future. A liability is recognised to the extent that the minimum 
funding requirements in respect of past service will give rise to an unrecognisable surplus. 

The service and financing costs of such plans are recognised separately in the income statement:

•  current service costs are spread systematically over the lives of employees;
•  past-service costs are recognised immediately; and
•  financing costs are recognised in the periods in which they arise.

Actuarial gains and losses and movements in unrecognised surpluses and minimum funding liabilities are recognised immediately in OCI.

Payments to defined contribution schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

108108

Financial StatementsRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014Financial StatementsRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED 
1  ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED
SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS
The Group provides share-based payment arrangements to certain employees. These are principally equity-settled arrangements and  
are measured at fair value (excluding the effect of non-market based vesting conditions) at the date of grant. The fair value is expensed  
on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The amount recognised as an expense is adjusted to reflect the actual number of shares  
or options that will vest, except where additional shares vest as a result of the total shareholder return (TSR) performance condition  
in the Performance Share Plan (PSP).

Cash-settled share options (grants in the International ShareSave plan) are measured at fair value at the balance sheet date. The Group 
recognises a liability at the balance sheet date based on these fair values, taking into account the estimated number of options that will 
actually vest and the relative completion of the vesting period. Changes in the value of this liability are recognised in the income statement 
for the year.

The cost of shares of Rolls-Royce Holdings plc held by the Group for the purpose of fulfilling obligations in respect of employee share plans 
is deducted from equity in the consolidated balance sheet. See note 21 for a further description of the share-based payment plans.

SALES FINANCING SUPPORT
In connection with the sale of its products, the Group will, on occasion, provide financing support for its customers. These arrangements 
fall into two categories: credit-based guarantees and asset-value guarantees. In accordance with the requirements of IAS 39 and IFRS 4 
Insurance Contracts, credit-based guarantees are treated as insurance contracts. The Group considers asset-value guarantees to be 
non-financial liabilities and accordingly these are also treated as insurance contracts. As described on page 103, the directors consider the 
likelihood of crystallisation in assessing whether provision is required for any contingent liabilities.

The Group’s contingent liabilities relating to financing arrangements are spread over many years and relate to a number of customers  
and a broad product portfolio, and are reported on a discounted basis.

REVISIONS TO ADOPTED IFRS IN 2014
With effect from 1 January 2014, the Group has adopted IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial statements, IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements and IFRS 12 
Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities. The principal potential effect was that certain entities previously classified as joint ventures might 
be classified as joint operations, requiring the Group’s share of the individual assets and liabilities of these entities to be included in the 
financial statements rather than the equity accounting method previously applied. The Group has reviewed its material joint ventures  
and has concluded that none are to be classified as joint operations under the requirements of IFRS 11. Disclosures required by IFRS 12  
are included in note 11.

REVISIONS TO IFRS NOT APPLICABLE IN 2014
Standards and interpretations issued by the IASB are only applicable if endorsed by the EU. 

Once endorsed, IFRS 9 Financial Instruments will simplify the classification of financial assets for measurement purposes, but is not 
anticipated to have a significant impact on the financial statements.

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (effective for the year ending 31 December 2017, not yet endorsed by the EU) provides  
a single, principles-based five-step model to be applied to all sales contracts, based on the transfer of control of goods and services to 
customers. It replaces the separate models for goods, services and construction contracts currently included in IAS 11 Construction 
Contracts and IAS 18 Revenue. Given the nature of the Group’s long-term contracts, it is likely that the adoption of IFRS 15 will require 
significant judgement.

Based on an initial assessment, IFRS 15 may have a significant impact on the timing of recognition of revenue on individual long-term 
contracts, although this impact is likely to be significantly reduced at a Group level when all long-term contracts (with different start  
and end dates) are combined. The Group will continue to assess the impact during 2015.

The Group does not consider that any other standards, amendments or interpretations issued by the IASB, but not yet applicable, will have 
a significant impact on the financial statements.

109109

Financial StatementsFinancial Statements2  SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS
The analysis by Division (business segment) is presented in accordance with IFRS 8 Operating Segments, on the basis of those segments 
whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the Board (the Chief Operating Decision Maker as defined by IFRS 8), as follows:

AEROSPACE DIVISION:
Civil 
Defence  

  –  development, manufacture, marketing and sales of commercial aero engines and aftermarket services.
  –  development, manufacture, marketing and sales of military aero engines and aftermarket services.

LAND & SEA DIVISION:
Power Systems 
Marine   
Nuclear & Energy   –  development, manufacture, marketing and sales of nuclear systems for civil power generation and naval propulsion 

  –  development, manufacture, marketing and sales of diesel engines and power systems. 
  –  development, manufacture, marketing and sales of marine-power propulsion systems and aftermarket services.

systems (Nuclear) and power systems for the offshore oil & gas industry and electrical power generation (Energy) 
and aftermarket services. The Energy business was sold on 1 December 2014 – see note 25.

The operating results reviewed by the Board are prepared on an underlying basis, which the Board consider reflects better the economic 
substance of the Group’s trading during the year. Additional disclosure of the two segments is also provided. The principles adopted to 
determine underlying results are:

Underlying revenues – Where revenues are denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the Group undertaking, 
these reflect the achieved exchange rates arising on settled derivative contracts.

Underlying profit before financing – Where transactions are denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the Group 
undertaking, this reflects the transactions at the achieved exchange rates on settled derivative contracts. In addition, adjustments have 
been made to exclude one-off past-service credits on post-retirement schemes, exceptional restructuring costs and the effect of 
acquisition accounting.

Underlying profit before taxation – In addition to those adjustments in underlying profit before financing:

•  includes amounts realised from settled derivative contracts and revaluation of relevant assets and liabilities to exchange rates forecast 

to be achieved from future settlement of derivative contracts; and

•  excludes unrealised amounts arising from revaluations required by IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement, changes 
in value of financial RRSA contracts arising from changes in forecast payments, changes in the value of put options on NCI and the net 
impact of financing costs related to post-retirement scheme benefits.

Taxation – the tax effect of the adjustments above are excluded from the underlying tax charge. In addition, changes in the amount of 
recoverable advance corporation tax recognised that arise from the above adjustments are also excluded. 

This analysis also includes a reconciliation of the underlying results to those reported in the consolidated income statement.

110110

Financial StatementsRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014Financial StatementsRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2  SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS CONTINUED

Year ended 31 December 2014
Underlying revenue from sale of original 
equipment
Underlying revenue from aftermarket services
Total underlying revenue
Underlying operating profit excluding share of 
results of joint ventures and associates
Share of results of joint ventures and associates
Underlying profit before financing and taxation

Segment assets
Investments in joint ventures and associates
Segment liabilities
Net assets/(liabilities)
Investment in intangible assets, property, plant 
and equipment and joint ventures and associates
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment

Year ended 31 December 20131
Underlying revenue from sale of original 
equipment
Underlying revenue from aftermarket services
Total underlying revenue
Underlying operating profit excluding share of 
results of joint ventures and associates
Share of results of joint ventures and associates
Underlying profit before financing and taxation

Segment assets
Investments in joint ventures and associates
Segment liabilities
Net assets/(liabilities)
Investment in intangible assets, property, plant 
and equipment and joint ventures and associates
Depreciation and amortisation and impairment

Aerospace

Civil
£m

Defence
£m

Total
£m

3,265 
3,572 
6,837 

816 
1,253 
2,069 

849 
93 
942 

350 
16 
366 

4,081 
4,825 
8,906 

1,199 
109 
1,308 

Power
 Systems
£m

1,893 
827 
2,720 

256 
(3)
253 

Marine
£m

1,070 
639 
1,709 

138 
– 
138 

10,268
507 
(7,418)
3,357 

1,460 
13 
(1,743)
(270)

11,728 
520 
(9,161)
3,087 

3,581 
7 
(1,100)
2,488 

1,636 
5 
(1,075)
566 

836 
381 

78 
49 

914 
430 

144 
221 

36 
38 

3,035 
3,620 
6,655 

708 
136 
844 

1,385 
1,206 
2,591 

424 
14 
438 

4,420 
4,826 
9,246 

1,132 
150 
1,282 

9,587 
495 
(6,243)
3,839 

1,437 
17 
(1,660)
(206)

11,024 
512 
(7,903)
3,633 

2,004 
827 
2,831 

296 
(2)
294 

3,927 
29 
(3,034)
922 

891 
349 

103 
53 

994 
402 

142 
272 

1,288 
749 
2,037 

233 
– 
233 

1,701 
5 
(985)
721 

23 
63 

Land & Sea

Nuclear &
 Energy
£m

Intra-
segment
£m

Total
£m

Inter-
segment
£m

Total 
reportable 
segments
£m

556 
852 
1,408 

(78)
(77)
(155)

3,441 
2,241 
5,682 

42 
3 
45 

954 
7 
(880)
81 

62 
53 

565 
973 
1,538 

63 
11 
74 

1,616 
55 
(1,015)
656 

80 
63 

(13)
– 
(13)

(22)
– 
– 
(22)

– 
– 

(72)
(75)
(147)

2 
– 
2 

(10)
– 
– 
(10)

– 
–

423 
– 
423 

6,149 
19 
(3,055)
3,113

242 
312 

3,785 
2,474 
6,259 

594 
9 
603 

7,234 
89 
(5,034)
2,289 

245 
398 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

7,522 
7,066 
14,588 

1,622 
109 
1,731 

(1,269)
– 
1,269 
– 

16,608 
539 
(10,947)
6,200 

– 
– 

– 
–
–

–
–
–

1,156 
742 

8,205 
7,300 
15,505 

1,726 
159 
1,885 

(734)
–
733 
(1)

17,524 
601 
(12,204)
5,921 

–
–

1,239 
800

1  The split between OE and aftermarket revenue for the year ended 31 December 2013 in Marine and Nuclear & Energy has been amended compared with that included on page 123 of 
  the 2013 Annual Report.

111111

Financial StatementsFinancial Statements2  SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS CONTINUED

RECONCILIATION TO REPORTED RESULTS

Year ended 31 December 2014
Revenue from sale of original equipment
Revenue from aftermarket services
Total revenue
Operating profit excluding share of results of joint ventures  
and associates
Share of results of joint ventures and associates
Profit on transfer of joint ventures to subsidiaries
Profit on disposal of businesses
Profit before financing and taxation
Net financing
Profit before taxation
Taxation
Profit for the year from continuing operations
Profit for the year from discontinued operations
Profit for the year
Attributable to:
Ordinary shareholders
Non-controlling interests

Year ended 31 December 2013
Revenue from sale of original equipment
Revenue from aftermarket services
Total revenue
Operating profit excluding share of results of joint ventures  
and associates
Share of results of joint ventures and associates
Profit on transfer of joint ventures to subsidiaries
Profit on disposal of businesses
Profit before financing and taxation
Net financing
Profit before taxation
Taxation
Profit for the year from continuing operations
Profit for the year from discontinued operations
Profit for the year
Attributable to:
Ordinary shareholders
Non-controlling interests

1  Central corporate costs

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

Revenue
Profit before taxation
Tax on ordinary activities
Profit for the year from ordinary activities
Profit on disposal
Tax on profit on disposal
Profit for the year from discontinued operations
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities
Net cash outflow from investing activities
Net cash flow from financing activities
Net change in cash and cash equivalents

112112

Total reportable 
segments
£m
7,522 
7,066 
14,588 

Underlying 
central items
£m
–
–
– 

Total
underlying
£m
7,522 
7,066 
14,588 

Underlying 
adjustments
£m
61 
(200)
(139)

Discontinued 
business
£m
(283)
(430)
(713)

1,622 
109 
 – 
 – 
1,731 

8,205 
7,300 
15,505 

1,726 
159 
– 
– 
1,885 

(53)1
– 
– 
– 
(53)
(61)
(114)
(387)

–
–
– 

(54)1
– 
– 
– 
(54)
(72)
(126)
(434)

1,569
109 
– 
– 
1,678 
(61)
1,617 
(387)
1,226
4 
1,230

1,224
6

8,205 
7,300 
15,505 

1,672 
159 
– 
– 
1,831 
(72)
1,759 
(434)
1,269
56
1,325

1,224 
101 

(274)
(13)
2 
6 
(279)
(1,270)
(1,549)
239 
(1,310)
– 
(1,310)

(1,293)
(17)

70 
(62)
8 

(297)
1 
119 
216 
39 
(39)
– 
54 
54
– 
54

143 
(89)

1 
(2) 
– 
– 
(1) 
– 
(1) 
(3)
– 
 138
138 

138
– 

(328)
(543)
(871)

(45)
(11)
– 
– 
(56)
(3)
(59)
3
–
–
–

–
–

2014
£m
713
1
3
4
136
2
142
(127)
(35)
– 
(162)

Group
£m
7,300 
6,436 
13,736 

1,296 
94 
2 
6 
1,398
(1,331)
67 
(151)
(84) 
142
58 

69 
(11)

7,947 
6,695 
14,642 

1,330 
149 
119 
216 
1,814 
(114)
1,700 
(377)
1,323 
56 
1,379

1,367 
12 

2013
£m
871
59
(3)
56
–
–
56
51 
(51) 
– 
– 

Financial StatementsRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014Financial StatementsRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED2  SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS CONTINUED

UNDERLYING ADJUSTMENTS

Underlying performance
Revenue recognised at exchange rate 
on date of transaction
Realised gains on settled 
derivative contracts1
Net unrealised fair value changes to 
derivative contracts2
Effect of currency on contract accounting
Revaluation of trading assets and liabilities
Put option on NCI and financial RRSAs – 
foreign exchange differences and other 
unrealised changes in value
Effect of acquisition accounting3
Pensions discretionary increase
Net post-retirement scheme financing
Profit on acquisition/reclassification of 
joint ventures
Profit on disposal of businesses
Exceptional restructuring4
Other5
Related tax effect
Total underlying adjustments
Discontinued operations
Reported per consolidated income statement

Revenue
£m
14,588 

(139)

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(139)
(713)
13,736 

2014

2013

Profit before
financing
£m
1,678 

Net 
financing
£m
(61)

Taxation 
£m
(387)

Revenue
£m
15,505 

Profit before
financing
£m
1,831 

Net 
financing
£m
(72)

Taxation
£m
(434)

– 

(87)

(15)
13 
(11)

– 
(142)
– 
– 

2 
6 
(39)
(6)
– 
(279)
(1) 
1,398 

– 

(5)

(1,141)
– 
(8)

(87)
– 
– 
(29)

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(1,270)
– 
(1,331)

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
239 
239 
(3)
(151)

8 

– 

–
–
–

–
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
–
– 
– 
8 
(871)
14,642 

– 

(10)

–
(18)
–

–
(265)
(64)
– 

119 
216 
–
61 
– 
39 
(56)
1,814 

– 

(5)

250
–
–

(251)
– 
– 
(26)

– 
– 
–
(7)
– 
(39)
(3)
(114)

– 

– 

–
–
– 

–
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
–
– 
54 
54 
3
(377)

1   Realised gains on settled derivative contracts include adjustments to reflect the gains in the same period as the related trading cash flows.
2   Unrealised fair value changes to derivative contracts: (i) include those included in equity accounted joint ventures, which are included in profit before financing; and (ii) exclude those 

for which the related trading contracts have been cancelled when the fair value changes are recognised immediately in underlying profit.

3   The adjustment eliminates charges recognised as a result of recognising assets in acquired businesses at fair value.
4  Restructuring is excluded from the underlying performance when it relates to the closure of a significant business or a site.
5  In 2013, other included the exclusion of other operating income £63m and the revaluation of preference shares in RRPS AG, which were acquired.

The reconciliation of underlying earnings per ordinary share is shown in note 6.

RECONCILIATION TO THE BALANCE SHEET

Reportable segment assets
Investments in joint ventures and associates
Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments
Fair value of swaps hedging fixed rate borrowings
Income tax assets
Post-retirement scheme surpluses
Total assets
Reportable segment liabilities
Borrowings
Fair value of swaps hedging fixed rate borrowings
Income tax liabilities
Post-retirement scheme deficits
Total liabilities
Net assets

2014
£m
16,608 
539 
2,869 
80 
388 
1,740 
22,224 
(10,947)
(2,261)
(22)
(1,422)
(1,185)
(15,837)
6,387 

2013
£m
17,524 
601 
4,311 
47 
332 
248 
23,063 
(12,204)
(2,371)
(48)
(1,096)
(1,041)
(16,760)
6,303 

113113

Financial StatementsFinancial Statements2  SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS CONTINUED

GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS 
The Group’s revenue by destination from continuing operations is shown below:

United Kingdom
Norway
Germany
Switzerland
Spain
Italy
France
Russia
Rest of Europe
United States of America
Canada
South America
Saudi Arabia
Rest of Middle East
India
China
South Korea
Japan
Malaysia
Singapore
Rest of Asia
Africa
Australasia
Other

2014
£m
1,599 
322 
734 
670 
113 
201 
292 
86 
575 
3,751 
472 
407 
327 
418 
161 
1,290 
485 
272 
280 
396 
493 
115 
207 
70 
13,736 

2013
£m
1,677 
520 
972 
868 
174 
233 
259 
111 
637 
3,910 
474 
302 
544 
339 
230 
1,038 
452 
235 
235 
544 
596 
87 
143 
62 
14,642 

No single customer represented 10% or more of the Group’s revenue.

The carrying amounts of the Group’s non-current assets, excluding financial instruments, deferred tax assets and post-retirement benefit 
surpluses, by the geographical area in which the assets are located, are as follows:

£m
3,864 
827 
724 
2,493 
912
8,820

£m
3,649 
872 
823 
2,739 
924
9,007

United Kingdom
United States of America
Nordic countries
Germany
Other

114114

Financial StatementsRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014Financial StatementsRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED3  RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AND OTHER INCOME

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Expenditure in the year
Capitalised as intangible assets
Amortisation of capitalised costs
Net research and development cost
Entry fees received
Entry fees deferred in respect of charges in future years
Recognition of previously deferred entry fees
Net cost recognised in the income statement
Underlying adjustments relating to effects of acquisition accounting and foreign exchange
Discontinued operations
Net underlying cost recognised in the income statement

2014
£m
(818)
83 
(125)
(860)
51
(38)
54 
(793)
63
(25)
(755)

2013
£m
(725)
110 
(130)
(745)
126 
(50)
11 
(658)
59 
(25)
(624)

OTHER INCOME
In October 2011, Rolls-Royce and United Technologies Corp. (UTC) announced their intention to form a new joint venture to develop  
an engine to power future mid-size aircraft (120-230 passenger aircraft). In September 2013, the parties agreed not to proceed with  
the partnership. Other operating income in 2013 includes £63 million as a result of this.

4  NET FINANCING

2014

2013

Per 
consolidated 
income 
statement
£m

Note

Underlying
financing1
£m

Per 
consolidated 
income 
statement
£m

Underlying
financing1
£m

Financing income
Interest receivable
Fair value gains on foreign currency contracts2
Put option on NCI and financial RRSAs – foreign exchange differences  
and other unrealised changes in value
Finance income on post-retirement scheme surpluses

Financing costs
Interest payable
Fair value losses on foreign currency contracts2
Financial RRSAs – financing
Put option on NCI and financial RRSAs – foreign exchange differences  
and other unrealised changes in value
Fair value losses on commodity derivatives2
Finance cost on post-retirement scheme deficits
Net foreign exchange losses
Other financing charges

Net financing

Analysed as:
Net interest payable
Net post-retirement scheme financing
Net other financing
Net financing
1  See note 2
2  Net (loss)/gain on fair value items through profit or loss

17

17
19

17
17

17
17
19

17 
2 

89 
13 
121 

(63)
(1,127)
(7)

(174)
(15)
(42)
(13)
(11)
(1,452)
(1,331)

(46)
(29)
(1,256)
(1,331)

17

(1,140)

17 
– 

– 
– 
17 

(63)
– 
(5)

– 
– 
– 
– 
(10)
(78)
(61)

(46)
– 
(15)
(61)

– 

15 
287 

8 
17 
327 

(58)
(3)
(9)

(259)
(34)
(43)
(5)
(30)
(441)
(114)

(43)
(26)
(45)
(114)

250 

15 
– 

– 
– 
15 

(58)
– 
(9)

– 
– 
– 
– 
(20)
(87)
(72)

(43)
– 
(29)
(72)

–

115115

Financial StatementsFinancial Statements5  TAXATION

Current tax
Current tax charge for the year
Less double tax relief

Adjustments in respect of prior years

Deferred tax
Deferred tax (credit)/charge for the year
Adjustments in respect of prior years
Derecognition of advance corporation tax
Credit resulting from reduction in tax rates

Recognised in the income statement

OTHER TAX (CHARGES)/CREDITS

Current tax:
  Share-based payments – direct to equity
Deferred tax:
  Movement in post-retirement schemes
  Share-based payments – direct to equity
  Net investment hedge

TAX RECONCILIATION ON CONTINUING OPERATIONS 

Profit before taxation
Less share of results of joint ventures and associates (note 11)
(Loss)/profit before taxation excluding joint ventures and associates
Nominal tax (credit)/charge at UK corporation tax rate 21.5% (2013 23.25%)
UK R&D credit
Rate differences
Profit on reclassification of joint ventures to subsidiaries
Change in value of put option on NCI
Other permanent differences
Benefit to deferred tax from previously unrecognised tax losses and temporary differences
Tax losses in year not recognised in deferred tax
Adjustments in respect of prior years
Derecognition of advance corporation tax
Reduction in closing deferred taxes resulting from decrease in tax rates

Underlying items (note 2)
Non-underlying items

116116

UK

2014
£m

8 
– 
8 
1 
9

(72)
(14)
64 
– 
(22)

(13) 

2013
£m

7 
(1)
6 
2 
8 

212 
(8)
– 
(59)
145 

153 

Overseas

Total

2014
£m

240 
– 
240 
12 
252 

(77)
(11)
– 
– 
(88)

2013
£m

301 
– 
301 
29 
330 

(68)
(37)
– 
(1)
(106)

2014
£m

248 
– 
248 
13 
261 

(149)
(25)
64 
– 
(110)

164 

224 

151 

2013
£m

308 
(1)
307 
31 
338 

144 
(45)
– 
(60)
39 

377 

OCI

Equity

Items that will not 
be reclassified 

Items that may
 be reclassified

2014
£m

2013
£m

2014
£m

2013
£m

2014
£m

2013
£m

(431)

(431)

10 

10 

(2)
(2)

1 
1 

3

(7)

(4)

2014
£m
67 
(94)
(27)
(6)
(6)
71 
– 
17 
22 
(3)
4 
(12)
64 
– 
151 
390 
(239)
151 

5 

8 

13 

2013
£m
1,700 
(149)
1,551 
361 
(13)
59
(27)
60 
12 
(7)
6 
(14)
–
(60)
377
431 
(54)
377 

Financial StatementsRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014Financial StatementsRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED5  TAXATION CONTINUED

TAX ON DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

Tax (credit)/charge on profit/loss on ordinary activities
Tax credit on disposal of discontinued operations

DEFERRED TAXATION ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

At 1 January
Amount credited/(charged) to income statement
Amount (charged)/credited to other comprehensive income
Amount (charged)/credited to equity
Acquisition of businesses
Exchange differences
At 31 December
Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities

The analysis of the deferred tax position is as follows:

Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Other temporary differences
Amounts recoverable on contracts
Pensions and other post-retirement scheme benefits
Foreign exchange and commodity financial  
assets and liabilities
Losses
R&D expenditure credit
Advance corporation tax

Included in:   Taxation

Discontinued operations

Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Other temporary differences
Amounts recoverable on contracts
Pensions and other post-retirement scheme benefits
Foreign exchange and commodity financial  
assets and liabilities
Losses
R&D expenditure credit
Advance corporation tax

Included in:  Taxation

Discontinued operations

2014
£m
(3)
(2)
(5)

2014
£m
(566)
120 
(433)
(7)
(3)
30
(859)
369 
(1,228)
(859)

2013
£m
3
–
3

2013
£m
(242)
(53)
11 
8 
(282)
(8)
(566)
316 
(882)
(566)

At 
1 January 
2014
£m
(511)
(210)
80 
(380)
153 

(92)
323 
7 
64 

(566)

At 
1 January 
2013
£m
(232)
(158)
12 
(351)
110 

(56)
369 
– 
64 
(242)

Recognised
in income
statement 
£m
41 
20 
23 
(146)
(54)

226 
65 
9 
(64)

120 
110
10

Recognised
in income
statement 
£m
34 
17 
9 
(29)
– 

(36)
(55)
7 
– 
(53)
(39)
(14)

Recognised
in OCI
£m
– 
– 
(2)
– 
(431)

Recognised
in equity
£m
– 
– 
(10)
– 
– 

Disposal 
of businesses
£m
– 
(6)
(1)
– 
– 

Exchange 
differences
£m
15 
1 
7
– 
8 

At 
31 December 
2014
£m
(455)
(195)
97 
(526)
(324)

– 
– 
– 
– 

(433)

– 
3 
– 
– 

(7)

– 
4
– 
– 

(3)

1 
(2)
–
– 

30

135 
393 
16 
– 

(859)

Recognised
in OCI
£m
– 
– 
1 
– 
10 

Recognised
in equity
£m
– 
– 
3 
– 
– 

Acquisition
 of businesses
£m
(311)
(70)
60 
– 
36 

Exchange 
differences
£m
(2)
1 
(5)
– 
(3)

At 
31 December 
2013
£m
(511)
(210)
80 
(380)
153 

– 
– 
– 
– 
11 

– 
5 
– 
– 
8 

– 
3 
– 
– 
(282)

– 
1 
– 
– 
(8)

(92)
323 
7 
64 
(566)

117117

Financial StatementsFinancial Statements 
 
 
 
5  TAXATION CONTINUED

UNRECOGNISED DEFERRED TAX ASSETS

Advance corporation tax
Losses and other unrecognised deferred tax assets
Deferred tax not recognised on unused tax losses and other items on the basis that future economic benefit is uncertain

2014
£m
182 
35 
217 

2013
£m
118 
39 
157

DEFERRED TAXATION ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
The UK corporation tax rate reduced to 21% from 1 April 2014 and will reduce further to 20% from 1 April 2015. As the reduction was 
substantively enacted prior to the year end, the closing deferred tax assets and liabilities have been calculated at this rate.

