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Vivo Energy

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FY2019 Annual Report · Vivo Energy
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VIVO ENERGY PLC 
ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019

CONTENTS

THE VIVO ENERGY STORY

DELIVERING 
GROWTH

ESTABLISHED IN 2011, WE ARE THE COMPANY BEHIND 
THE SHELL AND ENGEN BRANDS IN MULTIPLE AFRICAN 
MARKETS. WE SOURCE, DISTRIBUTE, MARKET AND 
SUPPLY HIGH-QUALITY FUELS AND LUBRICANTS TO 
RETAIL AND COMMERCIAL CUSTOMERS, IN ADDITION 
TO PROVIDING A GROWING NON-FUEL RETAIL 
OFFERING – MAKING OUR CUSTOMERS' EXPERIENCE 
WITH US MORE CONVENIENT AND REWARDING.

THE VIVO ENERGY STORY IS AN AFRICAN STORY 
 – ONE OF ROBUST DEMOGRAPHIC TRENDS  
DRIVING DYNAMIC AND SUSTAINED GROWTH, 
IN A CONTINENT ON THE MOVE. 

OUR BUSINESS BRINGS TOGETHER THE POWER OF 
GREAT BRANDS AND THE FLEXIBILITY OF A VIBRANT, 
ENTREPRENEURIAL CORPORATE CULTURE. ALL SET  
AGAINST THE BACKDROP OF INCREASING DEMAND 
IN ONE OF THE WORLD’S FASTEST-GROWING REGIONS.

“ Vivo Energy delivered strong performance 

and a number of significant projects in 
2019. The Board and I are pleased with 
both the direction of travel and future 
growth opportunities for the Company  
to capitalise on.”

John Daly
Chairman

STRATEGIC REPORT
The Vivo Energy story 

2019 highlights 

Who we are 

Where we operate 

Market overview 

Chief Executive Officer’s statement 

Engen spotlight 

Business model and value creation 

Strategic objectives 

Key performance indicators 

Segment review – Retail 

Segment review – Commercial 

Segment review – Lubricants 

Financial review 

Resources and relationships 

Risk management 

Long-term viability and going concern 

GOVERNANCE
Chairman’s Statement 
Board Leadership and Company Purpose 
Board of Directors 
Senior Executive Team 
Division of Responsibilities 

Composition, Succession and Evaluation 

Nominations and Governance Committee Report 

Audit and Risk Committee Report 

Directors’ Remuneration Report 

Directors’ Report 

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Independent Auditors’ Report  
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 
Consolidated statement of financial position 
Consolidated statement of changes in equity 
Consolidated statement of cash flows 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements 
Company statement of financial position 
Company statement of changes in equity 
Notes to the Company financial statements 

OTHER INFORMATION
Shareholder information 
Historical financial information 
Glossary 
Key contacts and advisers 
Cautionary statement 

IFC

01

08

10

12

14

18

20

22

26

28

30

32

34

44

58

65

68

70

74

76

78

82

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108

111

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164

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180

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019

STR ATEG IC REP ORT      

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

2019 
HIGHLIGHTS

 – STRONG OPERATING AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE.

 – SUCCESSFUL MAJOR PROJECT DELIVERY, INCLUDING 

COMPLETION AND INTEGRATION OF ENGEN 
ACQUISITION AND UPGRADE OF ERP SYSTEM.

 – STRONG FREE CASH GENERATION AND DISCIPLINED 

CAPITAL ALLOCATION.

 – EXCELLENT SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE.

 – RECOMMENDING INCREASED RETURNS 

TO SHAREHOLDERS.

8,302
+10%

10,417
+11%

431
+8%

150
+3%

21
-2 P.P.

3.8
15%2

743
+9%

3251

+111%

0.04
-79%

01

REVENUES US$ millionVOLUME million litresGROSS CASH PROFIT US$ millionADJUSTED EBITDA US$ millionROACE % (P.P. denotes percentage points)ADJUSTED FREE CASH FLOW US$ millionNET INCOME US$ millionRECOMMENDED DPS cents per shareTRCF per million exposure hours1  Includes timing-related working capital inflow of approximately $111 million during the year. For more information, see page 39.2  Compared to pro-forma full year 2018 dividend.VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

2019 HIGHLIGHTS: ENERGY TO GROW

DEMONSTRATING  
RESILIENCE

In 2019 we strengthened our reputation as a geographically 
diversified, dynamic and resilient business that has continued 
to deliver strong financial performance and has the potential 
for long‑term sustainable growth.

We completed our transaction with Engen, 
further diversifying our business, welcoming around 
300 new employees, adding eight new countries and 
over 200 Engen‑branded service stations to our network, 
and increasing our opportunities in the Commercial 
and Lubricants businesses.

23African countries  

with a Retail footprint

02

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

“Our transaction with Engen Holdings 

opened an important new chapter 
for Vivo Energy: welcoming around 
300 new employees, adding eight 
new countries to our network, 
further diversifying our business 
and increasing our target market 
by around 155 million people, 
to approximately 35% of the 
African continent.”

Christian Chammas
CEO, Vivo Energy

  200+ 

 Engen‑branded 
service stations

  8 

new countries

03

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019 
 
STR ATEG IC REP ORT

2019 HIGHLIGHTS: ENERGY TO GROW CONTINUED

CREATING A PLATFORM  
FOR GROWTH

We’re laying the foundations for further success in 
our business, creating a platform for growth. We’ve 
developed and delivered our SAP S/4HANA Enterprise 
Resource Planning (ERP) system in the Shell‑branded 
markets in record time, and this is already enabling new 
levels of automation and intelligence in our distribution 
chain. We can now access data in real time across our 
business, from one screen. This new way of working 
touches every part of our organisation and supply chain, 
including logistics, customer relationship management, 
HR, planning, finance and our suppliers.

04

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT      

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

“

Our ERP deployment has laid 
the foundation for simpler business 
processes, helping us to become more 
efficient throughout our supply chain 
and financial systems, and enabling 
our business to transform and grow.”

Mike McCormick
CIO, Vivo Energy

  2,100+ 

 SAP users

  15 

 countries live in 
under 30 months

05

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019 
 
STR ATEG IC REP ORT

2019 HIGHLIGHTS: ENERGY TO GROW CONTINUED

INNOVATING  
FOR THE FUTURE

Our consumers and retailers are increasingly connected 
online and expect us to provide them with digitally 
enabled solutions that make their lives easier. In 2019, 
we began the process of automating our service stations 
and improving online engagement with Retail customers.

160 service stations in Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, 
Côte d’Ivoire and Botswana were automated 
during 2019, helping us to provide improved service 
and efficiency. Not only does automation benefit 
the customer, it also helps retailers because stock 
levels at sites are automatically monitored to ensure 
replenishment when required.

Secondly, in order to create a consistent experience 
with our offline and online customer brand, we have 
begun to launch Shell websites, social media platforms, 
and the Shell Africa app in our Shell‑branded operating 
units (OUs). These are enabling us to engage and build 
relationships with our customers to help grow brand 
preference and provide a platform for our new loyalty 
programme. By the end of the year, six countries’ 
websites and loyalty programmes were live, with 
deployment in the remaining Shell‑branded countries 
and digital foundations for the Engen‑branded countries 
planned for 2020.

06

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT      

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

“We're constantly innovating 

and adapting to meet and exceed 
our customers’ evolving needs.”

Polycarp Igathe
EVP Sales and Marketing, Vivo Energy

  160 

 service stations 
automated

  6 

 Shell‑branded 
websites live

07

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019 
 
STR ATEG IC REP ORT

WHO WE ARE

A COMPANY  
ON THE MOVE

WE’RE A MARKET-LEADING, PAN-AFRICAN RETAILER 
AND DISTRIBUTOR OF HIGH-QUALITY FUELS 
AND LUBRICANTS TO RETAIL AND COMMERCIAL 
CUSTOMERS ACROSS THE CONTINENT, 
WITH A GROWING NON-FUEL RETAIL OFFERING.

OPERATING IN FAST-GROWING MARKETS, 
WE MAKE OUR CUSTOMERS’ LIVES EASIER AND 
THEIR EXPERIENCE WITH US MORE CONVENIENT, 
ENJOYABLE AND REWARDING.

HOW? BY PROVIDING QUALITY PRODUCTS AND 
SERVICES THAT MEET THEIR NEEDS, SUPPORTED BY 
HIGH STANDARDS OF SAFETY, INNOVATION AND 
SERVICE – IN EVERY AREA WHERE WE OPERATE.

242

135

54

Non-GAAP measures are explained and reconciled on pages 42 to 43.

08

RETAIL

Retail is the engine that powers our growth. At the 
end of 2019, our network comprised 2,226 service 
stations across the continent – making us the second 
largest retailer in Africa outside South Africa, in terms 
of site numbers.

Sale of petrol and diesel fuels at 
Shell and Engen-branded service 
stations, across 23 countries.

 Multi-branded convenience retail 
shops, quick service and fast casual 
restaurants, and other services 
including lubricant bays, car washes 
and ATMs.

COMMERCIAL

Our Commercial business is founded on a proven 
proposition to thousands of customers. We not only 
ensure a reliable supply of high-quality fuels to a wide range 
of customers operating in high-growth sectors – we also 
support those products with extensive, trusted services.

Supplying mining, construction, 
transport, power and industrial 
companies. We also supply LPG, 
primarily to consumers, as well as 
fuels to the wholesale market.

Supplying aviation fuel, plus 
bunkering for marine traders 
and other shipping companies.

LUBRICANTS

We sell lubricants to commercial customers and retail 
consumers in our countries of operation, and also export 
to more than 10 additional African markets.

 Providing products to consumers 
at our service station forecourts 
and lubricant bays and also at 
oil shops, repair shops, service 
centres and resellers through 
a network of distributors.

Supplying specialist lubricants 
to mining companies and B2B 
customers, and also exporting 
to other African markets.

RETAIL  FUELSCORE COMMERCIALRETAIL  LUBRICANTSNON-FUEL  RETAILAVIATION & MARINECOMMERCIAL  LUBRICANTSADJUSTED EBITDA BY SEGMENTUS$ million RETAILCOMMERCIALLUBRICANTSVIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT      

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

GROSS CASH PROFIT including Non-fuel retail
US$ million

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

 – Expansion of retail network 
by 17% through organic and 
inorganic growth.

 – Development of Non-fuel retail 
offering with 123 openings 
and JVs with KFC franchisees 
extended to five markets.

 – Roll-out of loyalty programmes 

across major markets.
 – Increased penetration of 

premium fuels following major 
product launches during the year.

 – Signed regional contracts 
with major international 
power providers.
 – Increased the number 

of LPG points-of-sale by 
a further 1,700 outlets.
 – Focused on delivering value 
to mining customers and 
won five new mining tenders.

 – Strong performance with 

Aviation customers.

 – Strong recovery in unit margins 
due to increased pricing across 
the portfolio.

 – Successfully adapted distributor 
channel in North Africa to 
changes in market.
 – Launch of new coolant 

portfolio in seven markets.

5,900
+10%

71
-5%

GROSS CASH PROFIT
US$ million

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

4,380
+13%

49
+4%

GROSS CASH PROFIT
US$ million

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

137
+2%

454

428

429

376

289

214

181

162

145

138

75

71

75

59

47

547
+4%

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019

09

HIGHLIGHTSHIGHLIGHTSVOLUME million litresVOLUME million litresVOLUME million litresUNIT MARGIN $/’000 litresUNIT MARGIN $/’000 litresUNIT MARGIN $/’000 litresHIGHLIGHTSSTR ATEG IC REP ORT

WHERE WE OPERATE

A STRONG AND 
GROWING PRESENCE

THE ADDITION OF EIGHT NEW ENGEN-BRANDED MARKETS 
ON 1 MARCH 2019 HAS GIVEN US A MUCH STRONGER PRESENCE 
ACROSS LARGE MARKETS IN EAST AND SOUTHERN AFRICA.

AT THE END OF 2019, OUR RETAIL NETWORK COMPRISED 
2,226 SERVICE STATIONS, SPANNING 23 COUNTRIES – 
AN INCREASE OF 17% SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR.

WE CONTINUE TO OPERATE SIGNIFICANT COMMERCIAL 
AND LUBRICANTS BUSINESSES ACROSS THE CONTINENT.

01   TUNISIA
Total volume 
Service stations 
Market position 

02   MOROCCO 
Total volume 
Service stations 
Market position 

03   CAPE VERDE 
Total volume 
Service stations 
Market position 

04   SENEGAL 
Total volume 
Service stations 
Market position 

05   MALI 
Total volume 
Service stations 
Market position 

06   GUINEA 
Total volume 
Service stations 
Market position 

07   CÔTE D’IVOIRE 
Total volume 
Service stations 
Market position 

08   BURKINA FASO 
Total volume 
Service stations 
Market position 

10

1,114
168
2

2,201
355
2

251
26
2

541
118
2

259
43
1

417
100
2

686
222
2

325
75
2

09   GHANA
Total volume 
Service stations 
Market position 

10   UGANDA 
Total volume 
Service stations 
Market position 

11   KENYA1
Total volume 
Service stations 
Market position 

12   NAMIBIA 
Total volume 
Service stations 
Market position 

13   BOTSWANA 
Total volume 
Service stations 
Market position 

14   MADAGASCAR 
Total volume 
Service stations 
Market position 

15   MAURITIUS 
Total volume 
Service stations 
Market position 

609
235
2

465
154
1

1,121
227
1

367
64
1

340
87
2

210
72
4

488
49
2

2

16   GABON 
Total volume 
Service stations 
Market position 

17   RWANDA 
Total volume 
Service stations 
Market position 

18   ZAMBIA 
Total volume 
Service stations 
Market position 

19   MALAWI 
Total volume 
Service stations 
Market position 

20   TANZANIA 
Total volume 
Service stations 
Market position 

21   REUNION
Total volume 
Service stations 
Market position 

22   MOZAMBIQUE 
Total volume 
Service stations 
Market position 

23   ZIMBABWE 
Total volume 
Service stations 
Market position 

123
24
3

48
23
2

84
34
4

32
21
4

43
10
13

178
35
3

163
21
3

118
63
4

Total volume is measured in million litres, 
and excludes volume related to supply 
trading, not allocated to countries.
1 

 Includes contribution of operations 
acquired from Engen that were 
rebranded to Shell during the year.
 Volume for Engen-branded markets 
is based on 10 months’ contribution 
in 2019.

2 

01040508060709121314102017161802    03112223191521VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT      

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

 Our markets with  
Shell‑branded service stations.

New markets since 1 March 2019  
with Engen‑branded service stations.

11

01040508060709121314102017161802    03112223191521VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

MARKET OVERVIEW

MOMENTUM 
FOR GROWTH

ACROSS OUR MARKETS WE CONTINUALLY ADAPT TO 
FAVOURABLE MACRO TAILWINDS, CHANGING INDUSTRY 
TRENDS AND EVOLVING CUSTOMER AND COMPETITOR 
LANDSCAPES. THIS FLEXIBILITY HELPS DRIVE OUR GROWTH.

60% 
<25yrs

As of mid-2019, compared 
to 28% in developed 
regions, making Africa the 
world’s youngest continent

+5.0%Expected average annual 

GDP growth in our markets 
from 2019 to 2024

MACRO TRENDS

1.

POPULATIONS  
ARE RISING

The rapid increase in Africa’s population 
is an underlying driver for our growth. 
Forecasts predict that by 2050 Africa will be 
home to 1.18 billion more people, representing 
58% of the projected global population growth 
(source: UN World Population Prospects 2019). 
Additionally, estimates indicate that 60% of 
Africa’s population is younger than 25 years old 
as of mid-2019, compared to 28% in developed 
regions (including Europe, Northern America, 
Australia, New Zealand and Japan), making 
Africa the world’s youngest continent.

Africa’s urban population is predicted to 
increase from 42% in 2015 to 60% in 2050 
(source: United Nations forecasts). It is also 
projected that by 2030 the middle class in 
Africa will grow to 582 million people from 
376 million people in 2013 (source: McKinsey).

2.

GDPs ARE  
GROWING

Based on IMF data, Africa is expected to be 
the continent with the second fastest-growing 
GDP over the next five years, with our 
countries of operations (excluding Reunion) on 
average expected to grow by 5.0% per annum 
from 2019 to 2024. In turn this is expected 
to drive strong growth in consumer spending 
which will lead to increased car penetration 
and demand for our fuel and non-fuel products. 
While remaining well above developed 
market growth rates, this forecast growth has 
marginally slowed in the past 12 months due 
to global macro trends and specific markets 
in our portfolio, such as Tunisia and Namibia, 
experiencing weak economic growth.

12

VEHICLE NUMBERS  
ARE INCREASING

3.
0.8%

2.4%

6.2%

US

Europe

Vivo Energy’s markets

Increasing number of vehicles per region –  
CAGR from 2018 to 2023.

The rising population, urbanisation and GDP growth 
is driving rapid vehicle growth, with the number of 
vehicles in Sub-Saharan Africa growing at a CAGR of 
6.2% from 2018 to 2023, compared to corresponding 
CAGRs of 0.8% in the United States and 2.4% in 
Europe (source: BMI forecasts).

In 2018, there were 25 million vehicles in our countries 
of operation, with an average of 60 vehicles per 
thousand people, compared to 553 in Europe and 
806 in the United States, demonstrating the strong 
potential of car ownership growth in our markets.

4.

INFRASTRUCTURE  
IS DEVELOPING

New estimates by the African Development 
Bank suggest that the continent’s infrastructure 
needs amount to $130-170 billion a year, helping 
drive our Commercial business. According to the 
Infrastructure Financing Trends in Africa 2018 report 
by the Infrastructure Consortium for Africa, spend 
on infrastructure across the continent reached a 
new high in 2018, surpassing the $100 billion mark, 
a year-on-year increase of about 25% and 38% higher 
than the 2015 to 2017 average.

WHAT THIS MEANS  
FOR VIVO ENERGY

These positive macro trends have supported, 
and will continue to support, Vivo Energy’s business.

CITAC forecasts growth in demand for fuel across 
all of the Shell-branded markets at an average of 
2.7% CAGR for the period from 2019 to 2024.

In the Engen-branded markets, CITAC forecasts 
fuel demand growing at an average of 3.6% CAGR 
for the period from 2019 to 2024.

Additionally, all of our Operating Units, with the 
exception of Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Gabon, 
are net oil importers and depend on fuel suppliers, 
such as Vivo Energy, to source and distribute 
fuel products (source: 2017 estimates, US Energy 
Information Administration).

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT      

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

INDUSTRY TRENDS

1.

EMBRACING 
DIGITAL

The rise in digital has transformed the way 
people live, work and shop. With digital and 
social technology, consumers can continuously 
engage and interact with companies. 
Fuel retailers including Vivo Energy are also 
benefitting from digital, improving efficiencies 
by using data from automated service 
station pumps.

Our response
In order to create a consistent experience with 
our offline and online customer brands we’ve 
started the process of launching Shell websites 
and social media platforms in our Shell-branded 
OUs. These initiatives will enhance brand 
preference by engaging with customers and 
building strong relationships.

The Shell Africa mobile app was launched to 
our Retail customers in a number of countries 
to provide a platform to track and redeem 
points for our new loyalty programme.

INCREASING FOCUS  
ON SUSTAINABILITY  
AND THE ENVIRONMENT

2.

Following the signing of the Paris Agreement, 
governments, regulators, investors and 
consumers in developed markets have 
materially increased their focus on the 
environment and climate change over the past 
12 months. This shift is seeing some consumers 
and investors move away from fossil fuels.

Development of electric vehicles (EVs) in 
our markets is expected to have a negligible 
impact on fuel demand in the foreseeable 
future. Uptake depends on several factors 
including relative cost, consumer acceptance, 
environmental policies, density of charging 
networks, and reliability of the electricity grid. 
Adoption is expected to be slower in Africa 
than developed markets, as income levels 
are lower, environmental standards are less 
prevalent and infrastructure is less developed.

Our response
We're working to develop cleaner energy 
products, services, practices and policies 
that reduce our environmental impact. 
Initiatives include smarter depots and 
supply chains, optimising product deliveries 
to reduce distance travelled, more energy 
efficient service stations through initiatives 
such as solar power and LED lighting, and 
investigating hybrid solar solutions for our 
Commercial customers.

Consumers are 
connected online and 
expect us to provide 
them with digitally 
enabled solutions 

>700

 outlets and restaurants 
added to our network

Investigating 
hybrid solar  
solutions for 
our Commercial  
customers 

3.

DEMANDING  
MORE CONVENIENCE

Consumers in Africa are no different to those 
in developed markets. Driven by trends including 
greater urbanisation and higher disposable 
incomes, they're changing habits and lifestyles 
– and they're looking for added convenience in 
their increasingly busy lives. That includes retail 
and quick service food and beverage offerings 
that fit into their schedules. Today, service stations 
are seen as consumer retail hubs in many of our 
markets with consumers expecting more than 
just fuel.

Our response
Since 2014, we've significantly expanded our 
convenience retail and quick service restaurant 
offering, adding more than 700 outlets and 
restaurants across the network. And we've 
brought premium, international and local brands, 
such as KFC, Burger King, Brioche Dorée, 
Java House and Chicken Inn to our operations.

4.