The deferred tax asset recognised relating to advance corporation tax has reduced during the year due to a decrease in the net deferred 
tax liabilities against which the asset can be offset. The main reasons for this are the additional shadow advance corporation tax arising  
on the share buyback and the unrealised fair value change on derivative contracts. 

The temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates, for which a deferred tax liability 
has not been recognised, aggregate to £512 million (2013 £573 million). No deferred tax liability has been recognised on the potential 
withholding tax due on the remittance of undistributed profits as the Group is able to control the timing of such remittances and it is 
probable that consent will not be given in the foreseeable future.

6  EARNINGS PER ORDINARY SHARE

Basic earnings per ordinary share (EPS) are calculated by dividing the profit attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average 
number of ordinary shares in issue during the year, excluding ordinary shares held under trust, which have been treated as if they had 
been cancelled.

Diluted EPS are calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year for the bonus element  
of share options.

Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders (£m)
  Continuing operations
  Discontinued operations

Weighted average number of ordinary shares (millions)
EPS (pence)
  Continuing operations
  Discontinued operations

2014 

Potentially 
dilutive 
share options

Diluted1 

Basic

2013

Potentially 
dilutive 
share options

(73) 
142 
69 
1,892 

(3.90) 
7.58 
3.68 

1,311 
56
1,367 
1,866 

70.26 
3.00
73.26 

18 

–
– 
–

21 

(0.78)
(0.04)
(0.82)

Basic

(73) 
142 
69 
1,874 

(3.90) 
7.58 
3.68 

1  As there is a loss on continuing operations, the effect of potential dilutive ordinary shares is anti-dilutive.

The reconciliation between underlying EPS and basic EPS is as follows:

Underlying EPS/Underlying profit attributable to ordinary shareholders
Total underlying adjustments to profit before tax (note 2)
Related tax effects
Profit on disposal of discontinued operations
Related NCI effects
EPS/Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders
Diluted underlying EPS

2014

2013

Pence 
65.31 
(82.65)
12.75 
7.36
0.91 
3.68
64.69 

£m
1,224 
(1,549) 
239 
138
17
69

Pence 
65.59 
– 
2.89 
– 
4.78 
73.26 
64.86 

Diluted 

1,311 
56
1,367 
1,887 

69.48
2.96
72.44 

£m
1,224 
– 
54 
– 
89 
1,367 

118118

Financial StatementsRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014Financial StatementsRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED7  EMPLOYEE INFORMATION

Average number of employees1
United Kingdom
United States of America
Canada
Germany
Nordic countries
Rest of world
Group
Civil
Defence
Aerospace Division
Power Systems
Marine
Nuclear & Energy2
Land & Sea Division
Group

Group employment costs3
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Share-based payments (note 21)
Pensions and other post-retirement scheme benefits (note 19)

1  See page 44.
2  The disposal of the Energy business on 1 December 2014 reduced employees by 2,000, (average 2,200).
3  Remuneration of key management personnel is shown in note 24. 

8  AUDITORS’ REMUNERATION

Fees payable to the Company’s auditors and its associates were as follows:

Fees payable to the Company’s auditors for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements1
Fees payable to the Company’s auditors and its associates for the audit of the Company’s subsidiaries pursuant to legislation
Total fees payable for audit services
Fees payable to the Company’s auditors and its associates for other services2:
  Audit related assurance services3
  Taxation compliance services
  Taxation advisory services
Internal audit services

  All other services

Fees payable in respect of the Group’s pension schemes:
  Audit
  Taxation compliance services

2014
Number

2013
Number

24,500 
7,900 
1,500 
10,500 
4,000 
5,700 
54,100 
23,900 
7,000 
30,900 
10,700 
6,400 
6,100 
23,200 
54,100 

24,800 
8,500 
1,600 
10,500 
4,100 
5,700 
55,200 
23,400 
7,900 
31,300 
10,700 
6,900 
6,300 
23,900 
55,200 

£m

£m

2,646
362
21
328
3,357

2,843 
374 
79 
421
3,717 

2014
£m 
0.2
5.5
5.7

1.1
0.7
–
–
0.4
7.9

0.2
–

2013
£m 
0.2 
5.6 
5.8 

0.8
0.8 
 0.1
0.2 
1.0 
8.7 

0.2 
0.1 

1   The level of fees payable to the Company’s auditors for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements reflects the fact that limited incremental work is required in respect of 
the audit of these financial statements. Rolls-Royce plc, a subsidiary of the Company, is also required to prepare consolidated financial statements and the fees payable to the Company’s 
auditors for the audit of those financial statements, including the audit of the sub-consolidation, is included in the audit of the Company’s subsidiaries pursuant to legislation.

2   As described on pages 72 and 73, in 2014, fees for other services to KPMG in respect of Rolls-Royce Power Systems (RRPS) were £0.9m (2013 £2.1m). Following the consolidation of RRPS 

on 1 January 2013, the Audit Committee approved the continuation of engagements already in progress at that date. 

3   This includes £0.3m (2013 £0.3m) for the review of the half-year report.

119119

Financial StatementsFinancial Statements 
9  INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Cost:
At 1 January 2013
Exchange differences
Additions
Acquisitions of businesses
Disposals
At 1 January 2014
Reclassifications2
Exchange differences
Additions
Acquisitions of businesses
Disposal of business
At 31 December 2014

Accumulated amortisation:
At 1 January 2013
Exchange differences
Charge for the year3
Impairment
Disposals
At 1 January 2014
Reclassifications2

Exchange differences
Charge for the year3
Impairment
Disposal of business
At 31 December 2014

Net book value:
At 31 December 2014
At 31 December 2013
At 1 January 2013

Certification
costs and
participation 
fees
£m

Goodwill
£m

Development
expenditure
£m

Contractual
aftermarket
rights1
£m

Customer 
relationships
£m

Software
£m

Other
£m

1,111 
(18)
– 
773 
(5)
1,861 
(8)
(112)
– 
1 
(67)
1,675 

9 
(1)
– 
17 
(2)
23 

(8)

– 
– 
1 
– 
16 

1,659 
1,838 
1,102 

740 
3 
185 
– 
– 
928 
– 
(8)
159 
– 
– 
1,079 

225 
– 
40 
– 
– 
265 

– 

– 
46 
– 
– 
311 

768 
663 
515 

1,028 
5 
110 
508 
(5)
1,646 
4 
(43)
100 
– 
– 
1,707 

323 
(7)
130 
3 
(5)
444 

4 

(9)
125 
– 
– 
564 

1,143 
1,202 
705 

499 
– 
52 
– 
– 
551 
– 
– 
93 
– 
(35)
609 

295 
– 
28 
– 
– 
323 

– 

– 
37 
– 
– 
360 

249 
228 
204 

45 
(3)
–
433 
– 
475 
11 
(17)
– 
– 
– 
469 

12 
(8)
61 
4 
– 
69 

(11)

(4)
42 
– 
– 
96 

373 
406 
33 

385 
(1)
69 
– 
– 
453 
19 
(1)
83 
– 
(11)
543 

144 
– 
54 
– 
– 
198 

5 

– 
63 
– 
(7)
259 

284 
255 
241 

142 
17 
87 
286 
– 
532 
(28)
(28)
42 
– 
– 
518 

41 
5 
91 
– 
– 
137 

6 

(6)
53 
– 
– 
190 

328 
395 
101 

Total
£m

3,950 
3 
503 
2,000 
(10)
6,446 
(2)
(209)
477 
1 
(113)
6,600 

1,049 
(11)
404 
24 
(7)
1,459 

(4)

(19)
366 
1 
(7)
1,796 

4,804 
4,987 
2,901 

1  Previously referred to as ‘recoverable engine costs’.
2   In 2013, following the acquisition of RRPS, the Group revised the classification of intangible assets. During 2014, a number of minor inconsistencies in these classifications have been

identified and amended. The net movement of £2m relates to software previously included in property, plant and equipment.

3   Charged to cost of sales except development costs, which are charged to research and development costs.

GOODWILL
In accordance with the requirements of IAS 36 Impairment of Assets, goodwill is allocated to the Group’s cash-generating units, or  
groups of cash-generating units, that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the business combination that gave rise to the 
goodwill as follows:

CASH-GENERATING UNIT (CGU) OR GROUP OF CGUs

Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG
Commercial marine – arising from the acquisitions of Vinters Limited and  
Scandinavian Electric Holdings AS
Commercial marine – arising from the acquisition of ODIM ASA
Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG
Other

Primary reporting
segment
Aerospace

Land & Sea
Land & Sea
Land & Sea
Various

2014
£m
215

552
77
760
55
1,659

2013
£m
230 

620 
88 
785 
115 
1,838

120

Financial StatementsRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED 
9  INTANGIBLE ASSETS CONTINUED

Goodwill has been tested for impairment during 2014 on the following basis:

•  The carrying values of goodwill have been assessed by reference to value in use. These have been estimated using cash flows from  

the most recent forecasts prepared by management, which are consistent with past experience and external sources of information  
on market conditions. Given the long-term and established nature of many of the Group’s products (product lives are often measured  
in decades), these forecasts generally cover the next ten years. Growth rates for the period not covered by the forecasts are based  
on a range of growth rates (2.0 – 2.75%) that reflect the products, industries and countries in which the relevant CGU or group of  
CGUs operate.

•  The key assumptions for the impairment tests are the discount rate and, in the cash flow projections, the programme assumptions,  
the growth rates and the impact of foreign exchange rates on the relationship between selling prices and costs. Impairment tests are 
performed using prevailing exchange rates.

•  The pre-tax cash flow projections have been discounted at 13% (2013 13%), based on the Group’s weighted average cost of capital, 

adjusted for specific risk where appropriate. The rate used for Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG takes account of the discount rate used  
for the agreement of the put option exercise price.

The principal value in use assumptions for goodwill balances considered to be individually significant are:

•  Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG – Volume of equipment deliveries, pricing achieved and cost escalation. These are based on current  

and known future programmes, estimates of capture of market share and long-term economic forecasts. The principal foreign exchange 
exposures are on translating income in a variety of non-functional currencies into euros. For the purposes of the impairment only, cash 
flows from recent management forecasts for a five-year period have been included. Cash flows beyond five years are assumed to grow  
at 2% (2013 management forecast for ten years; thereafter 2% growth). Following the recognition of RRPS at fair value on 1 January 2013, 
reasonably possible changes in the key assumptions would cause the value in use of the goodwill to fall below its carrying value. Such 
changes include: a reduction in the level of cash generation of 14%; or an increase in the assumed discount rate of 4%.

•  Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG – Volume of engine deliveries, flying hours of installed fleet and cost escalation. These are based  

on current and known future programmes, estimates of customers’ fleet requirements and long-term economic forecasts. The principal 
foreign exchange exposure is on translating US dollar income into euros. For the purposes of the impairment test only, cash flows 
beyond the ten-year forecasts are assumed to grow at 2.5% (2013 2.5%). The directors do not consider that any reasonably possible 
change in the key assumptions would cause the value in use of the goodwill to fall below its carrying value. The overall level of business 
would need to reduce by more than 81% to cause an impairment of this balance.

•  Vinters Limited – Volume of equipment deliveries, capture of aftermarket and cost escalation. These are based on current and known 
future programmes, estimates of customers’ fleet requirements and long-term economic forecasts. The principal foreign exchange 
exposures are on translating income in a variety of non-functional currencies into Norwegian kroner. For the purposes of the 
impairment test only, cash flows beyond the ten-year forecasts are assumed to grow at 2.5% (2013 2.5%). The directors do not consider 
that any reasonably possible change in the key assumptions would cause the value in use of the goodwill to fall below its carrying value. 
The overall level of business would need to reduce by more than 75% to cause an impairment of this balance.

121

Financial Statements9  INTANGIBLE ASSETS CONTINUED

OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Certification costs and participation fees, development costs and contractual aftermarket rights have been reviewed for impairment  
in accordance with the requirements of IAS 36 Impairment of Assets. Where an impairment test was considered necessary, it has been 
performed on the following basis:

•  The carrying values have been assessed by reference to value in use. These have been estimated using cash flows from the most recent 

forecasts prepared by management, which are consistent with past experience and external sources of information on market 
conditions over the lives of the respective programmes.

•  The key assumptions underlying cash flow projections are assumed market share, programme timings, unit cost assumptions, discount 

rates, and foreign exchange rates.

•  The pre-tax cash flow projections have been discounted at 11% (2013 11%), based on the Group’s weighted average cost of capital, 

reduced where relevant to take account of the lower risk associated with contracted aftermarket flows.

•  No impairment is required on this basis. However, a combination of changes in assumptions and adverse movements in variables  
that are outside the Group’s control (discount rate, exchange rate and airframe delays), could result in impairment in future years.
•  As described in the Strategic Report, the Group is currently engaged in a number of Trent 900 sales campaigns. The carrying value of 

intangible assets relating to the Trent 900 programme assumes that a proportion of these campaigns are successful. If no further orders 
are obtained, the carrying value of these intangible assets (£142 million) may be impaired.

10  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Cost:
At 1 January 2013
Exchange differences
Additions
Acquisitions of businesses
Disposals of businesses
Reclassifications
Disposals/write-offs
At 1 January 2014
Exchange differences
Additions
Acquisitions of businesses
Disposals of businesses
Reclassifications1
Disposals/write-offs
At 31 December 2014

Accumulated depreciation:
At 1 January 2013
Exchange differences
Charge for the year2
Reclassifications
Disposals of businesses
Disposals/write-offs
At 1 January 2014
Exchange differences
Charge for the year2
Impairment
Disposals of businesses
Disposals/write-offs
At 31 December 2014

Net book value:
At 31 December 2014
At 31 December 2013
At 1 January 2013

Land and 
buildings
£m

Plant and 
equipment
£m

Aircraft 
and engines
£m

In course of 
construction
£m

1,072 
(11)
17 
202 
– 
19 
(2)
1,297 
(23)
24 
– 
(88)
134 
(10)
1,334 

355 
(9)
48 
(8)
– 
– 
386 
(8)
49 
– 
(29)
(7)
391 

943 
911 
717 

2,889 
(28)
150 
300 
(1)
242 
(62)
3,490 
(42)
160 
– 
(94)
137 
(51)
3,600 

1,714 
(22)
301 
8 
(1)
(51)
1,949 
(26)
294 
– 
(62)
(46)
2,109 

1,491 
1,541 
1,175 

223 
(2)
83 
– 
– 
21 
(1)
324 
(1)
57 
38 
(77)
32 
(52)
321 

62 
(1)
23 
– 
– 
– 
84 
– 
31 
– 
(9)
(3)
103 

218 
240 
161 

511 
(8)
437 
44 
– 
(282)
(2)
700 
2 
427 
– 
(28)
(305)
(1)
795 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
1 
– 
– 
1 

794 
700 
511 

Total
£m

4,695 
(49)
687 
546 
(1)
– 
(67)
5,811 
(64)
668 
38 
(287)
(2)
(114)
6,050 

2,131 
(32)
372 
– 
(1)
(51)
2,419 
(34)
374 
1 
(100)
(56)
2,604 

3,446 
3,392 
2,564 

1  The net reclassification of £2m relates to software now included in intangible assets.
2   Depreciation charged during the year is presented in the income statement or included in the cost of inventory as appropriate.

122

Financial StatementsRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED10  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT CONTINUED

Property, plant and equipment includes: 

Net book value of finance leased assets:
  Land and buildings
  Plant and equipment
  Aircraft and engines

Assets held for use in operating leases:
  Cost
  Depreciation
  Net book value

Capital expenditure commitments
Net book value of assets held as security for liabilities (excluding finance leased assets)
Cost of fully depreciated assets

2014
£m

6 
9 
43 

267 
(64)
203 

194
–
 792

2013
£m

7 
4 
– 

320 
(79)
241 

317 
– 
899 

The Group’s share of equity accounted entities’ capital commitments is £82 million (2013 £150 million).

11  INVESTMENTS

COMPOSITION OF THE GROUP
The principal entities contributing to the Group’s financial results are listed on pages 152 and 153. These comprise 54 wholly-owned 
subsidiaries and 33 joint ventures which are located in the following countries.

United Kingdom
Australia
Brazil
Canada
China
Finland
France
Germany
Guernsey
Hong Kong
India
Israel
Italy
Malaysia
Netherlands
Norway
Singapore
South Africa
Spain
Sweden
Turkey
United States of America

At 31 December 2014

At 31 December 2013

Wholly-owned 
subsidiaries
13 
– 
1 
1 
2 
1 
2 
6 
1 
1 
3 
– 
2 
– 
1 
2 
2 
1 
1 
1 
1 
12 

Joint ventures
8 
– 
– 
– 
2 
– 
– 
4 
– 
1 
1 
1 
– 
– 
– 
– 
2 
– 
1 
– 
– 
13 

Wholly-owned 
subsidiaries
13 
– 
1 
1 
1 
1 
2 
1 
1 
– 
3 
– 
1 
– 
– 
1 
1 
– 
– 
1 
–
11 

Non-wholly-
owned 
subsidiaries
1 
– 
– 
– 
1 
– 
– 
4 
– 
1 
– 
– 
1 
– 
1 
1 
1 
– 
1 
– 
1 
1 

Joint ventures
9 
1 
– 
– 
2 
– 
– 
5 
– 
1 
1 
1 
– 
1 
– 
– 
2 
– 
1 
– 
– 
13 

123

Financial Statements11  INVESTMENTS CONTINUED

The non-wholly owned subsidiaries above comprise the Rolls-Royce Power Systems group. On 7 March 2014, Daimler AG announced its 
intention to exercise its put option on its 50% of Rolls-Royce Power Systems Holding GmbH (RRPSH). Formal notice of this intention was 
served on 24 March 2014. From this date, the Group has an effective economic interest in RRPSH of 100% and NCI of £584 million was 
transferred to retained earnings. The Group acquired the shares on 26 August 2014, giving it a 100% interest in RRPSH. Non-controlling 
interests are as follows:

Rolls-Royce Power Systems GmbH
Other subsidiaries with NCI

Summarised financial information for RRPSH is as follows:

Proportion of ownership  
interests held by NCI

Comprehensive income  
allocated to NCI

Accumulated NCI

2014
– 

2013
50% 

2014
£m
(12)
1 
(11)

2013
£m
11 
1 
12 

2014
£m
– 
5 
5 

2013
£m
694 
4 
698 

At 
24 March 
20141
£m
1,529 
2,511 
(974)
(1,118)
1,364 
584 

Period to 
24 March 
2014 
£m 
551 
(25)
(12)
(12)
(69)
(35)
(35)
(76)
33 
(17)
(158)
(142)

At 
31 December 
2013
£m
1,776 
2,567 
(1,035)
(1,134)
1,480 
694 

Year to 
31 December 
2013 
£m 
2,834 
21 
10 
10 
21 
11 
11 
(60)
220 
(167)
(97)
(44)

Current assets 
Non-current assets 
Current liabilities 
Non-current liabilities 
Equity attributable to Rolls-Royce shareholders 
Non-controlling interests 

1  Immediately prior to the exercise of the put option.

Revenue 
(Loss)/profit for the period 
  Attributable to ordinary shareholders 
  Non-controlling interests 
Total comprehensive income for the period 
  Attributable to ordinary shareholders 
  Non-controlling interests 
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests 
Cash flow from operating activities 
Cash flow from investing activities 
Cash flow from financing activities 
Net cash outflow 

124

Financial StatementsRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED11  INVESTMENTS CONTINUED

EQUITY ACCOUNTED AND OTHER INVESTMENTS

At 1 January 2013
Exchange differences
Additions
Taxation paid by the Group
Transfer to subsidiary
Acquisition of business
Share of retained profit
Disposals
Share of OCI – may be reclassified to profit or loss
At 1 January 2014
Reclassification1
Exchange differences
Additions
Taxation paid by the Group
Transfer to subsidiary
Share of retained profit
Disposals
Consolidation of previously non-consolidated subsidiary
Return of capital
Share of OCI – may be reclassified to profit or loss
At 31 December 2014

Equity accounted

Other

Joint ventures
£m
1,798 
(4)
43 
6 
(1,327)
30 
61 
(2)
(6)
599 
(25)
7 
15 
3 
(1)
23 
(70)
– 
(3)
(13)
535 

Associates
£m
2 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
2 
– 
– 
2 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
4 

Total
£m
1,800 
(4)
43 
6 
(1,327)
30 
61 
(2)
(6)
601 
(25)
7 
17 
3 
(1)
23 
(70)
– 
(3)
(13)
539 

Unlisted
£m
6 
1 
1 
– 
– 
20 
– 
(1)
– 
27 
– 
(2)
11 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(5)
– 
– 
31 

1   The reclassification relates to an adjustment in the prior year relating to transactions between the Group and a joint venture which was included in creditors. It has now been
   transferred to investments in joint ventures.

Reconciliation to the income statement and cash flow statement:

Share of profit after tax
Dividends received
Share of retained profit

Continuing operations

Discontinued operations

Total

2014
£m

94
(71)
23

2013
£m

149
(94)
55

2014
£m

2
(2)
–

2013
£m

11
(5)
6

2014
£m

96
(73)
23

2013
£m

160
(99)
61

The following joint ventures are considered to be individually material to the Group:

Alpha Partners Leasing Limited (APL)
Hong Kong Aero Engine Services Limited (HAESL)
Singapore Aero Engine Services Pte Limited (SAESL)
Industria de Turbo Propulsores SA (ITP)

Principal location
UK
Hong Kong
Singapore
Spain

Activity
Aero engine leasing
Aero engine repair and overhaul
Aero engine repair and overhaul
Aero engine component manufacture and maintenance

Effective interest
50.0%
45.0%
39.0%
46.9%

125

Financial Statements11  INVESTMENTS CONTINUED

Summarised financial information of the Group’s individually material joint ventures is as follows:

APL

HAESL

SAESL

ITP

Revenue
Profit from continuing operations
Post-tax profit from discontinued operations
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income for the year
Dividends received during the year
Profit for the year included the following:
  Depreciation and amortisation

Interest income
Interest expense
Income tax expense

Current assets
Non-current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Net assets
Included in the above:
  Cash and cash equivalents
  Current financial liabilities1
  Non-current financial liabilities1

1  Excluding trade and other payables

2014 
£m
105 
39 
– 
39 
– 
39 
(13)

(47)
– 
(15)
(11)

72 
1,171 
(62)
(959)
222 

11 
(13) 
(815) 

2013 
£m
89 
45 
– 
45 
– 
45 
(11)

(40)
– 
(18)
–

85 
891 
(58)
(757)
161 

16 
(8) 
(633) 

2014 
£m
652 
34 
– 
34 
– 
34 
(30)

(8)
– 
(1)
(7)

159 
86 
(61)
(37)
147 

8 
– 
(29) 

2013 
£m
898 
67 
– 
67 
– 
67 
(61)

(8)
– 
(1)
(13)

222 
79 
(133)
(34)
134 

5 
– 
(27) 

2014 
£m
815 
60 
– 
60 
– 
60 
(56)

(5)
– 
(1)
– 

207 
102 
(88)
(106)
115 

11 
– 
(106) 

2013 
£m
1,150 
88 
– 
88 
– 
88 
(86)

(6)
– 
(1)
– 

217 
82 
(95)
(99)
105 

13 
– 
(99) 

2014 
£m
529 
24 
– 
24 
– 
24 
(19)

(37) 
19 
(12)
4 

603 
525 
(415)
(418)
295 

94 
(10) 
(282) 

2013 
£m
528 
57 
– 
57 
– 
57 
(24)

(37)
12 
(14)
15 

672 
659 
(493)
(461)
377 

243 
(3) 
(353)

Reconciliation to the carrying amount recognised in the consolidated financial statements:

Effective interest
Group share of net assets above

50.0%
111 

50.0%
81 

45.0%
66 

45.0%
60 

39.0%
45 

39.0%
41 

46.9%
138 

46.9%
177 

At the option of the current owner, the Group has an agreement to purchase the shares in ITP that it does not own. If the option is 
exercised, the price payable would be fair value, determined on a basis agreed between the parties taking into account earnings multiples 
and discounted cash flows. As the exercise price would be at the fair value of the shares, the Group does not consider that this derivative 
has a significant fair value.

The summarised aggregated results of the Group’s share of equity accounted investments is as follows:

Profit from continuing operations
Profit from discontinued operations
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income for the year

Joint ventures

Associates

Total

2014
£m
94 
2 
96 
(13)
83

2013
£m
149 
11 
160 
(6)
154 

2014
£m
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

2013
£m
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

2014
£m
94 
2 
96 
(13)
83 

2013
£m
149 
11 
160 
(6)
154 

126

Financial StatementsRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED 
 
 
12  INVENTORIES

Raw materials
Work in progress
Long-term contracts work in progress
Finished goods
Payments on account

Inventories stated at net realisable value
Amount of inventory write-down
Reversal of inventory write-down

13  TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Trade receivables
Amounts recoverable on contracts
Amounts owed by joint ventures and associates
Other receivables
Prepayments and accrued income

Analysed as:
Financial instruments (note 17):
  Trade receivables and similar items
  Other non-derivative financial assets
Non-financial instruments

Trade and other receivables expected to be recovered in more than one year:
  Trade receivables
  Amounts recoverable on contracts
  Other receivables
  Prepayments and accrued income

Amounts recoverable on contracts include £2,492 million (2013 £1,901 million) of TotalCare assets. 

14  CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash at bank and in hand
Money-market funds
Short-term deposits

Overdrafts (note 15)
Cash and cash equivalents per cash flow statement (page 98)
Cash held as collateral against third party obligations (note 18)

2014
£m
553 
984 
22 
1,149 
60 
2,768 

265 
62 
1 

2014
£m
1,531 
2,684 
309 
785 
200 
5,509 

1,981 
671 
2,857 
5,509 

40 
2,444 
61 
55 
2,601 

2014
£m
739 
692 
1,431 
2,862 

– 
2,862 
42 

2013
£m
593 
1,177 
15 
1,426 
108 
3,319 

447 
89 
5

2013
£m
1,601 
2,239 
380 
637 
235 
5,092 

2,118 
527 
2,447 
5,092 

51 
1,751 
41 
84 
1,927 

2013
£m
982 
1,157 
1,851 
3,990 

(3)
3,987 
50 

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 2014 includes £30 million (2013 £286 million) that is not available for general use by the Group. 
This balance relates to cash held in the Group’s captive insurance company and non-wholly owned subsidiaries. The principal reason for 
the significant decrease is that Power Systems is now a wholly owned subsidiary (2013 50% interest).  

127

Financial Statements15  BORROWINGS

Unsecured
Overdrafts
Bank loans
73/8% Notes 2016 £200m
6.55% Notes 2015 US$83m1
6.75% Notes 2019 £500m2
2.125% Notes 2021 €750m1
3.375% Notes 2026 £375m2
Secured
Obligations under finance leases3

Current

2014
£m

– 
12 
– 
55 
– 
– 
– 

1 
68 

2013
£m

3 
204 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
207 

Non-current

Total

2014
£m

– 
392 
200 
– 
547 
615 
395 

2013
£m

– 
412 
200 
55 
535 
611 
350 

2014
£m

– 
404 
200 
55 
547 
615 
395 

2013
£m

3 
616 
200 
55 
535 
611 
350 

44 
2,193 

1 
2,164 

45 
2,261 

1 
2,371 

1   These notes are the subject of interest rate swap agreements under which the Group has undertaken to pay floating rates of interest, and currency swaps which form a fair value hedge. 
2   These notes are the subject of interest rate swap agreements under which the Group has undertaken to pay floating rates of interest which form a fair value hedge. 
3  Obligations under finance leases are secured by related leased assets. 

16  TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

Payments received on account1
Trade payables
Amounts owed to joint ventures and associates
Other taxation and social security
Other payables
Accruals and deferred income

1   Includes payments received on account from joint ventures  

and associates

Current

Non-current

Total

2014
£m
1,291 
1,348 
235 
109 
1,756 
2,052 
6,791 

2013
£m
1,594 
1,370 
191 
101 
1,820 
1,969 
7,045 

2014
£m
860 
13 
4 
1 
320 
1,247 
2,445 

2013
£m
750 
16 
– 
– 
143 
1,229 
2,138 

2014
£m
2,151 
1,361 
239 
110 
2,076 
3,299 
9,236

2013
£m
2,344 
1,386 
191 
101 
1,963 
3,198 
9,183 

158 

180 

99 

151 

257 

331 

Included within trade and other payables are government grants of £80 million (2013 £100 million). During the year, £24 million 
(2013 £26 million) of government grants were released to the income statement.

Included in accruals and deferred income are deferred receipts from RRSA workshare partners of £244 million (2013 £260 million) and 
£687 million (2013 £559 million) of TotalCare liabilities. 

Trade and other payables are analysed as follows:

Financial instruments (note 17):
  Trade payables and similar items
  Other non-derivative financial liabilities
Non-financial instruments

2014
£m

3,049 
831 
5,356 
9,236 

2013
£m

2,989 
806 
5,388 
9,183 

128

Financial StatementsRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED17  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

CARRYING VALUES AND FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

At 31 December 2014
Unlisted non-current asset investments
Trade receivables and similar items
Other non-derivative financial assets
Derivative financial assets1
Short-term investments
Cash and cash equivalents
Borrowings
Derivative financial liabilities1
Financial RRSAs
C Shares
Trade payables and similar items
Other non-derivative financial liabilities

At 31 December 2013
Unlisted non-current asset investments
Trade receivables and similar items
Other non-derivative financial assets
Derivative financial assets
Short-term investments
Cash and cash equivalents
Borrowings
Derivative financial liabilities
Exercise price of put option on NCI
Financial RRSAs
C Shares
Trade payables and similar items
Other non-derivative financial liabilities

Assets

Liabilities

Total

Basis for 
determining 
fair value

Notes

Fair value 
through 
profit or loss
£m

Loans and 
receivables
£m

Available
 for sale
£m

11
13
13

14
15

16
16

11
13
13

14
15

16
16

A 
B 
B 
C 
B 
B 
D 
C 
E 
B 
B 
B 

A 
B 
B 
C 
B 
B 
D 
C 
F 
E 
B 
B 
B 

– 
– 
– 
129 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
129 

– 
– 
– 
748 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
748 

31 
1,981 
671 
– 
7 
1,431 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
4,121 

27 
2,118 
527 
– 
321 
1,851 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
4,844 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
692 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
692 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
1,157 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
1,157 

Fair value 
through 
profit or loss
£m

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(759)
– 
– 
– 
– 
(759)

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(295)
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(295)

Cash
£m

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
739 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
739 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
982 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
982 

Other
£m

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(2,261)
– 
(145)
(22)
(3,049)
(831)
(6,308)

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(2,371)
– 
(1,858)
(167)
(16)
(2,989)
(806)
(8,207)

£m

31 
1,981 
671 
129 
7 
2,862 
(2,261)
(759)
(145)
(22)
(3,049)
(831)
(1,386)

27 
2,118 
527 
748 
321 
3,990 
(2,371)
(295)
(1,858)
(167)
(16)
(2,989)
(806)
(771)

1   In the event of counterparty default relating to derivative financial assets and liabilities, off-setting would apply and financial assets and liabilities held with the same counterparty 

would net off. If this occurred with every counterparty, total financial assets would be £15m and liabilities £645m.

Fair values equate to book values for both 2014 and 2013, with the following exceptions: 

Borrowings
Financial RRSAs

2014

2013

Book value
£m

Fair value
£m

Book value
£m

Fair value
£m

(2,261)
(145)

(2,362)
(152)

(2,371)
(167)

(2,495)
(184)

The fair value of a financial instrument is the price at which an asset could be exchanged, or a liability settled, between knowledgeable, 
willing parties in an arms-length transaction. Fair values have been determined with reference to available market information at the 
balance sheet date, using the methodologies described below.

A  These primarily comprise unconsolidated companies where fair value approximates to the book value.
B  Fair values are assumed to approximate to cost either due to the short-term maturity of the instruments or because the interest rate of the investments is reset after periods  

not exceeding six months. 

C  Fair values of derivative financial assets and liabilities are estimated by discounting expected future contractual cash flows using prevailing interest rate curves. Amounts 

denominated in foreign currencies are valued at the exchange rate prevailing at the balance sheet date. These financial instruments are included on the balance sheet at fair  
value, derived from observable market prices (Level 2 as defined by IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement).

D  Borrowings are carried at amortised cost. Amounts denominated in foreign currencies are valued at the exchange rate prevailing at the balance sheet date.
E   The fair value of RRSAs is estimated by discounting expected future cash flows. The contractual cash flows are based on future trading activity, which is estimated based  

on latest forecasts (Level 3 as defined by IFRS 13).

F   The fair value of the put option on NCI is determined in accordance with the contractual terms, which requires averaging three valuations, covering forecasts of the business 

performance and external metrics of comparable business and transactions (Level 3 as defined by IFRS 13).IFRS 13 defines a three level valuation hierarchy:

Level 1 – quoted prices for similar instruments;
Level 2 – directly observable market inputs other than Level 1 inputs; and
Level 3 – inputs not based on observable market data.

129

Financial Statements17  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED

CARRYING VALUES OF OTHER FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

At 31 December 2014
Non-current assets
Current assets
Assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Liabilities

At 31 December 2013
Non-current assets
Current assets
Assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Liabilities

Foreign 
exchange 
contracts
£m

Commodity
 contracts
£m

Interest rate 
contracts
£m

Total
 derivatives
£m

Exercise price
 of put option
 on NCI
£m

Financial 
RRSAs
£m

C Shares
£m

28 
22 
50 
(144)
(545)
(689)
(639)

631 
72 
703 
(63)
(142)
(205)
498 

–
–
– 
(21)
(22)
(43)
(43)

– 
2 
2 
(16)
(25)
(41)
(39)

79 
– 
79 
– 
(27)
(27)
52 

43 
– 
43 
(1)
(48)
(49)
(6)

107 
22 
129 
(165)
(594)
(759)
(630)

674 
74 
748 
(80)
(215)
(295)
453 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
(1,858)
– 
(1,858)
(1,858)

– 
– 
– 
(22)
(123)
(145)
(145)

– 
– 
– 
(22)
(145)
(167)
(167)

– 
– 
– 
(22)
– 
(22)
(22)

– 
– 
– 
(16)
– 
(16)
(16)

Total
£m

107 
22 
129 
(209)
(717)
(926)
(797)

674 
74 
748 
(1,976)
(360)
(2,336)
(1,588)

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Group uses various financial instruments to manage its exposure to movements in foreign exchange rates. Where the effectiveness  
of a hedging relationship in a cash flow hedge is demonstrated, changes in the fair value that are deemed effective are included in the 
cash flow hedge reserve and released to match actual payments on the hedged item. The Group uses commodity swaps to manage its 
exposure to movements in the price of commodities (jet fuel and base metals). To hedge the currency risk associated with a borrowing 
denominated in US dollars, the Group has currency derivatives designated as part of fair value hedges. The Group uses interest rate swaps, 
forward rate agreements and interest rate caps to manage its exposure to movements in interest rates. 

Movements in the fair values of derivative financial assets and liabilities were as follows:

At 1 January
Business acquisitions
Movements in fair value hedges1
Movements in other derivative contracts2
Contracts settled3
At 31 December

Foreign exchange 
instruments

Commodity instruments

Interest rate instruments

Total

2014
£m

498 
– 
3 
(1,125)
(15)

(639)

2013
£m

272 
4 
3 
284 
(65)

498 

2014
£m

(39)
– 
– 
(15)
11 

(43)

2013
£m

(13)
(1)
– 
(34)
9 

(39)

2014
£m

(6)
– 
58 
– 
– 

52 

2013
£m

88 
– 
(91)
– 
(3)

(6)

2014
£m

453 
– 
61 
(1,140)
(4)

(630)

2013
£m

347 
3 
(88)
250 
(59)

453 

1  Loss on related hedged items £61m (2013 £88m gain).
2  Included in financing. 
3   2013 included £17m contracts settled in fair value hedges. Contracts settled in 2014 include a loss of £76m in relation to contracts put in place to hedge the settlement  

of the put option on RRPS.

NON-DERIVATIVE OTHER FINANCIAL LIABILITIES
The Group had agreed a put option with Daimler AG, such that Daimler could sell its interest in Rolls-Royce Power Systems Holding GmbH 
to the Group. Daimler AG exercised this option on 24 March 2014 and the Group acquired Daimler’s 50% share of RRPSH on 26 August 2014. 
Prior to this, the present value of the exercise value of this option was included as a financial liability. 

The Group has financial liabilities arising from financial RRSAs. These financial liabilities are valued at each reporting date using the 
amortised cost method. This involves calculating the present value of the forecast cash flows of the arrangements using the internal  
rate of return at the inception of the arrangements as the discount rate. 

130

Financial StatementsRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED17  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED

Movements in the carrying values were as follows:

At 1 January
Business acquisitions
Additions
Exchange adjustments included in OCI
Financing charge1 
Excluded from underlying profit:
 Financing charge1
  Changes in put option exercise price1
  Changes in forecast payments1 
  Exchange adjustments1 
Cash paid to partners
Settlement of put option
At 31 December

1  Included in financing.

Put option on non-controlling 
interests

Financial RRSAs

2014
£m
(1,858)
–
–
–
– 

(2)
(166)
–
89 
–
1,937 
– 

2013
£m
(167)
(2)
(1,432)
– 
– 

–
(212)
–
(45)
–
– 
(1,858)

2014
£m
(167)
–
–
3 
(5)

–
–
–
(8)
32 
–
(145)

2013
£m
(193)
– 
– 
(4)
(9)

–
–
2 
4 
33 
–
(167)

RISK MANAGEMENT POLICIES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES 
The principal financial risks to which the Group is exposed are: foreign currency exchange rate risk; liquidity risk; credit risk; interest rate 
risk; and commodity price risk. The Board has approved policies for the management of these risks.

Foreign currency exchange rate risk – The Group has significant cash flows (most significantly US dollars, followed by the euro) 
denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the relevant trading entity. To manage its exposures to changes in values 
of future foreign currency cash flows, so as to maintain relatively stable long-term foreign exchange rates on settled transactions, the 
Group enters into derivative forward foreign currency transactions. For accounting purposes, these derivative contracts are not 
designated as hedging instruments.

The Group also has exposures to the fair values of non-derivative financial instruments denominated in foreign currencies. To manage the 
risk of changes in these fair values, the Group enters into derivative forward foreign exchange contracts, which are designated as fair value 
hedges for accounting purposes.

The Group regards its interests in overseas subsidiary companies as long-term investments. The Group aims to match its translational 
exposures by matching the currencies of assets and liabilities. Where appropriate, foreign currency financial liabilities may be designated 
as hedges of the net investment.

Liquidity risk – The Group’s policy is to hold financial investments and maintain undrawn committed facilities at a level sufficient to ensure 
that the Group has available funds to meet its medium-term capital and funding obligations and to meet any unforeseen obligations and 
opportunities. The Group holds cash and short-term investments, which together with the undrawn committed facilities, enable the 
Group to manage its liquidity risk. 

Credit risk – The Group is exposed to credit risk to the extent of non-payment by either its customers or the counterparties of its financial 
instruments. The effective monitoring and controlling of credit risk is a key component of the Group’s risk management activities. The 
Group has credit policies covering both trading and financial exposures. Credit risks arising from treasury activities are managed by a 
central treasury function in accordance with the Group credit policy. The objective of the policy is to diversify and minimise the Group’s 
exposure to credit risk from its treasury activities by ensuring the Group transacts strictly with ‘BBB+’ or higher rated financial institutions 
based on pre-established limits per financial institution. At the balance sheet date, there were no significant concentrations of credit risk 
to individual customers or counterparties. The maximum exposure to credit risk at the balance sheet date is represented by the carrying 
value of each financial asset, including derivative financial instruments.

Interest rate risk – The Group’s interest rate risk is primarily in relation to its fixed rate borrowings (fair value risk), floating rate borrowings 
and cash and cash equivalents (cash flow risk). Interest rate derivatives are used to manage the overall interest rate profile within the 
Group policy, which is to maintain a higher proportion of net debt at floating rates of interest as a natural hedge to the net cash position. 
These are designated as either fair value or cash flow hedges as appropriate.

131

Financial Statements17  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED

Commodity risk – The Group has exposures to the price of jet fuel and base metals arising from business operations. To minimise its cash 
flow exposures to changes in commodity prices, the Group enters into derivative commodity transactions. For accounting purposes, these 
derivative contracts are not designated as hedging instruments.

Other price risk – The Group’s cash equivalent balances represent investments in money market instruments, with a term of up to three 
months. The Group does not consider that these are subject to significant price risk.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The nominal amounts, analysed by year of expected maturity, and fair values of derivative financial instruments are as follows:

At 31 December 2014
Foreign exchange contracts:
  Fair value hedges
  Non-hedge accounted
Interest rate contracts:
  Fair value hedges
  Non-hedge accounted
Commodity contracts:
  Non-hedge accounted

At 31 December 2013
Foreign exchange contracts:
  Fair value hedges
  Non-hedge accounted
Interest rate contracts:
  Fair value hedges
  Non-hedge accounted
Commodity contracts:
  Non-hedge accounted

Expected maturity

Fair value

Nominal
amount
£m

Within
one year
£m

Between 
one and
five years
£m

Between
two and
five years
£m

After
five years
£m

Assets
£m

Liabilities
£m

46 
20,889 

1,512 
2 

240 
22,689 

46 
19,654 

1,550 
5 

262 
21,517 

46 
5,431 

53 
2 

79 
5,611 

– 
4,759 

– 
– 

79 
4,838 

– 
4,793 

– 
10,665 

– 
– 

500 
– 

62 
4,855 

71 
11,236 

46 
4,530 

50 
5 

62 
4,693 

– 
9,493 

– 
– 

80 
9,573 

– 
– 

959 
– 

28 
987 

– 
872 

1,500 
– 

41 
2,413 

6 
44 

74 
5 

– 
129 

3 
700 

43 
– 

2 
748 

– 
(689)

(22)
(5)

(43)
(759)

– 
(205)

(48)
(1)

(41)
(295)

As described above, all derivative financial instruments are entered into for risk management purposes, although these may not  
be designated into hedging relationships for accounting purposes.

CURRENCY ANALYSIS 
Derivative financial instruments related to foreign exchange risks are denominated in the following currencies: 

Currencies purchased forward

Sterling
£m

US dollar
£m

Euro
£m

Other
£m

Total
£m

– 
16,659 
150 
167 

– 
15,936 
4 
22 

429 
– 
61 
9 

429 
– 
– 
23 

– 
2,014 
– 
114 

– 
2,036 
– 
75 

199 
938 
185 
10 

10 
913 
249 
3 

628 
19,611 
396 
300 

439 
18,885 
253 
123 

At 31 December 2014
Currencies sold forward:
  Sterling
  US dollar
  Euro
  Other
At 31 December 2013
Currencies sold forward:
  Sterling
  US dollar
  Euro
  Other

132

Financial StatementsRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED17  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED

Other derivative financial instruments are denominated in the following currencies:

Sterling
US dollar
Euro

2014
£m 
877 
292 
584 

2013
£m 
880 
300 
637 

Non-derivative financial instruments are denominated in the following currencies:

Sterling
£m

US dollar
£m

Euro
£m

Other
£m

Total
£m

At 31 December 2014
Unlisted non-current investments
Trade receivables and similar items
Other non-derivative financial assets
Short-term investments
Cash and cash equivalents
Assets
Borrowings
Financial RRSAs
C Shares
Trade payables and similar items
Other non-derivative financial liabilities
Liabilities

At 31 December 2013
Unlisted non-current investments
Trade receivables and similar items
Other non-derivative financial assets
Short-term investments
Cash and cash equivalents
Assets
Borrowings
Exercise price of put option on NCI
Financial RRSAs
C Shares
Trade payables and similar items
Other non-derivative financial liabilities
Liabilities

– 
232 
400 
– 
513 
1,145 
(1,341)
– 
(22)
(1,489)
(248)
(3,100)
(1,955)

– 
199 
289 
282 
1,619 
2,389 
(1,490)
– 
– 
(16)
(1,501)
(208)
(3,215)
(826)

– 
1,180 
53 
– 
1,404 
2,637 
(101)
(97)
– 
(887)
(333)
(1,418)
1,219 

– 
995 
48 
– 
1,080 
2,123 
(55)
– 
(114)
– 
(641)
(328)
(1,138)
985 

30 
479 
101 
– 
619 
1,229 
(819)
(48)
– 
(545)
(161)
(1,573)
(344)

26 
829 
89 
4 
980 
1,928 
(826)
(1,858)
(53)
– 
(653)
(158)
(3,548)
(1,620)

1 
90 
117 
7 
326 
541 
– 
– 
– 
(128)
(89)
(217)
324 

1 
95 
101 
35 
311 
543 
– 
– 
– 
–
(194)
(112)
(306)
237 

31 
1,981 
671 
7 
2,862 
5,552 
(2,261)
(145)
(22)
(3,049)
(831)
(6,308)
(756)

27 
2,118 
527 
321 
3,990 
6,983 
(2,371)
(1,858)
(167)
(16)
(2,989)
(806)
(8,207)
(1,224)

133

Financial Statements17  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED

CURRENCY EXPOSURES
The Group’s actual currency exposures after taking account of derivative foreign currency contracts, which are not designated as hedging 
instruments for accounting purposes, are as follows:

Functional currency of Group operations
At 31 December 2014
Sterling
US dollar
Euro
Other
At 31 December 2013
Sterling1
US dollar
Euro
Other

Sterling
£m

US dollar
£m

Euro
£m

Other
£m

Total
£m

– 
(2)
2 
5 

– 
8 
(1)
(5)

28 
– 
5 
19 

13 
–
(2)
41 

2 
(1)
– 
6 

(1,855)
– 
– 
(11)

35 
8 
11 
1 

12 
7 
– 
(4)

65 
5 
18 
31 

(1,830)
15 
(3)
21 

1   Included in the 2013 £1,855m liability euro currency exposure was a liability of £1,858m relating to the put option on Daimler’s interest in Rolls-Royce Power Systems Holding GmbH 

– see page 130.