INCREASING 
COMPETITION

We operate in largely fragmented markets and 
have witnessed an increase in activity from some 
of our larger scale competitors, in terms of new 
site openings and upgrades to service stations. 
In our operating countries, we've seen one larger 
player undertake a rebrand and another taken 
over by a new entrant into Africa's fuels market.

Our response
We remain ranked number one or two in markets 
representing approximately 90% of our total 
volumes. We've achieved this by opening a site 
almost every three days to capture growing 
demand – offering differentiated fuels, quality 
service and customer promotions. During 2019, 
we consolidated our position within our 
Shell-branded markets. In our Engen-branded 
markets, we’ve opened 15 new service stations 
since we completed the transaction and are 
targeting increases in market share in those 
countries going forward.

WHAT THIS MEANS  
FOR VIVO ENERGY

These changing industry trends demonstrate 
the importance of acting in a fast and agile 
way to stay ahead of the competition.

Our flat, customer-centric organisation, 
with a performance-driven operating culture, 
and speed of decision-making is central to our 
competitive position.

To maintain this position, we plan to continue to 
innovate and evolve, adapting to meet and exceed 
our customers’ changing needs and desires.

13

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S STATEMENT

SEIZING OPPORTUNITIES, 
DRIVING GROWTH

2019 was another year of firsts 
for the Vivo Energy Group.

We completed our first full year as a public company, 
hosted our first Annual General Meeting, and issued 
our first Annual Report. We also completed our 
first large-scale acquisition. This brought eight new 
countries and a second international brand – Engen 
– into Vivo Energy. Additionally, we became the first 
company in Africa to complete the integration of a 
state-of-the-art SAP S/4HANA enterprise resource 
planning (ERP) system across our Shell-branded 
operations, which will provide many benefits 
over the coming years.

It's hard to believe that this business was created 
just eight short years ago. In that time we've 
almost doubled our footprint to 2,226 retail 
sites across 23 African countries, expanded our 
Commercial business significantly and increased sales 
to over 10 billion litres of fuel and lubricants per year, 
while developing a major non-fuel retail business at 
the same time. This would not have been possible 
without the fantastic teams we have within the 
business and the creation of a vibrant culture that 
relentlessly presses us forward. We're now well placed 
to continue to be entrepreneurial and nimble as we 
adapt, in order to capitalise on the opportunities and 
mitigate the threats that will arise in the coming years.

Vivo Energy is an integral part of day-to-day life on 
the African continent. The economies of the countries 
where we operate are amongst the fastest-growing in 
the world, with young populations who are increasingly 
affluent and mobile – and this drives demand for the 
many products that we sell across our retail sites. 
We're also seeing continued growth in infrastructure 
investment, which encourages both near-term 
demand as well as future prosperity. Our operations 
enable consumers to get to work, help professional 
drivers to earn a living, and support the development 
of thousands of local and international businesses 
that rely on our fuels and lubricants to drive their 
operations, and the growth of a continent, forward.

PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS
Still in the early years of our life as a public company, 
we recognise that building a track record is critical to 
future success. We’re delighted to report that we again 
delivered against our guidance, meeting our volume 
expectations and exceeding our margin expectations. 
Our volumes grew by 11%, to 10,417 million litres, 
supported by the contribution from the new 
Engen-branded markets and the opening of a net 
total of 96 new service stations, with 15 of those 
under the Engen-brand. Volume growth in our 
Shell-branded markets amounted to 1%, with Retail 
growth of 2% (3% in H2 19). Shell-branded volume 
growth has been impacted by a deliberate focus 
on maximising our gross cash profit in Ghana and 
Uganda, which are deregulated markets, slower 
demand growth in large markets such as Tunisia, 
Côte d’Ivoire and Mali, and increased competitor 
site openings. Our Shell-branded Commercial 
volumes were slightly down year-on-year as we 
made a tactical decision to move away from the 
wholesale business in several markets due to the 
low returns on offer. This decision helped drive 
strong Commercial margins, which together 
with the focus on gross cash profit, as well 
as increased non-fuel retail and premium 
fuel contribution, led to Group gross cash unit 
margin of $71 per thousand litres for 2019. 
This was lower than 2018 ($73), due to the 
change in market conditions experienced 
since H2 18 in Morocco.

Together, these factors increased gross 
cash profit by 9% to $743 million for the 
year, which led to continued year-on-year 
adjusted EBITDA growth. Group adjusted 
EBITDA of $431 million was 8% higher 
than 2018, with strong adjusted free 
cash flow. Net income of $150 million 
was slightly ahead of the previous 
year, but due to lower special items, 
higher net finance expenses and a 
higher effective tax rate, adjusted 
diluted earnings per share fell from 
14 cents to 12 cents for the year.

14

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

“As a result of the Engen 

acquisition and growth of our 
existing network, 2019 saw us 
grow our number of service 
stations by an impressive 17%.”

Christian Chammas
Chief Executive Officer

The strong cash flow enabled us to continue to reduce 
our leverage, with net debt to adjusted EBITDA 
falling to 0.48x. As a result of the increased balance 
sheet flexibility and the desire to provide attractive 
returns to shareholders, the Board has recommended 
an increase in the final dividend to 2.7 cents per 
share, bringing the full year dividend to 3.8 cents 
per share, up from 1.9 cents in 2018. This is in line 
with our progressive dividend policy and represents 
35% of attributable net income. If approved at our 
Annual General Meeting, the final dividend will be 
paid to shareholders on 8 June 2020.

As announced in January 2020, the Company’s 
subsidiary in Morocco has received a report from 
the investigators in charge of the Conseil de la 
Concurrence’s (the CdC) ongoing review of the 
competitive dynamics of the Moroccan fuel retailing 
industry. Vivo Energy Morocco will have the 
opportunity to provide submissions in response to 
the report in accordance with the procedures set out 
in the applicable laws of Morocco. These submissions 
along with the report will then be considered by 
the board of the CdC prior to any ruling being 
made, which if unfavourable may be appealed in 
accordance with the laws of Morocco. We believe 
that Vivo Energy Morocco has at all times conducted 
its operations in accordance with applicable 
competition laws, rules and regulations.

We are a highly diverse and resilient business. 
Although the Moroccan retail fuels business remains 
our largest business, its adjusted EBITDA contribution 
fell from 18% in 2018 to 13% in 2019, due to changes 
in market conditions in Morocco, the increased 
contribution from the Engen transaction and 
strong growth in other countries and segments. 
Notwithstanding its lower contribution, there 
continued to be focus on the Moroccan Retail 
market during the year. It remains an attractive 
market for us and we continued to develop our fuel 
and non-fuel network in the country. We continued 
to invest into the business and completed an exciting 
investment to expand in the south of the country 
in the fourth quarter.

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019

15

STR ATEG IC REP ORT

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S 
STATEMENT CONTINUED

MAJOR PROJECTS
The year was marked by the successful completion 
of two major projects: the integration of Engen and 
the deployment of our new ERP system.

We welcomed around 300 new employees and 
added over 200 Engen-branded service stations 
to our network across eight new countries through 
the Engen transaction and I’ve been very impressed 
at how quickly the new teams have become fully 
integrated into our operational culture. I've visited 
many of the new countries and am delighted to see 
the pace of change as we upgrade and expand the 
networks, with 83 sites refurbished and 15 new sites 
opening in the first 10 months of our ownership. 
There is huge potential for growth in these markets, 
using the established Vivo Energy business model.

Having developed and deployed our new ERP system 
in Kenya and Uganda in 2018, it was an impressive 
feat to complete the roll-out to the remaining 
13 Shell-branded countries by August 2019. The new 
system lays the foundation for simpler business 
processes, greater efficiency and a platform that 
will enable our business to transform and grow. 
Our focus has now shifted to deploying the system 
in our Engen-branded countries and deriving the 
full benefits for the business.

OUR STAKEHOLDERS
As one of the leading African companies operating 
on the continent, it's vitally important that we run 
our business in a responsible manner for all of our 
stakeholders. As we progress towards our vision 
of becoming the most respected energy business in 
Africa, our Board of Directors has this year adopted 
our Purpose Statement: “To safely provide innovative 
and responsible energy solutions to Africa, which 
enable growth and development of the continent 
and its people.”

As you'll read later in this report, we've already 
taken significant steps to minimise our impact on 
the environment through efficiency measures and 
solar initiatives, recognising the potential impact that 
climate change could have on our operating countries. 
We continue to invest into our communities to drive 
access to education, road safety and environmental 
initiatives, and most importantly, we've continued to 
demonstrate a very strong Health, Safety and Security 
record. Given we transport and sell volatile products 
across the continent, management of health and safety 
to keep our employees, customers and communities 
safe is critical to our success and is an area where we 
will never lose focus.

The development of our people is also core to our 
success. We operate a decentralised business, where 
local teams are empowered, but held accountable 
for performance and governance. We place great 
emphasis on providing careers and not just jobs for 
our people. We believe that we're developing the 
next generation of business leaders by giving them 
opportunities across our business to experience 
different roles, leadership and cultures, to the 
ultimate benefit of our employees, our businesses 
and our communities alike.

16

$743M

 Gross cash profit
increased 9% year-on-year

0.04

HSSE
Strong HSSE 
performance during the 
year with Total Recordable 
Case Frequency of 
0.04 incidents per million 
exposure hours

In eight short years, 
we have nearly 
doubled our network 
of service stations 

LOOKING AHEAD
The coming year will be exciting as we continue to 
adapt in order to grow our business. We will look 
to capture the opportunity in our Engen-branded 
markets and to harness the potential from the new 
ERP system and the digital eco-system that it enables, 
as well as returning to the basics of our retail model.

Ensuring that ever more customers are attracted to 
and return to our sites – by providing the best possible 
customer experience through our product offering, 
loyalty programmes and customer service excellence 
– remains at the heart of our business.

We have entered 2020 with good momentum and 
look forward to another year of strong performance. 
We expect to deliver mid-single digit gross cash 
profit percentage growth in 2020. This will be driven 
by: improved volume growth in the Shell-branded 
markets; organic growth in the Engen-branded 
markets; two months of additional Engen contribution 
in the first quarter due to the timing of the Engen 
transaction in 2019; and broadly stable gross cash unit 
margins. Capital expenditure is expected to be slightly 
ahead of 2019 levels at between $150-160 million 
as we invest in growing and upgrading the retail 
network across all 23 countries, with 80-100 net 
new sites targeted for the year.

While there have only been a limited number of 
confirmed cases of the Coronavirus on the African 
continent to date, we are closely monitoring this 
evolving situation and any potential impact it may 
have on our business.

It has been another intense year of effort for the team 
at Vivo Energy and I would like to extend my thanks 
to everyone for their remarkable contribution and 
determination to succeed during the past 12 months. 

I believe 2020 will be a year rich with potential. 
Fuelled by the skills of our teams, we have the energy 
to grow and are well-positioned to capitalise on the 
opportunities ahead.

CHRISTIAN CHAMMAS
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

VOLUME
million litres

10,417

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

ADJUSTED EBITDA
US$ million

431

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

+11%

9,351

9,026

8,389

7,990

+8%

400

376

302

240

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019 
 
 
 
STR ATEG IC REP ORT      

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

CEO VISITS 
2019

TUNISIA

01

02 

MOROCCO

03

04

BURKINA FASO

05

SENEGAL

GHANA

AFRICAN COUNTRIES VISITED
The CEO recognises the importance of 
engaging employees, customers and other key 
stakeholders in the Group’s business across 
Africa. During the course of 2019, he visited nine 
of our operating units in Africa, plus South Africa, 
visiting some of these countries multiple times. 
These trips typically included townhall meetings 
with employees; business review meetings with 
the managing director and country leadership 
teams; visiting and opening new service stations 
and convenience retail outlets; meeting with 
government stakeholders; and attending 
community investment events.

TANZANIA

KENYA

10Countries visited 

01  Tunisia

02  Morocco

03  Senegal

04  Burkina Faso

05  Ghana

06  Kenya

07  Tanzania

08  Zambia

09  Zimbabwe

10  South Africa

06

07

08

ZAMBIA

09

10

SOUTH  
AFRICA

ZIMBABWE

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019

17

 
 
 
 
STR ATEG IC REP ORT

ENGEN SPOTLIGHT

AN EXCITING 
NEW CHAPTER

ON 1 MARCH 2019, WE COMPLETED 
THE TRANSACTION TO ACQUIRE ENGEN 
INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS (MAURITIUS) 
LIMITED, ADDING OPERATIONS IN EIGHT 
NEW COUNTRIES TO OUR NETWORK.

03

8NEW COUNTRIES  

JOINED VIVO ENERGY  
IN MARCH 2019 
(shown in blue)

10-MONTH CONTRIBUTION

987

75

42

18

INTEGRATING  
ENGEN’S OPERATIONS

Ahead of the completion of the transaction in March 2019 
we undertook detailed integration planning and have 
delivered well against that plan. In these new markets, 
our key focus has been to implement our operating 
model and performance-driven culture, in order to 
achieve long-term growth.

We implemented a ‘balanced scorecard’ covering 
financial, operational and sustainability metrics in each of 
the new operating units. This both empowers and holds 
accountable local management teams. At the same time, 
we provided strong central support to the new teams as 
they developed to ensure they were able to adapt to the 
Vivo Energy requirements. As there is limited overlap 
between the Engen and Shell-branded markets there 
have been limited financial synergies, although we have 
realised some cost savings following the combination.

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019VOLUMEmillion litresGROSS CASH PROFIT US$ millionADJUSTED EBITDA US$ million 
STR ATEG IC REP ORT      

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

INTEGRATING  

ENGEN’S OPERATIONS

ALIGNING  
ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS

We’ve also focused on ensuring that environmental, 
health and safety, and compliance procedures and 
standards across the new business are aligned with 
our exacting standards. Where appropriate we’ve 
implemented upgrades to ensure compliance.

FUTURE  
OPPORTUNITIES

The primary rationale behind the Engen acquisition 
was the opportunity to replicate what we have 
already achieved in our Shell-branded markets, 
by energising an established business.

The primary driver of increased profitability in regulated 
markets is to drive volume growth, and we plan to 
increase the retail network across the new markets 
through a combination of new service stations and 
the rebrand of existing competitor sites. This growth, 
together with the upgrading of the existing network 
and the expansion of the non-fuel offering, is expected 
to lead to significant growth in volumes and market share.

During 2019, we launched our Shining Sites project 
to improve and uplift the network, provide assurance 
that standards are being met at the service stations, 
identify non-compliance and implement remedial 
action activities – all with the aim of making the service 
stations more welcoming for our customers. By the 
end of the year, 83 sites had been ‘shined’. In line with 
our plan 14 sites in Kenya were rebranded to Shell 
and 15 new Engen-branded service stations were 
opened during the year.

We also believe there is a major opportunity to drive 
commercial volumes by expanding value-added offerings 
to mining customers and adopting a more strategic 
approach to large industrial customers. We've already 
won significant supply contracts in the Commercial sector. 
This has driven growth and will generate further benefits 
over the next six months. In addition, we’ve implemented 
systems across the new countries to improve financial 
efficiency and drive ROACE.

Our good progress is demonstrated by the 10 months 
of contribution to the Group's full year results made by 
the new Engen-branded markets, with volumes for the 
10-month period since March of 987 million litres, gross 
cash profit of $75 million, adjusted EBITDA of $42 million 
and net income of $12 million.

7%Increase in Engen-branded 

retail network (excluding 
sites in Kenya rebranded 
to Shell)

19

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

  BUSINESS MODEL AND VALUE CREATION

HOW WE  
CREATE VALUE

OUR INTEGRATED MODEL, TOGETHER WITH  
OUR STRONG OPERATING CULTURE OF FOCUSING, 
SIMPLIFYING AND PERFORMING, DRIVES COMPETITIVE 
ADVANTAGES IN OUR MARKETS AND SUPPORTS OUR 
VISION TO BECOME THE MOST RESPECTED ENERGY 
COMPANY IN AFRICA. 

OUR RESOURCES  
& RELATIONSHIPS

OUR INTEGRATED MODEL...

SUPPLY

STORAGE

DISTRIBUTION

...PROVIDES A SUSTAINED  
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE...

...WHILE EFFECTIVELY MANAGING OUR RISKS

Risk management is embedded in the operational responsibilities of management 
and is an integral part of our overall governance, planning and decision-making. 

20

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019

We supply our operations through our access to diverse providers of supply, ranging from oil traders and government refineries to our lubricant blending plants, ensuring cost effective security of supply.In 2019, Vitol supplied around 30% of fuel products, under an arm’s length agreement, with standard market terms and conditions.ASSETSWe have a well invested, depreciated, and integrated network of retail sites, customer facilities and depots.EMPLOYEESOur 2,694 diverse, talented and local people form a de-centralised and high performing team.BRANDWe operate under the global Shell brand, and a leading African brand, Engen.FINANCIAL STRUCTURE Our resilient unit margins, structurally negative working capital and high operational leverage delivers sustainable cash generation.PARTNERSHIPSWe maintain strong relationships with our customers, retail dealers, distributors, communities, joint venture partners and host governments.On a continent where storage is scarce, we store up to one billion litres of fuels, equivalent to one month of supply, at either owned or shared facilities.We distribute products using strong partnerships with trusted local transport companies, as well as pipelines and rail where it makes sense. More information in the Resources and Relationships section on pages 44 to 57.Size of our footprint and relationships with suppliers enables us to source fuels at highly competitive prices.Infrastructure provides major barrier to entry to others, and growing volumes drive efficiencies.Our model provides operational control over road transport, enabling us to implement our exacting HSSE standards and controls. 
STR ATEG IC REP ORT      

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

RETAIL

COMMERCIAL

CUSTOMERS

OUR  
OUTCOMES

 – Over 800,000 customers  

per day at our sites

 – Leading average market share 
in Shell‑branded countries 
with an established position 
in Engen‑branded markets
 – Ever increasing food and  
convenience retail offering

EMPLOYEES

 – Industry‑leading safety record
 – Significant investment in 
training and development

 – Increasing proportion 
of female employees

INVESTORS

 – Strong return on 

average capital employed
 – Increasing shareholder returns
 – Conservative financial position

RESPONSIBLE  
CORPORATE CITIZEN 

 – Commitment to minimise 
environmental impact

 – Investment into communities
 – Significant tax payer, and collector,  
for host country governments

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019

21

...WHILE EFFECTIVELY MANAGING OUR RISKS

We categorise our 12 principal risks into strategic, operational, financial, HSSE and 
compliance risks and manage these through a strong internal control framework.

We supply thousands of commercial customers with fuels and lubricants across the transport, infrastructure, mining, aviation and marine sectors. In addition we supply LPG to consumers and commercial customers.We supply high-quality fuels, lubricants, food and convenience retail offerings at a network of 2,226 Shell and Engen-branded service stations. The majority of sites are owned by us, but operated by local dealers, reducing risk and utilising local knowledge. More information on pages 58 to 65. More information on pages 44 to 57.In 20 of 23 markets, pump prices are set by governments. Our leading brands and strong customer offering drive our industry-leading average throughput per site.Diversified mix of businesses across long‑term contracts, tender business and spot sales, with a proven proposition to add value to customers beyond supply. 
 
STR ATEG IC REP ORT

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES 

OUR 
STRATEGY

OUR STRATEGY HAS GIVEN US 
ENERGY TO GROW, AND WILL 
CONTINUE TO GUIDE OUR 
BUSINESS IN THE YEARS TO COME.

5

22

In Morocco 
we partnered 
with the national 
road safety 
organisation to launch 
#CodeWahed. This 
awareness campaign 
encourages members 
of the public 
to comply with 
a simple set of 
road safety rules.

1

REMAIN A RESPONSIBLE 
AND RESPECTED BUSINESS 
IN THE COMMUNITIES  
IN WHICH WE OPERATE

OUR VISION IS TO BECOME 
AFRICA’S MOST RESPECTED 
ENERGY BUSINESS.

This means being a respected member of 
the communities in which we operate, doing 
business the right way, and aiming to operate 
to the highest HSSE and operational standards.

WHAT WE DID DURING THE YEAR
 – Achieved strong HSSE performance, ahead 
of targets and industry peers, including 
zero Recordable Case or Long-Term Injury 
incidents in our Shell-branded countries.
 – Ran 97 community investment projects 
focused on road safety, education and 
the environment, totalling $1.2 million.

 – Developed our Purpose Statement.

WE HAVE FIVE KEY STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES:1  To remain a responsible and respected business in the communities in which we operate;2  To preserve our lean organisational structure and performance-driven culture;3  To maximise the value of our existing business;4  To pursue value-accretive growth; and5  To maintain attractive and sustainable returns through disciplined financial management.VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT      

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

2
PRESERVE OUR LEAN  
ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE AND 
PERFORMANCE-DRIVEN CULTURE

SINCE OUR FORMATION IN 2011, OUR BUSINESS HAS BEEN BUILT 
ON A FLAT, CUSTOMER-CENTRIC ORGANISATION WITH A LEAN 
CENTRAL MANAGEMENT TEAM.

Our ‘Focus, Simplify, Perform’ operating 
culture enables fast decision-making, 
encourages agility, and is fundamental 
to our competitive position.

Our locally empowered country teams, 
overseen by an experienced and responsive 
senior executive team, have also been 
instrumental in our success.