AGEING BEYOND CONTRACTUAL DUE DATE OF FINANCIAL ASSETS
The ageing beyond contractual due date of the Group’s financial assets is:

Up to
three
months
overdue
£m

Between
three
months and
one year
overdue
£m

More than
one year
overdue
£m

– 
206 
4 
– 
– 
– 
210 

– 
240 
1 
– 
– 
– 
241 

– 
104 
– 
– 
– 
– 
104 

– 
90 
1 
– 
– 
– 
91 

– 
14 
– 
– 
– 
– 
14 

– 
19 
2 
– 
– 
– 
21 

Within
terms
£m

31 
1,657 
667 
129 
7 
2,862 
5,353 

27 
1,769 
523 
748 
321 
3,990 
7,378 

Total
£m

31 
1,981 
671 
129 
7 
2,862 
5,681 

27 
2,118 
527 
748 
321 
3,990 
7,731 

At 31 December 2014
Unlisted non-current asset investments
Trade receivables and similar items
Other non-derivative financial assets
Derivative financial assets
Short-term investments
Cash and cash equivalents

At 31 December 2013
Unlisted non-current asset investments
Trade receivables and similar items
Other non-derivative financial assets
Derivative financial assets
Short-term investments
Cash and cash equivalents

134

Financial StatementsRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED17  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED

CONTRACTUAL MATURITY ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL LIABILITIES 

At 31 December 2014
Borrowings
Derivative financial liabilities
Financial RRSAs
C Shares
Trade payables and similar items
Other non-derivative financial liabilities

At 31 December 2013
Borrowings
Derivative financial liabilities
Exercise price of put option on NCI
Financial RRSAs
C Shares
Trade payables and similar items
Other non-derivative financial liabilities

Gross values

Between
one and
two years
£m

Between
two and
five years
£m

After
five years
£m

Discounting
£m

Carrying
Value
£m

(385)
(115)
(19)
– 
(32)
(95)
(646)

(140)
(76)
– 
(34)
– 
(17)
(28)
(295)

(214)
(324)
(72)
– 
(2)
(20)
(632)

(609)
(146)
– 
(65)
– 
– 
(16)
(836)

(1,880)
(181)
(52)
– 
(3)
(66)
(2,182)

(1,894)
(90)
– 
(75)
– 
– 
(11)
(2,070)

366 
35 
15 
– 
– 
– 
416 

562 
104 
– 
40 
– 
– 
– 
706 

(2,261)
(759)
(145)
(22)
(3,049)
(831)
(7,067)

(2,371)
(295)
(1,858)
(167)
(16)
(2,989)
(806)
(8,502)

Within
one year
£m

(148)
(174)
(17)
(22)
(3,012)
(650)
(4,023)

(290)
(87)
(1,858)
(33)
(16)
(2,972)
(751)
(6,007)

INTEREST RATE RISK
In respect of income earning financial assets and interest bearing financial liabilities, the following table indicates their effective interest 
rates and the periods in which they reprice. The value shown is the carrying amount.

At 31 December 2014
Short-term investments1
Cash and cash equivalents2
Unsecured bank loans
Other borrowings
Interest rate swaps
£200m floating rate loan
£200m floating rate loan
€125m fixed rate loan
€75m fixed rate loan
€50m fixed rate loan
Unsecured bond issues

73/8% Notes 2016 £200m
6.55% Notes 2015 US$83m
Effect of interest rate swaps
6.75% Notes 2019 £500m
Effect of interest rate swaps
2.125% Notes 2021 €750m
Effect of interest rate swaps
3.375% Notes 2026 £375m
Effect of interest rate swaps
Other secured
Obligations under finance leases

Effective 
interest rate

5.8156%
GBP LIBOR + 0.267
GBP LIBOR + 1.26
2.6000%
2.0600%
2.3500%

7.3750%
6.5500%
USD LIBOR + 1.24
6.7500%
GBP LIBOR + 2.9824
2.1250%
GBP LIBOR + 0.7005
3.3750%
GBP LIBOR + 0.8930

4.1089%

Total
£m
7 
2,862 

(12)
– 
– 
(200)
(97)
(59)
(36)

(200)
(55)
– 
(547)
– 
(615)
– 
(395)
– 

(45)
608 

1  Interest on the short-term investments are at fixed rates.
2  Cash and cash equivalents comprises bank balances and demand deposits and earns interest at rates based on daily deposit rates.

Period in which interest  
rate reprices

6 months
or less
£m
5 
2,862 

6-12 months
£m
2 
– 

(1)
2 
– 
(200)
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
(55)
– 
(547)
– 
(615)
– 
(395)

(1)

– 
(2)
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
(55)
55 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

(1)

135

Financial Statements17  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED

At 31 December 2013
Short-term investments1
Cash and cash equivalents2
Unsecured bank loans
Other borrowings
Interest rate swaps
£200m floating rate loan
£200m floating rate loan
€125m fixed rate loan
€75m fixed rate loan
€50m fixed rate loan
Unsecured bond issues

73/8% Notes 2016 £200m
6.55% Notes 2015 US$83m
Effect of interest rate swaps
6.75% Notes 2019 £500m
Effect of interest rate swaps
2.125% Notes 2021 €750m
Effect of interest rate swaps
3.375% Notes 2026 £375m
Effect of interest rate swaps
Other secured
Obligations under finance leases

Period in which interest  
rate reprices

Effective 
interest rate

Total
£m
321 
3,990 

6 months
or less
£m
318 
3,990 

5.3225%
GBP LIBOR + 0.267
GBP LIBOR + 1.26
2.6000%
2.0600%
2.3500%

7.3750%
6.5500%
USD LIBOR + 1.24
6.7500%
GBP LIBOR + 2.9824
2.1250%
GBP LIBOR + 0.7005
3.3750%
GBP LIBOR + 0.8930

(10)
– 
(200)
(200)
(104)
(63)
(42)

(200)
(55)
– 
(535)
– 
(611)
– 
(350)
– 

5.0000%

(1)
1,940 

(5)
5 
(200)
(200)
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
(55)
– 
(535)
– 
(611)
– 
(350)

(1)

6-12 months
£m
3 
– 
–
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

1  Interest on the short-term investments are at fixed rates.
2  Cash and cash equivalents comprises bank balances and demand deposits and earns interest at rates based on daily deposit rates.

Some of the Group’s borrowings are subject to the Group meeting certain obligations, including customary financial covenants. If the 
Group fails to meet its obligations these arrangements give rights to the lenders, upon agreement, to accelerate repayment of the 
facilities. There are no rating triggers contained in any of the Group’s facilities that could require the Group to accelerate or repay any 
facility for a given movement in the Group’s credit rating. 

In addition, the Group has £1,277 million of undrawn committed borrowing facilities (2013 £1,250 million) expiring after two years.

SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS

Sensitivities at 31 December (all other variables held constant) – impact on profit after tax and equity
Sterling 10% weaker against the US dollar
Sterling 10% stronger against the US dollar
Euro 10% weaker against the US dollar
Euro 10% stronger against the US dollar
Sterling 10% weaker against the Euro
Sterling 10% stronger against the Euro
Commodity prices 10% lower
Commodity prices 10% higher

2014
£m
(1,336)
1,093 
(147)
123 
15 
(12)
(15)
15 

2013
£m
(1,177)
963 
(128)
100 
(95)
78 
(16)
16 

At 31 December 2014 the Group had no material sensitivity to changes in interest rates on that date. The main interest rate sensitivity for  
the Group arises as a result of the gross up of net cash and this is mitigated as described under the interest rate risk management policies  
on page 131.

136

Financial StatementsRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED17  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED

C SHARES AND PAYMENTS TO SHAREHOLDERS
The Company issues non-cumulative redeemable preference shares (C Shares) as an alternative to paying a cash dividend. C Shares  
in respect of a year are issued in the following year. Shareholders are able to redeem any number of their C Shares for cash. Any C Shares 
retained attract a dividend of 75% of LIBOR on the 0.1p nominal value of each share, paid on a twice-yearly basis, and have limited voting 
rights. The Company has the option to compulsorily redeem the C Shares, at any time, if the aggregate number of C Shares in issue is less 
than 10% of the aggregate number of C Shares issued, or on the acquisition or capital restructuring of the Company.

Movements in the C Shares during the year were as follows:

Issued and fully paid
At 1 January
Issued
Redeemed
At 31 December

2014

2013

Millions

16,286 
413,669 
(407,950)
22,005 

Nominal
value
£m

16 
414 
(408)
22 

Millions

10,418 
366,041 
(360,173)
16,286 

Nominal
value
£m

10 
366 
(360)
16 

Payments to shareholders in respect of the year represent the value of C Shares to be issued in respect of the results for the year.  
Issues of C Shares were declared as follows: 

2014

2013

Interim
Final

18  PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES AND CHARGES

Warranty and guarantees
Contract loss
Restructuring
Customer financing
Insurance
Other

Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities

Exchange
differences
£m
(18)
(1)
1 
– 
– 
(3)
(21)

Disposals
 of
businesses
£m
(14)
(11)
– 
– 
– 
(9)
(34)

At
1 January
2014
£m
419 
67 
25 
73 
62 
87 
733 
348 
385 

Pence
per share
9.0 
14.1 

23.1 

Unused
 amounts
reversed
£m
(27)
(9)
– 
(34)
(13)
(13)
(96)

£m
170 
265 

435 

Pence
per share
8.6 
13.4 

22.0 

£m
162 
252 

414

Charged to
income
statement
£m
181
16 
121 
15 
35 
76 
444

Utilised
£m
(115)
(21)
(25)
(7)
(19)
(32)
(219)

At
31 December
2014
£m
426 
41 
122 
47 
65 
106 
807 
433 
374 

Provisions for warranties and guarantees primarily relate to products sold and generally cover a period of up to three years.

Provisions for contract loss and restructuring are generally expected to be utilised within two years. 

In connection with the sale of its products the Group will, on some occasions, provide financing support for its customers – generally  
in respect of civil aircraft. The Group’s commitments relating to these financing arrangements are spread over many years, relate  
to a number of customers and a broad product portfolio and are generally secured on the asset subject to the financing. These include 
commitments of US$1.8 billion to provide borrowing facilities to enable customers to purchase aircraft (of which approximately 
US$300 million could be called in 2015). These facilities may only be used if the customer is unable to obtain financing elsewhere and  
are priced at a premium to the market rate. Consequently the directors do not consider that there is a significant exposure arising from  
the provision of these facilities.

137

Financial Statements18  PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES AND CHARGES CONTINUED

Customer financing provisions cover guarantees provided for asset value and/or financing. These guarantees, the risks arising and the 
process used to assess the extent of the risk are described under the heading ‘Customer financing’ in the Financial Review on page 31.  
It is estimated that the provision will be utilised as follows:

Potential claims with specific claim dates:

In one year or less
In more than one year but less than five years
In more than five years

Potential claims that may arise at any time up to the date of expiry of the guarantee:
  Up to one year

2014
£m

2013
£m

32 
11 
4 

– 
47 

29 
38 
5 

1 
73 

Commitments on delivered aircraft in excess of the amounts provided are shown in the table below. These are reported on a discounted 
basis at the Group’s borrowing rate to reflect better the time span over which these exposures could arise. These amounts do not represent 
values that are expected to crystallise. The commitments are denominated in US dollars. As the Group does not generally adopt cash flow 
hedge accounting for future foreign exchange transactions, this amount is reported, together with the sterling equivalent at the reporting 
date spot rate. The values of aircraft providing security are based on advice from a specialist aircraft appraiser.

Gross commitments
Value of security1
Indemnities
Net commitments
Net commitments with security reduced by 20%2
1  Security includes unrestricted cash collateral of:

2014

2013

£m
388 
(245)
(84)
59 
90 
42 

$m
605 
(382)
(132)
91 
140 
66 

£m
356 
(217)
(80)
59 
78 
50 

$m
589 
(360)
(132)
97 
129 
83 

2  Although sensitivity calculations are complex, the reduction of relevant security by 20% illustrates the sensitivity to changes in this assumption.

There are also commitments in respect of undelivered aircraft, but it is not considered practicable to estimate these, as deliveries  
can be many years in the future, and the relevant financing will only be put in place at the appropriate time.

The Group’s captive insurance company retains a portion of the exposures it insures on behalf of the remainder of the Group. Significant 
delays occur in the notification and settlement of claims and judgement is involved in assessing outstanding liabilities, the ultimate cost 
and timing of which cannot be known with certainty at the balance sheet date. The insurance provisions are based on information 
currently available, however it is inherent in the nature of the business that ultimate liabilities may vary. Provisions for outstanding  
claims are established to cover the outstanding expected liability as well as claims incurred but not yet reported.

Other provisions comprise a number of liabilities with varying expected utilisation rates.

138

Financial StatementsRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED 
 
 
19  POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS

The Group operates a number of defined benefit and defined contribution schemes.

UK defined benefit schemes are funded, with the assets held in separate trustee administered funds. Employees are entitled  
to retirement benefits based on either their final or career average salaries and length of service.

Overseas defined benefit schemes are a mixture of funded and unfunded plans and provide benefits in line with local practice. 
Additionally in the US, and to a lesser extent in some other countries, the Group’s employment practices include the provision of 
healthcare and life insurance benefits for retired employees. These schemes are unfunded.

The valuations of the defined benefit schemes are based on the most recent funding valuations, where relevant, updated by the scheme 
actuaries to 31 December 2014.

The defined benefit schemes expose the Group to actuarial risks such as longevity, interest rate, inflation and investment risks. In the UK, 
and in the principal US pension schemes, the Group has adopted investment policies to mitigate some of these risks. This involves 
investing a significant proportion of the schemes’ assets in liability driven investment (LDI) portfolios, which hold investments designed to 
offset interest rate and inflation rate risks. In addition, in the UK, the Rolls-Royce Pension Fund has invested in a longevity swap, which is 
designed to offset longevity risks in respect of existing pensioners.

AMOUNTS RECOGNISED IN THE INCOME STATEMENT

Defined benefit schemes:
Current service cost and administrative expenses
Past-service (credit)/cost

Defined contribution schemes1
Operating cost
Net financing (income)/charge in respect of defined benefit schemes
Total income statement charge

UK
schemes
£m

2014

Overseas
schemes
£m

156 
(18)
138 
32 
170 
(11)
159 

45 
(13)
32 
97 
129 
40 
169 

UK
schemes
£m

2013

Overseas
schemes
£m

153 
66 
219 
30 
249 
(12)
237 

55 
5 
60 
86 
146 
38 
184 

Total
£m

201 
(31)
170 
129 
299 
29 
328 

1 The 2013 reported figures did not include defined contribution costs for Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG.

The operating cost is charged as follows:

Cost of sales – included in underlying profit
Commercial and administrative costs
Research and development

Discontinued operations

Defined benefit

Defined contribution

Total

2014
£m
117 
21 
27 
165 
5 
170 

2013
£m
141 
104 
28 
273 
6 
279 

2014
£m
84 
23 
17 
124 
5 
129 

2013
£m
74 
23 
14 
111 
5 
116 

2014
£m
201 
44 
44 
289 
10 
299 

Total
£m

208 
71 
279 
116 
395 
26 
421 

2013
£m
215 
127 
42 
384 
11 
395 

139

Financial Statements19  POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS CONTINUED

The Group operates a PaySave scheme in the UK. This is a salary sacrifice scheme under which employees elect to stop making employee 
contributions and the Group makes additional contributions in return for a reduction in gross contractual pay. As a result, there is a 
decrease in wages and salaries and a corresponding increase in pension costs of £35 million (2013 £37 million) in the year. 

Net financing comprises:

Financing on scheme obligations
Financing on scheme assets
Financing on unrecognised surpluses and minimum funding liability
Net financing (income)/charge in respect of defined benefit schemes
Financing income on scheme surpluses
Financing costs on scheme deficits

UK
schemes
£m
390 
(427)
26 
(11)
(13)
2 

AMOUNTS RECOGNISED IN OCI IN RESPECT OF DEFINED BENEFIT SCHEMES

Actuarial gains and losses arising from demographic assumptions
Actuarial gains and losses arising from financial assumptions
Actuarial gains and losses arising from experience adjustments
Return on scheme assets excluding financing income
Movement in unrecognised surplus and related finance cost
Movement in minimum funding liability and related finance cost

UK
schemes
£m
23
(1,099)
(343) 
2,258 
513 
47 
1,399 

2014

Overseas
schemes
£m
64 
(24)
– 
40 
– 
40 

2014

Overseas
schemes
£m
(17)
(228)
(17)
55 
– 
– 
(207)

AMOUNTS RECOGNISED IN THE BALANCE SHEET IN RESPECT OF DEFINED BENEFIT SCHEMES

Present value of funded obligations
Fair value of scheme assets
Net asset/(liability) on funded schemes
Present value of unfunded obligations
Unrecognised surplus1
Minimum funding liability2
Net asset/(liability) recognised in the balance sheet
Post-retirement scheme surpluses
Post-retirement scheme deficits

UK
schemes
£m
(10,606)
12,341 
1,735 
– 
– 
– 
1,735 
1,735 
– 

2014

Overseas
schemes
£m
(664)
593 
(71)
(1,109)
– 
– 
(1,180)
5 
(1,185)

UK
schemes
£m
371 
(431)
48 
(12)
(16)
4 

UK
schemes
£m
(87)
(200)
65 
(363)
407 
133 
(45)

UK
schemes
£m
(9,046)
9,776 
730 
– 
(488)
(46)
196 
242 
(46)

2013

Overseas
schemes
£m
59 
(21)
–
38 
(1)
39 

2013

Overseas
schemes
£m
(12)
116 
31 
(42)
– 
– 
93 

2013

Overseas
schemes
£m
(558)
504 
(54)
(935)
– 
– 
(989)
6 
(995)

Total
£m
454 
(451)
26 
29 
(13)
42 

Total
£m
6
(1,327)
(360) 
2,313 
513 
47 
1,192 

Total
£m
(11,270)
12,934 
1,664 
(1,109)
– 
– 
555 
1,740 
(1,185)

Total
£m
430 
(452)
48 
26 
(17)
43 

Total
£m
(99)
(84)
96 
(405)
407 
133 
48 

Total
£m
(9,604)
10,280 
676 
(935)
(488)
(46)
(793)
248 
(1,041)

1   Where a surplus has arisen on a scheme, in accordance with IAS 19 and IFRIC 14, the surplus is recognised as an asset only if it represents an unconditional economic benefit available 

to the Group in the future. Any surplus in excess of this benefit is not recognised in the balance sheet. During 2014, the rules of one scheme were amended, which removed the 
restriction on recognising the surplus.

2   A minimum funding liability arises where the statutory funding requirements require future contributions in respect of past service that will result in a future unrecognisable surplus.

Overseas schemes are located in the following countries:

Canada
Germany
US pension schemes
US healthcare schemes
Other
Net asset/(liability) recognised in the balance sheet

Assets
£m
160 
– 
414 
– 
19 
593 

2014

Obligations
£m
(208)
(592)
(508)
(423)
(42)
(1,773)

Net
£m
(48)
(592)
(94)
(423)
(23)
(1,180)

Assets
£m
135 
– 
347 
– 
22 
504 

2013

Obligations
£m
(181)
(500)
(420)
(352)
(40)
(1,493)

Net
£m
(46)
(500)
(73)
(352)
(18)
(989)

140

Financial StatementsRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED19  POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS CONTINUED

DEFINED BENEFIT SCHEMES
ASSUMPTIONS
Significant actuarial assumptions for UK schemes (weighted average by size of the obligation) used at the balance sheet date were 
as follows: 

UK schemes
Discount rate
Inflation assumption (RPI)1
Rate of increase in salaries
Male life expectancy from age 65 – current pensioner

1  The Consumer Price Index is assumed to be 1.1% lower.

– future pensioner currently aged 45

2014
3.6%
3.2%
4.2%
22.5 years 
24.1 years 

2013
4.4%
3.5%
4.5%
22.5 years
24.2 years

Discount rates are determined by reference to the market yields on AA rated corporate bonds. The rate is determined by using the profile 
of forecast benefit payments to derive a weighted average discount rate from the yield curve. In prior years, only bonds with an average  
AA rating by the three main agencies were included. The population of such bonds has reduced and limited the reliability of the derived 
yield curve, consequently this has been changed so that bonds rated AA by at least one agency are included. The impact of this change  
is to increase the discount rate at 31 December 2014 by approximately 0.3%.

The inflation assumption is determined by the market implied assumption based on the yields on long-term indexed linked government 
securities and increases in salaries are based on actual experience, allowing for promotion, of the real increase above inflation.

The mortality assumptions adopted for the UK pension schemes are derived from the SAP actuarial tables, with future improvements  
in line with the CMI 2014 core projections and long-term improvements of 1.25%. Where appropriate, these are adjusted to take account  
of the relevant scheme’s actual experience. 

Other assumptions have been set on advice from the relevant actuary, having regard to the latest trends in scheme experience and the 
assumptions used in the most recent funding valuation. The rate of increase of pensions in payment is based on the rules of the relevant 
scheme, combined with the inflation assumption where the increase is capped. 