WHAT WE DID DURING THE YEAR
 – Focused on integrating our new 

Engen-branded markets into our systems, 
supply network and culture.

 – Implemented a scorecard covering financial, 
operational and sustainability metrics in 
each of the new markets, to empower 
local management teams and also hold 
them accountable.

 – Provided strong central support to the new 
markets to ensure they are able to adapt to 
our requirements, including our stringent 
environmental and safety standards.
 – Retained our organisational structure 
and continued to incentivise our 
employees by linking compensation 
to measurable performance.

23

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES CONTINUED

3
MAXIMISE THE VALUE OF OUR 
EXISTING BUSINESS

WE'VE CONTINUED TO INNOVATE, OFFERING OUR 
CUSTOMERS DIFFERENTIATED, RECOGNISED AND 
HIGH-QUALITY FUEL AND NON-FUEL PRODUCTS 
AND SERVICES.

Utilising our multiple trusted and valued 
brands – including Shell and Engen – has 
helped improve the customer experience, 
generate new revenue streams and 
maximise cross-selling opportunities.

The optimisation and further development 
of our existing retail network is a 
key strategic focus.

WHAT WE DID DURING THE YEAR
 – Launched digital programmes to 

understand the spending habits of our 
customers and capture more business, 
for example through targeted marketing.
 – Continued to leverage the power of our 
premium brands – primarily Shell (as the 
number one fuel brand in Africa) and 
Engen (as a leading regional brand) – 
to capitalise on increasing consumption, 
and demand for better quality fuels, 
lubricants and convenience products.

 – Continued to invest in technology 

(including automation), logistics and 
supply chain infrastructure, to support 
increased returns and growth.

24

4
PURSUE VALUE- 
ACCRETIVE GROWTH

WE EXPANDED OUR RETAIL 
NETWORK IN EXISTING 
MARKETS BY BUILDING NEW 
SERVICE STATIONS, ACQUIRING 
NEW SITES AND UPGRADING 
EXISTING RETAIL SITES TO FULFIL 
UNREALISED POTENTIAL.

One of our main focuses is to add more 
non-fuel convenience retail and quick service 
restaurant offerings through partnerships 
with well-established global and regional 
brand partners.

In parallel, we plan to harness the opportunities 
presented by mining, construction and 
infrastructure projects in Africa, to 
contribute to the continued growth of 
our Commercial and Lubricants businesses.

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT      

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

PURSUE VALUE- 

ACCRETIVE GROWTH

We've entered into a 
Non-fuel retail joint venture 
to accelerate the roll-out 
of KFC restaurants in 
Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda. 
These markets currently 
have over 30 KFCs. 
We plan to invest to grow 
the number of restaurants 
to offer more convenience 
to our customers.

WHAT WE DID DURING THE YEAR
 – Complemented our strategy of growth 

through selective entry into new markets, 
as demonstrated by the Engen acquisition.

 – Added an additional net total of 96 new 
service stations across our markets, in 
addition to the over 200 Engen-branded 
service stations that joined in March, 
plus 123 new Non-fuel retail outlets to 
provide convenience and 'quick service' 
to our customers.

 – Completed investment with 

Myher Holding to store, market and 
distribute Shell-branded fuels and 
lubricants in the south of Morocco.
 – Agreed joint venture to accelerate the 
roll-out of KFC restaurants in Kenya, 
Uganda and Rwanda.

5
MAINTAIN ATTRACTIVE AND  
SUSTAINABLE RETURNS THROUGH 
DISCIPLINED FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

WE HAVE A STRONG FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL 
TRACK RECORD OF VOLUME AND ADJUSTED EBITDA 
GROWTH AND DISCIPLINED CAPITAL EXPENDITURE.

This is underpinned by a robust financial 
controls framework and comprehensive 
internal audit process with strict credit 
and currency exposure management.

WHAT WE DID DURING THE YEAR
 – Continued to implement our successful 
strategy of maximising our ROACE and 
maintaining our profit margins by focusing 
on disciplined capital allocation and 
incentivising local management.

 – Continued our established track record 
of strict cost management, by keeping 
general and administrative spend broadly 
flat year-on-year, excluding special items, 
despite the addition of eight new markets.
 – Maintained a sustainable capital structure 
to maximise total shareholder returns and 
to continue to drive sustainable growth.

25

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

OUR KPIs

THESE KPIs SHOW OUR PERFORMANCE FOR 2019 ALONGSIDE THOSE ACHIEVED 
DURING THE PREVIOUS FOUR YEARS, TOGETHER WITH A BRIEF EXPLANATION OF 
THE KEY DRIVERS. WE’VE CHOSEN TO USE FINANCIAL, GROWTH AND HSSE KPIs 
IN ORDER TO PROVIDE A ROUNDED VIEW OF OUR PERFORMANCE.

LINKED TO STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE:

1

2

3

4

5

Non-GAAP measures are explained and reconciled on pages 42 to 43.

 FINANCIAL KPIs

GROSS CASH PROFIT

US$ million

ADJUSTED EBITDA

US$ million

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

DEFINITION
Gross profit after direct operating expenses and before non-cash 
depreciation and amortisation recognised in cost of sales. 
Reference to ‘cash’ in this measure refers to non-cash  
depreciation and amortisation as opposed to the elimination  
of working capital movements.

PERFORMANCE DRIVERS
 – Volume and gross cash unit margin performance

743

680

666

579

474

3

4

5

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

DEFINITION
Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation  
adjusted for impact of special items.

PERFORMANCE DRIVERS
 – Volume and gross cash unit margin performance
 –   Optimised cost structure and cost management
 – Share of profit from investments in joint ventures and associates

431

400

376

302

240

2

3

4

5

NET INCOME

US$ million

ADJUSTED FREE CASH FLOW1

US$ million

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

DEFINITION
Net income in accordance with IFRS/GAAP.

PERFORMANCE DRIVERS
 – Increasing EBITDA performance
 – Effective tax rate management
 – Optimised capital and finance structure

26

150

146

130

99

69

2

3

4

5

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

DEFINITION
Cash flow from operating activities less net additions to property, 
plant and equipment (PP&E) and intangible assets and excluding 
the impact of special items.

PERFORMANCE DRIVERS
 – High conversion from EBITDA to free cash flow
 – Structurally negative working capital

325

154

143

167

-25

3

4

5

1  Prior year comparatives were reclassified to provide a consistent presentation 

to 2019. Refer to note 2.1 in the consolidated financial statements.

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

 GROWTH KPIs

VOLUME

million litres

TOTAL RETAIL SERVICE STATIONS

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

DEFINITION
Total product volumes sold during the year.

PERFORMANCE DRIVERS
 –    Sales and promotion activities 
 –  Loyalty card system
 –  New and existing contracts with commercial customers  

and cross-selling

10,417

2019

9,351

9,026

8,389

7,990

3

4

5

2018

2017

2016

2015

DEFINITION
Total number of revenue generating retail service stations.

PERFORMANCE DRIVERS
 –   Self-funding CAPEX through operating cash flow
 – Significant white space opportunity
 – Securing land leases and strategically located sites

1  2019 includes more than 200 retail service stations acquired as part of the 

Engen acquisition.

GROSS CASH UNIT MARGIN

US$/’000 litres

ROACE

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

DEFINITION
Gross cash profit per 1,000 litres of sales volume.

PERFORMANCE DRIVERS
 –  Pricing structure in regulated markets ensure stable margins 
 –  Competitive pricing strategies in deregulated markets
 –  Foreign currency exposure risk management to ensure 

US dollar margins are protected

 –  Optimised supply chain and efficient operations
 –  Increase penetration of differentiated fuels

71

73

74

69

59

3

4

5

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

DEFINITION
Adjusted EBIT after tax divided by average capital employed.  
Average capital employed is the average of opening and closing  
net assets plus borrowings and lease liabilities, less cash and 
cash equivalents.

PERFORMANCE DRIVERS
 –    Disciplined capital allocation with rigorous return requirements
 –  Incentivise performance: employee compensation linked to ROACE

 HSSE KPIs

TOTAL RECORDABLE CASE FREQUENCY (TRCF)

SPILLS

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

0.04

2019

0.19

0.10

0.31

0.26

2018

2017

2016

2015

DEFINITION
Total Recordable Case Frequency (TRCF) per million exposure hours.

1

DEFINITION
Number of product spills greater than 100kg.

PERFORMANCE DRIVERS
 –    Using potential incident reporting to prevent incidents from happening
 –  Four HSSE focus areas: road transport safety; contractor safety; 

PERFORMANCE DRIVERS
 –    Ensuring that safe working practices are followed: stringent 

contractor safety requirements; driver training and monitoring

process safety; and security

2,2261

1,900

1,829

1,726

1,628

3

4

5

%

21

23

25

20

15

2

3

4

5

3

2

4

3

4

1

27

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

SEGMENT REVIEW

RETAIL  
DRIVING THE 
CUSTOMER 
OFFERING

RETAIL IS AT THE HEART OF OUR BUSINESS AND IS LEADING OUR 
GROWTH ACROSS 23 COUNTRIES IN AFRICA. WITH A NETWORK 
OF 2,226 SERVICE STATIONS, WE ARE EMPOWERED BY THE TRUSTED 
SHELL AND ENGEN BRANDS TO DELIVER HIGH-QUALITY PRODUCTS 
TO OUR RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND SET NEW BENCHMARKS FOR 
INNOVATION, CONVENIENCE, SERVICE AND RELIABILITY.

2019 HIGHLIGHTS
 – Increased our network by adding a net total of 96 new service stations 

RETAIL BUSINESS  
CONTRIBUTION TO GROUP

and adding 123 new Non-fuel retail outlets

 – Volumes increased by 10% to 5,900 million litres with Shell-branded 

volumes increasing by 2%

 – Gross profit (including Non-fuel retail) increased 5% to $411 million
 – Gross cash profit (including Non-fuel retail) of $454 million, up 6%
 – Gross cash unit margin (excluding Non-fuel retail) decreased by 5% to 
$71 per thousand litres, mainly due to the change in market conditions 
experienced in Morocco since H2 2018

 – Adjusted EBITDA increased 7% to $242 million
 – Premium fuel volumes up 30% year-on-year, with launch of new products 

and increased penetration across our network

PERFORMANCE

US$ million, unless otherwise indicated

2019

2018

+/– %

Volumes (million litres)

Gross profit (including Non-fuel retail)

Gross cash unit margin  
(excluding Non-fuel retail) ($/’000 litres)

Retail fuel gross cash profit

Non-fuel retail gross cash profitt

Adjusted EBITDA

5,900

5,354 +10%

411

393

+5%

71

421

33

242

75

-5%

403

+4%

25 +32%

227

+7%

28

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019

VOLUME  million litres

ADJUSTED EBITDA

5,900

$242 million

57%

56%

  Retail       

  Commercial       

  Lubricants     

GROSS CASH PROFIT  
CONTRIBUTION TO RETAIL

$454 million

  Regular fuels       
  89% 

  Non-fuel retail       
7% 

  Premium fuels
4%

STR ATEG IC REP ORT

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

Focusing on expanding  
our premium fuel network 
and launching new premium 
fuel products 

+30%  

Premium fuel volume 
growth year-on-year

We continued to invest  
in the quality and scope  
of outlet offerings in 2019 

$33M 

Non-fuel retail  
gross cash profit

29

2019 REVIEWOur Retail business delivered strong growth with gross cash profit increasing by 6% year-on-year to $454 million and adjusted EBITDA increasing to $242 million, 7% ahead of the prior year. This reflects the strong contribution from Engen-branded markets and an excellent performance in Non-fuel retail as the business continues to focus on increasing its penetration of value-added products and services at our retail outlets.RETAIL FUELIn 2019, volumes sold of 5,900 million litres were 10% higher year-on-year, with volume growth resulting from 10 months of contribution from Engen-branded markets, which brought over 200 new sites and growth in the existing Shell-branded markets of 2%. Since the completion of the Engen acquisition, we’ve focused on furthering the ‘Engen’ brand awareness and improving its brand preference amongst customers. We launched a project called ‘Shining Sites’ to enhance the network and ensure compliance with proven Vivo Energy standards. This has generated more traffic to our Engen-branded service stations, resulting in volume growth in three consecutive quarters. By the end of 2019, 83 sites had been renovated (‘shined’) and a total of 15 new Engen-branded service stations were opened during the year. Shell-branded Retail fuel volumes grew 2%, fuelled primarily by the expansion of our retail network, retailer working capital initiatives, and premium fuels. A number of our markets recorded strong volume growth such as Uganda and Senegal. In particular, we focused on growing the penetration of our premium fuel products by expanding our premium fuel network and introducing new products in 2019, resulting in premium fuel volume growth of 30%. However, volume growth was hindered in part by economic slowdown and strikes in Tunisia, our decision to prioritise margins in some markets and the transfer of certain sites to the Commercial segment in Guinea. Gross cash unit margin was $71 per thousand litres ($75 per thousand litres in 2018). Margins improved through the year, as a result of improving margins in a number of Shell-branded markets, including accretive premium fuel margins, but were lower than 2018 due to the change in market conditions experienced since H2 2018 in Morocco. The new Engen-branded markets were 3% accretive to the Retail fuel unit margins during the year.NON-FUEL RETAILOur Non-fuel retail business continues to register excellent performance, with gross cash profit increasing by 32% year-on-year to $33 million. Excluding Engen, Non-fuel retail gross cash profit rose 16%, driven by our continued efforts to increase outlet footprint in our network.In 2019, we continued to invest in the quality and scope of our outlet offerings, including opening 70 convenience retail shops and 53 new quick service restaurants. This was further highlighted by the announcement of our third joint venture with a franchisee of KFC, which will bring our partnership with KFC to Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda once the deal is completed in early 2020. In 2019 we opened 11 new KFC locations across our network of service stations, including our first opening at an Engen-branded service station in Gabon. LOOKING FORWARDIn 2020, our focus is to continue the strong growth within our new Engen-branded markets and to ensure that we deliver a stronger growth in our Shell-branded markets. In order to achieve this, we intend to accelerate the expansion and enhancement of our network across the Engen-branded countries, building on the encouraging start from the Engen-branded ‘Shining sites’ programme and network development activities.In the Shell-branded markets, we will continue to expand the network, and grow the business through our existing sites by maximising the value from our customer offering across our sites. We will also focus on the consumer experience, building on the successful launch of loyalty programmes in key markets over the past 12 months to drive adoption, undertaking new fuel launches, as well as growing our quick service restaurant business through new partnerships with international brands across the portfolio.VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

SEGMENT REVIEW CONTINUED

COMMERCIAL  
ADDING VALUE 
FOR OUR 
CUSTOMERS

WE OFFER A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF FUELS, LUBRICANTS, 
AND LPG PRODUCTS TO OUR COMMERCIAL CUSTOMERS. WE MEET THE 
NEEDS OF OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS, ADDING REAL AND MEASURABLE 
VALUE, WHETHER IN AVIATION, CONSTRUCTION, MARINE, MINING, 
POWER, ROAD TRANSPORT, AND OTHER INDUSTRIES. 

2019 HIGHLIGHTS
 – Volumes increased by 13% driven by our Engen-branded markets and 

strong LPG performance from Shell-branded markets

 – Volumes in Shell-branded markets were slightly down, largely due to 
the decision to reduce exposure to the low margin reseller segment, 
partially offset by growth in LPG and Aviation volumes

 – Gross cash unit margin increased by 4% to $49 per thousand litres
 – Gross profit increased 18% to $192 million
 – Adjusted EBITDA of $135 million increased by 11% year-on-year

COMMERCIAL BUSINESS  
CONTRIBUTION TO GROUP

VOLUME  million litres

ADJUSTED EBITDA

4,380

$135 million

42%

31%

  Retail       

  Commercial       

  Lubricants     

GROSS CASH PROFIT  
CONTRIBUTION TO COMMERCIAL

$214 million

PERFORMANCE

US$ million, unless otherwise indicated

2019

2018

+/– %

Volumes (million litres)

Gross profit

Gross cash unit margin ($/’000 litres) 

Gross cash profit

Adjusted EBITDA

30

4,380

3,863 +13%

192

49

214

135

163 +18%

47

+4%

181 +18%

122 +11%

  Core Commercial       
  82% 

  Aviation and Marine
18%

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

A strong performance in 
Aviation was driven by the 
renewal of contracts and 
new tenders won, as well 
as profitable spot sales 

+23%  

Aviation and Marine gross 
cash profit growth

Strong performance in 
Core Commercial led by the 
Engen- branded contribution 
and the Shell-branded 
LPG segment 

+17% 

Core Commercial  
gross cash profit  
year-on-year growth

31

2019 REVIEWOur Commercial segment reported a 13% year‑on‑year volume growth, driven by the contribution from our Engen‑branded markets, with Shell‑branded volumes slightly lower year‑on‑year. Gross cash profit rose by 18% to $214 million driven by the higher volumes and gross cash unit margin increasing to $49 per thousand litres, an increase of 4% over the previous year. Engen‑branded margins were broadly in line with the Shell‑branded margins during the period.CORE COMMERCIALActivities of our Core Commercial segment include the supply of bulk fuels to construction, transport, power and industrial companies, the mining sector, wholesalers and the provision of packed LPG. Core Commercial volumes were 75% of total Commercial volumes (2018: 73%) and 82% of total Commercial gross cash profit (2018: 83%).Core Commercial sales volumes rose by 16% year‑on‑year to 3,280 million litres, driven primarily by the Engen‑branded markets contribution. The Shell‑branded volumes were slightly down year‑on‑year, impacted by a decision to reduce exposure to the low margin reseller segment in East and Southern Africa, following volatility in the segment. This was partially offset by continued growth in sales of LPG in Morocco and the transfer of certain sites in Guinea from Retail fuel to the Commercial segment.Gross cash unit margin increased by 2% year‑on‑year to $54 per thousand litres. Excluding the Engen‑branded markets, Shell‑branded gross cash unit margin increased by 4% as a result of maintaining our pricing power, and an improved mix of activities.Gross cash profit climbed by 17% to $176 million, largely attributable to the Engen‑branded markets contribution and a 2% year‑on‑year increase from Shell‑branded markets.AVIATION AND MARINEAviation and Marine had a strong year, accounting for 25% of total Commercial volumes (2018: 27%) and 18% of total Commercial gross cash profit (2018: 17%). Volumes increased by 6% year-on-year, while gross cash profit soared 23% to $38 million in 2019. Excluding the Engen-branded markets, Aviation volumes rose by 3%, driven primarily by renewal of contracts and new tenders won in Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire. Profitable spot sales to ad-hoc and charter flights contributed to higher unit margins from the Shell-branded markets. Marine volumes in Shell-branded markets decreased by 7%, impacted by industry supply shortages in Mauritius. Despite these challenges, we grew the unit margin by 21%, securing profitable spot sales in a number of our markets.LOOKING FORWARDAfter another successful year in the Commercial segment, our focus for 2020 is to continue to drive our various segmental businesses forward, across both Shell- and Engen-branded countries. We will achieve this by ensuring that our customer focus remains unparalleled, aligning our resources to be able to deliver against our customer needs and driving excellent sales effectiveness. In terms of specific businesses, we plan to build on our position as a leading provider to the mining industry in our Shell-branded markets, and become a reference supplier in our Engen-branded markets, through offering solutions and services that provide enhanced customer value creation. We have also seen strong growth in our LPG business and will look to expand our cylinder distribution in a returns focused manner across relevant markets.VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

SEGMENT REVIEW CONTINUED

LUBRICANTS  
A DIFFERENTIATED 
CUSTOMER 
PROPOSITION

WE BLEND, DISTRIBUTE AND SELL HIGH-QUALITY LUBRICANTS ACROSS 
THE CONTINENT. LUBRICANTS ARE SOLD ON THE FORECOURT, 
THROUGH DISTRIBUTORS AND WE PROVIDE ESSENTIAL VALUE TO MANY 
OF OUR COMMERCIAL CUSTOMERS BY OFFERING A WIDE RANGE OF 
SPECIALIST PRODUCTS. IN ADDITION TO OUR DISTRIBUTION BUSINESS, 
WE HAVE A 50:50 JOINT VENTURE WITH SHELL TO BLEND LUBRICANTS.

2019 HIGHLIGHTS
 – Volumes increased by 2% year-on-year, driven by the Engen-branded 

LUBRICANTS BUSINESS  
CONTRIBUTION TO GROUP

markets contribution

 – Volumes in the Shell-branded markets decreased by 4% due to challenges 

in the B2C market in the first half of the year in one of our markets

 – Gross cash unit margin was $547 per thousand litres, up 4% year-on-year, 

with Shell-branded margins increasing to $558 per thousand litres

 – Gross profit increased by 4% to $72 million
 – Adjusted EBITDA was $54 million, up 6%, despite a lower contribution 

from the SVL joint venture

PERFORMANCE

US$ million, unless otherwise indicated

Volumes (million litres)

Gross profit

Revenues

Gross cash unit margin ($/’000 litres)

Gross cash profitt

Adjusted EBITDA

32

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019

2019

137

72

375

547

75

54

2018

+/– %

134

69

364

525

71

51

+2%

+4%

+3%

+4%

+6%

+6%

VOLUME  million litres

ADJUSTED EBITDA

137

$54 million

1%

13%

  Retail       

  Commercial       

  Lubricants     

GROSS CASH PROFIT  
CONTRIBUTION TO LUBRICANTS

$75 million

  Retail lubricants       
  60% 

  Commercial lubricants
40%

STR ATEG IC REP ORT

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

Strategic pricing and  
margin management 
delivered results in the 
Retail lubricants business 

+6%  

Retail lubricants unit 
margin growth led by 
Shell-branded markets

Optimised sales mix 
of premium lubricants 
contributed to 
higher Commercial 
lubricants margins 

+11% 

Commercial lubricants 
unit margin growth 
excluding Engen

33

2019 REVIEWVolumes increased by 2% driven by the contribution from the Engen-branded markets which largely compensated for lower volumes in the Shell-branded lubricants segment. The unit margin of $547 per thousand litres was 4% higher year-on-year, despite the dilutive impact of lower margins from Engen-branded markets. Shell-branded unit margin increased by 6% year-on-year driven by strong performance in both the Retail and Commercial lubricants businesses. Gross cash profit rose by 6% to $75 million, driven by increased volumes and higher gross cash unit margins attributable to lower base oil prices during the year. Adjusted EBITDA grew 6% to $54 million, as the increase in gross cash profit offset the lower share of profit from the SVL joint venture.RETAIL LUBRICANTSOur Retail lubricants business comprises forecourt sales to retail customers and to consumers through distributors. In 2019, Retail lubricants accounted for 61% of total Lubricants volumes (2018: 62%) and 60% of total Lubricants gross cash profit (2018: 60%). Retail lubricants volumes remained flat year-on-year. Excluding the Engen-branded markets, volumes decreased by 2% as a result of negative volume growth from our B2C business in one of our markets, partially offset by Retail lubricant volume growth generated through effective marketing campaigns.Unit margins increased 6% year-on-year to $542 from $513 per thousand litres in 2018 led by the performance of Shell-branded markets. Excluding the Engen-branded markets, unit margins grew 4% year-on-year, primarily due to the impact of strategic pricing as well as favourable base oil prices. Gross cash profit was $45 million, up 6% year-on-year, mainly due to higher unit margins partially offset by a decrease in gross cash profit due to lower Shell-branded volumes sales.COMMERCIAL LUBRICANTSCommercial lubricants are sold across the Group’s operating countries and key export markets. Commercial lubricants accounted for 39% of total Lubricants volumes (2018: 38%) and 40% of total Lubricants gross cash profit (2018: 40%). Volumes were 54 million litres in 2019, up 5% year‑on‑year. Excluding the Engen‑branded markets, volumes were lower by 7% mainly reflecting the impact of weaker demand in the power and construction sectors due to government budget constraints in some of our markets, as well as lower demand from our export markets.Unit margins increased 2% to $556 from $544 per thousand litres. Excluding the Engen‑branded markets, unit margins were up 11% to $604 per thousand litres mainly due to higher demand of more profitable premium products and lower base oil prices. LOOKING FORWARDWe took a number of actions within our Lubricants business in order to return to growth in 2020 within the Shell‑branded markets. A key focus will be ensuring that we take the lead in the consumer segment by providing innovative products and services and developing closer consumer relationships. On the B2B side, we’ll look to differentiate our value‑led offering and provide solutions to our customers as well as expanding our footprint in our export countries. In addition, we’ll aim to drive growth across the Engen‑branded markets, by leveraging our existing capabilities and ensuring we have strong end‑to‑end supply across all of our operating units.VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

FINANCIAL REVIEW

CONTINUING  
TO CREATE VALUE

2019 WAS YET ANOTHER GOOD YEAR FOR VIVO ENERGY, WITH OUR 
DISCIPLINED APPROACH TO GROWTH LEADING TO CONTINUED STRONG 
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE AND OUR SEVENTH SUCCESSIVE YEAR OF 
ADJUSTED EBITDA GROWTH.

CHIEF FINANCIAL  
OFFICER’S STATEMENT
JOHAN DEPRAETERE

The last year has been another active period 
as we entered eight new markets through the 
Engen transaction, rolled out our new ERP 
system across the remaining 13 Shell-branded 
markets, and continued to focus on delivering 
strong returns from our business.

I am very pleased with the progress we have 
made in the Engen-branded markets, with 
the smooth implementation of our systems, 
processes and culture in the new markets 
contributing to the successful integration 
of a business which will be a key driver 
of growth for us in the coming years. 

34

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019

The completion of the SAP implementation project, our new ERP system, in the Shell-branded markets was another major milestone, providing enhanced visibility on performance trends within the business. This will enable us to make more informed decisions over time, and will bring opportunities such as loyalty and data analytics within our grasp. The focus now shifts to OPTIMax, a dedicated project aimed at ensuring we fully utilise the potential of our new ERP system to maximise the return on the significant investment into the new technology platform. The fact that we can undertake two such large projects in parallel demonstrates the strength of our team and hasn’t diluted our focus on delivering strong returns across the business. We allocate capital effectively, manage our cost base carefully and look to optimise our working capital in order to drive strong free cash flow. As a result, our balance sheet remains healthy with a low leverage that provides flexibility for us to be able to deliver long-term value for our stakeholders.FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS –Volume growth was up 11% year-on-year,  we sold 10,417 million litres of fuel, LPG and Lubricants. –Gross cash profit came in at $743 million, 9% higher than a year ago. –Total gross cash unit margin of $71 per thousand litres (2018: $73), was ahead of our expectations, but lower than 2018, primarily due to changes in the Retail fuel market in Morocco.  –Adjusted EBITDA up 8% to $431 million, with EBITDA up 14% at $416 million. –Net income was $150 million, up 3% year-on-year. –Adjusted diluted EPS of 12 cents per share for the 2019 year (2018: 14 cents per share). –Adjusted free cash flow up $171 million to $325 million from $154 million, reflecting a significant increase in cash generation from operating activities. –Strong balance sheet with a leverage ratio of 0.48x at 31 December 2019 (2018: 0.79x).  –Proposed final dividend of 2.7 cents per share, bringing the full year dividend to 3.8 cents per share.JOHAN DEPRAETERECHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICERSTR ATEG IC REP ORT

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

SUMMARY INCOME STATEMENT

US$ million

Revenues
Cost of sales 
Gross profit 
Selling and marketing cost
General and administrative cost
Share of profit of joint ventures and associates
Other income/(expense)
EBIT 
Finance expense – net
EBT 
Income taxes
Net income 

Earnings per share (US$)

Basic
Diluted 

NON-GAAP MEASURES

US$ million, unless otherwise indicated

Volumes (million litres)
Gross cash profit
EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA
ETR (%)
Adjusted net income
Adjusted diluted EPS (US$)

Non-GAAP measures are explained and reconciled on pages 42 and 43.

2019

8,302
(7,627)
675
(224)
(165)
22
2
310
(64)
246
(96)
150

2019

0.11
0.11

2019

10,417
743
416
431
39%
162
0.12

2018

7,549
(6,924)
625
(197)
(183)
28
3
276
(47)
229
(83)
146

2018

0.11
0.11

2018

9,351
680
366
400
36%
178
0.14

Change

+10%
+10%
+8%
+14%
-10%
-21%
-33%
+12%
+36%
+7%
+16%
+3%

Change

0%
0%

Change

+11%
+9%
+14%
+8%
n/a
-9%
-14%

35

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

FINANCIAL REVIEW CONTINUED

ANALYSIS OF 
CONSOLIDATED  
RESULTS OF  
OPERATIONS

36

VOLUMESWe sold a company record of 10,417 million litres of fuel, LPG and lubricants in 2019. In line with full year guidance, volumes increased by 11% year-on-year, led primarily by the 10-month contribution from Engen-branded markets and resilient volume growth of 1% from the Shell-branded markets.REVENUERevenue increased by $753 million, or 10%, to $8,302 million in 2019, mainly due to the 10-month contribution from the Engen-branded markets. Excluding the Engen-branded markets, revenue decreased by 1%, primarily driven by lower average crude oil prices in 2019 and depreciating local currencies during the period, partially offset by volume growth.COST OF SALESCost of sales increased by $703 million, or 10%, to $7,627 million in 2019. The Engen-branded markets contribution was the main driver of the increase as well as slightly higher sales volumes from Shell-branded markets. This is partially offset by lower average crude oil prices and depreciating local currencies.GROSS PROFITAs a result of higher volumes and the Engen-branded markets contribution, gross profit was $675 million (8% year-on-year). This was partially offset by lower Retail fuel unit margins in Morocco which were expected given the change in market conditions since H2 2018.GROSS CASH PROFITGross cash profit was 9% higher year-on-year, amounting to $743 million. Excluding the Engen-branded markets, gross cash profit decreased by $12 million (2% year-on-year), hindered by lower retail unit margins in Morocco, partially offset by higher sales volumes. SELLING AND MARKETING COSTSelling and marketing cost was $224 million, 14% higher than 2018 mainly as a result of additional costs due to the new Engen-branded markets. GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE COSTGeneral and administrative cost, including special items, decreased by $18 million to $165 million. This was due to lower non-recurring items compared to 2018 and cost reduction initiatives to improve efficiencies and reduce operating expenditure, partially offset by the additional cost contribution from our Engen-branded markets as well as Engen related acquisition and integration costs.SHARE OF PROFIT FROM JOINT VENTURES AND ASSOCIATESShare of profit from joint ventures and associates decreased by 21% to $22 million. This was primarily attributable to a lower share of profit from our SVL lubricants joint venture and a joint venture in Madagascar. OTHER INCOMEOther income of $2 million (2018: $3 million) mainly related to gains on disposal of PP&E and unrealised gains on financial instruments.ADJUSTED EBITDAAdjusted EBITDA was $431 million, 8% higher year-on-year. Excluding the Engen-branded markets, adjusted EBITDA decreased by 3% largely due to expected lower margins from our Retail business in Morocco and lower share of profit from joint ventures and associates. This was partially offset by increased sales volumes and lower general and administrative cost.NET FINANCE EXPENSENet finance expense increased by $17 million year-on-year to $64 million, largely driven by a mark-to-market loss on the interest rate swap on the long-term borrowings of -$5 million (2018: +$3 million). The increase in net finance expense is further explained by a $5 million loss resulting from the application of IAS 29 ‘Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies’ relating to our operations in Zimbabwe and additional finance cost contribution from the Engen-branded markets.INCOME TAXESETR increased to 39% from 36% compared to the comparative period of 2018. This was primarily due to an additional 2.5% tax levy in Morocco and an increase in other expenses.NET INCOMENet income, including the impact of special items was $150 million, up 3% from $146 million in 2018.EARNINGS PER SHAREBasic earnings per share amounted to 11 cents per share (2018: 11 cents per share). Adjusted diluted earnings per share, excluding the impact of special items, were 12 cents per share (2018: 14 cents per share).VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

OVERVIEW OF OPERATIONS BY SEGMENT

US$ million, unless otherwise indicated

Volumes (million litres)
Retail
Commercial
Lubricants
Total 
Gross profit
Retail (including Non-fuel retail)
Commercial
Lubricants
Total 
Gross cash unit margin ($/’000 litres)
Retail fuel (excluding Non-fuel retail)
Commercial
Lubricants
Total 
Gross cash profit
Retail (including Non-fuel retail)
Commercial
Lubricants
Total
Adjusted EBITDA
Retail
Commercial
Lubricants
Total 

2019

2018

Change

5,900
4,380
137
10,417

5,354
3,863
134
9,351

411
192
72
675

71
49
547
71

454
214
75
743

242
135
54
431

393
163
69
625

75
47
525
73

428
181
71
680

227
122
51
400

+10%
+13%
+2%
+11%

+5%
+18%
+4%
+8%

-5%
+4%
+4%
-3%

+6%
+18%
+6%
+9%

+7%
+11%
+6%
+8%

VOLUMES

million litres

GROSS CASH PROFIT

US$ million

2019

5,900

2018

5,354

10,417

2019

4,380

137

454

9,351

2018

3,863

134

428

214

181

RETAIL

COMMERCIAL

LUBRICANTS

RETAIL

COMMERCIAL

LUBRICANTS

743

75

680

71

37

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

FINANCIAL REVIEW CONTINUED

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL POSITION

TOTAL ASSETS

31 DEC 2019

1,605

31 DEC 2018

1,272

US$ million

TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

US$ million

3,356

31 DEC 2019

1,751

1,530

2,827

31 DEC 2018

1,555

1,262

3,356

1,826

2,827

1,565

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES & EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES

1  Days sales outstanding (DSO) and days purchases outstanding (DPO) are based on monthly averages and on trade elements only.

38

The increases for 2019 in relation to deferred tax liabilities of $15 million, income tax payable of $23 million and provisions of $26 million are principally due to the acquired Engen‑branded entities.Other liabilities increased by $30 million from $308 million in 2018 to $338 million in 2019. This was mainly attributable to other liabilities in the Engen‑branded entities, partially offset by a decrease in employee liabilities for the year.DIVIDENDSThe Board has adopted a progressive dividend policy while maintaining an appropriate level of dividend cover and sufficient financial flexibility in the Group. The dividend policy has a minimum payout ratio of 30% of attributable net income. The Group declares and publishes its dividends in US dollars. During the year an interim dividend per share of 1.1 cents was paid to shareholders.The Board is recommending a final dividend per share of 2.7 cents amounting to $34 million. If approved, the full year dividend of 3.8 cents per share, amounting to circa $48 million, will reflect a Group payout ratio of 35% of attributable net income. Further information related to dividends can be found on page 174.ASSETSPP&E increased by $201 million from $622 million in 2018 to $823 million in 2019, largely due to assets acquired through the Group’s business acquisitions and capital expenditure. Right-of-use assets increased by $28 million from $148 million in 2018 to $176 million in 2019. Leases from the Engen-branded countries and new leases related to retail sites drove the increase in right-of-use assets. These increases in PP&E and right-of-use assets were partially offset by the depreciation for the year.Intangible assets increased by $92 million from $134 million in 2018 to $226 million in 2019, mainly attributable to goodwill related to Engen of $65 million and other intangible assets of $25 million recognised at acquisition. Additional costs capitalised in relation to  SAP S/4HANA, the Group’s new ERP system, further contributed to the increase. These balances were partially offset by the amortisation during the year.Trade receivables increased by $7 million from $444 million in 2018 to $451 million in 2019. The increase was largely due to additional trade receivables from Engen, partially offset by the Group’s improved cash collection. Average monthly DSO1 for the period was 17 days (2018: 16 days).FINANCIAL POSITION PERFORMANCEThe consolidated statement of financial position can be found on page 121. The analysis of significant movements in assets, liabilities and equity during the year is detailed below.The new Engen-branded entities contributed significantly to the $76 million increase in inventories, from $441 million in 2018 to $517 million in 2019. The remaining increase related to higher business activities through existing and new customers. Average monthly inventory days for the period were 24 days (2018: 24 days).EQUITYTotal equity increased by $223 million, from $581 million in 2018 to $804 million in 2019. The increase was primarily due to the issuance of new shares as part of the consideration for the acquisition of Engen International Holdings (Mauritius) Limited and the total comprehensive income for the year of $112 million. This was partially offset by dividend payments of $40 million.LIABILITIESTrade payables increased by $195 million from $1,062 million in 2018 to $1,257 million in 2019. The increase was driven by trade payables from new Engen-branded entities and the timing of purchases and shipments. Average monthly DPO1 for the period was 55 days (2018: 56 days).VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

ADJUSTED FREE CASH FLOW

US$ million

Net income
Adjustment for non-cash items and other
Current income tax paid
Net change in operating assets and liabilities and other adjustments
Cash flow from operating activities
Net additions of PP&E and intangible assets2
Free cash flow
Special items3
Adjusted free cash flow

1  Prior year comparatives were reclassified to provide a consistent presentation to 2019. Refer to note 2.1 in the consolidated financial statements.
2  Excluding cash flow from acquisition of businesses and other investing activities.
3  Cash impact of special items. Special items are explained and reconciled on pages 42 and 43.

2019

150
202
(83)
176
445
(147)
298
27
325

20181

146
166
(103)
42
251
(144)
107
47
154

39

Adjusted free cash flow increased by $171 million, from $154 million in 2018 to $325 million in 2019. The increase was driven by higher cash inflows from operating activities, which were positively impacted by changes in net change in operating assets and liabilities and other adjustments of $176 million. These cash inflows are mainly attributable to the strong business performance, successful cash collection of trade receivables and payments received in relation to other government benefits receivable. Changes in net change in operating assets and liabilities and other adjustments benefited from the timing of prepayments received in relation to the fuel importation contracts in Kenya and the timing of payments to suppliers, amounting to approximately $111 million. As a result of the additions in PP&E and intangible assets as well as the Engen acquisition, depreciation and amortisation for the period was higher, which was the main driver for the increase in adjustments of non-cash items. Income tax paid amounted to $83 million for the year ended 31 December 2019 (2018: $103 million). Cash flow from operating activities fully funded capital expenditure of $149 million in 2019 (2018: $147 million).In addition to the commentary on the Group’s consolidated statement of cash flows below, further disclosures in relation to the Group’s processes for managing its capital, its financial risk management objectives, details of its financial instruments and its exposures to credit risk, liquidity risk and market risk can be found in note 3 of the consolidated financial statements.VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

FINANCIAL REVIEW CONTINUED

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES CONTINUED

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

US$ million
Maintenance 
Growth
Special projects
Total

US$ million

Retail
Commercial 
Lubricants
Other (technology, supply and distribution and general corporate costs)
Total
Of which growth capital expenditure was:
Retail
Commercial 
Lubricants
Other (technology, supply and distribution and general corporate costs)

2019
46
88
15
149

2019

78
27
2
42
149
88
61
21
2
4

2018
51
72
24
147

2018

66
20
2
59
147
72
50
15
2
5

40

Most of our capital expenditure related to Retail projects which included the expansion of our current retail network and Non-fuel retail offerings. The Group also constructed 15 new retail sites in the Engen-branded markets and refurbished 83 of the acquired sites. Special projects relate to investments in SAP S/4HANA, the Group’s new ERP system and projects to utilise its full potential for the business. In the prior year, the SAP S/4HANA project was in the development phase, which resulted in higher expenditure in comparison to the current year. During 2019, the Group successfully implemented SAP S/4HANA, with 15 countries now fully operating on the new ERP system.ROACE for the year was 21% as a result of the Group’s disciplined capital allocation throughout the year (2018: 23%).VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

NET DEBT AND AVAILABLE LIQUIDITY

US$ million
Long-term debt
Lease liabilities
Total debt excluding short-term bank borrowings
Short-term bank borrowings1
Less cash and cash equivalents
Net debt

1  Short-term bank borrowings exclude the current portion of the long-term debt.

US$ million

Net debt
Adjusted EBITDA
Leverage ratio1

1 

 For the description and reconciliation of non-GAAP measures refer to pages 42 and 43.

US$ million

Cash and cash equivalents
Available undrawn credit facilities
Available short-term capital resources

31 December 
2019
371
125
496
229
(517)
208

31 December 
2018
392
111
503
208
(393)
318

31 December 
2019

31 December 
2018

208
431
0.48x

318
400
0.79x

31 December 
2019

31 December 
2018

517
1,410
1,927

393
1,281
1,674

The table below sets the Group’s financial liabilities into relevant maturity groupings based on the remaining period at the reporting date to the 
contractual maturity date. The amounts disclosed are the contractual undiscounted cash flows:

US$ million

Borrowings1
Trade payables
Lease liabilities
Other liabilities
Total

31 December 2019

Less than 
3 months

Between  
3 months  
and 1 year

Between  
1 and 2 years

Between  
2 and 5 years

Over 
5 years

225
1,161
6
49
1,441

81
89
17
24
211

85
7
20
18
130

211
–
44
4
259

–
–
90
130
220

Total

602
1,257
177
225
2,261

1  Borrowings exclude, as of 31 December 2019, the undrawn multi-currency revolving credit facility of $236 million.

The Group has purchase obligations, under various agreements, made in the normal course of business. The purchase obligations are as follows, as at:

US$ million
Purchase obligations
Total

31 December 
2019
13
13

31 December 
2018
13
13

41

Total borrowings include the term-loan, the revolving credit facility and short-term bank borrowings. Short-term bank borrowings include the individual operating entities’ uncommitted unsecured short-term bank facilities. Such facilities are provided by various banks and comprised of overdraft facilities, spot loans and trade finance arrangements. The facilities carry interest rates between 1.8% and 18.0% per annum.Net debt at 31 December 2019 was $208 million decreasing by $110 million from 31 December 2018 ($318 million). The decrease in net debt was mainly due to an increase in cash and cash equivalents. This was partially offset by an increase in short-term borrowings and lease liabilities. The increase in the short-term bank borrowings is to a large extent due to additional short-term facilities from the new Engen-branded entities.The Group maintained a healthy balance sheet with the leverage ratio decreasing to 0.48x (31 December 2018: 0.79x). The decrease resulted from a lower net debt and a higher adjusted EBITDA in the current year. The available undrawn credit facilities of $1,410 million are comprised of the remaining balance of $236 million of the undrawn committed multi-currency revolving credit facility and $1,174 million of undrawn unsecured short-term bank facilities extended to our operating entities for working capital purposes. The short-term bank facilities included a large number of uncommitted facilities (ranging from $1 million to $250 million). These facilities are extended by multiple local banks to operating units and are typically for a period of 12 months, automatically renewable. Available short-term capital resources amounted to $1,927 million compared to $1,674 million at 31 December 2018.VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

FINANCIAL REVIEW CONTINUED

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

Term

Description

Term

Description

Gross cash profit

EBITDA

This is a measure of gross profit after direct 
operating expenses and before non-cash 
depreciation and amortisation recognised 
in cost of sales. Reference to ‘cash’ in this 
measure refers to non-cash depreciation and 
amortisation as opposed to the elimination of 
working capital movements. Gross cash profit 
is a key management performance measure. 