Assumptions for overseas schemes are less significant and are based on advice from local actuaries. The principal assumptions are:

Overseas schemes
Discount rate
Inflation assumption 
Long-term healthcare cost trend rate
Male life expectancy from age 65 – current pensioner

– future pensioner currently aged 45

2014
3.3%
2.2%
5.0%
21.1 years 
23.3 years 

2013
4.5%
2.3%
3.7%
19.6 years
20.7 years

141

Financial Statements 
 
UK
schemes
£m
(9,046)
– 
(151)
18 
(390)
(4)
376 
– 
10 
(1,419)
– 
– 
(10,606)
(10,606)
– 

(4,170)
(2,009)
(4,427)
17 

UK
schemes
£m
9,776 
– 
(5)
427 
2,258 
257 
4 
(376)
– 
– 
12,341 
2,685 

2014

Overseas
schemes
£m
(1,493)
(7)
(44)
16 
(63)
(5)
71 
– 
16 
(266)
6 
(4)
(1,773)
(664)
(1,109)

(974)
(97)
(702)
16 

2014

Overseas
schemes
£m
504 
18 
(1)
24 
55 
65 
5 
(71)
– 
(6)
593 
79 

Total
£m
(10,539)
(7)
(195)
34 
(453)
(9)
447 
– 
26 
(1,685)
6 
(4)
(12,379)
(11,270)
(1,109)

(5,144)
(2,106)
(5,129)
17 

Total
£m
10,280 
18 
(6)
451 
2,313 
322 
9 
(447)
– 
(6)
12,934 
2,764 

UK
schemes
£m
(8,569)
– 
(147)
(66)
(371)
(4)
334 
(1)
– 
(222)
– 
– 
(9,046)
(9,046)
– 

(3,492)
(1,647)
(3,907)
16 

UK
schemes
£m
9,794 
– 
(6)
431 
(363)
249 
4 
(334)
1 
– 
9,776 
68 

2013

Overseas
schemes
£m
(1,178)
16 
(53)
(4)
(59)
(4)
63 
(402)
– 
134 
– 
(6)
(1,493)
(558)
(935)

(849)
(74)
(570)
13 

2013

Overseas
schemes
£m
534 
(19)
(2)
21 
(42)
66 
4 
(63)
5 
– 
504 
(21)

Total
£m
(9,747)
16 
(200)
(70)
(430)
(8)
397 
(403)
– 
(88)
– 
(6)
(10,539)
(9,604)
(935)

(4,341)
(1,721)
(4,477)
16 

Total
£m
10,328 
(19)
(8)
452 
(405)
315 
8 
(397)
6 
– 
10,280 
47 

19  POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS CONTINUED

CHANGES IN PRESENT VALUE OF DEFINED BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS

At 1 January
Exchange differences
Current service cost
Past-service cost
Finance cost
Contributions by employees
Benefits paid out
Acquisition of businesses
Disposal of businesses
Actuarial (losses)/gains
Settlement curtailment
Other movements
At 31 December
Funded schemes
Unfunded schemes

The defined benefit obligations are in respect of:
  Active plan participants
  Deferred plan participants
  Pensioners
Weighted average duration of obligations (years)

CHANGES IN FAIR VALUE OF SCHEME ASSETS

At 1 January
Exchange differences
Administrative expenses
Financing
Return on plan assets excluding financing
Contributions by employer
Contributions by employees
Benefits paid out
Acquisition of businesses
Settlements/curtailment
At 31 December
Total return on scheme assets

142

Financial StatementsRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED19  POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS CONTINUED

FAIR VALUE OF SCHEME ASSETS AT 31 DECEMBER

Sovereign debt
Derivatives on sovereign debt
Corporate debt instruments
Interest rate swaps
Inflation swaps
Cash and similar instruments
Liability driven investment (LDI) portfolios1
Longevity swap2
Listed equities
Unlisted equities
Sovereign debt
Corporate debt instruments
Cash
Other
At 31 December

UK
schemes
£m
7,282 
(2,622)
2,053 
4,218 
(360)
193 
10,764 
10 
787 
216 
105 
15 
166 
278 
12,341 

2014

Overseas
schemes
£m
167 
2 
237 
– 
– 
127 
533 
– 
3 
– 
4 
– 
32 
21 
593 

UK
schemes
£m
5,929 
(987)
1,045 
1,361 
(13)
257 
7,592 
3 
994 
172 
215 
540 
253 
7 
9,776 

2013

Overseas
schemes
£m
231 
2 
190 
– 
– 
44 
467 
– 
3 
– 
4 
4 
4 
22 
504 

Total
£m
7,449 
(2,620)
2,290 
4,218 
(360)
320 
11,297 
10 
790 
216 
109 
15 
198 
299 
12,934 

Total
£m
6,160 
(985)
1,235 
1,361 
(13)
301 
8,059 
3 
997 
172 
219 
544 
257 
29 
10,280 

1   A portfolio of gilt and swap contracts, backed by LIBOR generating assets, that is designed to hedge the majority of the interest rate and inflation risks associated with the schemes’ 

obligations.

2   Under the longevity swap, the Rolls-Royce Pension Fund (RRPF) has agreed an average life expectancy of pensioners with a counterparty. If pensioners live longer than expected the 

counterparty will make payments to the RRPF to offset the additional cost of paying pensioners. If the reverse applies the cost of paying pensioners will be reduced but the scheme will 
be required to make payments to the counterparty. The longevity swap is valued on an external fair market basis, rather than using the same assumptions as used for the valuation of 
the scheme’s liabilities. 

The scheme assets do not include any of the Group’s own financial instruments, nor any property occupied by, or other assets used by, the 
Group. The longevity swap is valued by the scheme actuaries based on the difference between the agreed longevity assumptions at 
inception and actual longevity experience. All other fair values are provided by the fund managers. Where available, the fair values are 
quoted prices (eg listed equity, sovereign debt and corporate bonds). Unlisted investments (private equity) are included at values provided 
by the fund manager in accordance with relevant guidance. Other significant assets are valued based on observable inputs such as yield 
curves.

MOVEMENTS IN UNRECOGNISED SURPLUS AND MINIMUM FUNDING LIABILITY

At 1 January
Movements in unrecognised surplus through OCI
Movements in minimum funding liability through OCI
Related finance costs
At 31 December

UK
schemes
£m
(534)
513 
47 
(26)
– 

2014

Overseas
schemes
£m
–
– 
– 
– 
– 

Total
£m
(534)
513 
47 
(26)
– 

UK
schemes
£m
(1,026)
407 
133 
(48)
(534)

2013

Overseas
schemes
£m
–
–
–
–
–

Total
£m
(1,026)
407 
133 
(48)
(534)

FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS
The Group expects to contribute approximately £250 million to its defined benefit schemes in 2015.

In the UK, the funding is set on the basis of a triennial funding valuation by the actuaries for which the assumptions may differ from those 
above. In particular, the discount rate used to value the obligations takes account of the investment strategy, rather than being based on 
market yields of AA corporate bonds. As a result of these valuations, the Group and the scheme trustees agree a Schedule of Contributions 
(SoC), which sets out the required contributions from the employer and employees for current service. Where the scheme is in deficit, the 
SoC also includes required contributions from the employer to eliminate the deficit. The most recent agreed triennial valuations for the 
principal schemes are:

Rolls-Royce Pension Fund
Rolls-Royce Group Pension Scheme
Vickers Group Pension Scheme

Obligations at 
31 December 2014
£m
7,330 
1,779 
696 

Valuation date
31 March 2012
5 April 2013
31 March 2013

143

Financial Statements19  POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS CONTINUED

SENSITIVITIES
The calculations of the defined benefit obligations are sensitive to the assumptions set out above. The following table summarises how the 
estimated impact of a change in a significant assumption would affect the UK defined benefit obligation at 31 December 2014, while 
holding all other assumptions constant. This sensitivity analysis may not be representative of the actual change in the defined benefit 
obligation as it is unlikely that the change in assumptions would occur in isolation of one another as some of the assumptions may be 
correlated.

For the most significant funded schemes, the investment strategies are designed to hedge the risks from interest rates, inflation on an 
economic basis and in the Rolls-Royce Pension Fund in the UK, the longevity of pensioners. Where appropriate, the table also includes the 
corresponding movement in the value of the plan assets.

Reduction in the discount rate of 0.25%1

Increase in inflation of 0.25%

Increase in real increase in salaries of 0.25%
One year increase in life expectancy

Obligation
Plan assets (LDI portfolio)
Obligation
Plan assets (LDI portfolio)
Obligations
Obligations

£m
(473)
591 
(241)
209 
(95)
(250)

1   The difference between the sensitivities on obligations and plan assets arises largely due to differences in the methods used to value the obligations for accounting and economic 

purposes. On an economic basis the correlation is approximately 96%.

20  SHARE CAPITAL

Issued and fully paid
At 1 January 2013
Proceeds from shares issued for share option schemes

At 31 December 2013
Shares issued to share trust
Purchase and cancellation of ordinary shares
At 31 December 2014

Non-equity

Equity

Special
Share
of £1

Nominal
value
£m

Ordinary 
shares
of 20p each 
Millions

Nominal
value
£m

1 
–

1
–
–
1

– 
–

–
–
–
–

1,872 
8

1,880
10
(8)
1,882

374 
2

376
2
(2)
376

The rights attaching to each class of share are set out on page 162.

In accordance with IAS 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation, the Company’s non-cumulative redeemable preference shares (C Shares) are 
classified as financial liabilities. Accordingly, movements in C Shares are included in note 17.

144

Financial StatementsRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED21  SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS

EFFECT OF SHARE-BASED PAYMENT TRANSACTIONS ON THE GROUP’S RESULTS AND FINANCIAL POSITION

Total charge recognised for equity-settled share-based payments transactions
Total (credit)/charge recognised for cash-settled share-based payments transactions
Share-based payments recognised in the consolidated income statement
Liability for cash-settled share-based payment transactions

2014
£m 
26 
(5)
21 
13 

2013
£m 
61 
18 
79 
19 

A description of the share-based payment plans is included in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 77 to 89.

MOVEMENTS IN THE GROUP’S SHARE-BASED PAYMENT PLANS DURING THE YEAR

ShareSave

ESOP

PSP

APRA

Outstanding at 1 January 2013
Granted
Additional entitlements arising from TSR performance
Additional shares accrued from reinvestment of C Shares
Forfeited
Exercised
Outstanding at 1 January 2014
Granted
Additional entitlements arising from TSR performance
Additional shares accrued from reinvestment of C Shares
Forfeited
Exercised
Outstanding at 31 December 2014
Exercisable at 31 December 2014
Exercisable at 31 December 2013

Weighted 
average 
exercise price
Pence
77
–
–
–
–
77
–

Number
Millions
0.1 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(0.1)
– 

Weighted
 average 
exercise price
Pence
447
961
–
–
483
404
660
– 
– 
– 
775 
487 
660 
–
– 

Number
Millions
26.8 
10.0 
– 
– 
(0.6)
(10.2)
26.0 
– 
– 
– 
(1.0)
(0.5)
24.5 
– 
– 

Number
Millions
14.0 
2.8 
0.6 
– 
(0.6)
(4.8)
12.0 
2.9 
0.5 
– 
(1.2)
(4.4)
9.8 
–
– 

Number
Millions
4.0 
1.6 
– 
0.1 
(0.1)
(2.5)
3.1 
1.1 
– 
0.1 
(0.2)
(1.7)
2.4 
–
– 

As share options are exercised throughout the year, the weighted average share price during the year of 1013p (2013 1123p) is 
representative of the weighted average share price at the date of exercise. The closing price at 31 December 2014 was 870p (2013 1275p).

FAIR VALUES OF SHARE-BASED PAYMENT PLANS
The weighted average fair value per share of equity-settled share-based payment plans granted during the year, estimated at the date of 
grant, are as follows:

PSP – 25% TSR uplift
PSP – 50% TSR uplift
ShareSave – 3 year grant
ShareSave – 5 year grant
APRA

2014
1105p 
1227p 
n/a 
n/a 
984p 

2013
1128p 
1254p 
287p 
349p 
1027p 

PSP
The fair value of shares awarded under the PSP is calculated using a pricing model that takes account of the non-entitlement to dividends 
(or equivalent) during the vesting period and the market-based performance condition based on expectations about volatility and the 
correlation of share price returns in the group of FTSE 100 companies and which incorporates into the valuation the interdependency 
between share price performance and TSR vesting. This adjustment increases the fair value of the award relative to the share price at the 
date of grant.

SHARESAVE
The fair value of the options granted under the ShareSave plan is calculated using a binomial pricing model that assumes that participants 
will exercise their options at the beginning of the six-month window if the share price is greater than the exercise price. Otherwise it 
assumes that options are held until the expiration of their contractual term. This results in an expected life that falls somewhere between 
the start and end of the exercise window.

APRA
The fair value of shares awarded under APRA is calculated as the share price on the date of the award, excluding expected dividends (or 
equivalent).

145

Financial Statements22  LEASES

OPERATING LEASES

LEASES AS LESSEE

Rentals paid  – hire of plant and machinery

– hire of other assets

Non-cancellable operating lease rentals are payable as follows:
Within one year
Between one and five years
After five years

LEASES AS LESSOR

Rentals received – credited within revenue from aftermarket services
Non-cancellable operating lease rentals are receivable as follows:
Within one year
Between one and five years
After five years

2014
£m
123 
75 

182 
542 
438 
1,162 

2014
£m 
15 

16 
30 
13 
59 

2013
£m
134 
55 

179 
545 
507 
1,231 

2013
£m 
56 

19 
48 
23 
90 

The Group acts as lessee and lessor for both land and buildings and gas turbine engines, and acts as lessee for some plant and equipment.

•  Sublease payments of £1 million (2013 £1 million) and sublease receipts of £12 million (2013 £27 million) were recognised in the income 

statement in the year.

•  Purchase options exist on aero engines, land and buildings and plant and equipment with the period to the purchase option date 

varying between one to eight years.

•  Renewal options exist on aero engines, land and buildings and plant and equipment with the period to the renewal option varying 

between one to 42 years at terms to be negotiated upon renewal.

•  Escalation clauses exist on some leases and are linked to LIBOR.
•  The total future minimum sublease payments expected to be made are £6 million (2013 £8 million) and sublease receipts expected to be 

received are £31 million (2013 £42 million).

FINANCE LEASES

LEASES AS LESSEE

Finance lease liabilities are payable as follows:

Within one year
Between one and five years
After five years

Payments
£m
3
13
47

63

2014

Interest
£m
2
7
9

18

Principal
£m
1
6
38

45

Payments
£m
–
1
–

1

2013

Interest
£m
–
–
–

–

Principal
£m
–
1
–

1

146

Financial StatementsRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED 
23  CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Contingent liabilities in respect of customer financing commitments are described in note 18.

On 6 December 2012, the Company announced that it had passed information to the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), following a request from 
the SFO for information about allegations of malpractice in overseas markets. On 23 December 2013, the Company announced that it had 
been informed by the SFO that it had commenced a formal investigation. Since the initial announcement, the Company has continued its 
investigations and is engaging with the SFO and other authorities in the UK, the USA and elsewhere in relation to the matters of concern. 

The consequence of these disclosures will be decided by the regulatory authorities. It is too early to predict the outcomes, but these could 
include the prosecution of individuals and of the Group. Accordingly, the potential for fines, penalties or other consequences cannot 
currently be assessed. As the investigation is ongoing, it is not yet possible to identify the timescale in which these issues might be resolved.

Contingent liabilities exist in respect of guarantees provided by the Group in the ordinary course of business for product delivery, 
performance and reliability. The Group has, in the normal course of business, entered into arrangements in respect of export finance, 
performance bonds, countertrade obligations and minor miscellaneous items. Various Group undertakings are parties to legal actions  
and claims which arise in the ordinary course of business, some of which are for substantial amounts. As a consequence of the insolvency 
of an insurer as previously reported, the Group is no longer fully insured against known and potential claims from employees who worked 
for certain of the Group’s UK-based businesses for a period prior to the acquisition of those businesses by the Group. While the outcome  
of some of these matters cannot precisely be foreseen, the directors do not expect any of these arrangements, legal actions or claims, after 
allowing for provisions already made, to result in significant loss to the Group. 

The Group’s share of equity accounted entities’ contingent liabilities is £11 million (2013 £13 million).

Following the sale of the Energy business to Siemens on 1 December 2014 and further to the announcement on 19 June 2014 of a £1 billion 
share buyback, on 10 December 2014, the Company put in place an initial £250 million programme for the purchase of its ordinary shares. 
The aim of the buyback is to reduce the share capital of the Company, helping enhance returns to shareholders. In the period to 
31 December 2014, 8,215,000 shares were purchased at an average price of 840 pence, leaving a contracted commitment of £182 million. 

24  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Sales of goods and services to joint ventures and associates
Purchases of goods and services from joint ventures and associates
Operating lease payments to joint ventures and associates
Guarantees of joint ventures’ and associates’ borrowings
Dividends received from joint ventures and associates
RRSA receipts from joint ventures and associates
Other income received from joint ventures and associates

2014
£m 
2,138 
(2,544)
(81)
9 
73
2 
2 

2013
£m 
3,149 
(3,269)
(69)
7 
99 
4 
1 

The aggregated balances with joint ventures are shown in notes 13 and 16. Transactions with Group pension schemes are shown in note 19.

In the course of normal operations, related party transactions entered into by the Group have been contracted on an arms-length basis.

Key management personnel are deemed to be the directors and the members of the ELT as set out on pages 54 to 57. Remuneration for key 
management personnel is shown below:

Salaries and short-term benefits
Post-retirement schemes
Share-based payments

2014
£m 
9
1
4
14

2013
£m 
11 
1 
7 
19 

More detailed information regarding the directors’ remuneration, shareholdings, pension entitlements, share options and other long-term 
incentive plans is shown in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 76 to 85.

147

Financial Statements25  ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS

ACQUISITIONS
On 5 March 2014, the Group acquired the 50% of Gate Leasing Limited that it did not already own for US$5 million. The principal assets  
and liabilities acquired were aircraft engines (£37 million) and borrowings (£30 million).

DISPOSALS
On 1 December 2014, the Group sold its Energy business for £785 million which included a contribution to the costs of separating the 
Energy business from the Group’s continuing activities, most significantly the creation of a stand-alone IT system. In addition, Rolls-Royce 
has received a further £200 million for a 25-year licensing agreement1 granting Siemens access to relevant Rolls-Royce aero-derivative 
technology for use in the 4 to 85MW power output gas turbine range. The Energy business disposal gave rise to a cash inflow of £1,027 
million. In accordance with IFRS 5 Non-Current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations, the disposal of the Energy business has 
been accounted for as a discontinued operation. 

In addition, on 1 October 2014 the Group sold its interest in MTU Australia Pty. Limited for £24 million. The principal activity of this 
company was to hold the Group’s joint venture interest in MTU Detroit Diesel Australia Pty. Limited.

PROCEEDS
Cash consideration
Adjustments and future obligations to the purchaser
Total consideration before deferrals
Receipt of licensing agreement proceeds deferred as at 1 December 20141
Total consideration after deferrals

ASSETS AND LIABILITIES DISPOSED
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investment in joint venture
Inventory
Deposits (payments received on account)
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other payables
Provisions for liabilities and charges
Net assets disposed

PROFIT ON DISPOSAL
Profit on disposal before disposal costs and continuing obligations
Cumulative currency translation gain/(loss)
Disposal costs and continuing obligations2
Post-retirement scheme net credit3
Profit on disposal of business before tax
Tax on disposal
Profit on disposal of business after tax

RECONCILIATION TO CASH FLOW STATEMENT
Total consideration after deferrals
Adjustments, future obligations and receipt of licensing agreement proceeds deferred at 1 December 20144
Cash and cash equivalents disposed
Disposal costs paid in the year
Cash inflow per cash flow statement

Energy
(discontinued
 operation)
£m

MTU 
Australia
£m

985 
(28)
957
(58)
899

106 
187 
56 
320 
(11)
337 
4 
(253)
(34)
712 

187
32
(98)
15
136
2
138

899
158
(4)
(26)
1,027

24 
–
24
–
24

– 
– 
14 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
14 

10
(3)
(1)
–
6
–
6

24
–
–
–
24

1   The £200m licensing agreement contained £142m to provide intellectual property which has been recognised in the period, whilst £58m relating to the provision of engineering 

services and supply of parts has been deferred over a period up to 25 years.

2   Disposal costs £98m (incurred and accrued), includes costs to separate the Energy business including IT, legal and transactional fees.
3   Profit on the sale of business includes pension and other post-retirement benefit plan curtailment gains of £26m (note 19) and an accrual to settle a pension deficit that is expected  

to transfer to Siemens during 2015.

4   £58m of costs relating to future obligations to Siemens not yet incurred have been accrued and £58m relating to the licensing agreement have been deferred. In addition, the Energy 
disposal is subject to customary post-closing adjustments that are estimated to be £42m, which may include adjustments for working capital. Such adjustments may result in the 
final amounts received from the purchaser differing from the disposal proceeds above.

148

Financial StatementsRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUEDCOMPANY BALANCE SHEET
At 31 December 2014

Fixed assets
Investments – subsidiary undertakings
Debtors – amounts falling due with one year
Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings
Creditors – amounts falling due within one year
Financial liabilities
Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings
Net current assets/(liabilities)
Total assets less current liabilities

Capital and reserves
Called-up share capital
Share premium account
Merger reserve
Capital redemption reserve
Other reserve
Profit and loss account
Equity shareholders’ funds

Notes

2014
£m

2013
£m

2

3

4
5
5
5
5
5

12,015

12,000

57

–

(22)
– 
35
12,050 

376 
179 
7,789 
1,267
124 
2,315 
12,050 

(16)
(995)
(1,011)
10,989 

376 
80 
8,203 
857 
109 
1,364 
10,989 

The financial statements on pages 149 to 151 were approved by the Board on 12 February 2015 and signed on its behalf by:

JOHN RISHTON Chief Executive 

 DAVID SMITH Chief Financial Officer

Company’s registered number: 7524813

RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENTS IN SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS
For the year ended 31 December 2014

At 1 January 2014
Profit for the year
Arising on issue of ordinary shares
Purchase of ordinary shares
Issue of C Shares
Share-based payments – direct to equity
At 31 December 2014

£m
10,989 
1,500 
101 
(69)
(414)
(57)
12,050 

149

Financial Statements 
NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1  ACCOUNTING POLICIES

BASIS OF ACCOUNTING
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable UK Accounting Standards on the historical cost basis.

As permitted by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, a separate profit and loss account for the Company has not been included in 
these financial statements. As permitted by the audit fee disclosure regulations, disclosure of non-audit fees information is not included 
in respect of the Company. As permitted by FRS 1 Cash flow statements, no cash flow statement for the Company has been included. 
As permitted by FRS 8 Related party disclosures, no related party disclosures in respect of transactions between the Company and its  
wholly owned subsidiaries have been included.

INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARY UNDERTAKINGS
Investments in subsidiary undertakings are reported at cost less any amounts written off.

SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS
As described in the remuneration report on pages 78 to 80, the Company grants awards of its own shares to employees of its subsidiary 
undertakings, (see note 21 of the consolidated financial statements). The costs of share-based payments in respect of these awards are 
accounted for, by the Company, as an additional investment in its subsidiary undertakings. The costs are determined in accordance with 
FRS 20 Share-based payment. Any payments made by the subsidiary undertakings in respect of these arrangements are treated as a return 
of this investment.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
In accordance with FRS 25 Financial instruments: Presentation, the Company’s C Shares are classified as financial liabilities and held  
at amortised cost from the date of issue until redeemed. 

2  INVESTMENTS – SUBSIDIARY UNDERTAKINGS

Cost:
At 1 January 2014
Cost of share-based payments in respect of employees of subsidiary undertakings  
less receipts from subsidiaries in respect of those payments
At 31 December 2014

3  FINANCIAL LIABILITIES

C SHARES
Movements in C Shares during the year were as follows:

Issued and fully paid
At 1 January 2013
Shares issued
Shares redeemed
At 31 December 2014

The rights attaching to C Shares are set out on page 162.

£m

12,000 

15 
12,015 

C Shares
of 0.1p
Millions

Nominal
value
£m

16,286 
413,669 
(407,950)
22,005 

16 
414 
(408)
22 

150

Financial StatementsRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 20144  SHARE CAPITAL

Issued and fully paid
At 1 January 2014
Cancellation of ordinary shares
Shares issued to share trust
At 31 December 2014

Non-equity

Equity

Special
Share
of £1

Preference 
shares of 
£1 each

Nominal
value
£m

1 
–
–
1 

– 
–
–
– 

– 
–
–
– 

Ordinary
shares of
20p each
Millions

1,880 
(8)
10 
1,882 

Nominal
value
£m

376 
(2)
2 
376

The rights attaching to each class of share are set out on page 162.

In accordance with FRS 25 Financial instruments: Presentation, the Company’s non-cumulative redeemable preference shares (C Shares)  
are classified as financial liabilities. Accordingly, movements in C Shares are included in note 3.

5  MOVEMENTS IN CAPITAL AND RESERVES

At 1 January 2014
Profit for the year
Shares issued to share trust
Purchase of ordinary shares
Cancellation of ordinary shares
Issue of C Shares
Redemption of C Shares
Share-based payments – direct to equity
At 31 December 2014

Non-distributable reserves

Share
capital
£m
376 
–
2 
–
(2)
–
–
–
376 

Share 
premium
£m
80 
–
99 
–
–
–
–
–
179 

Merger 
reserve
£m
8,203 
–
–
–
–
(414)
–
–
7,789 

Capital
redemption
reserve
£m
857 
–
–
–
2
–
408 
–
1,267 

Other
reserve 1
£m
109 
–
–
–
–
–
–
15 
124 

Profit
and loss
account 
£m
1,364 
1,500 
–
(69)
–
–
(408)
(72)
2,315 

Total
£m
10,989 
1,500 
101 
(69)
–
(414)
- 
(57)
12,050 

1   The ‘Other reserve’ represents the value of share-based payments in respect of employees of subsidiary undertakings for which payment has not been received.