Earnings before finance expense, finance income, 
income tax, depreciation and amortisation. 
This measure provides the Group’s operating 
profitability and results before non-cash charges 
and is a key management performance measure.

Gross cash unit margin

Gross cash profit per unit. Unit is defined as 
1,000 litres of sales volume. This is a useful 
measure as it indicates the incremental profit 
for each additional unit sold.

Adjusted EBITDA

EBITDA adjusted for the impact of special items. 
This is a useful measure as it provides the Group’s 
operating profitability and results, before non-cash 
charges and is an indicator of the core operations, 
exclusive of special items.

Adjusted net income

Net income adjusted for the impact of 
special items. 

Adjusted diluted EPS

Diluted EPS adjusted for the impact of special items.

Special items

Net debt

Adjusted EBIT

Income or charges that are not considered 
to represent the underlying operational 
performance and, based on their significance 
in size or nature, are presented separately to 
provide further understanding of the financial 
and operational performance.

Adjusted free cash flow

Cash flow from operating activities less net 
additions to PP&E and intangible assets and 
excluding the impact of special items. This is a 
key operational liquidity measure, as it indicates 
the cash available to pay dividends, repay debt 
or make further investments in the Group.

Total borrowings and lease liabilities less cash 
and cash equivalents.

Leverage ratio

Net debt, including lease liability, divided by 
adjusted EBITDA. 

Return on average 
capital employed  
(ROACE)

Earnings before finance expense, finance income 
and income taxes adjusted for special items. 
The Group views adjusted EBIT as a useful 
measure because it shows the Group’s profitability 
and the ability to generate profits by excluding 
the impact of tax and the capital structure, as 
well as excluding income or charges that are 
not considered to represent the underlying 
operational performance.

Adjusted EBIT after income tax divided by 
the average capital employed. Average capital 
employed is the average of opening and closing net 
assets plus borrowings and lease liabilities, less cash 
and cash equivalents. ROACE is a useful measure 
because it shows the profitability of the Group 
considering the average amount of capital used.

42

Non-GAAP measures are not defined by International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and, therefore, may not be directly comparable with other companies’ non-GAAP measures, including those in our industry. Non-GAAP measures should be considered in addition to, and are not intended to be a substitute for, or superior to, IFRS measurements.The exclusion of certain items from non‑GAAP performance measures does not imply that these items are necessarily non‑recurring. From time to time, we may exclude additional items if we believe doing so would result in a more transparent and comparable disclosure.The Directors believe that reporting non‑GAAP financial measures in addition to IFRS measures provides users with an enhanced understanding of results and related trends and increases the transparency and clarity of the core results of our operations. Non‑GAAP measures are used by the Directors and management for performance analysis, planning, reporting and key management performance measures.VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

US$ million
Gross profit 
Add back: depreciation and amortisation in cost of sales
Gross cash profit
Volume (million litres)
Gross cash unit margin ($/’000 litres)

US$ million
EBT
Finance expense – net
EBIT
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment 
EBITDA 
Adjustments to EBITDA related to special items:
IPO1 and Engen acquisition related expenses2
Write-off of non-current asset3
Restructuring4
Management Equity Plan5
Adjusted EBITDA

US$ million
Net income
Adjustments to net income related to special items:
IPO1 and Engen acquisition related expenses2
Write-off of non-current asset3
Restructuring4
Management Equity Plan5
Tax on special items
Adjusted net income

US$
Diluted earnings per share
Impact of special items
Adjusted diluted earnings per share

US$ million, unless otherwise indicated
EBIT
Adjustments to EBIT related to special items:
IPO1 and Engen acquisition related expenses2
Write-off of non-current asset3
Restructuring4
Management Equity Plan5 
Adjusted EBIT
Effective tax rate
Adjusted EBIT after tax
Average capital employed
ROACE

2019
675
68
743
10,417
71

2019
246
64
310
106
416

11
3
3
(2)
431

2019
150

11
3
3
(2)
(3)
162

2019
0.11
0.01
0.12

2019
310

11
3
3
(2)
325
39%
198
956
21%

2018
625
55
680
9,351
73

2018
229
47
276
90
366

29
–
17
(12)
400

2018
146

29
–
17
(12)
(2)
178

2018
0.11
0.03
0.14

2018
276

29
–
17
(12)
310
36%
197
857
23%

Reconciliation of net debt and leverage ratio is included on page 41. The reconciliation of adjusted free cash flow is included on page 39.

1 

IPO costs were incurred to list the Company on the London Stock Exchange Main Market and the Main Board of the JSE Limited by way of secondary inward listing. The decision to float 
and list the Company does not form part of the normal core operations of the business and is, therefore, treated as a special item.

2  On 1 March 2019 Vivo Energy Investments B.V., a subsidiary of the Group, acquired 100% of the issued shares in Vivo Energy Overseas Holdings Limited (VEOHL) (formerly known as 

Engen International Holdings (Mauritius) Limited). The cost of the acquisition and the related integration project expenses are treated as special items. 

3  The Group has recognised a write-off related to a government benefits receivable as a result of a retrospective price structure change by the government to finance their outstanding 

4 

debt. Such retrospective changes of existing price structures are considered non-recurring and are not representative of the core operational business activities and performance for the 
period and are therefore, treated as special items.
In 2019 the Group acquired VEOHL, restructuring costs incurred were as a result of the integration of VEOHL into our business model. Restructuring cost in 2018 related to a specific 
cost optimisation programme that was significant in that year. The impact from these activities do not form part of the core operational business activities and performance and should, 
therefore, be treated as a special item in 2018 and 2019. 

5  The Management Equity Plan vested at IPO in May 2018 and is exercisable on the first anniversary of admission for a period of 12 months, refer to note 31. This is therefore a re-occurring 
special item in 2018 and 2019. Changes in the fair value of the cash-settled share-based plan does not form part of the core operational business activities and performance and should, 
therefore, be treated as a special item. The costs of share-based payment schemes introduced after the IPO are not treated as special items. 

43

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

RESOURCES AND RELATIONSHIPS

ENGAGING WITH  
OUR STAKEHOLDERS

WE LISTEN TO AND COLLABORATE WITH A WIDE RANGE 
OF STAKEHOLDERS IN ORDER TO GROW OUR BUSINESS 
AND DELIVER VALUE.

Engagement with our shareholders and wider 
stakeholder groups plays a vital role throughout the 
business. It helps us gain a better understanding of 
the impact of our decisions on stakeholder interests 
as well as insight into their needs and concerns.

Details of how we’ve engaged with, and taken into 
consideration, the interests of those stakeholders who 
are material to the long‑term success of the business 
can be found on the following pages.

Not all information is reported directly to the Board 
and not all engagement takes place directly with the 
Board. However, the output of this engagement 
informs Group decisions, with an overview of 
developments and relevant feedback being reported 
to the Board and/or its Committees as required.

HOW WE BUILD RELATIONSHIPS 
WITH EMPLOYEES
We ensure that our people are fulfilled and always 
focused on doing business the right way.

It’s vital to keep our people informed about our 
business, to listen to their ideas and take action 
to improve.

During the year, we developed action plans based 
on our employee engagement survey and appointed 
our Senior Independent Director, Hixonia Nyasulu, 
as Employee Engagement Champion.

5,000

Voice of Customer
feedback responses  
per month from our 
Retail customers

6New websites 

launched in our  
Shell‑branded markets

44

HOW WE BUILD RELATIONSHIPS 
WITH CUSTOMERS
We work hard to understand and engage with our 
customers, and continue to innovate and develop our 
range of products and services to meet their needs.

In 2019, we launched Shell websites, social media 
platforms and a digital app in a number of our 
Shell‑branded markets, to better understand and 
directly engage with our Retail customers. Social media 
conversations are tracked and we typically respond 
to customer queries within hours.

A mystery shopper programme operates at our 
service stations to ensure that every customer is 
treated like a guest, identifying ‘site essentials’ as the 
critical elements of our customer proposition that 
we must deliver on. Retailers and sales teams are 
given dashboards to monitor performance over time 
and against other service stations in that market, so 
that action plans can be developed where necessary. 
This programme is being extended to our Engen‑
branded network in 2020. To support this programme, 
employees in a number of our countries have ‘adopted’ 
service stations, which they visit on a regular basis to 
directly engage customers, support our service station 
customer champions and recognise excellence.

Our Voice of Customer programme provides an online 
platform for customers to provide real‑time feedback 
on their experience at our service stations. At the end 
of 2019 we were receiving over 5,000 responses per 
month, across the 11 countries where this programme 
is operational. These customer comments are helping 
inform business decisions.

We work with our commercial customers to 
address their key issues, for example, the total cost 
of ownership of vehicles and machinery. We conduct 
audits at our commercial customers’ sites to 
recommend fuel management systems and guidelines 
on using lubricants to increase efficiency, reduce 
cost and extend the life cycle of their machinery 
and equipment engines.

 For more information see Developing Our People on pages 50 to 51 and the Governance Report on page 71.VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

HOW WE BUILD RELATIONSHIPS 
WITH PARTNERS
We work closely with Shell and Engen on marketing 
and new product launches, maximising the benefit 
of the relationship for all stakeholders.

Local dealers operate approximately 93% of our 
Retail network. They work to our exacting standards, 
ensuring that HSSE, marketing, branding, site and 
service standards are maintained. This model is 
supported by regular engagement, including dealer 
workshops in our countries and regular visits to the 
service stations by Vivo Energy Territory Managers. 
These initiatives ensure that our high standards are 
being met and dealers’ issues are being addressed.

We also collaborate closely with a number of other 
partners, including owners of storage facilities, and 
with contractors who provide trucks and rail cars for 
transportation. And we continue to maintain excellent 
relationships with our fuel suppliers, balancing security 
of supply with cost efficiency. Our biggest supplier is 
Vitol, who supplied around 30% of fuel products in 
2019, under an arm’s length agreement with standard 
market terms and conditions. We have fuel supply 
agreements with several other suppliers across the 
Group, including local refineries.

HOW WE BUILD RELATIONSHIPS 
WITH COMMUNITIES
We aim to be a positive force and make a real and 
lasting difference in the communities where we 
operate, not only by creating career opportunities for 
local people, but also by continuing to deliver a wide 
range of community investment programmes across 
our markets.

During 2019 we delivered 97 community projects, 
investing a total of $1.2 million to support our 
three focus areas of road safety, education and 
the environment.

For example, our team in Namibia partnered with 
multi‑award winning Namibian stand‑up comedian 
Mich Gaoseb, to tour schools in the country with 
an entertaining yet informative road safety campaign 
for high school students.

In Morocco we launched an Innovation Camp 
workshop, run by Vivo Energy colleagues, which 
tasked a group of young students with developing 
innovative solutions to business challenges. 
The students gained valuable experience of real life 
business challenges and learnt important new skills 
from the Vivo Energy mentors.

Vivo Energy Mauritius set up and funded a sustainable 
garden project with a local primary school. 
Developed directly by the school children, this project 
has started to instil a keen interest in sustainable 
environmental projects among the students.

$83M

income tax paid  
to our host economies

$1.2M

invested in 97 
community projects

HOW WE BUILD RELATIONSHIPS 
WITH INVESTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS
In addition to the regular reporting cycle, the 
Executive Directors and our Head of Investor 
Relations regularly engage with our shareholders 
and potential new investors – in person, on calls 
and at conferences.

This engagement, and our responses to requests 
for further information, helps investors understand 
our performance and allows them to raise issues 
that impact future decision‑making; a process that’s 
vital to ensuring long‑term support for the business. 
Topics discussed include strategy, financial, operational 
and responsible business activities.

HOW WE BUILD RELATIONSHIPS  
WITH GOVERNMENTS
We maintain good relationships with governments in 
the countries where we operate and primarily engage 
with them through industry bodies. Due to our central 
position within the economy, we’re major collectors 
of tax and duties on behalf of governments through 
the sale of petroleum products. We create significant 
direct and indirect employment which generates 
major economic benefit for countries, and are a 
significant tax contributor in our own right. In 2019, 
we paid $83 million in income taxes to our host 
economies and collected significant taxes and duties 
through the sale of petroleum products.

SECTION 172(1) STATEMENT
Section 172 of the Companies Act 2006 requires a 
director of a company to act in the way he or she 
considers, in good faith, would most likely promote the 
success of the company for the benefit of its members 
as a whole. In doing this section 172 requires a director 
to have regard, amongst other matters, to the:
 – likely consequences of any decisions in the 

long‑term;

 – interests of the company’s employees;
 – need to foster the company’s business relationships 

with suppliers, customers and others;
 – impact of the company’s operations on 

the community and environment;

 – desirability of the company maintaining a reputation 

for high standards of business conduct; and

 – need to act fairly as between members 

of the company.

In discharging our section 172 duties we have regard 
to the factors set out above. We also have regard 
to other factors which we consider relevant to 
the decision being made. We acknowledge that 
every decision we make will not necessarily result 
in a positive outcome for all of our stakeholders. 
By considering the Company’s purpose, vision and 
values together with its strategic priorities and 
having a process in place for decision‑making, we do, 
however, aim to make sure that our decisions are 
consistent and predictable.

45

 For details on how our Board operates and the  way we reach decisions, including the matters we discussed during the year, please see the Governance Report on pages 66 to 111.VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

RESOURCES AND RELATIONSHIPS CONTINUED

MANAGING 
HIGH-QUALITY ASSETS

OUR WELL-MAINTAINED ASSETS RANGE FROM THE BRIGHT, EFFICIENT 
SERVICE STATIONS THAT PROVIDE HIGH LEVELS OF CUSTOMER 
CONVENIENCE, TO AN EXTENSIVE FUEL STORAGE NETWORK AND 
LUBRICANT BLENDING PLANTS. OWNING OR HAVING OPERATIONAL 
CONTROL OF THESE ASSETS IS ESSENTIAL TO CONTROL COSTS, 
GUARANTEE SUPPLY AND MANAGE HSSE AND PRODUCT QUALITY.

HOW WE MANAGE  
OUR RETAIL NETWORK
At the end of 2019, our retail network comprised 
2,226 service stations across 23 countries, trading 
under the Shell and Engen brands. During the year 
we opened a net total of 96 new service stations. 
In Africa, service stations are increasingly about the 
convenience experience. People don’t just visit our 
locations to fill up their vehicles. Amongst other 
reasons they may want their oil or tyres checked, to 
meet friends over a coffee or a burger or use an ATM.

Why? Because our service stations are clean, vibrant, 
efficient and convenient. And because most people 
refuel a little and often, they’re frequent and loyal 
visitors. Repeat visits are also encouraged by our 
fuel payment and loyalty programmes. And in 
2019 we developed and launched a new app for 
the Shell‑branded markets that’s bringing even 
greater convenience to customers, and promoting 
greater loyalty.

10BN+

Over 10 billion litres of fuel 
and lubricants sold across all 
of our businesses during 2019

HOW WE MANAGE OUR 
DEALER NETWORK
In order to manage our retail network efficiently, we 
utilise local dealers to operate approximately 93% of 
our sites to our exacting standards. We use a mix of 
three operating models across our network depending 
on the site location and circumstance. The majority 
of our service stations are company‑owned and 
dealer‑operated (CODO). However, we also have 
sites that are dealer‑owned and operated (DODO) 
and a small number that are company‑owned and 
operated (COCO).
 – Under the CODO model, we own or lease the 
service station, with the dealer responsible for 
its operation under an agreement. At the end 
of 2019, we had 1,308 such sites, representing 
59% of all sites. These sites generally have a 
strong non‑fuel offer and are found in strategic, 
high‑potential locations.

 – With the DODO model, the dealer owns and 
operates the service station, while maintaining 
an exclusive fuel supply agreement with 
Vivo Energy. At the end of the year, these sites 
numbered 754, accounting for 34% of our 
network. These sites typically have a lower 
level of operational complexity.

2,226

COMPANY‑OWNED 
DEALER‑OPERATED

DEALER‑OWNED 
AND OPERATED 

COMPANY‑OWNED 
AND OPERATED 

46

1,308

754

164

TOTAL SERVICE STATIONSVIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

158K

Access to around 158,000 
metric tonnes of lubricants 
blending capacity through SVL

HOW WE MANAGE  
OUR BRANDS
Our principal partnerships are with Shell and Engen, 
with whom we’ve secured retail brand licence 
agreements until December 2031 and March 2034 
respectively. These give us exclusive rights to use 
specified Shell and Engen brands for our products 
and services, including our service stations.

We own 50% of SVL, which is the exclusive 
licensee for Shell’s lubricant brands in Africa 
(with the exception of South Africa, Libya and 
Egypt), giving us access to the industry’s most 
widely respected lubricants.

In most of the Retail markets where we operate 
we do not compete on price because fuel prices are 
regulated (margins on regular fuels were regulated 
in 20 of the 23 markets where we operated at the 
end of 2019). This means we compete on location, 
customer experience and brand. We spend a 
material amount on marketing across our operating 
units to drive growth and protect and enhance our 
brand which – when coupled with the high levels 
of customer service, quality fuels, a safe fuelling 
environment and a quality non‑fuel offering – 
means that we’re able to consistently outperform 
our competitors.

 – Under the COCO model, we own the service 

station and are also responsible for its operation. 
At the end of the year, we had 164 such sites, 
representing 7% of all sites. These are generally 
our large flagship or highway sites.

We support our dealers to ensure they have a 
platform to succeed and regularly check that they’re 
maintaining the standards that we require. Across all 
our sites we manage and control HSSE, marketing 
and branding, as well as site and service standards, 
to ensure operational excellence.

HOW WE MANAGE OUR NETWORK 
OF STORAGE FACILITIES AND PLANTS
We’ve developed an extensive network of storage 
facilities to ensure that we can supply our retail and 
commercial customers. In 2019, we had access to over 
one billion litres of storage across Africa, mitigating 
supply risks. Following the Engen acquisition in 
March 2019, we added strategic storage capacity in 
Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) and Beira (Mozambique), 
serving the East and Southern African corridors, and 
increasing total storage capacity by approximately 
91,880 cubic metres. We now own 57 depots 
in over 50 locations, giving us reliable access to 
over 668,000 cubic metres of directly‑owned and 
managed storage capacity. In addition, through joint 
venture arrangements, we have further access to 
approximately 389,000 cubic metres of storage. 
This network is supplied by a combination of ship, 
pipeline, truck and rail. In recent years, average depot 
turns have increased from 7.9 in 2015, 8.2 in 2016, 
9.2 in 2017, 9.4 in 2018, and 9.7 in 2019.

We also benefit from a 50:50 joint venture with 
Shell, known as Shell and Vivo Lubricants (SVL). 
Through this joint venture, we have access to and 
operate two lubricant blending plants in Morocco 
and Kenya and have interests in blending operations 
in Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Guinea. 
This gives us access to around 158,000 metric 
tonnes of blending capacity. Our mining business 
offers consignment stocks for fuels and/or lubricants 
to 25 mining customers. In the marine sector, we 
have full bunkering operations in five countries and 
occasionally supply fuel and lubricants to marine 
customers in a further six. The LPG business owns 
bottling plants in seven countries and has interests 
in joint venture facilities in four countries.

1BN

47

ACCESS TO OVER 1 BILLION LITRES OF FUEL STORAGEVIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

RESOURCES AND RELATIONSHIPS CONTINUED

DRIVING OUR  
CULTURE AND PURPOSE

AT THE END OF THE YEAR, THE BOARD AGREED A PURPOSE 
STATEMENT THAT ALIGNS WITH THE COMPANY’S STRATEGY, 
CULTURE AND VALUES. OVER THE COURSE OF 2020 WE’LL 
WORK TO ENSURE THIS IS CLEARLY COMMUNICATED AND 
EXPLAINED TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS.

THE VIVO ENERGY WAY
Since the foundation of Vivo Energy in 2011, our 
operating culture of ‘Focus, Simplify and Perform’ 
has remained a central part of the way we do business. 
We achieve success by constantly reinforcing our 
fast and agile, decentralised business model.

Our values of honesty, integrity and respect for people 
guide our teams as they work towards our vision of 
becoming Africa’s most respected energy business.

Our people are regularly kept informed about our 
business through their managers, employee town hall 
meetings, regular online newsletters, and our company 
intranet. When they have ideas, our people know 
that they can put them directly to our senior team 
– including the CEO and CFO – and get a personal 
response back, usually within 24 hours.

We seek to maintain constructive relationships with 
labour unions formally representing our employees 
and have localised union agreements and guidelines 
in place, as applicable.