6  CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Where the Company enters into financial guarantee contracts to guarantee the indebtedness of other companies within its group, the 
Company considers these to be insurance arrangements, and accounts for them as such. In this respect, the Company treats the guarantee 
contract as a contingent liability until such time as it becomes probable that the Company will be required to make a payment under  
the guarantee.

At 31 December 2014, these guarantees amounted to £959 million (2013 £1 billion).

Following the sale of the Energy business to Siemens on 1 December 2014 and further to the announcement on 19 June 2014 of a £1 billion 
share buyback, on 10 December 2014, the Company put in place an initial £250 million programme for the purchase of its ordinary shares. 
The aim of the buyback is to reduce the share capital of the Company, helping enhance returns to shareholders. In the period to 
31 December 2014, 8,215,000 shares were purchased at an average price of 840 pence, leaving a contracted commitment of £182 million.

7  OTHER INFORMATION

EMOLUMENTS OF DIRECTORS
The remuneration of the directors of the Company is shown in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 76 to 85.

EMPLOYEES
The Company had no employees in 2014.

SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS
Shares in the Company have been granted to employees of the Group as part of share-based payment plans, and are charged in the 
employing company.

151

Financial StatementsSUBSIDIARIES, JOINTLY CONTROLLED ENTITIES AND ASSOCIATES

The companies listed below are indirectly held by Rolls-Royce Holdings plc except Rolls-Royce Group plc which is directly held. Each 
company’s principal place of business is its country of incorporation and the effective group interest is 100%.

In accordance with Section 410 of the Companies Act 2006, the subsidiaries, jointly controlled entities and associates are those where the 
results or financial position, in the opinion of the directors, principally affect the financial statements. A list of all related undertakings will 
be included in the Company’s annual return to Companies House.

Country of 
incorporation

Principal activity

Rolls-Royce Brasil Limitada
Rolls-Royce Canada Limited
MTU Engineering (Suzhou) Company Limited
Rolls-Royce Marine Manufacturing  
(Shanghai) Limited
Composite Technology and Applications Limited
MTU UK Limited
Rolls-Royce Controls and Data Services Limited
Rolls-Royce Group plc
Rolls-Royce International Limited
Rolls-Royce Leasing Limited
Rolls-Royce Marine Electrical Systems Limited
Rolls-Royce Marine Power Operations Limited
Rolls-Royce plc 
Rolls-Royce Power Development Limited
Rolls-Royce Power Engineering plc
Rolls-Royce Total Care Services Limited
Vinters Engineering Limited

Rolls-Royce OY AB
Rolls-Royce Civil Nuclear SAS

Rolls-Royce Technical Support SARL
L’Orange GmbH
MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH
MTU Onsite Energy GmbH
MTU Onsite Energy Systems GmbH
Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG
Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG

Nightingale Insurance Limited
MTU Hong Kong Limited
Rolls-Royce India Private Limited
Rolls-Royce Marine India Private Limited
Rolls-Royce Operations (India) Private Limited
Europea Microfusioni Aerospaziali S.p.A.
MTU Italia S.r.l.
MTU Benelux B.V.
Bergen Engines AS
Rolls-Royce Marine AS
MTU Asia Pte. Limited
Rolls-Royce Singapore Pte. Limited

MTU South Africa (Pty.) Limited
MTU Ibérica Propulsión y Energía S.L.
Rolls-Royce AB
MTU Motor Türbin Sanayi ve Tic. A.S.
Data Systems & Solutions LLC

MTU America Inc.
Optimized Systems and Solutions Inc.
PKMJ Technical Services Inc.
R. Brooks Associates Inc.
Rolls-Royce Corporation

152

Brazil
Canada
China
China

England
England
England
England
England
England
England
England
England
England
England
England
England

Finland
France

France
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany

Aero engine repair and overhaul and marine aftermarket support services
Aero engine sales, service and overhaul
Service and spare parts centre
Manufacture and supply of marine equipment and marine aftermarket 
support services
Development of aero engine fan blades and fan cases
Sale and services of off-highway diesel engines
Development and manufacture of aero engine controls and monitoring systems
Holding company
International support and commercial information services
Engine leasing
Marine electrical systems
Nuclear submarine propulsion systems
Principal UK trading company
Generation of electricity from independent power projects
Marine systems
Aero engine aftermarket support services
Production, repair and overhaul of power generation, transmission and conversion 
equipment for military and commercial activities
Manufacture of marine winches and propeller systems
Instrumentation and control systems and life-cycle management for nuclear power 
plants 
Aero engine project support
Development and production of high-pressure injection systems for diesel engines
Development, production and distribution of gas turbines and engines
Sales and service of gas engines
Manufacture and distributor of diesel-powered generating sets
Aero engine design, development and manufacture
Supplier of engines and power trains for marine propulsion, distributed power 
generation and industrial off-highway sectors 
Insurance services

Diesel engine project management and customer support
Provision of marine support services
Engineering support services
Manufacture of gas turbine engine castings
Distributor for off-highway products and after-sales service

Guernsey
Hong Kong Distributor for off-highway products and after-sales service
India
India
India
Italy
Italy
Netherlands Sales and after-sales support for diesel engines
Norway
Norway
Singapore
Singapore

Design and manufacture of medium-speed diesel engines 
Design and manufacture of ship equipment
Distributor of diesel engines and spare parts
Aero engine parts manufacturing and engine assembly and marine aftermarket 
support services

South Africa Distributor of off-highway products and after-sales service
Spain
Sweden
Turkey
US

Sales and service of transmission equipment with diesel and gas engines
Manufacture of marine propeller systems
Production of diesel engines and manufacturer of control systems
Instrumentation and control systems and life-cycle management for nuclear  
power plants
Sales and service of engines and systems
Equipment health management and advanced data management services
Civil nuclear engineering services and software solutions 
Specialist civil nuclear reactor services
Design, development and manufacture of gas turbine engines

US
US
US
US
US

Other InformationRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014Country of 
incorporation

Principal activity

Rolls-Royce Crosspointe LLC
Rolls-Royce Defense Services Inc.
Rolls-Royce Energy Systems Inc.
Rolls-Royce Engine Services – Oakland Inc.
Rolls-Royce High Temperature Composites Inc.
Rolls-Royce Marine North America Inc.

US
US
US
US
US
US

Manufacturing facility for aero engine parts
Aero engine repair and overhaul
Energy turbine generator packages 
Aero engine repair and overhaul 
Production of state-of-the-art composite materials
Design and manufacture of marine equipment and aftermarket support services

The companies listed below are indirectly held by Rolls-Royce Holdings plc. Each company’s principal place of business is its country of 
incorporation.

Shanxi North MTU Diesel Co. Ltd
Xian XR Aero Components Co Limited
Airtanker Holdings Limited
Airtanker Services Limited

Alpha Partners Leasing Limited
Genistics Holdings Limited
Rolls-Royce Snecma Limited 
TRT Limited
Turbine Surface Technologies Limited
Turbo-Union Limited

EPI Europrop International GmbH
(effective group interest held 35.5%)
EUROJET Turbo GmbH 
(effective group interest held 39%)
MTU, Turbomeca, Rolls-Royce GmbH
N3 Engine Overhaul Services GmbH & Co KG
Hong Kong Aero Engine Services Limited
International Aerospace Manufacturing Private 
Limited
Techjet Aerofoils Limited

International Engine Component Overhaul Pte 
Limited
Singapore Aero Engine Services Private Limited 
(effective group interest 39%)
Industria de Turbo Propulsores SA

Alpha Leasing (US) LLC, Alpha Leasing (US) (No.2)  
LLC, Alpha Leasing (US) (No.4) LLC, Alpha Leasing  
(US) (No.5) LLC, Alpha Leasing (US) (No.6) LLC, Alpha 
Leasing (US) (No.7) LLC, Alpha Leasing (US) (No.8)  
LLC, Rolls-Royce & Partners Finance (US) LLC,  
Rolls-Royce & Partners Finance (US) (No.2) LLC
Exostar LLC

LG Fuel Cell Systems Inc.

Texas Aero Engine Services, LLC

UNINCORPORATED

Country of 
incorporation
China
China
England
England

England
England
England
England
England
England

Germany

Class of 
shares
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary

Manufacturer of aero engine parts
Manufacturer of aero engine parts
Strategic tanker aircraft PFI project
Provision of aftermarket services for 
strategic tanker aircraft
Aero engine leasing
A ordinary
Trailer-mounted field mobile generator sets A ordinary
Aero engine collaboration
Aero engine turbine blade repair services B ordinary
B ordinary
Aero engine turbine surface coatings
Ordinary
RB199 engine collaboration
A shares
Ordinary

A400M engine collaboration

B shares

100
100
100
100
100
40
37.5
28

Germany

EJ200 engine collaboration

Ordinary

33

MTR390 engine collaboration
Germany
Germany
Aero engine repair and overhaul
Hong Kong Aero engine repair and overhaul
India

Manufacturer of aero engine parts

Israel

Manufacturer of aero engine parts

Singapore

Aero engine repair and overhaul

Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary

A ordinary
B ordinary
Ordinary

Singapore

Aero engine repair and overhaul

Ordinary

33.3
50
45
50

50
50
50

30

Spain

US

Aero engine component manufacture  
and maintenance
Aero engine leasing

US

US

US

Business to business internet exchange

Development of fuel cells

Aero engine repair and overhaul

Ordinary

46.9

–

Partnerships
(no equity 
held)

–

32

–

Partnership
(no equity 
held)
Common 
Stock
Partnership
(no equity 
held)

–

Partnership 
(no equity 
held)

Light Helicopter Turbine Engine Company (LHTEC) 

US

T800 engine development and market

% of class held
49
49
20
22

Group
interest held %
49
49
20
22

50
50
50
49.5
50
40

28

33

33.3
50
45
50

50

50

30

46.9

50

18.5

32

50

50

153

Other InformationINDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
to the members of Rolls-Royce Holdings plc only

OPINIONS AND CONCLUSIONS ARISING FROM OUR AUDIT
1 OUR OPINION ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS IS UNMODIFIED
We have audited the Financial Statements of Rolls-Royce  
Holdings plc for the year ended 31 December 2014 set out  
on pages 95 to 151. 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 
2014 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 as 
adopted by the European Union (Adopted IFRS);

•  the parent company Financial Statements have been properly 
prepared in accordance with UK Accounting Standards; 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.

2 OUR ASSESSMENT OF RISKS OF MATERIAL MISSTATEMENT
We summarise below the risks of material misstatement that had 
the greatest effect on our audit, our key audit procedures to address 
those risks and our findings from those procedures in order that the 
Company’s members as a body may better understand the process 
by which we arrived at our audit opinion. Our findings are the result 
of procedures undertaken in the context of and solely for the 
purpose of our statutory audit opinion on the Financial Statements 
as a whole and consequently are incidental to that opinion, and  
we do not express discrete opinions on separate elements of the 
Financial Statements.

Given the long-term nature of the Group’s business, it is inevitable 
that the risks that had the greatest effect on our audit change little 
from year to year. Nevertheless, there have been a number of 
changes from 2013, the most significant being: 

•  for the 2014 audit, due to a number of revisions to the Group’s 
published guidance on revenue and profit, we significantly 
increased our focus and work on the risk relating to The pressure 
on and incentives for management to meet revised revenue and 
profit guidance;

•  the audit work in connection with the risk relating to Accounting 
for risk and revenue sharing arrangements was substantially less 
than that required in the 2013 audit as the Financial Reporting 
Council’s enquiry was concluded during the 2013 audit, there 
have been no changes to relevant accounting standards and only 
a small number of new agreements have been entered into this 
year; and

•  the risks relating to Accounting for the consolidation of Rolls-Royce 
Power Systems Holding GmbH and the valuation of Daimler AG’s 
put option required substantially less audit effort than in earlier 
years when the transactions took place, in part due to the exercise 
of the put option by Daimler AG during 2014.

The pressure on and incentives for management to meet revised 
revenue and profit guidance
Refer to pages 32 to 41 (Business reviews) and pages 69 to 71 (Audit 
Committee report – Financial reporting)

The risk – The Group published a number of revisions to its revenue 
and profit guidance during the year with a generally decreasing 
trend in profit and revenue and there have been significant 
associated decreases in the Group’s share price. The Chief Executive 
clearly instructed the Executive Leadership Team and the senior 
finance executives on more than one occasion not to take any 
account of the pressure to meet forecasts in preparing the financial 
results and to be alert to how this might affect personnel across  
the wider Group. Nevertheless, the heightened pressure on and 
incentives for management to meet the latest guidance increased 
the inherent risk of manipulation of the Financial Statements.  
The financial results are sensitive to significant estimates and 
judgements, particularly in respect of revenues and costs 
associated with long-term contracts, and there is a broad range  
of acceptable outcomes of these that could lead to different profit 
and revenue reported in the Financial Statements. Relatively small 
changes in the basis of those judgements and estimates could 
result in the Group meeting, exceeding or falling short of guidance. 

Our response – We have: (i) extended our enquiries designed  
to assess whether management had applied unconscious bias  
or had taken systematic actions to manipulate the reported results; 
(ii) compared the results to forecasts and challenged variances at  
a much more granular level than we would otherwise have done 
based on our understanding of factors affecting business 
performance with corroboration using external data where 
possible; (iii) applied an increased level of scepticism throughout  
the audit by increasing the involvement of the senior audit team 
personnel, with particular focus on audit procedures designed  
to assess whether revenues and costs have been recognised  
in the correct accounting period and whether central adjustments 
were appropriate; and (iv) challenged our entire audit approach 
based on an independent review by personnel with no other 
involvement in the audit.

In particular: 

•  when considering the risk relating to The measurement of revenue 
and profit in the Civil aerospace business, we challenged the basis 
for changes in the estimated revenues and costs in long-term 
contracts with a heightened awareness of the possibility of 
unconscious or systematic bias; and

•  when considering the risk relating to The presentation of 

underlying profit, we sought to identify items that affected profit 
(and/or the trend in profit) unevenly in frequency or amount  
at a much lower level than we would otherwise have done and  
to assess the transparency of disclosure of these items.

Our findings – Aside from one transaction which had a very  
small impact on the Group’s profit and which was subsequently 
corrected by management, our testing did not identify any 
indication of manipulation of results. We found the degree of 
caution/optimism adopted in estimates to be broadly consistent 
with that adopted in the previous year with no indication of 
conscious or unconscious bias. 

154

Other InformationRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014The basis of accounting for revenue and profit in the Civil aerospace 
business
Refer to page 101 and 102 (Key areas of judgement – Introduction, 
Contractual aftermarket rights, Linkage of original and long-term 
aftermarket contracts), pages 104 and 105 (Significant accounting 
policies – Revenue recognition) and pages 69 to 71 (Audit Committee 
report – Financial reporting)

The measurement of revenue and profit in the Civil aerospace 
business
Refer to pages 101 and 102 (Key areas of judgement – Measurement 
of performance on long-term aftermarket contracts), pages 104  
and 105 (Significant accounting policies – Revenue recognition  
and TotalCare arrangements) and pages 69 to 71 (Audit Committee 
report – Financial reporting)

The risk – The amount of revenue and profit recognised in a year on 
the sale of engines and aftermarket services is dependent, inter alia, 
on the appropriate assessment of whether or not each long-term 
aftermarket contract for services is linked to or separate from  
the contract for sale of the related engines as this drives the  
accounting basis to be applied. As the commercial arrangements 
can be complex, significant judgement is applied in selecting the 
accounting basis in each case. The most significant risk is that the 
Group might inappropriately account for sales of engines and 
long-term service agreements as a single arrangement for 
accounting purposes as this would usually lead to revenue and 
profit being recognised too early because the margin in the 
long-term service agreement is usually higher than the margin  
in the engine sale agreement.

Our response – We re-evaluated the appropriateness of the 
accounting bases the Group applies in the Civil aerospace  
business by reference to accounting standards, including  
examining correspondence and attending meetings between  
the Group and the Financial Reporting Council and re-examining 
historical long-term aftermarket contracts. We considered whether 
the enhanced disclosure included in the Financial Statements 
following this dialogue enables shareholders to understand how  
the accounting policies represent the commercial substance  
of the Group’s contracts with its customers. We made our own 
independent assessment, with reference to the relevant accounting 
standards, of the accounting basis that should be applied to each 
long-term aftermarket contract entered into during the year and 
compared this to the accounting basis applied by the Group.

Our findings – We found that the Group has developed  
a framework for selecting the accounting bases which is  
consistent with a balanced interpretation of accounting standards 
(2013 audit finding: balanced) and has applied this consistently.  
We found that the enhanced disclosure was ample. For the 
agreements entered into during this year, it was clear which 
accounting basis should apply. 

The risk – The amount of revenue and profit recognised in a year  
on the sale of engines and aftermarket services is dependent,  
inter alia, on the assessment of the percentage of completion of 
long-term aftermarket contracts and the forecast cost profile of 
each arrangement. As long-term aftermarket contracts can extend 
over significant periods and the profitability of these arrangements 
typically assumes significant life-cycle cost improvement over the 
term of the contracts, the estimated outturn requires significant 
judgement to be applied in assessing engine flying hours, time on 
wing and other operating parameters, the pattern of future 
maintenance activity and the costs to be incurred. The inherent 
nature of these estimates means that their continual refinement 
can have an impact on the profits of the Civil aerospace business 
that can be significant in an individual financial year. The 
assessment of the estimated outturn for each arrangement involves 
detailed calculations using large and complex databases with  
a significant level of manual intervention.

Our response – We tested the controls designed and applied by  
the Group to provide assurance that the estimates used in assessing 
revenue and cost profiles are appropriate and that the resulting 
estimated cumulative profit on such contracts is accurately 
reflected in the Financial Statements; these controls operated over 
both the inputs and the outputs of the calculations. We challenged 
the appropriateness of these estimates for each programme and 
assessed whether or not the estimates showed any evidence of 
conscious or unconscious management bias in the context of the 
heightened pressure on and incentives for management to meet  
the latest guidance discussed above. Our challenge was based on 
our assessment of the historical accuracy of the Group’s estimates  
in previous periods, identification and analysis of changes in 
assumptions from prior periods and an assessment of the 
consistency of assumptions across programmes, detailed 
assessments of the achievability of the Group’s plans to reduce 
life-cycle costs and an analysis of the impact of these plans on 
forecast cost profiles taking account of contingencies and analysis of 
the impact of known technical issues on cost forecasts. Our analysis 
considered each significant airframe that is powered by the Group’s 
engines and was based on our own experience supplemented by 
discussions with an aircraft valuation specialist engaged by the 
Group. We assessed whether the valuer was objective and suitably 
qualified. We also checked the mathematical accuracy of the 
revenue and profit for each arrangement and considered the 
implications of identified errors and changes in estimates.

Our findings – In 2013, our testing identified weaknesses in the 
design and operation of controls and we assessed the effectiveness 
of the Group’s plans for addressing these weaknesses. In planning 
the 2014 audit, we anticipated that the control weaknesses 
identified in 2013 audit would be remediated. However, our testing 
identified continuing, albeit reduced, control weaknesses in some 
areas and so, as in 2013, we increased the scope and depth of our 
detailed testing and analysis from that originally planned. Overall, 
our assessment is that the assumptions and resulting estimates 

155

Other InformationLiabilities arising from sales financing arrangements
Refer to page 103 (Key areas of judgement – Customer financing 
contingent liabilities), page 109 (Significant accounting policies – Sales 
financing support), pages 137 and 138 (Note 18  
to the Financial Statements – Provisions for liabilities and charges)  
and pages 69 to 71 (Audit Committee report – Financial reporting)

The risk – The Group has contingent liabilities in respect of financing 
and asset value support provided to customers. This support 
typically takes the form of a guarantee with respect to  
the value of an aircraft at a future date, a commitment to buy used 
aircraft or a guarantee of a customer’s future payments under an 
aircraft financing arrangement. Judgement is required to assess the 
likelihood of these liabilities crystallising, in order to assess whether 
a provision should be recognised and, if so, the amount of that 
provision. The total potential liability is significant and can be 
affected by the assessment of the residual value of the aircraft  
and the creditworthiness of the customers.

Our response – We analysed the terms of guarantees on aircraft 
delivered during the year in detail and obtained aircraft values from 
and held discussions with aircraft valuation specialists engaged  
by the Group. We assessed whether the valuer was objective and 
suitably qualified, had been appropriately instructed and had been 
provided with complete, accurate data on which to base its 
evaluation. For all contracts on delivered aircraft, we assessed the 
commercial factors relevant to the likelihood of the guarantees 
being called, including the credit ratings and recent financial 
performance of the relevant customers and their fleet plans, and 
critically assessed the Group’s estimate of the required provisions  
for those liabilities. We considered movements in aircraft values  
and potential changes in the assessed probability of a liability 
crystallising since the previous year end and considered whether  
the evidence supported the Group’s assessment as to whether or  
not a liability needs to be recognised and the amount of the liability 
recognised or contingent liability disclosed. We considered whether 
the related disclosure in note 18 to the Financial Statements 
appropriately explains the potential liability in excess of the amount 
provided for in the Financial Statements for delivered aircraft and 
highlights the significant but unquantifiable contingent liability  
in respect of aircraft which will be delivered in the future.

Our findings – We found that the assumptions and estimates were 
balanced (2013 audit finding: balanced) and that the disclosures were 
proportionate (2013 audit finding: proportionate).

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
CONTINUED

(including appropriate contingencies) resulted in mildly cautious 
(2013 audit finding: mildly cautious) profit recognition and we  
found no indication of conscious or unconscious bias.

Recoverability of intangible assets (certification costs and 
participation fees, development expenditure and contractual 
aftermarket rights) and amounts recoverable on contracts primarily 
in the Civil aerospace business
Refer to page 103 (Key sources of estimation uncertainty – Forecasts 
and discount rates), pages 107 and 108 (Significant accounting 
policies – Certification costs and participation fees, Research and 
development, Contractual aftermarket rights and Impairment of 
non-current assets), page 122 (Note 9 to the Financial Statements 
– Intangible assets) and pages 69 to 71 (Audit Committee report – 
Financial reporting)

The risk – The recovery of these assets depends on a combination  
of achieving sufficiently profitable business in the future as well  
as the ability of customers to pay amounts due under contracts 
often over a long period of time. Assets relating to a particular 
engine programme are more prone to the risk of impairment  
in the early years of a programme as the engine’s market position  
is established. In addition, the pricing of business with launch 
customers makes assets relating to these engines more prone  
to the risk of impairment.

Our response – We tested the controls designed and applied by the 
Group to provide assurance that the assumptions used in preparing 
the impairment calculations are regularly updated, that changes are 
monitored, scrutinised and approved by appropriate personnel and 
that the final assumptions used in impairment testing have been 
appropriately approved. We challenged the appropriateness of the 
key assumptions in the impairment test (including market size, 
market share, pricing, engine and aftermarket unit costs, individual 
programme assumptions, price and cost escalation, discount rate 
and exchange rates) focusing particularly on those assets with  
a higher risk of impairment (those relating to the Trent 900 
programme and launch customers on the Trent 900 and Trent 1000 
programmes). Our challenge was based on our assessment of the 
historical accuracy of the Group’s estimates in previous periods,  
our understanding of the commercial prospects of key engine 
programmes, identification and analysis of changes in assumptions 
from prior periods and an assessment of the consistency of 
assumptions across programmes and customers and comparison  
of assumptions with publicly available data where this was 
available. We tested the mathematical accuracy of the impairment 
calculations. We considered whether the disclosures in note 9 to  
the Financial Statements describe the inherent degree of 
subjectivity in the estimates and the potential impact on future 
periods of revisions to these estimates.