2011

Since the foundation  
of Vivo Energy in 2011, 
our operating culture of 
‘Focus, Simplify and Perform’ 
has remained a central part  
of the way we do business

OUR PURPOSE IS: 
“ TO SAFELY PROVIDE 
INNOVATIVE AND 
RESPONSIBLE 
ENERGY SOLUTIONS 
TO AFRICA, WHICH 
ENABLE GROWTH 
AND DEVELOPMENT 
OF THE CONTINENT 
AND ITS PEOPLE.”

48

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

DOING BUSINESS THE RIGHT WAY
Reputation is our most important asset and we 
work hard to maintain it at every opportunity. 
We demonstrate the highest standards of corporate 
behaviour at all times in every interaction with our 
employees, our customers, those with whom we 
do business and our shareholders.

Our Code of Conduct and General Business Principles 
(both available on our website) underpin everything 
we do and are the foundation of our business. All new 
employees complete an online induction programme, 
which explains our policies and helps them integrate 
into the organisation quickly and comprehensively.

Employees, third parties and members of the public 
also have access to our independent, 24/7 anonymous 
whistleblowing helpline, which they can use to raise 
any concerns.

During 2019 we rolled out a campaign to improve 
awareness of the helpline amongst employees in 
all our countries in order to ensure that they were 
aware of the option to report concerns without 
fear of victimisation, and whistleblowing posters 
were shared across our Retail service station 
network. All whistleblowing reports are sent to our 
Head of Ethics & Compliance and Head of Forensics 
for review, in line with our Investigation Guidelines 
and Misconduct and Loss Reporting Policy.

We’re committed to providing equal opportunities for 
all our employees. No employees became disabled or 
were involved in a fatal incident during 2019, however, 
our policy is to make all efforts to retain, re‑train and 
make adjustments for disabled colleagues.

ANTI-CORRUPTION AND ANTI-BRIBERY
During the year we enhanced our ISO 37001 
Anti‑bribery management systems certification, 
moving from a head office certification to a multi‑site 
certification, covering all of our markets. We were 
the first African business in our industry to obtain 
this certification.

We provide mandatory employee training on topics 
such as Anti‑bribery and corruption; Anti‑money 
laundering; our Code of Conduct; and financial 
crime. Courses are conducted on a bi‑annual basis 
for all employees and are tailored to specifically 
address applicable scenarios, with training completion 
monitored by our Ethics & Compliance office.

In addition, each employee is required to submit a 
Conflict of Interest declaration every year, confirming 
their understanding of our compliance policies, has 
to be submitted by all employees on an annual basis. 
These declarations are reviewed and approved by 
line managers.

We updated our Know your Counterparty (KYC) 
policy in 2019 in order to increase screening 
requirements for high‑risk jurisdictions.

We also established a sponsorship and donations 
e‑register which requires all employees to make 
declarations for line manager approval.

HUMAN RIGHTS
We strongly support the elimination of all forms of 
modern slavery. Such exploitation is entirely at odds 
with our core values of honesty, integrity and respect 
for people. These values are crucial to our success 
and growth, and to achieving our vision of becoming 
Africa’s most respected energy business.

Respect for human rights is embedded in our Code 
of Conduct and General Business Principles, which 
recognise a responsibility to conduct business as 
responsible corporate members of society and to 
support fundamental human rights in line with the 
legitimate role of business. Both the Code and the 
Business Principles explicitly address our commitment 
to combatting modern slavery and human trafficking.

During 2019 we completed a project to ensure 
that all Retail sites provided signed assurance 
that they acknowledged and understood our 
Combatting Modern Slavery policy.

24/7

Everyone has access to  
our independent, 24/7 
anonymous whistleblowing 
helpline, which they can use 
to raise any concerns

ISOISO 37001

certification enhanced 
to cover all our markets

49

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

RESOURCES AND RELATIONSHIPS CONTINUED

DEVELOPING  
OUR PEOPLE

AT THE END OF 2019, WE EMPLOYED 2,694 EMPLOYEES, BASED IN 26 
COUNTRIES. WE ENSURE THAT WE HAVE THE RIGHT PEOPLE IN PLACE 
WITH THE RIGHT COMPETENCIES AND THAT THEY ARE FULFILLED 
AND ALWAYS FOCUSED ON DOING BUSINESS THE RIGHT WAY.

DEVELOPING AND TRAINING OUR TEAMS
Learning and development is an integral part of our 
talent management philosophy and a key business 
priority, evidenced by the fact that our training 
spend increased from $2.8 million in 2018 to around 
$3.1 million in 2019.

We do learning differently at Vivo Energy. Instead of 
providing our employees with hundreds of courses 
to choose from, we identify individual learning needs 
and offer tailored training programmes. In addition 
to face‑to‑face training, we also offer our own online 
learning platform, again with specific interventions 
aimed at our core learning and development needs.

As well as these learning programmes, we also 
conducted an accelerated leadership programme 
in 2019, for 32 of our junior to mid‑level managers, 
to help improve their strategic leadership skills; 
enabling them to grow and develop within 
the business.

Being able to think smarter, understand our vision 
and the wider commercial picture, and having an 
insatiable curiosity about the business is what makes 
great Vivo Energy people. Our training programme 
ensures we have a skilled and empowered workforce, 
with the right mind‑set to succeed.

INTEGRATING NEW COLLEAGUES
On 1 March 2019 around 300 new 
employees joined Vivo Energy in our eight 
new Engen‑branded countries. One of our top 
priorities was to rapidly integrate these new teams 
into Vivo Energy and our way of working.

In the first week, senior colleagues from the 
Vivo Energy Leadership Team visited all of the 
new countries to provide an opportunity for the 
transitioning Engen employees to celebrate the move 
to Vivo Energy and feel welcomed into the Company.

All new employees completed a tailored 
online induction and were taken through online 
courses by the Ethics and Compliance team. 
This process ensured that new employees were 
familiar with and understood how we conduct 
business with integrity and respect in order to 
protect our reputation.

All leadership team members from our new countries 
were allocated mentors from within the Vivo Energy 
Group to help get them up to speed on the ways 
of working as quickly as possible, and to provide a 
dedicated point of contact to help them navigate the 
new systems and processes.

Finally, all new employees also took part in Cultures 
and Values workshops to ensure alignment with our 
operating culture and our values – which are at the 
heart of what we do – and the Vivo Energy way.

$3.1M

invested in learning  
and development in 2019

300new employees joined  

Vivo Energy in our eight 
new Engen‑branded countries

50

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

In Ghana we introduced 
a programme called 
‘Time with Ben Hassan’, 
which provided an 
opportunity for the new 
Managing Director to 
engage directly with 
employees from 
across the business

Accelerated leadership 
programme for 32 junior 
to mid‑level managers

The positive sentiment on career overall, however, 
has significantly increased since the last employee 
engagement survey. In particular, employees told us 
that they have access to the learning opportunities 
they require in order to develop themselves.

During 2019, internal talent filled more than 45% of 
all roles filled. At the management level, 63% of roles 
were filled by internal talent.

In line with the UK Corporate Governance 
Code, which aims to ensure that boards take 
into consideration the interests of employees, 
we appointed our Senior Independent Director, 
Hixonia Nyasulu, as Employee Engagement Champion.

DIVERSITY
We promote the development and best use of the 
talents of our employees to create an inclusive work 
environment, where every employee has an equal 
opportunity to develop his or her skills and talents.

Part of our talent strategy, our Diversity Principle, 
states that Vivo Energy values diversity as an 
organisational strength. We believe that employing 
and developing the top talent from all backgrounds 
and with varied experiences within the countries 
where we operate, gives us a competitive advantage.

GENDER DIVERSITY
We strive to ensure balanced gender diversification 
across all employees.

Although our gender balance is steadily improving, 
we recognise that there is room for improvement.

Across the Group, women represent 26% 
of total employees, up from 25% in 2018. 
Female representation was higher (around 33%) 
among our office‑based and sales staff in 2019.

Our gender split at 31 December 2019 was as follows:

Board of Directors
Senior Executive Team1
All other employees

Female

2
1
707

Male

7
8
1,976

Total

9
9
2,683

1  The CEO and CFO are counted in the Board of Directors row. 
Whilst they are also members of the Senior Executive Team, 
they are not counted in this row, to avoid double‑counting.

HOW WE RECRUIT, REWARD  
AND RETAIN OUR TEAMS
2019 saw the introduction of a new, GDPR‑compliant, 
Applicant Tracking System to drive simplicity and 
standardisation within our recruitment processes, 
while enhancing our talent brand. This includes posting 
vacancies to social media platforms, job boards and 
integrating with recruitment agencies. The system 
also provides an easier and more efficient interface 
for candidates to apply for roles.

Our entrepreneurial culture means remuneration is 
closely tied to achievement. Variable pay, in the form 
of annual discretionary bonuses linked to individual and 
business performance, is a key element of our culture. 
There are also bespoke incentive schemes for front 
line sales staff in the Retail, Commercial and Lubricants 
sectors. In addition, we also provide a wide range of 
benefits for many of our people including healthcare, 
pensions and life insurance. Long‑Term Incentive 
Plan (LTIP) arrangements apply selectively to senior 
managers and certain other key members of staff.

Low rates of turnover and resignations in 2019 
of 9.0% and 4.6% respectively are testament to 
the way we reward our teams, and underline our 
success in retaining talent. These figures are in line 
with those reported in 2018, which saw an 8.0% 
turnover and 3.4% resignation rate. The slight increase 
can be attributed to an increase in staff changes 
following the Engen acquisition. Furthermore, our 
overall turnover percentage remains well below 
the African benchmark.

Towards the end of 2018 we conducted an 
employee engagement survey. During 2019 action 
plans were developed from the survey results to 
enhance engagement.

These plans were generated at an operating unit level, 
as well as a central function level, to ensure a holistic 
approach in driving engagement. Plans were actioned 
throughout the year, yielding positive results which 
will continue to be improved on. We’ve identified 
career opportunities within the organisation as an area 
that requires attention. This is largely due to our flat 
structures and small central teams, with the majority 
of our employees based in operating units.

45%

OF ALL ROLES WERE FILLED 
BY INTERNAL TALENT

63%

OF MANAGEMENT LEVEL ROLES  
WERE FILLED BY INTERNAL TALENT

51

 See page 91 for details of LTIP  awards to our Executive Directors. For more information see the  Governance Report on page 71.IDENTIFYING CAREER OPPORTUNITIESVIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

RESOURCES AND RELATIONSHIPS CONTINUED

LOOKING AFTER 
OUR PEOPLE

SAFETY IS OUR ABSOLUTE PRIORITY.  
OUR AIM IS TO ACHIEVE ‘GOAL ZERO’, 
WHICH MEANS NO HARM TO OUR PEOPLE, 
CONTRACTORS OR THE ENVIRONMENT.

WHAT WE’RE DOING TO  
KEEP OUR PEOPLE SAFE
Our HSSE performance is benchmarked against the 
downstream activities of our industry peers, and 
we consistently score ahead of companies operating 
both within and outside Africa. HSSE is an integral 
part of our business plan and we work to incorporate 
it throughout our culture and operations. In 2019 
we set four main HSSE focus areas:
 – Road safety including providing driver training 

and rewarding safe driving, as well as incorporating 
extra safety equipment into vehicles.

 – Contractor safety which extends from 

requiring contractors to comply with our HSSE 
policies through to driver and vehicle initiatives.

 – Process safety such as ensuring that safe 
working practices are followed at all depots, 
blending plants and other sites where we operate 
potentially hazardous equipment.

 – Security including traveller and country security 
monitoring and incorporating security initiatives 
into the design and operation of our assets.
We have reviewed our HSSE focus areas and are 
maintaining the same four for 2020, adhering to 
our HSSE policy which outlines our systematic 
approach to HSSE management, designed to 
ensure compliance with the law and continuous 
performance improvement.

We maintain a Vivo Energy Group Crisis Management 
Plan, and run training sessions and simulation exercises 
in our OUs on an annual basis. Managing Directors 
from the Engen‑branded OUs were briefed on  
Vivo Energy’s Crisis Management Plan immediately  
before completion of the transaction and  
were trained at a workshop in  
Johannesburg in June.

0.04

Total recordable
case frequency
across the Group

 In 2019 our annual Safety  

Day focused on employees 
thinking about why safety 
matters to them

52

MOVING TO A PROACTIVE  
SAFETY CULTURE
We continue to work on moving from a reactive 
HSSE culture to one that’s comprehensive and 
proactive, and this generated a strong HSSE 
performance in 2019.

One way in which we work to achieve this is by 
embedding the importance of potential incident 
reporting and timely close out across our employees, 
contractors and partners so that incidents are 
prevented from happening as opposed to being 
fixed after they’ve occurred – one of the true 
indicators of a world‑class safety culture.

In our Shell‑branded OUs, we’re very proud of 
our Total Recordable Case Frequency (TRCF) and 
Lost Time Injury Frequency (LTIF), with zero incidents 
during the year, our strongest performance yet.

In the Engen‑branded OUs we’ve been quick to 
introduce Vivo Energy’s focus on HSSE and this 
has helped to improve our HSSE performance 
within these OUs. We were also ahead of our 
TRCF and LTIF targets. Our TRCF and LTIF rates 
in the Engen‑branded OUs have reduced in 
our first 10 months to 0.47 incidents per million 
exposure hours.

In our Engen‑branded markets we’re particularly 
emphasising the importance of potential incident 
reporting. This has not only led to an upsurge in the 
number of potential incidents reported, but is also 
changing the HSSE culture in these countries from 
reactive to proactive, and for the better.

During October we ran our annual Safety Day 
across the Group, which encouraged all employees 
to stop and think about why safety matters to them.

TOTAL RECORDABLE CASE FREQUENCY
per million exposure hours

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

0.04

0.19

0.10

0.31

0.26

EMPLOYEE AND CONTRACTOR FATALITIES

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

0

1

0

0

2

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

MANAGING OUR 
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

WE RECOGNISE THAT WE HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TOWARDS THE 
ENVIRONMENT, BEYOND LEGAL AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS. 
WE’RE COMMITTED TO REDUCING OUR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT  
AND CONTINUALLY IMPROVING OUR ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE 
AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF OUR BUSINESS STRATEGY.

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY 
AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
We’re committed to reducing our environmental 
impact and continually improving our environmental 
performance, and encourage our partners, customers, 
suppliers and other stakeholders to do the same.

In 2019 we updated our Environmental Policy to 
focus on minimising our impact on the environment, 
in recognition of the Paris Agreement. This includes 
limiting the quantities of waste, assessing the 
environmental consequences of our operations on 
the local environment and operating in a safe manner.

All employees have a responsibility to ensure 
that the aims and objectives of the policy are met, 
with country Managing Directors responsible for 
policy implementation.

We’re committed to developing and implementing an 
environmental management system (EMS) throughout 
the Group to measure, control and, where practical, 
reduce our environmental impacts. During the 
year we conducted a gap analysis to identify what 
actions are required to update our systems, and are 
working towards securing ISO 14001 (Environmental 
Management) and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health 
and Safety) for Vivo Energy plc in 2020.

We believe that achieving these ISO standards at 
Group level will be an important tool to support 
continual improvement in our Environmental 
Management and HSSE systems, and comply with 
our environmental legal requirements, to meet 
and exceed the expectations of our stakeholders.

Four of our operating units (Uganda, Mauritius, 
Reunion and Senegal) have already secured 
ISO 14001. Following certification at Group level, 
our plan is to secure local certification across all 
the other operating units.

ISO 14001

Four operating units  
have already secured 
ISO 14001, our plan is to 
secure local certification across 
all the other operating units

53

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

RESOURCES AND RELATIONSHIPS CONTINUED

PRODUCT SPILLS
During the year we experienced three minor product 
spills, resulting in 7.5 tonnes of product being lost.

Programmes to reduce and minimise product spills 
are in place, including training for road transport 
contractors and quality marshalls at the service 
stations. Comprehensive checklists have been 
developed around transporting product to ensure 
that the correct procedures are followed in order 
to reduce the chance of product spillage.

REDUCING THE AGE OF THE  
ROAD TRANSPORT FLEET AND 
IMPROVING EFFICIENCY
Distribution of our product from our depots 
to service stations and commercial customers 
is an integral part of our business.

Our in‑country teams are responsible for managing 
third party road transport contractors involved in 
moving product. They develop journey management 
plans to ensure risks are minimised in order to ensure 
safe transport. Additionally, with the help of our new 
ERP and depot automation systems, they have focused 
on increasing the volume of product carried per load 
by using larger trucks and optimising road transport 
schedules to improve drop efficiencies, supporting 
our aim to reduce our carbon footprint.

We’re developing Trans‑African contracts to reduce 
the number of road transport contractors across the 
Group, and ensure that we only use contractors with 
the highest HSSE standards and performance.

We’ve introduced a maximum age limit of 10 years 
on road transport contractors’ heavy goods vehicles 
(HGVs) to encourage the use of newer, more 
efficient vehicles.

Where possible we are shifting the transport of 
product from road to rail, as well as increasing our 
use of pipelines, to reduce the total road transport 
kilometres driven. This has been particularly effective 
in Uganda where road transport has been reduced 
by approximately 50%.

50%Reduction in road transport 

of our product in Uganda 
achieved by moving from 
road to rail and pipeline

 Launch of Shell FuelSave  

with DYNAFLEX technology 
in Senegal

IMPROVING THE EFFICIENCY  
OF OUR SITES
We’ve continued our programme to maximise 
site efficiency by reducing energy consumption. 
For example, we’ve installed energy efficient chillers, 
LED illumination and under canopy motion detection 
systems, improved heating and air conditioning 
systems, more energy efficient building insulation 
and double‑glazing.

In addition, we’ve continued to roll out renewable 
energy solutions at our operations, adding solar panels 
at 10 service stations, depots and offices.

Finally, we plan for newly built service stations and 
rebuilt sites across our network to include solar panels.

DEVELOPING OUR HYBRID 
SOLAR SOLUTIONS
Not only are we adding solar at our own sites, 
but we’re also exploring solutions to provide our 
commercial customers with hybrid solar energy 
solutions. We believe the benefit of bringing total 
power solutions to our commercial customers – 
including solar and fuel – are many, including cost 
and environmental benefits.

REDUCING THE IMPACT 
OF OUR PRODUCTS
In most of our markets, the importation of 
petroleum products is controlled and regulated by 
the government or national oil company, supported 
by appropriate product specifications. These balance 
environmental improvements with affordability. 
In order to mitigate some of the impact of increased 
fuel use on the environment, in 2019 we launched 
Shell’s latest fuel, which contains DYNAFLEX 
technology, in more countries. This new formulation 
helps clean and protect key components in vehicle 
engines, leading to better engine efficiency, reduced 
fuel consumption and therefore reduced emissions.

In 2019 we launched Shell FuelSave diesel and 
unleaded fuels with DYNAFLEX technology 
in Mauritius, Morocco and Senegal. In Morocco we 
also launched Shell V‑Power diesel and unleaded with 
DYNAFLEX technology.

We market Shell FuelSave, which has been designed 
to improve combustion, boosting efficiency and saving 
fuel in our Shell‑branded countries. Shell Helix Ultra 
with PUREPLUS technology in our lubricants range 
is made from base oil created from natural gas with 
virtually none of the impurities found in crude oil.

10 years

FOR CONTRACTORS’ HGVs

54

MAXIMUM AGE LIMITVIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

REDUCING THE IMPACT  
OF MARINE FUELS
On 1 January 2020, global sulphur limits for marine 
bunker fuel were lowered from 3.5% to 0.5%, 
affecting fuel demand from the shipping industry.

We support the reduction in air pollution from 
ships that the global sulphur cap brings, and continue 
to work with our marine customers to supply safe 
and fully compliant marine fuels. In Cape Verde and 
Mauritius we worked closely with the port authorities 
and governments to ensure that pipes and tanks 
were cleaned and prepared, in readiness for the new 
International Maritime Organisation (IMO) regulations.

GREENHOUSE GASES
We’re committed to reducing our environmental 
impact and continually improving our environmental 
performance as an integral part of our business 
strategy and operating methods. To meet this 
commitment, we’ve adopted various Greenhouse Gas 
(GHG) reduction methodologies, including energy 
efficiency initiatives at our sites and monitoring energy 
usage at Group level on a monthly basis. We’ve also 
introduced strict controls on business travel to further 
reduce our carbon footprint.

We adhere to the UK Government Environmental 
Reporting Guidelines and the UK Government 
Greenhouse Gas Conversion Factors. These are 
the methodologies used to calculate our GHG 
emissions. Following the completion of the Engen 
transaction in March 2019, we have included their 
contribution into our Group emission figures.

For the year ending 31 December 2019, our combined 
GHG emissions from our 23 Shell and Engen‑branded 
operating units were:

Emissions from combustion of fuel (Scope 1)
Emissions from electricity, heat, 
steam and cooling (Scope 2) 
Total Scope 1 & 2 emissions
Emissions intensity ratio (KT CO2e/10k m3)

Kilotonnes of 
CO2 equivalent 
2019

67.32

8.02
75.34
0.07232

This figure includes emissions of CO2 equivalent 
(CO2e) for which the Company is responsible, 
including both combustion of fuel and the operation 
of our facilities (including the purchase of electricity, 
heat and cooling), as far as it has been possible for us 
to obtain. We have not included emissions from our 
central offices located outside of our operating units as 
these are small, shared office spaces, without accurate 
information and responsible for minimal emissions.

 Efficiently designed  

Engen Beauséjour service 
station in Reunion

In 2018 we reported that our estimated overall 
GHG emissions totalled 102.82 kilotonnes of CO2e 
in relation to our Shell‑branded operating units. 
This figure covered a broader range of emissions 
than Scope 1 and Scope 2 definitions and was not 
broken down by category. In order to provide a 
relevant comparison, in addition to our Scope 1 and 
2 reporting above, we estimate that using the same 
methodology as in 2018, the overall GHG emissions 
for our Shell‑branded operating units fell to 92.34 
kilotonnes of CO2e in 2019. The enlarged Group’s 
emissions rose marginally to 105.12 kilotonnes of 
CO2e, due to the addition of the Engen‑branded 
operating units.

We’ve reduced our GHG emissions in the 
Shell‑branded markets by assessing and prioritising 
the energy consumption and efficiency of both 
existing and new operations, sites and products across 
all stages – operational, development, design and 
purchasing. This is supported by utilising renewable 
technologies where possible. We’re also exploring 
how we can offer increased value to our customers 
by providing renewable energy value propositions 
and credible carbon offsets to minimise our carbon 
footprint. For 2020 we’re aiming to keep our overall 
CO2e emissions flat at 105 kilotonnes, despite the 
expected growth of our network and business, 
and will continue to develop our external reporting 
in line with market requirements.

PROMOTING GOOD ENVIRONMENTAL 
PRACTICES IN OUR COMMUNITIES
As part of our Community Investment programme 
we focus on three key areas: Road Safety, Education 
and the Environment.

For example, we introduced a new community 
investment project in Ghana during the year. 
This involved inviting our employees to suggest 
projects for us to support. The chosen project 
aimed to provide clean drinking water and improved 
education facilities for the people of Hiamankyene, in 
the Upper East region of Ghana. Clean drinking water 
is a very real challenge in Ghana, with approximately 
19,000 Ghanaians dying annually as a result of poor 
water quality. Following local community involvement 
and feasibility studies, water boreholes were sunk, 
together with the reconstruction of a dilapidated 
community school.

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VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

RESOURCES AND RELATIONSHIPS CONTINUED

MAINTAINING AN EFFECTIVE 
FINANCIAL STRUCTURE

A SOUND AND EFFECTIVE FINANCIAL STRUCTURE 
ANCHORS OUR INVESTMENT STRATEGY AND IS  
A KEY DRIVER OF OUR BUSINESS PERFORMANCE.

HOW WE’RE FUNDED
Our business has achieved tremendous growth 
since inception in 2012 and we’ve expanded our 
footprint in Africa by investing over $900 million of 
funds generated internally from operating cash flows. 
Most of the Group’s funding requirements for new 
investments come from cash generated by existing 
operations as well as our structural negative working 
capital position. We have a well‑managed financial 
structure at Group level, with a leverage ratio of  
0.48x in 2019 and have access to $1.9 billion in liquidity.

CAPITAL ALLOCATION
We follow a structured approach to capital allocation 
which ensures that every growth project adds 
significant value to our business. Our post‑investment 
review process is robust and measures actual returns 
against projections, with the majority of our projects 
exceeding required returns.

0.48x

Leverage ratio  
in 2019 (2018: 0.79x)

$1.9BN

Available short-term 
capital resources  
in 2019 (2018: $1.7 billion)

OPERATING LEVERAGE
Our operating model mitigates the need for adding 
significant overhead whenever we grow the size 
of our Retail network, which confirms the Group’s 
healthy operating leverage. Since 2015, we’ve grown 
volumes by a CAGR of 7%, gross cash profit by 
12%, adjusted EBITDA by 16% and adjusted net 
income by 22%.

CURRENT CREDIT RATINGS
We were awarded a rating of BBB‑ by Moody’s in 
2019, which is investment grade, and reflects well on 
our financial structure and business strategy. We also 
have current BB+ ratings from Standard and Poor’s 
and Fitch Ratings. We actively monitor capital market 
conditions for opportunities to enhance the efficiency 
of our capital structure.

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VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

NON-FINANCIAL INFORMATION STATEMENT

This Annual Report contains the information required to comply with the Companies, Partnerships and Groups  
(and Non‑Financial Reporting) Regulations 2016, as contained in sections 414CA and 414CB of the Companies Act 2006.  
The table below provides key references to information that, taken together, comprises the Non‑Financial  
Information Statement for 2019:

NO.

1

REPORTING  
REQUIREMENT

POLICIES

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

 – Environmental policy

 – Code of conduct

REFERENCE IN THE  
2019 ANNUAL REPORT

 – Climate change

 – Climate change risk

PAGE 
NO.

53 to 55

59

 – HSSE and Social Performance policy

 – Managing our environmental impact

53 to 55

2

EMPLOYEES

 – Code of conduct

 – Our culture and purpose

 – General Business Principles

 – Our people

 – HSSE risk

 – Looking after our people

 – Whistleblowing policy

 – Data protection policy

 – Privacy policy

 – Performance, reward and 
recognition framework

 – Travel security policy

62

48 to 49

50 to 51

52

3

4

5

6

7

8

HUMAN RIGHTS

 – Combatting Modern Slavery statement

 – Our culture and purpose

48 to 49

 – Privacy policy

 – Data protection policy

SOCIAL MATTERS

 – Code of conduct

 – Engaging with our stakeholders

 – General Business Principles

 – Our people

 – HSSE and Social Performance policy

44 to 45

50 to 51

ANTI-CORRUPTION  
AND ANTI-BRIBERY

BUSINESS MODEL

PRINCIPAL RISKS  
AND UNCERTAINTIES

NON-FINANCIAL 
KEY PERFORMANCE 
INDICATORS

 – Anti‑bribery and corruption manual

 – Criminal activity, fraud,  

61 

 – Anti‑money laundering policy

 – Anti‑trust manual

 – Whistleblowing policy

 – Know your counterparty policy

 – Gifts and hospitality policy

 – Code of conduct

bribery and compliance risk

 – Our culture and purpose

48 to 49

 – Business model and value creation

 – Principal risks and uncertainties

20 to 21

60 to 65

 – Non‑financial key performance indicators

27

 – Our strategic objectives

22 to 25

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VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

RISK MANAGEMENT

OUR APPROACH 
TO RISK

ACTIVE RISK MANAGEMENT IS A KEY PRIORITY FOR THE GROUP AND IS AN IMPORTANT 
COMPONENT OF OUR STRATEGY FRAMEWORK. SUCCESS AS AN ORGANISATION DEPENDS 
ON OUR ABILITY TO IDENTIFY AND EXPLOIT EMERGING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES 
IN THE MARKETS WHERE WE OPERATE, WHICH COMES WITH AN ELEMENT OF RISK.

To achieve our risk management objectives, 
we have embedded risk management 
activities in the operational responsibilities 
of management and made these activities 
an integral part of our overall governance, 
planning, decision-making, organisational 
and accountability structure. Risk evaluation 
is conducted by assessing the probability of a 
risk occurring and its impact should this happen. 

The main purpose of risk evaluation 
is to help prioritise risks.

OUR APPROACH TO 
RISK MANAGEMENT
Our internal control system is based on 
the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations 
of the Treadway Commission's (COSO) 
framework and uses the five components 
of the framework: control environment, 
risk assessment, control activities, monitoring, 
and information and communication.

Our approach is based on the underlying 
principle that line management is accountable 
for risk and control management. We have 
a risk-based approach to internal control and 
management is responsible for implementing, 
operating and monitoring the internal control 
environment. The Board is responsible 
for reviewing and monitoring the overall 
risk profile, the adequacy of the Group’s 
risk management and the effectiveness 
of internal controls.

Our risk management framework is 
underpinned by a ‘three lines of defence’ 
approach, which defines how risk management 
activities are organised and where responsibility 
and accountability lie within the Group.
 – First line of defence – As the first line of 

defence, local functional managers own and 
manage their risks. They have ownership, 
responsibility and accountability for directly 
assessing, controlling and mitigating risks 
in line with the guidances, policies and 
requirements set by the Group. They are 
responsible for implementing corrective 
actions for control deficiencies identified 
through the KPI reporting and goal zero 
checklists (a monthly check completed 
by management which evidences that 
controls are operating as intended).

 – Second line of defence – Financial 

(Internal Control, Credit, Treasury) and 
non-financial (Legal, Ethics & Compliance, 
Supply, HSSE, Retail) risk management 
functions are in place at Group level to 
oversee and monitor risks and provide 
an objective challenge to the first line 
of defence. They can intervene directly 
by modifying internal controls, policies 
and procedures as well as developing 
risk systems.

 – Third line of defence – The Group’s 

(independent) Internal Audit function 
and the Audit and Risk Committee are 
in place to provide assurance to the 
Board on the effectiveness of governance, 
risk management and internal controls. 
This includes the extent to which the 
first and second lines of defence have 
achieved their risk management and 
control objectives.

OUR RISK APPETITE
The Board is committed to adopt a risk profile 
and approve a risk management framework 
that is in line with our vision and culture. 

We ensure the risk management framework 
is adequately communicated, integrated in all 
areas of the organisation and that accountability 
is assigned at all appropriate levels. 

When considering risk appetite, the Board 
seeks to balance opportunities for growth and 
business development in areas of potentially 
higher risk and return, while being more risk 
averse in other areas such as reputation, 
legal, regulatory and health and safety.

ESTABLISH THE CONTEXT

RISK ASSESSMENT

RISK IDENTIFICATION

RISK ANALYSIS

RISK EVALUATION

RISK TREATMENT

58

MONITOR & REVIEW

RISK MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORKVIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

In addition to these structured self-appraisals, 
the assurance framework relies upon objective 
appraisals by Internal Audit and the Central 
Internal Control team. The results of these 
teams’ risk-based reviews of operations 
provide an independent view regarding the 
effectiveness of risk and control management 
systems. These established reviews, reporting 
and assurance processes enable us to regularly 
consider the overall effectiveness of the 
system of internal control and to perform a 
full annual review of the system’s effectiveness. 
Taken together, these processes and practices 
provide confirmation that relevant policies are 
adopted and procedures implemented with 
respect to risk and control management.

OUR DYNAMIC RISK ENVIRONMENT
As part of the risk management framework 
we regularly consider changes in the nature, 
likelihood and impact of existing and 
new risks, including the Group’s ability to 
respond to changes in its business and the 
external environment.

As a result of our increased visibility as a public 
company, following our listing on the London 
Stock Exchange and the Johannesburg Stock 
Exchange, we are particularly exposed to cyber 
threats and fraud risk (this includes phishing, 
hacking and fraud attempts on our business).

The Forensics function, formalised in 
2018, is in charge of the fraud detection 
and investigation activities as well as fraud 
awareness and prevention and it works in 
close collaboration with the Group Ethics 
and Compliance function. The function acts 
independently of the business and reports 
directly to the Head of Internal Audit.

The recently introduced Misconduct and 
Loss Reporting Policy, together with the 
Investigation Guidelines, direct our response 
to fraud and manage the reporting, analysis and 
investigations of serious allegations or concerns. 
The Forensics function monitors the cases 
identified and initiates or advises on the 
investigations when suspicions or allegations 
are reported.

As part of our ongoing risk analysis, we 
reviewed the potential impact of climate 
change on our business. While we recognise 
the increased focus from stakeholders around 
the issue, management does not currently 
believe that the risk should form one of our 
Principal Risks as the likelihood of a material 
impact to our activities from climate change 
in the near-term is currently relatively low. 
As part of the review, we assessed the potential 
impact on future fuel demand, access to 
finance, regulation and the impact of extreme 
weather events. However, management is 
continuously monitoring the longer-term 
impact that climate change may have on our 
business model, strategy and financial planning 
process. We are aware of our environmental 
impact and we are committed to making our 
operations as efficient as possible. We have a 
range of initiatives underway in order to limit 
our environmental impact.

The acquisition of Engen International Holdings 
(Mauritius) Limited completed on 1 March 2019  
has increased legal and regulatory risk as we 
have expanded our footprint to eight new 
markets and, consequently, must now comply 
with new regulatory requirements. In the 
new countries, each Group Functional Head 
has deployed an integration programme 
to align the functions under their direct 
responsibility to the Group standards. This has 
focused particularly on the Finance function, 
HSSE and Legal functions.

As a listed company on the Main Market of the 
London Stock Exchange, we have considered 
the implications of the United Kingdom’s exit 
from the European Union (‘Brexit’) on the 
business of the Group. The Brexit withdrawal 
agreement (officially: The Agreement on 
the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom 
from the European Union), setting the terms 
of the withdrawal, was ratified by the UK 
on 24 January 2020 and by the European 
Parliament on 29 January 2020. In view of their 
geographical location, we do not expect our 
business operations to be impacted by the 
terms of this agreement. We will however 
maintain close monitoring and assessment 
during the Brexit transition period and will seek 
to mitigate any adverse impact that may occur 
as a result of the new terms for the future 
relationship between the United Kingdom 
and the European Union.

RISK ASSESSMENT
For each risk or category of risks, 
our risk management process includes 
activities performed in a continuous cycle. 
Risk assessment includes risk identification, 
analysis and evaluation, and ensures each 
risk is analysed to identify the consequence 
and likelihood of the risk occurring and the 
adequacy of existing controls. Each reportable 
entity is responsible for implementing the 
appropriate structures, processes and tools to 
allow proper identification of risks. In 2019, we 
have continued to embed our risk management 
and governance structure across the Group. 
The risk register, introduced in 2018, is one 
of its key components. The areas of risk focus 
include HSSE, financial, operational, compliance, 
reputation and strategic. We consider both 
current and emerging risks. The register 
reports on a quarterly frequency and facilitates 
evaluation of existing and emerging risks by 
functional heads.

The various risk reporting channels are 
consolidated into one streamlined escalation 
process which is used by the Board to 
assess and analyse the risk of the Group and 
implement an action plan when necessary. 
Once the risks have been identified, analysed, 
managed and evaluated, risk mitigation identifies 
the actions to be implemented by management. 
Each reportable entity has implemented risk 
management processes that are embedded 
in our governance and activities.

MONITOR AND REVIEW
Every year, our Internal Audit team assesses 
our significant risks and communicates 
them to senior management who in 
turn develop action plans to address the 
identified risks. Internal Audit reports 
directly to the Audit and Risk Committee 
on the principal risks. The Committee will 
review and assess the status of each risk. 
Reviews and recommendations are presented 
to senior management to continuously 
strengthen our internal controls framework.

INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEM
The approach to internal control includes 
a number of general and specific risk 
management processes and policies. 
Within the essential framework provided by 
our General Business Principles, the primary 
control mechanisms are self-appraisal processes 
in combination with strict accountability for 
results. These mechanisms are underpinned 
by established policies, standards and 
guidance that relate to particular types of 
risk. These include structural investment 
decision processes, timely and effective 
reporting systems and performance appraisal. 
They cover all material controls, including 
financial, operational and compliance.

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RISK MANAGEMENT CONTINUED

5

PRINCIPAL RISKS  
AND UNCERTAINTIES

Our activities are exposed to various risks 
and uncertainties. These are risks that we 
assess as relevant and significant to our 
business at this time, however other risks 
could emerge in the future.

Overall, our risk management programme 
focuses on the unpredictability of the global 
market and seeks to minimise potential adverse 
effects on financial performance. In addition 
to the risks and uncertainties presented below, 
the management of the fuel cards platform 
and our ability to simultaneously manage the 
multiple growth generating projects are closely 
monitored by all relevant control functions.

STRATEGIC 
OBJECTIVES

1

BRAND & REPUTATIONAL

OUR RISK

RISK IMPACT

OUR MITIGATION 

1. PARTNER REPUTATION AND RELATIONSHIPS

Our business depends on a small number 
of key contractual brand relationships 
with our brand partners, Shell and 
Engen. We also rely on our own 
business reputation and brand in order 
to successfully grow our business and 
develop new relationships with other 
brand partners. 

Our ability to grow and maintain our 
business in our markets and beyond 
depends on the reputation of our 
business partners and relationships 
(including our brand partners).

The termination of any key brand licence 
could have a material impact on our 
ability to grow or maintain our business 
and could have a material cost impact 
on current operations.

The deterioration of our brand name, 
or of any of our business relationships, 
including with our existing brand 
partners, may prevent collaboration 
opportunities with existing or new 
partners, thus hindering growth plans 
of the Group.

A negative trend or development in 
the brand or reputation of one of our 
key business partners could adversely 
impact our current business and future 
growth plans if it were to adversely 
impact consumer sentiment towards 
the brands under which we operate.

Our brand licence agreements contain 
customary termination provisions which 
provide that they can only be terminated 
in very specific circumstances rather than 
for mere convenience. Such termination 
provisions relate, inter alia, to events 
of material breach, insolvency etc. We 
have developed appropriate processes 
and procedures to monitor and ensure 
our compliance with the terms of our 
brand agreements thus preserving 
both the relationships with our brand 
partners and the sanctity of our key 
contractual relationships. The Group's 
corporate reputation risk is one of the 
key risk categories subject to an ongoing 
assessment and mitigation in our risk 
management approach. It is continuously 
monitored and reported as part of the 
risk register and internal audit reporting.

We endeavour to only enter into brand 
relationships with well-established and 
reputable partners who are less likely 
to suffer significant loss of reputation or 
brand value. In all our key contracts and 
relationships we ensure our partners 
adhere to ethical, HSSE and other 
operational standards that meet or 
exceed our own standards. Stringent 
Know Your Counterparty (KYC) 
procedures are performed prior to 
entering any contract over a value of 
$50,000 per year (and regardless of 
any value when the counterparty is 
related to a defined list of sanctioned 
countries). We promote and develop the 
communities in which we operate to help 
build the Vivo Energy brand as the most 
respected energy business in Africa.

60

VIVO ENERGY HAS FIVE KEY STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES:1  To remain a responsible and respected business in the communities in which we operate;2  To preserve our lean organisational structure and performance-driven culture;3  To maximise the value of our existing business;4  To pursue value-accretive growth;5  To maintain attractive and sustainable returns through disciplined financial management.VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

STRATEGIC 
OBJECTIVES

1

2

4

BRAND & REPUTATIONAL

OUR RISK

RISK IMPACT

OUR MITIGATION 

2. CRIMINAL ACTIVITY, FRAUD, BRIBERY AND COMPLIANCE RISK

As a result of business in Africa our 
countries are exposed to high levels 
of risk relating to criminal activity, 
fraud, bribery, theft and corruption.

There are a number of regulatory 
requirements applicable to the Group. 
The related risk of non-compliance with 
these regulations has increased following 
the listing and the Engen transaction.

Violations of anti-bribery, anti-corruption 
laws, and other regulatory requirements 
may result in significant criminal or 
civil sanctions, which could disrupt 
our business, damage its reputation 
and result in a material adverse 
effect on the business, results of 
operations and financial condition.

We provide compliance training 
programmes to employees at all levels.

Our Code of Conduct and KYC 
procedures, along with various other 
policies and safeguards, have been 
designed to prevent the occurrence 
of fraud, bribery, theft and corruption 
within the Group.

We have a confidential whistle-blowing 
helpline for employees, contractors, 
customers and other third parties to 
raise ethical concerns or questions.

We regularly maintain and update our 
information technology and control 
systems within the Group.

The Head of Ethics and Compliance 
and the Head of Forensics are involved 
in mitigating fraudulent activities in 
the Group.

We strive to ensure our anti-bribery 
management systems will continue 
to be certified compliant under 
the ISO 37001 standard.

PRICING

OUR RISK

3. OIL PRICE FLUCTUATIONS

The price of oil and oil products 
may fluctuate, preventing us 
from realising our targeted 
margins, specifically in the 
deregulated markets in which 
we operate.

4. CURRENCY EXCHANGE RISK

We are exposed to foreign 
exchange risk, currency exchange 
controls, currency shortage and 
other currency-related risks.

Our risk includes hyperinflation, 
particularly in Zimbabwe where we have 
expanded our activities through the 
Engen International Holdings (Mauritius) 
Limited acquisition.

RISK IMPACT

OUR MITIGATION 

STRATEGIC 
OBJECTIVES

Higher supply costs in deregulated 
markets result in higher prices for our 
products and could reduce our ability 
to achieve targeted unit margins.

Exposure to commodity price risk is 
mitigated through careful inventory 
and supply chain management 
as well as dynamic pricing.

Price fluctuations could negatively 
impact the value of stocks, resulting 
in stock losses.

Depreciation of foreign currency 
exchange rates could result 
in severe financial losses.

Our treasury policy requires each country 
to manage its foreign exchange risks. 
The Central Treasury team approves all 
hedging plans before they are actioned 
to ensure they are aligned with our 
strategic focus.

We mitigate currency exchange risks 
through margin and pricing strategies.

3

4

5

2

3

4

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RISK MANAGEMENT CONTINUED

HEALTH, SAFETY, SECURITY & ENVIRONMENT

OUR RISK

RISK IMPACT

OUR MITIGATION 

5. HEALTH AND SAFETY

We are exposed to accidents or 
incidents relating to health, safety 
and the environment and from such 
accidents relating to employees.

We are further subject to 
HSSE laws and regulations and industry 
standards related to each of the 
countries in which we operate.