Our findings – Our testing did not identify weaknesses in the 
design and operation of controls that would have required us  
to expand the nature or scope of our planned detailed test work.  
We found that the assumptions and resulting estimates were 
balanced (2013 audit finding: balanced) and that the disclosures 
were proportionate (2013 audit finding: proportionate). We found  
no errors in calculations (2013 audit finding: none).

156

Other InformationRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014Bribery and corruption
Refer to page 147 (Note 23 to the Financial Statements – Contingent 
liabilities) and pages 69 to 71 (Audit Committee report – Financial 
reporting)

The risk – A large part of the Group’s business is characterised by 
competition for individually significant contracts with customers, 
which are often directly or indirectly associated with governments, 
and the award of individually significant contracts to suppliers.  
The procurement processes associated with these activities are  
highly susceptible to the risk of corruption. In addition the Group 
operates in a number of territories where the use of commercial 
intermediaries is either required by the government or is normal 
practice. In December 2013, the Group announced that it had been 
informed by the Serious Fraud Office in the UK that it had 
commenced a formal investigation into bribery and corruption in 
overseas markets. The Group is cooperating with the Serious Fraud 
Office and other agencies, including the US Department of Justice. 
Breaches of laws and regulations in this area can lead to fines, 
penalties, criminal prosecution, commercial litigation and  
restrictions on future business.

Our response – We evaluated and tested the Group’s policies, 
procedures and controls over the selection and renewal of 
intermediaries, contracting arrangements, ongoing management, 
payments and responses to suspected breaches of policy. We sought 
to identify and tested payments made to intermediaries during  
the year, made enquiries of appropriate personnel and evaluated  
the tone set by the Board and the Executive Leadership Team and  
the Group’s approach to managing this risk. Having enquired of 
management, the Audit Committee and the Board as to whether  
the Group is in compliance with laws and regulations relating to 
bribery and corruption, we made written enquiries of the Group’s 
legal advisers to corroborate the results of those enquiries and 
maintained a high level of vigilance to possible indications of 
significant non-compliance with laws and regulations relating  
to bribery and corruption whilst carrying out our other audit 
procedures. We discussed the areas of potential or suspected 
breaches of law, including the ongoing investigation, with the  
Audit Committee and the Board as well as the Group’s legal advisers 
and assessed related documentation. We assessed whether the 
disclosure in note 23 to the Financial Statements of the Group’s 
exposure to the financial effects of potential or suspected breaches 
of law or regulation complies with accounting standards and in 
particular whether it is the case that the investigation remains  
at too early a stage to assess the consequences (if any), including  
in particular the size of any possible fines.

Our findings – We found that disclosure to be proportionate  
(2013 audit finding: proportionate).

Presentation and explanation of results
Refer to pages 32 to 41 (Business reviews), pages 28 to 31 (Financial 
Review), pages 112 and 113 (Note 2 to the Financial Statements – 
Segmental analysis) and pages 69 to 71 (Audit Committee report – 
Financial reporting)

The presentation of ‘underlying profit’
The risk – In addition to its Adopted IFRS Financial Statements,  
the Group presents an alternative income statement on an 
‘underlying’ basis. The directors believe the ‘underlying’ income 
statement reflects better the Group’s trading performance during 
the year. The basis of adjusting between the Adopted IFRS and 
‘underlying’ income statements and a full reconciliation between 
them is set out in note 2 to the Financial Statements on pages 110 
and 113. A significant recurring adjustment between the Adopted 
IFRS income statement and the ‘underlying’ income statement 
relates to the foreign exchange rates used to translate foreign 
currency transactions. The Group uses forward foreign exchange 
contracts to manage the cash flow exposures of forecast 
transactions denominated in foreign currencies but does not 
generally apply hedge accounting in its Adopted IFRS income 
statement. The ‘underlying’ income statement translates these 
amounts at the achieved foreign exchange rate on forward foreign 
exchange contracts settled in the period, retranslates assets and 
liabilities at exchange rates forecast to be achieved from future 
settlement of such contracts and excludes unrealised gains and 
losses on such contracts which are included in the Adopted IFRS 
income statement. The Group has discretion over which forward 
foreign exchange contracts are settled in each financial year, which 
could impact the achieved rate both for the period and in the future. 
In addition, adjustments are made to exclude one-off past-service 
costs on post-retirement schemes, restructuring activities that 
significantly change the shape of the Group’s operations and the 
effect of acquisition accounting and a number of other items. 
Alternative performance measures can provide shareholders with 
appropriate additional information if properly used and presented. 
In such cases, measures such as these can assist shareholders in 
gaining a better understanding of a company’s financial 
performance and strategy. However, when improperly used and 
presented, these kinds of measures might prevent the Annual Report 
being fair, balanced and understandable by hiding the real financial 
position and results or by making the profitability of the reporting 
entity seem more attractive.

Our response – We assessed the appropriateness of the basis for the 
adjustments between the Adopted IFRS income statement and the 
‘underlying’ income statement and recalculated the adjustments 
with a particular focus on the impact of the foreign exchange rates 
used to translate foreign currency amounts in the ‘underlying’ 
income statement. We assessed whether or not the selection of 
forward foreign exchange contracts settled in the year showed any 
evidence of management bias. We also assessed: (i) the extent to 
which the prominence given to the ‘underlying’ financial 
information and related commentary in the Annual Report 
compared to the Adopted IFRS financial information and related 
commentary could be misleading; (ii) whether the Adopted IFRS  
and ‘underlying’ financial information are reconciled with 
sufficient prominence given to that reconciliation; (iii) whether  
the basis of the ‘underlying’ financial information is clearly and 
accurately described and consistently applied; and (iv) whether  
the ‘underlying’ financial information is not otherwise misleading 
in the form and context in which it appears in the Annual Report.

157

Other InformationINDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
CONTINUED

Our findings – We found no concerns regarding the basis  
of the ‘underlying’ financial information or its calculation and  
no indication of management bias in the settlement of forward 
foreign exchange contracts. We consider that there is proportionate 
disclosure of the nature and amounts of the adjustments to  
allow shareholders to understand the implications of the two  
bases on the financial measures being presented (2013 audit 
finding: proportionate). We found the overall presentation  
of the ‘underlying’ financial information to be balanced  
(2013 audit finding: balanced).

Disclosure of the effect on the trend in profit of items which are uneven 
in frequency or amount
The risk – The Group’s profits are significantly impacted by items 
such as cumulative adjustments to profit recognised on long-term 
contracts, sale and leasebacks of spare engines to joint ventures, 
research and development charges, reorganisation costs and foreign 
exchange translation which can be uneven in frequency and/or 
amount. If significant either to the profit for the year or to the trend 
in profit, appropriate disclosure of the effect of these items is 
necessary in the Annual Report and Financial Statements to provide 
the information necessary to enable shareholders to assess the 
Group’s performance.

Our response – We sought to identify items that affect profit  
(and the trend in profit) which are uneven in frequency or amount 
at a much lower level than we would otherwise have done and to 
assess the transparency of disclosure of these items.

Our findings – We identified a number of significant items that  
had affected profit for the year or the prior year that required 
appropriate disclosure in the Annual Report to enable shareholders 
to assess the Group’s performance. We found that proportionate 
disclosure of these items had been provided in the Annual Report 
and Financial Statements taken as a whole.

In reaching our audit opinion on the Financial Statements we  
took into account the findings that we describe above and those  
for other, lower risk areas. Overall the findings from across the  
whole audit are that the Financial Statements have been prepared 
on the basis of appropriate accounting policies, use mildly cautious 
estimates, which are consistent when comparing this year to last, 
and provide proportionate disclosure. Having assessed these 
findings and evaluated uncorrected misstatements in the context  
of materiality and considered the qualitative aspects of the Financial 
Statements as a whole we have not modified our opinion on the 
Financial Statements.

3 OUR APPLICATION OF MATERIALITY AND AN OVERVIEW  
OF THE SCOPE OF OUR AUDIT
The materiality for the Group Financial Statements as a whole  
was set at £70 million (2013: £86 million), determined with reference  
to a benchmark of Group profit before taxation, normalised to 
exclude the volatility in reported profit due to gains and losses  
on revaluation of foreign currency and other derivative financial 
instruments which could otherwise result in an inappropriate 
materiality level being calculated. This materiality measure 
represents 4.6% of this benchmark and 34.3% of total reported 
profit before tax. We carry out full audit procedures to assess  
the accuracy of the gains and losses on these derivative financial 
instruments (which this year amounted to a £1.3 billion loss) as  
part of our audit of the Group’s treasury operations.

158

We report to the Audit Committee: (i) all material corrected identified 
misstatements; (ii) uncorrected identified misstatements exceeding  
£4 million for income statement items; and (iii) other identified 
misstatements that warranted reporting on qualitative grounds.

We subjected 33 of the Group’s reporting components to audits  
for group reporting purposes and 14 to specified risk-focused audit 
procedures. The latter were not individually financially significant 
enough to require an audit for group reporting purposes, but did 
present specific individual risks that needed to be addressed. This 
work also provided further audit coverage. The remaining reporting 
units were subject to analytical procedures by the Group audit team.

The Group operates shared service centres in Derby (UK) and 
Indianapolis (US), the outputs of which are included in the financial 
information of the reporting components they service  
and therefore they are not separate reporting components. Each  
of the service centres is subject to specified risk-focused audit 
procedures, predominantly the testing of transaction processing and 
review controls. Additional audit procedures are performed at certain 
reporting components to address the audit risks not covered by the 
work performed over the shared service centres.

Summary audit scope

REVENUE

UNDERLYING PROFIT BEFORE TAX

90%

7%

3%

83%

12%

5%

TOTAL ASSETS

91%

9%

   Audits for group reporting purposes

   Specified risk-focused audit 
procedures

   Group-level procedures only

The Group audit team instructed component auditors, and the auditors 
of the shared service centres, as to the significant areas to be covered, 
including the relevant risks detailed above and the information  
to be reported back. The Group audit team approved the component 
materialities, which ranged from £0.3 million to £60 million, having 
regard to the mix of size and risk profile of the Group across the 
components. The work on 29 of the 47 components was performed  
by component auditors and the rest by the Group audit team.
The Group audit team visited 25 component locations in the UK,  
the US, Germany and Norway, the purpose of which included an 
assessment of the audit risk and strategy. Telephone conference 
meetings were also held with these component auditors and with 
those of the higher risk components that were not physically visited. 
At these visits and meetings, the findings reported to the Group audit 
team were discussed in more detail, and any further work required by 
the Group audit team was then performed by the component auditor.

Other InformationRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014Scope of report and responsibilities
As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement 
set out on page 93, the directors are responsible for the preparation 
of the Financial Statements and for being satisfied that they give a 
true and fair view. A description of the scope of an audit of Financial 
Statements is provided on the Financial Reporting Council’s website  
at www.frc.org.uk/auditscopeukprivate. This report is made solely  
to the Company’s members as a body and is subject to important 
explanations and disclaimers regarding our responsibilities, 
published on our website at www.kpmg.com/uk/
auditscopeukco2014b, which are incorporated into this report  
as if set out in full and should be read to provide an understanding 
of the purpose of this report, the work we have undertaken and the 
basis of our opinions.

JIMMY DABOO (SENIOR STATUTORY AUDITOR) 
for and on behalf of KPMG LLP, Statutory Auditor

Chartered Accountants 
15 Canada Square  
London E14 5GL 
12 February 2015

4 OUR OPINION ON OTHER MATTERS PRESCRIBED BY THE  
COMPANIES ACT 2006 IS UNMODIFIED
In our opinion:

•  the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited  

has been properly prepared in accordance with the  
Companies Act 2006; and

•  the information given in the Strategic Report and Directors’ 

Report for the financial year for which the Financial Statements 
are prepared is consistent with the Financial Statements.

5 WE HAVE NOTHING TO REPORT IN RESPECT OF THE MATTERS  
ON WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT BY EXCEPTION
Under ISA (UK and Ireland) we are required to report to you if, based 
on the knowledge we acquired during our audit, we have identified 
other information in the Annual Report that contains a material 
inconsistency with either that knowledge or the Financial 
Statements, a material misstatement of fact, or that is otherwise 
misleading. In particular, we are required to report to you if:

•  we have identified material inconsistencies between the 

knowledge we acquired during our audit and the directors’ 
statement that they consider that 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 performance, business model and strategy; or
•  the Audit Committee report does not appropriately address 

matters communicated by us to the Audit Committee.

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you  
if, in our opinion:

•  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 and the part of the 

Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited are not in 
agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
•  certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified  

by law are not made; or

•  we have not received all the information and explanations  

we require for our audit.

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review:

•  the directors’ statement, set out on page 164, in relation to going 

concern; and

•  the part of the corporate governance report on page 59 relating  
to the Company’s compliance with the ten provisions of the UK 
Corporate Governance Code 2012 specified for our review.

We have nothing to report in respect of the above responsibilities.

159

Other InformationADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION

FOREIGN EXCHANGE
Foreign exchange rate movements influence the reported income 
statement, the cash flow and closing net cash balance. The average 
and spot rates for the principal trading currencies of the Group are 
shown in the table below:

USD per GBP

EUR per GBP

Year end spot rate
Average spot rate

Year end spot rate
Average spot rate

2014
1.56
1.65

1.28
1.24

2013
1.65
1.56

1.20
1.18

Change
-5%
+6%

+7%
+5%

THE GROUP’S APPROACH TO MANAGING ITS TAX AFFAIRS 
The Board is involved in setting the Group’s tax policies which 
govern the way its tax affairs are managed. In summary, this means:

i) 

ii) 

 the Group manages its tax costs through maximising the  
tax efficiency of business transactions. This includes taking 
advantage of available tax incentives and exemptions;
 this must be done in a way which is aligned with the Group’s 
commercial objectives and meets its legal obligations and 
ethical standards;

iii)   the Group also has regard for the intention of the legislation 

concerned rather than just the wording itself;

iv)   the Group is committed to building constructive working 
relationships with tax authorities based on a policy of full 
disclosure in order to remove uncertainty in its business 
transactions and to allow the authorities to review possible 
risks;
 where appropriate and possible, the Group enters into 
consultation with tax authorities to help shape proposed 
legislation and future tax policy; and

v) 

vi)   the Group seeks to price transactions between Group 
companies as if they were between unrelated parties,  
in compliance with the OECD Transfer Pricing Guidelines  
and the laws of the relevant jurisdictions.

THE GROUP’S GLOBAL CORPORATE INCOME TAX CONTRIBUTION
Around 95% of the Group’s underlying profit before tax (excluding 
joint ventures) is generated in the UK, US, Germany, Norway, Finland 
and Singapore. The remaining profits are generated across more 
than 40 other countries. This reflects the fact that the majority of 
the Group’s business is undertaken, and employees are based, in the 
above countries. 

In common with most multinational groups, the total of all profits 
in respect of which corporate tax is paid is not the same as the 
consolidated profit before tax reported on page 95. The main 
reasons for this are:

i) 

 the consolidated income statement is prepared under Adopted 
IFRS whereas tax is paid on the profits of each Group company, 
which are determined by local accounting rules;

ii) 

iii) 

 accounting rules require certain income and costs relating  
to our commercial activities to be eliminated from, or added  
to, the aggregate of all the profits of the Group companies when 
preparing the consolidated income statement (‘consolidation 
adjustments’); and
 specific tax rules including exemptions or incentives as 
determined by the tax laws in each country.

The Group’s total corporation tax payments in 2014 were 
£276 million. The level of tax paid in each country is impacted  
by the above. In most cases, (i) and (ii) are only a matter of timing 
and therefore tax will be paid in an earlier or later year. As a result 
they only have a negligible impact on the Group’s underlying tax 
rate which, excluding joint ventures, would be 25.5% (the underlying 
tax rate including joint ventures can be found on page 29). This is 
due to deferred tax accounting, details of which can be found in 
note 5 to the Financial Statements. The impact of (iii) will often be 
permanent depending on the relevant tax law.

INVESTMENTS AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE
The Group subjects all major investments and capital expenditure 
to a rigorous examination of risks and future cash flows to ensure 
that they create shareholder value. All major investments require 
Board approval.

The Group has a portfolio of projects at different stages of their  
life cycles. Discounted cash flow analysis of the remaining life of 
projects is performed on a regular basis.

Sales of engines in production are assessed against criteria in  
the original development programme to ensure that overall value  
is enhanced.

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT
The Board has established a structured approach to financial risk 
management. The Financial risk committee (Frc) is accountable for 
managing, reporting and mitigating the Group’s financial risks and 
exposures. These risks include the Group’s principal counterparty, 
currency, interest rate, commodity price, liquidity and credit rating 
risks outlined in more depth in note 17. The Frc is chaired by the 
Chief Financial Officer. The Group has a comprehensive financial 
risk policy that advocates the use of financial instruments to 
manage and hedge business operations risks that arise from 
movements in financial, commodities, credit or money markets.  
The Group’s policy is not to engage in speculative financial 
transactions. The Frc sits quarterly to review and assess the key  
risks and agree any mitigating actions required.

160

Other InformationRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014CREDIT RATING

Moody’s Investors Service
Standard & Poor’s

Rating

Outlook

Grade

A3

A

Stable

Stable

Investment

Investment

The Group subscribes to both Moody’s Investors Service and 
Standard & Poor’s for independent long-term credit ratings.  
At 31 December 2014, the Group maintained investment grade 
ratings from both agencies.

As a capital-intensive business making long-term commitments  
to our customers, the Group attaches significant importance  
to maintaining or improving the current investment grade  
credit ratings.

ACCOUNTING
The consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards  
(IFRS), as adopted by the EU.

With effect from 1 January 2014, the Group has adopted IFRS 10 
Consolidated Financial Statements, IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements and 
IFRS 12 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities. The impact of these 
and other changes to IFRS which have not been adopted in 2014  
is included within the accounting policies in note 1.

SHARE PRICE
During the year, the share price decreased by 32% from 1275 pence 
to 870 pence, compared to a 12% decrease in the FTSE aerospace 
and defence sector and 3% decrease in the FTSE 100. The Company’s 
share price ranged from 1289 pence in January to 779.5 pence  
in October.

CAPITAL STRUCTURE

£ million
Total equity
Cash flow hedges
Group capital
Net funds

2014
6,387
81
6,468
666

2013 
6,303
68
6,371
1,939

Operations are funded through various shareholders’ funds, bank 
borrowings, bonds and notes. The capital structure of the Group 
reflects the judgement of the Board as to the appropriate balance  
of funding required.

Funding is secured by the Group’s continued access to the global 
debt markets. Borrowings are funded in various currencies using 
derivatives where appropriate to achieve a required currency and 
interest rate profile. The Board’s objective is to retain sufficient 
financial investments and undrawn facilities to ensure that the 
Group can both meet its medium-term operational commitments 
and cope with unforeseen obligations and opportunities.

The Group holds cash and short-term investments which, together 
with the undrawn committed facilities, enable it to manage its 
liquidity risk.

During the year, the Group repaid a £200 million EIB loan.

At year end, the Group retained aggregate liquidity of £4.1 billion. 
This liquidity included net funds of £666 million and aggregate 
borrowing facilities of £3.5 billion, of which £1.3 billion remained 
undrawn.

The maturity profile of the borrowing facilities is regularly reviewed 
to ensure that refinancing levels are manageable in the context of 
the business and market conditions. The only facility to mature in 
2015 is a US$83 million note. There are no rating triggers in any 
borrowing facility that would require the facility to be accelerated 
or repaid due to an adverse movement in the Group’s credit rating.

The Group conducts some of its business through a number of joint 
ventures. A major proportion of the debt of these joint ventures is 
secured on the assets of the respective companies and is non-
recourse to the Group. This debt is further outlined in note 11.

161

Other InformationOTHER STATUTORY INFORMATION

SHARE CAPITAL 
On 31 December 2014, 1,882,517,856 ordinary shares of 20 pence 
each, 22,005,007,762 C Shares of 0.1 pence each and one Special 
Share of £1 were in issue. The ordinary shares are listed on the 
London Stock Exchange.

PAYMENT TO SHAREHOLDERS
The Company issues non-cumulative redeemable preference shares 
(C Shares) as an alternative to paying a cash dividend.

issued, or on the acquisition or capital restructuring of 
the Company.

On a return of capital on a winding-up, the holders of C Shares shall 
be entitled, in priority to any payment to the holders of ordinary 
shares, to the repayment of the nominal capital paid-up or credited 
as paid-up on the C Shares held by them, together with a sum equal 
to the outstanding preferential dividend which will have been 
accrued but not been paid until the date of return of capital.

Shareholders can choose to:
•  redeem all C Shares for cash;
•  redeem all C Shares for cash and reinvest the proceeds in the  

The holders of C Shares are only entitled to attend, speak and vote 
at a general meeting if a resolution to wind up the Company is to  
be considered, in which case they may vote only on such resolution.

C Share Reinvestment Plan (CRIP); or

•  keep the C Shares.

The CRIP is operated by Computershare Investor Services PLC (the 
Registrar). The Registrar will purchase ordinary shares in the market 
for shareholders electing to reinvest their C Share proceeds. 
Shareholders wishing to participate in the CRIP or redeem their  
C Shares must ensure that their instructions are lodged with the 
Registrar no later than 5.00pm on 1 June 2015. Redemption will  
take place on 3 July 2015.

At the AGM, the directors will recommend an issue of 141 C Shares 
with a total nominal value of 14.1 pence for each ordinary share. The  
C Shares will be issued on 1 July 2015 to shareholders on the register 
on 24 April 2015 and the final day of trading with entitlement  
to C Shares is 23 April 2015. Together with the interim issue on  
2 January 2015 of 90 C Shares for each ordinary share with a total 
nominal value of 9.0 pence, this is the equivalent of a total annual 
payment to ordinary shareholders of 23.1 pence for each  
ordinary share.

Further information for shareholders is on page 166. 

SHARE CLASS RIGHTS
The full share class rights are set out in the Company’s Articles  
of Association (Articles), which are available on the Group’s website, 
and are summarised below.

ORDINARY SHARES
Each member has one vote for each ordinary share held. Holders 
of ordinary shares are entitled to receive the Company’s Annual 
Report; attend and speak at general meetings of the Company;  
to appoint one or more proxies or, if they are corporations, corporate 
representatives; and to exercise voting rights. Holders of ordinary 
shares may receive a bonus issue of C Shares or a dividend and on 
liquidation may share in the assets of the Company. 

C SHARES
C Shares have limited voting rights and attract a dividend of 75% 
of LIBOR on the 0.1p nominal value of each share, paid on a twice-
yearly basis. The Company has the option to redeem the C Shares 
compulsorily, at any time, if the aggregate number of C Shares 
in issue is less than 10% of the aggregate number of all C Shares 

162

SPECIAL SHARE
Certain rights attach to the special rights non-voting share (Special 
Share) issued to HM Government (Special Shareholder). Subject  
to the provisions of the Companies Act 2006, the Treasury Solicitor 
may redeem the Special Share at par at any time. The Special Share 
confers no rights to dividends but in the event of a winding-up it 
shall be repaid at its nominal value in priority to any other shares.

Certain Articles (in particular those relating to the foreign 
shareholding limit, disposals and the nationality of directors) that 
relate to the rights attached to the Special Share may only be altered 
with the consent of the Special Shareholder. The Special Shareholder 
is not entitled to vote at any general meeting or any other meeting 
of any class of shareholders.

RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER OF SHARES AND LIMITATIONS 
ON HOLDINGS
There are no restrictions on transfer or limitations on the holding 
of the ordinary shares or C Shares other than under the Articles 
(as described here), under restrictions imposed by law or regulation 
(for example, insider trading laws) or pursuant to the Company’s 
share dealing code. The Articles provide that the Company should  
be and remain under United Kingdom control. As such, an 
individual foreign shareholding limit is set at 15% of the aggregate 
votes attaching to the share capital of all classes (taken as a whole) 
and capable of being cast on a poll and to all other shares that the 
directors determine are to be included in the calculation of such 
holding. The Special Share may only be issued to, held by and 
transferred to the Special Shareholder or his successor or nominee.

SHAREHOLDER AGREEMENTS AND CONSENT REQUIREMENTS
There are no known arrangements under which financial rights 
carried by any of the shares in the Company are held by a person 
other than the holder of the shares and no known agreements 
between the holders of shares with restrictions on the transfer  
of shares or exercise of voting rights. No disposal may be made  
to a non-Group member which, alone or when aggregated with the 
same or a connected transaction, constitutes a disposal of the 
whole or a material part of either the Nuclear business or the assets 
of the Group as a whole, without consent of the Special Shareholder.

Other InformationRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014AUTHORITY TO ISSUE SHARES
At the AGM in 2014, authority was given to the directors to allot 
new ordinary shares up to a nominal value of £125,353,891 
equivalent to one-third of the issued share capital of the Company.

specific individuals, the general policy of the trustees, in accordance 
with investor protection guidelines, is to abstain from voting in 
respect of those shares.

In addition, a special resolution was passed to effect a 
disapplication of pre-emption rights for a maximum of 5% of the 
issued share capital of the Company. These authorities are valid 
until the AGM in 2015, and the directors propose to renew these 
authorities at that AGM. It is proposed to seek a further authority, 
at the AGM in 2015 to allot up to two thirds of the total issued share 
capital, but only in the case of a rights issue. 

The Board believes that this additional authority will allow the 
Company to retain the maximum possible flexibility to respond  
to circumstances and opportunities as they arise; and to allot new 
C Shares up to a nominal value of £500 million as an alternative  
to a cash dividend. Such authority expires at the conclusion of the 
AGM in 2015. The directors propose to renew the authority to allot 
new C Shares at the AGM in 2015.

AUTHORITY TO PURCHASE OWN SHARES
At the AGM in 2014, the Company was authorised by shareholders 
to purchase up to 188,030,836 of its own ordinary shares 
representing 10% of its issued ordinary share capital.

CHANGE OF CONTROL 
CONTRACTS AND JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENTS
There are a number of contracts and joint venture agreements 
which would allow the counterparties to terminate or alter those 
arrangements in the event of a change of control of the Company. 
These arrangements are commercially confidential and their 
disclosure could be seriously prejudicial to the Company. 

BORROWINGS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Group has a number of borrowing facilities provided by various 
banks. These facilities generally include provisions which may 
require any outstanding borrowings to be repaid or the alteration 
or termination of the facility upon the occurrence of a change  
of control of the Company. At 31 December 2014 these facilities 
were less than 24% drawn (2013 35%).

The Group has entered into a series of financial instruments  
to hedge its currency, interest rate and commodity exposures.  
These contracts provide for termination or alteration in the event 
that a change of control of the Company materially weakens the 
creditworthiness of the Group.

The Company announced on 19 June 2014 that, as there were no 
material acquisitions planned, and reflecting the strength of the 
balance sheet, the Company would return the proceeds of the sale 
of the Energy gas turbines and compressor business to shareholders 
by way of a £1 billion share buyback. The buyback commenced on  
10 December 2014.

EMPLOYEE SHARE PLANS
In the event of a change of control of the Company, the effect  
on the employee share plans would be as follows:
•  PSP – awards would vest pro rata to service in the performance 
period, subject to Remuneration Committee judgement of  
Group performance;

As at 31 December 2014, 8,215,000 ordinary shares of 20p each had 
been purchased at a total aggregate consideration of £68.96 million 
representing 0.44% of the called-up share capital. The purchased 
shares have been cancelled. 

The authority for the Company to purchase its own shares expires 
at the conclusion of the AGM in 2015 or 18 months from 1 May 
2014, whichever is the earlier. A resolution to renew it will be 
proposed at that meeting.

VOTING RIGHTS
DEADLINES FOR EXERCISING VOTING RIGHTS
Electronic and paper proxy appointments, and voting instructions, 
must be received by the Company’s Registrar not less than 48 hours 
before a general meeting.

VOTING RIGHTS FOR EMPLOYEE SHARE PLAN SHARES
Shares are held in various employee benefit trusts for the purpose 
of satisfying awards made under the various employee share plans. 
For shares held in a nominee capacity or if plan/trust rules provide 
the participant with the right to vote in respect of specifically 
allocated shares, the trustee votes in line with the participants’ 
instructions. For shares that are not held absolutely on behalf of 

•  APRA deferred shares – the shares would be released from  

trust immediately;

•  ShareSave – options would become exercisable immediately.  

The new company might offer an equivalent option in exchange 
for cancellation of the existing option; and

•  Share Incentive Plan (SIP) – consideration received as shares would 

be held within the SIP, if possible, otherwise the consideration 
would be treated as a disposal from the SIP.

MAJOR SHAREHOLDINGS
At 12 February 2015, the following companies had notified an 
interest in the issued ordinary share capital of the Company in 
accordance with the Financial Services Authority’s Disclosure  
and Transparency Rules:

Company 
Invesco Limited 
Harbor International Fund
The Capital Group Companies, Inc.
Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited

Date notified 
7 July 2014
22 October 2014
30 October 2014
7 November 2014

% of issued
ordinary share
capital 
4.99
4.02
4.99
5.16

163

Other InformationOTHER STATUTORY INFORMATION
CONTINUED

DIRECTORS
The names of the directors who held office during the year are  
set out on pages 54 and 55, with the exception of Iain Conn who 
retired on 1 May 2014, and Mark Morris who left the Company  
on 4 November 2014.

DISCLOSURES IN THE STRATEGIC REPORT
The Board has taken advantage of Section 414C(11) of the 
Companies Act 2006 to include disclosures in the Strategic  
Report:

page(s)
•  disabled people and employee involvement
44
•  the future development, performance and position of the Group   1 to 53
  26 to 31
•  the financial position of the Group
 20 and 21
•  R&D activities
  50 to 53
•  the principal risks and uncertainties

GOING CONCERN
As described on page 161, the Group meets its funding 
requirements through a mixture of shareholders’ funds, bank 
borrowings, bonds and notes. At 31 December 2014, the Group had 
borrowing facilities of £3.5 billion and total liquidity of £4.1 billion, 
including: cash and cash equivalents of £2.9 billion and undrawn 
facilities of £1.3 billion. £67 million of the facilities mature in 2015.

The Group’s forecasts and projections, taking into account 
reasonably possible changes in trading performance, show  
that the Group has sufficient financial resources. The directors  
have reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group  
are well placed to manage their business risks and to continue  
in operational existence for the foreseeable future, despite the 
current uncertain global economic outlook.

Accordingly, the directors continue to adopt the going concern basis 
(in accordance with the guidance ‘Going Concern and Liquidity Risk: 
Guidance for Directors of UK Companies 2009’ issued by the FRC)  
in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

POLITICAL DONATIONS
The Group’s policy is not to make political donations and therefore 
did not donate any money to any political party during the year. 

However, it is possible that certain activities undertaken by the 
Group may unintentionally fall within the broad scope of the 
provisions contained in the Companies Act 2006 (the Act). The 
resolution to be proposed at the AGM is to ensure that the Group 
does not commit any technical breach of the Act.

During the year, expenses incurred by Rolls-Royce North America 
Inc. in providing administrative support for the Rolls-Royce North 
America Political Action Committee (RRNAPAC) was US$52,690 
(2013: US$69,430). PACs are a common feature of the US political 
system and are governed by the Federal Election Campaign Act.

The PAC is independent of the Group and independent of any 
political party. The PAC funds are contributed voluntarily by 
employees and the Company cannot affect how they are applied, 
although under US Law, the business expenses are paid by the 
Company. Such contributions do not require authorisation by 
shareholders under the Companies Act 2006 and therefore do not 
count towards the limits for political donations and expenditure  
for which shareholder approval will be sought at this year’s AGM  
to renew the authority given at the 2014 AGM.

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
Our greenhouse gas emissions reporting excludes data from our 
Power Systems business for 2013 and 2014, as detailed on page 46. 

In 2014, our total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from our facilities, 
processes, and product test and development was 565 kilotonnes 
carbon dioxide equivalent (ktCO2e). This represents an increase of  
2% compared with 554 ktCO2e in 2013 (see table below). 

Total GHG emissions (ktCO2e)
Direct emissions – facilities, 
processes, product test and 
development (Scope 1)
Indirect emissions – facilities, 
processes, product test and 
development (Scope 2)
Total for facilities, processes, 
product test and development
Direct emissions – power 
generation to grid (Scope 1)
Indirect emissions – power 
generation to grid (Scope 2)
Total for facilities, processes, 
product test and development, 
and power generation to grid
Normalised (by revenue) 
emissions ration for facilities, 
processes, product test and 
development (ktCO2e/£m)

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014*

221

218

219

241

231

349

327

313

313

334

570

545

532

554

565

153

155

12

14

719

734

0.058

0.056

0.049 0.048

0.047

*   We engaged KPMG LLP to undertake a limited assurance engagement, reporting to 

Rolls-Royce Holdings plc, using the assurance standards ISAE 3000 and ISAE 3410 over 
 and as set out  
the GHG and TRI data that have been highlighted in this report with 
on page 46 and in the table above. Their full statement, as well as our methodology for 
reporting and the criteria used as set out in our Basis of Reporting document, is 
available on our website at www.rolls-royce.com/sustainability. The level  
of assurance provided for a limited assurance engagement is substantially lower than  
a reasonable assurance agreement. In order to reach their opinion they performed  
a range of procedures over the GHG and TRI data including: evaluating the work 
performed and conclusions reached by the Rolls-Royce Internal Audit team; agreeing  
a selection of the data to the corresponding source documentation; and reviewing the 
data collation and validation processes at the head office level, including formulae used 
and manual calculations performed. A summary of the work they performed is included 
within their assurance opinion. Non-financial performance information, greenhouse  
gas quantification in particular, is subject to more inherent limitations than financial 
information. It is important to read the energy, GHG and TRI data in the context of the 
full limited assurance statement provided by KPMG LLP and the reporting criteria  
as set out in the Rolls-Royce Basis of Reporting document. 

The figures in the table do not include emissions associated with 
our Power Systems business. We are in the process of integrating 
our Power Systems business into our HS&E management system. 
The figures presented have been adjusted to reflect the disposal of 
our Energy gas turbines and compressor business in December 2014. 

164

Other InformationRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014 
Entities that were part of the Energy business that were not part of 
the disposal have been included. 

DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION TO AUDITORS
Each of the persons who is a director at the date of approval of this 
report confirms that:

i) 

 so far as the director is aware, there is no relevant audit 
information of which the Company’s auditor is unaware; and
ii)   the director has taken all steps that he or she ought to have taken 
as a director in order to make himself or 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 Section 418 of the Companies Act 2006.

Power generation relates to the operation of commercial gas-fired 
power stations and the figures have been adjusted to include 
emissions associated with Trigno Energy S.r.l.

We have used the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and 
Reporting Standard (revised edition) as of 31 December 2014 data 
gathered to fulfil our requirements under the Carbon Reduction 
Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency scheme, the UK Government’s 
GHG reporting guidance and Department for Environment, Food & 
Rural Affairs’ (Defra) emissions factors for company reporting for 
2014 as the basis of our methodology. 

Through our active participation in the International Aerospace 
Environment Group we have helped to introduce new guidance on 
greenhouse gas emissions reporting in June to enable consistent 
communications and reporting for aerospace industry companies. 
The Guidance is a voluntary consensus standard designed to 
supplement the World Resources Institute’s (WRI) GHG Protocol. 
It earned the WRI ‘Built on GHG Protocol’ mark after public 
comment consultation.

BRANCHES
We are a global company and our activities and interests are 
operated through subsidiaries, branches of subsidiaries, joint 
ventures and associates which are subject to the laws and 
regulations of many different jurisdictions. Our principal 
subsidiaries and joint ventures are listed on page 152 and 153. 

POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS
There have been no events affecting the Group since 31 December 
2014 which need to be reflected in the 2014 Financial Statements.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Details of the Group’s financial instruments are set out in note 17  
to the Financial Statements.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Related party transactions are set out in note 24 to the Financial 
Statements.

INFORMATION REQUIRED BY UK LISTING RULE 9.8.4
There are no disclosures to be made under the above listing rule.

MANAGEMENT REPORT
The Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report together are the 
management report for the purposes of the Disclosure and 
Transparency Rules 4.1.8R.

165

Other InformationSHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

FINANCIAL CALENDAR 2015-2016

8 MAY 11.00AM 
AGM 
QEII Centre London 

29 MAY 
Record date for  
C Share dividend

1 JULY 
Payment of C Share dividend
1 JULY 
Allotment of C Shares
3 JULY 
Payment of C Share redemption monies
10 JULY 
Purchase of ordinary shares for CRIP 
participants (at the latest) 
31 JULY 
Announcement of half-year results

13 NOVEMBER 
Record date for C Share 
dividend

4 JANUARY 
Payment of C Share dividend
4 JANUARY 
Allotment of C Shares
6 JANUARY 
Payment of C Share redemption 
monies
13 JANUARY 
Purchase of ordinary shares for 
CRIP participants (at the latest)

APR 
2015

MAY 
2015

JUN 
2015

JUL 
2015

AUG 
2015

SEP 
2015

OCT 
2015

NOV 
2015

DEC 
2015

JAN 
2016

FEB 
2016

MAR 
2016

1 JUNE 5.00PM 
Deadline for receipt of  
C Share elections

23 APRIL
Ex-entitlement to 
C Shares

24 APRIL 
Record date for 
entitlement to  
C Shares

22 OCTOBER 
Ex-entitlement to  
C Shares

23 OCTOBER 
Record date for 
entitlement to  
C Shares

1 DECEMBER 5.00PM
Deadline for receipt of  
C Share elections

FEBRUARY 
Announcement of full 
year results

31 DECEMBER 
Financial year end

MARCH
Annual Report published

MANAGING YOUR SHAREHOLDING
Your shareholding is managed by Computershare Investor  
Services PLC (the Registrar). When making contact with the  
Registrar please quote your Shareholder Reference Number (SRN),  
an 11-digit number that can be found on the right-hand side of  
your share certificate or in any other shareholder correspondence.  
It is very important that you keep your shareholding account  
details up to date by notifying the Registrar of any changes in  
your circumstances.

You can manage your shareholding at www.investorcentre.co.uk, 
speak to the Registrar on +44 (0)870 703 0162 (8.30am to 5.30pm 
Monday to Friday) or you can write to them at Computershare Investor 
Services PLC, The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road, Bristol BS13 8AE.

PAYMENTS TO SHAREHOLDERS
The Company makes payments to shareholders by issuing 
redeemable C Shares of 0.1 pence each. You can still receive cash  
or additional ordinary shares from the Company providing you 
complete a payment instruction form, which is available from the 
Registrar. Once you have submitted your payment instruction form, 
you will receive cash or additional ordinary shares each time the 
Company issues C Shares. If you choose to receive cash we strongly 
recommend that you include your bank details on the payment 
instruction form and have payments credited directly to your bank 
account. This removes the risk of a cheque going astray in the post 
and means that cleared payments will be credited to your bank 
account on the payment date. 

SHARE DEALING
The Registrar offers existing shareholders an internet dealing 
service at www-uk.computershare.com/investor/sharedealing.asp 
and a telephone dealing service (+44 (0)870 703 0084). The service is 
available during market hours, 8.00am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday 
excluding bank holidays. The fee for internet dealing is 1% of the 
transaction value subject to a minimum fee of £30. The fee for 
telephone dealing is 1% of the transaction plus £35. Please note that, 
in addition to dealing fees, stamp duty of 0.5% is payable on all 
purchases. Other share dealing facilities are available but you 
should always use a firm regulated by the Financial Conduct 
Authority (FCA). You can check the FCA register at  
www.fca.org.uk/register.

YOUR SHARE CERTIFICATE
If you sell or transfer your shares you must ensure that you have  
a valid share certificate in the name of Rolls-Royce Holdings plc. 
If you place an instruction to sell your shares and cannot provide a 
valid share certificate, the transaction cannot be completed and you 
will be liable for any costs incurred by the broker. Share certificates 
previously issued by either Rolls-Royce Group plc or Rolls-Royce plc 
are invalid and should be destroyed. If you are unable to locate your 
share certificates please inform the Registrar immediately. 

AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS (ADR)
ADR holders should contact the depositary, The Bank of New York 
Mellon by calling +1 888 269 2377 (toll free within the US) or 
emailing shrrelations@cpushareownerservices.com.

166

Other InformationRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014WARNING TO SHAREHOLDERS – BOILER ROOM FRAUD
We are aware that some shareholders might have received 
unsolicited phone calls or correspondence concerning investment 
matters. These are typically from overseas based ‘brokers’ who offer 
to sell them what often turn out to be worthless or high risk shares 
in US or UK investments. Such operations are known as ‘boiler 
rooms’ and these ‘brokers’ can be very persistent and extremely 
persuasive. You should always check that any firm calling you  
about investment opportunities is properly authorised by the FCA 
by checking their register at www.fca.org.uk/register. If you need  
to contact the FCA urgently you should call their Consumer Helpline  
on 0800 111 6768 (overseas callers dial +44 20 7066 1000). If you 
deal with an unauthorised firm, you will not be eligible to receive 
payment under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.  
You will find lots of useful advice and information about  
protecting yourself from investment scams on the FCA website 
www.fca.org.uk/consumers.

Remember the golden rule – if it sounds too good to be true  
it probably is. 

DIVIDENDS PAID ON C SHARES HELD

C Share calculation period
1 July 2014 – 31 December 2014
1 January 2014 – 30 June 2014

PREVIOUS C SHARE ISSUES

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VISIT ROLLS-ROYCE ONLINE
Visit www.rolls-royce.com/investors to find out more about the 
latest financial results, the share price, payments to shareholders, 
the financial calendar and shareholder services.

KEEPING UP TO DATE
You can sign up to receive the latest news to your phone or inbox. 
You can also download the Rolls-Royce Investor Relations app which 
provides the latest media and financial information.

C Share dividend rate (%)
0.263
0.233  

Record date for 
C Share dividend
14 November 2014
2 June 2014

Payment date
2 January 2015
1 July 2014

No. of 
C Shares issued
per ordinary
share

90

134

Record date
for
entitlement
to C Shares
24 October
 2014
25 April 
2014

Latest date
for receipt of
Payment
Instruction
Forms by
Registrar
1 December
2014
2 June
2014

Apportionment values

CGT apportionment

Price of
ordinary
shares on first
day of trading
 (p)

Value of 
C Share issues
per ordinary
shares (p)

Ordinary
shares (%)

C Shares (%)

 864.250

1066.685

9.0

13.4

98.97

98.76

1.03

1.24

Issue date
2 January
2015
2 July
2014

Date of
redemption
of C Shares
6 January
2015
3 July
2014

CRIP
purchase
date
9 January
2015
9 July
2014

CRIP
purchase
price (p)

863.372

1058.380

For earlier C Share issues, please refer to the Group’s website.

ANALYSIS OF ORDINARY SHAREHOLDERS AT 31 DECEMBER 2014

Type of holder:
Individuals
Institutional and other investors
Total

Size of holding:
1 – 150
151 – 500
501 – 10,000
10,001 – 100,000
100,001 – 1,000,000
1,000,001 and over
Total

Number of 
shareholders
194,995
8,857
203,852

64,561
101,779
35,567
1,290
439
216
203,852

% of total 
shareholders
95.66
4.34
100.00

31.67
49.93
17.45
0.63
0.21
0.11
100.00

Number 
of shares
97,855,322
1,784,695,534
1,882,517,856

6,116,140
27,532,323
57,568,059
35,524,258
152,132,412
1,603,644,664
1,882,517,856

% of total 
shares
5.20
94.80
100.00

0.32
1.46
3.06
1.89
8.08
85.19
100.00

167

Other Information 
GLOSSARY

anti-bribery and corruption
Annual General Meeting
All Nippon Airways
Annual Performance Related Award plan
Articles of Association of Rolls-Royce Holdings plc
non-cumulative redeemable preference shares
commercial and administrative
contractual aftermarket rights
chief executive officer
chief financial officer
cash-generating unit
carbon dioxide
Rolls-Royce Holdings plc
cash flow per share
C Share Reinvestment Plan
Executive Leadership Team
earnings per ordinary share
European Union
euro
Financial Reporting Council
foreign exchange
Great British pound or pound sterling
greenhouse gas

ABC
AGM
ANA
APRA
Articles
C Shares
C&A
CARs
CEO
CFO
CGU
CO2
Company
CPS
CRIP
ELT
EPS
EU
EUR
FRC
FX
GBP
GHG
Global Code Global Code of Conduct
Group
HMRC
HS&E
I&C
IAB
IAS

Rolls-Royce Holdings plc and its subsidiaries
HM Revenue & Customs
health, safety and environment
instrumentation and control
International Advisory Board
International Accounting Standards

IFRIC
IFRS
KPIs
ktCO2e
LIBOR
LTSA
LNG
NCI
NOx
OCI
OE
OECD
PBT
PSP
R&D
REACH

Registrar
RRPS
RRSAs
SFO
SIP
SOx
STEM
TCA
TRI
TSR
UAV
USD/US$
UTCs

International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee
International Financial Reporting Standards
key performance indicators
kilotonnes carbon dioxide equivalent
London Inter-Bank Offered Rate
long-term service agreement
liquefied natural gas
non-controlling interest
nitrogen oxides
other comprehensive income
original equipment
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development
profit before tax
Performance Share Plan
research and development
Registration, Evaluation Authorisation and restriction  
of CHemicals
Computershare Investor Services PLC
Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG 
risk and revenue sharing arrangements 
Serious Fraud Office
Share Incentive Plan
sulphur oxides
science, technology, engineering and mathematics
TotalCare agreement
total reportable injuries
total shareholder return
unmanned aerial vehicle
United States dollar
University Technology Centres

168

Other InformationRolls-Royce Holdings plcAnnual Report 2014Rolls-Royce designs, develops, manufactures and services 
integrated power systems for use in the air, on land and at sea. 

We are one of the world’s leading producers of aero engines for large civil aircraft and corporate 
jets. We are the second largest provider of defence aero engines and services in the world. 
For land and sea markets, reciprocating engines and systems from Rolls-Royce are in marine, 
distributed energy, oil & gas, rail and off-highway vehicle applications. In nuclear, we have a strong 
instrumentation, product and service capability in both civil power and submarine propulsion.

Cover image: Transatlantic Air Exchanges | Airline routes between North America and Europe. Félix Pharand-Deschênes/Globaïa
This page: Front fan from a Trent 1000 aero engine

Designed and produced by  
Designed and produced by  

The paper used in the report contains 75% recycled 
The paper used in the report contains 75% recycled 
content, of which 75% is de-inked post-consumer. 
content, of which 75% is de-inked post-consumer. 
All of the pulp is bleached using an elemental chlorine  
All of the pulp is bleached using an elemental chlorine  
free process (ECF).
free process (ECF).

 environmental printing technology, using 
 environmental printing technology, using 

Printed in the UK by PurePrint using their 
Printed in the UK by PurePrint using their 
and 
and 
vegetable inks throughout. PurePrint is a CarbonNeutral® 
vegetable inks throughout. PurePrint is a CarbonNeutral® 
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ISO 14001 and are Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC)  
ISO 14001 and are Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC)  
chain-of-custody certified.
chain-of-custody certified.

  
  
Rolls-Royce Holdings plc
Annual Report 2014

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© Rolls-Royce plc 2015

Rolls-Royce Holdings plc 
Registered office:  
62 Buckingham Gate 
London 
SW1E 6AT

T +44 (0)20 7222 9020 
www.rolls-royce.com

Company number 7524813

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