We may incur potential liabilities arising 
from HSSE accidents/incidents.

Brand reputation can be severely 
impacted, along with employee 
confidence.

Regulators and authorities may impose 
fines, disrupt our operations and 
disallow permits for future ventures. 

We ensure all safety measures for our retail 
service stations, storage sites, and employees 
are maintained at international standards.

We invest significantly in training 
and technology to improve road 
transport safety.

The highest emphasis is placed on process 
safety, and minimising security risks to our 
people, our facilities and the communities 
in which we operate.

We require all our contractors and 
partners to manage their HSSE policies 
and practices in line with ours.

On an ongoing basis, safety and security drills, 
campaigns and programmes are conducted 
to ensure widespread knowledge of the 
Group’s HSSE principles and procedures.

In addition to our ongoing, daily attention 
to HSSE, we hold an annual Safety Day, 
which creates an opportunity for all 
employees to refocus on the importance 
of HSSE of our Group. The day is used 
to reinforce safety measures as well as 
raise awareness of key issues.

LEGAL, REGULATORY AND POLITICAL INSTABILITY

OUR RISK

RISK IMPACT

OUR MITIGATION 

6. ECONOMIC AND GOVERNMENTAL INSTABILITY

Several countries and regions in 
which we operate have experienced 
economic and political instability that 
could adversely affect the economy 
of our markets.

An economic slowdown which adversely 
affects, for example, disposable income, 
vehicle distance driven, or infrastructure 
development, in one or more of these 
regions could negatively impact our sales 
and have a material adverse effect on 
the business, financial conditions and 
operational results.

We closely monitor evolving issues 
in markets.

We ensure appropriate responses 
and business continuity plans are 
developed to minimise disruptions.

All local regulatory environments 
and changes are closely monitored.

OPERATIONAL

OUR RISK

RISK IMPACT

OUR MITIGATION 

STRATEGIC 
OBJECTIVES

1

2

STRATEGIC 
OBJECTIVES

1

4

STRATEGIC 
OBJECTIVES

7. PRODUCT AVAILABILITY AND SUPPLY

We are dependent upon the 
supply of fuels, lubricants, and additives 
from various suppliers. When raw 
materials are needed urgently, 
asymmetric negotiations occur. The 
bargaining power shifts to the supplier 
who in turn can charge a higher price.

Furthermore, we are restricted 
by limited storage capacity within 
some country facilities.

The increased procurement costs 
could lower our margins.

Limited supply of products and 
storage facilities may result in stock 
outs. This could further result in 
breach of contract and disruptions 
to our operations, leaving us susceptible 
to fines or penalties.

We ensure optimal inventory management 
through close monitoring of inventory 
days, sales and other factors which may 
require additional inventory levels.

1

3

We monitor our suppliers’ political 
and social environments, and realign 
our purchasing strategies as necessary.

We have increased storage capacity 
at strategic locations within Africa, 
following the Engen acquisition.

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GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

OPERATIONAL

OUR RISK

RISK IMPACT

OUR MITIGATION 

STRATEGIC 
OBJECTIVES

8. BUSINESS CONCENTRATION RISK

A large part of the Group’s 
operations (and margins) are 
derived from Morocco when 
compared to other countries.

9. NEW ERP IMPLEMENTATION

Our organisation is currently migrating 
to a new ERP, a critical project that 
will redesign some of our operations, 
functions and controls.

Any unfavourable changes in market 
dynamics, such as the re-imposition of 
pricing regulations for fuel, or downturns 
in the performance of the operations 
overall, may lead to a decline in the 
Group’s performance.

Overall diversification is the key 
strategy and control measure.

The completion of the Engen transaction 
has increased the geographic diversification 
and reduced the relative weighting 
of the Shell-branded operating units, 
including Morocco, in the Group’s 
operations and volumes.

Inadequate processes and segregation 
of duties may impact the quality of 
the operations and controls, making 
fraud detection difficult. Data quality 
and management issues may have 
financial, operational or compliance 
consequences leading to increased 
(financial and operating) costs and 
missed opportunities.

The new platform is now operational 
in the 15 Shell-branded countries. 
Segregation of duties and data quality 
have been assessed through both 
internal and external audits. A new 
programme to complete enhancements 
and fixes has been designed to ensure 
the Group can take full benefit of the 
programme. The deployment for the 
Engen-branded countries (most of them 
already operating with a solution from 
the same vendor) is being scheduled.

1

5

2

3

STRATEGIC

OUR RISK

RISK IMPACT

OUR MITIGATION 

10. ACQUISITION INTEGRATION

We may be unable to identify or 
accurately evaluate suitable acquisition 
candidates or to complete or integrate 
past or prospective acquisitions 
successfully and/or in a timely manner, 
which could materially adversely 
affect growth.

We may incur write-downs, impairment 
charges or unforeseen liabilities, placing 
strain on financial resources.

Occurrences of indebtedness could 
result in increased obligations and 
include covenants or other restrictions 
that limit operational flexibility.

All acquisition decisions are intensively 
reviewed at several stages with ultimate 
approval by the Board. This ensures 
risks at all levels are being assessed 
and mitigated throughout the process.

We ensure there are detailed integration 
plans with realistic time lines as well as 
designated teams to execute the plans.

Tailored on-boarding and training 
is delivered post-acquisition to ensure 
a smooth and efficient transition.

In the new Engen-branded operating 
units, we have deployed an integration 
programme to align all key functions 
and activities to the Group standards. 
Progress is measured through key 
performance indicators.

STRATEGIC 
OBJECTIVES

2

4

5

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RISK MANAGEMENT CONTINUED

FINANCIAL

OUR RISK

RISK IMPACT

OUR MITIGATION 

11. CREDIT MANAGEMENT

We face risks arising from credit 
exposure to commercial and retail 
customers as well as governments, 
including outstanding receivables 
and committed transactions.

This may result in financial loss as a result 
of bad debts and lost revenue.

Exceeding payment terms will result in 
lower working capital, potentially creating 
liquidity challenges for the business.

We maintain Credit Policy Manuals 
which are country specific. These 
Manuals ensure a harmonised, 
(cost) effective and value-adding 
credit process in all classes of business.

Continuous monitoring of outstanding 
credit balances are performed to 
ensure our overall risk remains 
within our tolerance.

We impose strict guidelines and 
procedures should customers exceed 
the credit limits set.

Credit limits are set on an individual 
basis after having assessed the 
customer through KYC procedures.

We use debtor factorisation 
when considered cost effective.

HUMAN RESOURCES AND TALENT MANAGEMENT

OUR RISK

RISK IMPACT

OUR MITIGATION 

12. HUMAN RESOURCES & TALENT MANAGEMENT

Our ability to attract, train and 
grow people as well as retain talent 
is key to ensure the continuous 
success of the Group.

Increased costs caused by 
staff inefficiency.

Interruptions to operations 
and delay in new projects.

Key people leaving the Group, 
with some joining competitors.

Disputes, strikes and sub-standard 
performance.

We benchmark compensation 
packages and employees policies 
with market practice.

We invest in employee training 
and career development.

Employee on-boarding workshops are 
used to ensure that new employees are 
familiar with our business, our culture 
and their roles when joining the Group.

We maintain constructive dialogue with 
unions and worker representatives.

The Group has detailed succession plans 
and talent management programmes.

STRATEGIC 
OBJECTIVES

2

4

STRATEGIC 
OBJECTIVES

1

2

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

5

2

8

3

1

4

6

9

7

10

11

12

T
C
A
P
M

I

H
G
H

I

I

M
U
D
E
M

W
O
L

LOW

MEDIUM

HIGH

LIKELIHOOD

  Partner reputation and relationships
  Criminal activity, fraud, bribery and compliance risk
 Oil price fluctuations
 Currency exchange risk
   Health and safety
 Economic and governmental instability
 Product availability and supply
 Business concentration risk
 New ERP implementation

PRINCIPAL RISK FACTORS
1. 
2. 
3. 
4. 
5. 
6. 
7. 
8. 
9. 
10.   Acquisition integration
 Credit management
11. 
 Human resources and talent management
12. 

RISK IMPACT ASSESSMENT1

  Decreased
  Unchanged
Increased

1 Residual risk after consideration of controls.

LONG-TERM VIABILITY AND GOING CONCERN

LONG-TERM VIABILITY
In accordance with provision 31 of the 2018 UK 
Corporate Governance Code the (2018 Code), 
the Directors have assessed the prospects of 
the Group over a period significantly longer 
than 12 months. The Directors believe that 
a five-year period is the most appropriate 
timeframe over which to assess the long-term 
viability of the Group. This timeframe is 
supported by the Group’s strategic business 
planning cycle and matches the term of the 
primary financing arrangements of the Group. 
The Directors have reasonable confidence 
over this time horizon which allows for an 
appropriate assessment of the Group’s 
principal risks.

Assessment of prospects
The Group’s prospects are assessed primarily 
through its strategic and financial planning 
process. On an annual basis the Directors 
approve a detailed five-year strategic business 
plan, which forecasts the Group’s cash flows 
and ability to service financing requirements, 
pay dividends and fund investing activities during 
the period. The prospects assessment uses key 
macro drivers as assumptions to forecast how 
markets will evolve. Assumptions include for 
example, wage and salary growth rates, foreign 
exchange rates, inflation and GDP growth, 
and crude oil price assumptions.

Assessment of viability
Although the output of the Group’s strategic 
and financial planning process reflects the 
Directors’ best estimate of the future prospects 
of the business, the Group has carried out a 
robust assessment of the potential financial 
and operational impact of principal risks and 
uncertainties facing the Group, including 
those that would threaten its business model, 
future performance, solvency or liquidity.

A severe but plausible combined downside 
scenario has been modelled where 
the following high impact principal risks 
have materialised:
 – Economic and governmental instability 
adversely affects a number of our local 
entities resulting in devaluation of local 
currencies and unit margin decline 
in affected markets (economic and 
governmental instability and currency 
exchange risks). 

 – Higher supply costs in deregulated 

markets resulting in higher prices for 
our products and lower unit margins 
(oil price fluctuations).

 – Significant negative impacts on our working 
capital due to oil price increases, security 
stock increases and an increase in DSO 
and inventory days and a decrease in DPO.

The assessment starts with the available 
liquidity headroom which is calculated as an 
aggregation of cash and cash equivalents plus 
available facilities as at 31 December 2019. 

The five-year forecast is used to calculate the 
cash position and available headroom over the 
period taking into account the impact of the 
downside scenario adjustments. The downside 
scenario assumed an appropriate management 
response to the specific events but not broader 
mitigating actions which could be undertaken. 
The assessment took account of the Group’s 
current funding, forecast requirements 
and existing borrowing facilities. It assumed 
that existing facilities could be refinanced 
as they mature.

Statement of longer-term viability
Based on the results of the analysis, the 
Directors have a reasonable expectation that 
the Group will be able to continue in operation 
and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the 
five-year period of their assessment.

GOING CONCERN
In accordance with provision 30 of the 2018 
Code, the Directors consider it appropriate 
to adopt the going concern basis of accounting 
in preparing the financial statements.

This Strategic Report has been approved 
by the Board.

JOHAN DEPRAETERE
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

3 MARCH 2020

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GOVERN ANC E

GOVERNANCE

THE FOLLOWING PAGES DEMONSTRATE HOW WE MEET THE 
REQUIREMENTS OF THE UK CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CODE. 
WE DESCRIBE OUR GOVERNANCE ARRANGEMENTS, THE 
OPERATION OF THE BOARD AND ITS COMMITTEES AND HOW 
THE BOARD DISCHARGED ITS RESPONSIBILITIES DURING THE YEAR.

CONTENTS

GOVERNANCE
Chairman’s Statement 

Board Leadership and Company Purpose 

Board of Directors 

Senior Executive Team 

Division of Responsibilities 

Composition, Succession and Evaluation 

Nominations and Governance Committee Report 

Audit and Risk Committee Report 

Directors’ Remuneration Report 

Directors’ Report 

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities 

68

70

74

76

78

82

83

84

88

108

111

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CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

MAINTAINING  
HIGH STANDARDS 
OF GOVERNANCE

STRATEGY
During 2019 the Board supported management 
with the development of the Group’s long‑term 
strategy. Further information is provided in the 
Strategic Report on page 22.

Important elements of the longer‑term strategy were 
two transformational projects run within the business, 
the Engen integration and the ERP implementation. 
The Board was regularly briefed on the progress 
of these projects. 

OUTLOOK
During the coming year, the Board will continue to 
focus on the delivery of results, its oversight of the 
development of the long‑term strategy and ensuring 
the Group has the right people, with the right skills 
to deliver the strategy. The Board remains focused 
on creating sustainable long‑term value for the 
benefit of our shareholders and wider stakeholders.

JOHN DALY
CHAIRMAN

3 MARCH 2020

I’m pleased to present the Corporate Governance 
Report for 2019. The Report sets out our governance 
arrangements, the Board’s key actions during the 
year, our approach to Board diversity, as well as our 
approach to how we promote Board effectiveness.

UK CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CODE
Vivo Energy is committed to maintaining standards 
of corporate governance which enhance performance, 
reduce risks and promote the protection of our 
shareholders’ interests. The Board recognises 
that good corporate governance is essential in 
building a successful and sustainable business for the 
longer‑term and for ensuring positive relationships 
with our key stakeholders. 

The publication of the 2018 UK Corporate 
Governance Code (the ‘2018 Code’) gave the 
Board an opportunity to review and evaluate our 
governance arrangements. This process resulted in 
some key changes to our governance arrangements 
including the definition of Vivo Energy’s Purpose. 
Further details of these changes are provided 
on page 48.

One of the year’s most important developments 
was the Board’s approval of the Board Diversity 
Policy which sets out our approach to diversity. 
The Policy considers diversity in its broadest terms, 
which includes ethnicity and gender, but also other 
characteristics such as age, skills and education, and 
diversity of thought. Such characteristics enhance 
Board effectiveness and help us deliver against our 
strategy. Further information is on page 83.

During the year, the Board undertook its first 
effectiveness review. I’m pleased to report that the 
review concluded that the Board operates effectively 
and is well run, with positive relationships between 
Board members. Further information can be found 
on page 82.

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COMPLIANCE WITH THE 2018 CODE
The Board has overall responsibility for governance at 
Vivo Energy plc (the ‘Company’) and is accountable to 
its shareholders. This Governance Report describes 
how during 2019 the Board has applied the main 
principles and complied with the relevant provisions 
of the 2018 Code (available from www.frc.org.uk).

The Directors’ Report also contains information 
required to be disclosed under the UK Listing 
Authority’s (UKLA) Rules and the Disclosure 
Guidance and Transparency Rules (DTRs). 
To the extent necessary, certain information 
is incorporated into this Report by reference.

COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
The Board is committed to the principles of good 
corporate governance and achieving compliance with 
the 2018 Code. The Company has applied the main 
principles and complied with all the provisions of 
the 2018 Code except as indicated below: 

Provision 17 – the Nominations and Governance 
Committee has not reviewed the succession plans 
of Senior Management or formally reviewed the 
Group’s diverse pipeline, please see page 83 for 
further information.

Provision 24 – for the period 1 January 2019 to 
7 May 2019, the Chairman was a member of the 
Audit and Risk Committee, please see page 80 
for further information.

Throughout the Governance and Directors’ Reports, 
we have set out how we have applied the main 
principles and complied with the relevant provisions 
of the Code. Further information can be found 
as follows:

BOARD LEADERSHIP AND COMPANY PURPOSE 

DIVISION OF RESPONSIBILITIES 

COMPOSITION, SUCCESSION AND EVALUATION  

AUDIT, RISK AND CONTROL 

REMUNERATION 

70

78

82

84

88

Our culture, 
supported by our 
values of honesty, 
integrity and respect 
will help us grasp the 

opportunities ahead.“
”

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BOARD LEADERSHIP AND COMPANY PURPOSE

APPLYING THE NEW CODE IN 2019
The Board welcomes the publication of 
the 2018 Code. Over the past year we have 
undertaken a review of our governance 
arrangements and evolved our processes 
to reflect a number of new requirements 
of the 2018 Code. Below you will find details 
of the progress made during 2019.

HOW VIVO ENERGY’S GOVERNANCE 
SUPPORTS ITS STRATEGY
The Board, through its oversight of the 
development of the Company’s strategy, 
provided support and challenge through 
this process and maintained a key focus on 
the sustainable growth of the Company. 
A key component of the Board’s role in the 
development of Vivo Energy’s strategy is 
the approval of the annual operating plan. 
This process allows the Board to ensure that 
the business has the necessary resources to 
deliver its strategy. Other key strategic items 
considered by the Board during 2019 included:
 – the Engen acquisition integration; and
 – the rollout of the new ERP system 

throughout the business.

Further information on the strategic priorities 
for the Vivo Energy Group (the ‘Group’) 
is available in the Strategic Report.

To ensure the Board can support the business 
in meeting its strategic priorities, it is important 
that our Directors have a variety of 
backgrounds and skills. 

VIVO ENERGY’S PURPOSE 
AND CULTURE 
Vivo Energy’s operating culture is to ‘focus, 
simplify and perform’, with a particularly strong 
focus on HSSE performance. We recognise that 
our operating culture, along with our values 
of integrity, honesty and respect for people, 
are core to achieving our vision of becoming 
Africa’s most respected energy company. 
Our operating culture and values have been 
core to our business since 2011 and we believe 
they remain fundamental to the future success 
of the business.

As a business, we recognise that we are 
only as good as our people and we recognise 
and understand the value of recruiting and 
developing the best people. By living our 
values, our people differentiate us from our 
competitors and enable us to deliver our 
strategy. It is therefore important that all 
of our people understand the importance 
of our vision, values and purpose.

During the year the Senior Executive Team 
spent time reflecting on the Company’s 
purpose and ensuring that it underpins 
Vivo Energy’s vision, values, operating 
culture and strategy. The Board approved 
the Company’s Purpose Statement:

Vivo Energy’s purpose is to safely provide 
innovative and responsible energy solutions 
to Africa, which enable growth and 
development of the continent and its people.

During 2020, work will be undertaken 
to communicate and embed our purpose 
throughout our business. Further information 
is available within the Strategic Report on 
page 48.

REINFORCING OUR CULTURE:
The Board recognises the importance of its role 
in the oversight of cultural matters. During the 
year the Directors discussed various areas of 
the Group’s culture and asked management 
to provide an annual culture report detailing 
how the Group has ‘lived’ its operating culture 
and values.

The annual update includes:
 – the way in which Vivo Energy’s culture is 
embedded throughout the organisation; 
 – the mechanisms in place to provide insight 
and feedback on Vivo Energy’s culture; and 

 – cultural challenges faced by the Group.

In addition an annual whistle‑blowing report 
is provided to the Board which provides an 
update on the whistle‑blowing programme, 
including any corrective action taken for any 
material incidents.

HOW THE BOARD 
MONITORS CULTURE:
Whistle‑blowing – Employees can report 
incidents of wrongdoing through both internal 
and external mechanisms. In addition to the 
reports raised through line managers, the 
Company has in place the Vivo Energy Global 
Helpline to enable employees or others to raise 
concerns in relation to suspected violations of 
the law or the Vivo Energy General Business 
Principles (such reports may be raised 
anonymously, 24 hours a day, seven days a week 
via an independent helpline). Any reports are 
then referred to the Head of Forensics and 
Head of Ethics & Compliance or the General 
Counsel and are investigated or escalated to 
the Chairman and the Chair of the Audit and 
Risk Committee as required. During 2019, 
responsibility for these processes was 
reassigned from the Audit and Risk Committee 
to the Board. The Board is provided with 
periodic reports on whistle‑blowing. 
Further information is available on page 49.

Ethics, bribery and fraud – The Audit and 
Risk Committee regularly monitors and reviews 
the Company’s policies, incidents and trends 
arising from any such incidents and updates 
of key matters are provided to the Board.

Risk management and internal controls – 
The Audit and Risk Committee reviews 
the effectiveness of the Group’s system 
of internal controls and risk management 
annually. The result of the Committee’s review 
is reported to the Board. During 2019, the 
Board assessed the Committee’s review and 
confirmed it concurred with the Committee’s 
assessment that the risk management and 
internal controls of the Group remain effective.

Listening to our employees – Employee 
engagement is measured through the employee 
engagement survey which is undertaken every 
two years. Questions allow employees to 
share their views on key topics, which provide 
valuable insight into employee engagement and 
the Group’s culture. During 2019, an overview 
of key findings was presented to the Board, 
which included key areas of improvement. 
Action plans were prepared by the business 
to address the priority issues.

During 2019, the Company appointed the 
Senior Independent Director as its Employee 
Engagement Champion. This will mean that the 
Board will have the benefit of further employee 
engagement feedback.

Promoting the success of the Company – 
The Directors, in conducting Board business 
and taking decisions at Board meetings, act 
in way that is most likely to promote the 
success of the Company for the benefit of its 
members as a whole, whilst having due regard 
and taking into account the likely short and 
long‑term consequences of any decision on 
the Company and its business, the interests 
of all the Company’s stakeholders, including 
employees, and the impact on the community 
and environment in which the Company 
conducts its business. 

The Board’s section 172(1) statement is 
included within the Strategic Report on 
page 45.

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KEY ACTIVITIES TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE 2018 CODE

PURPOSE, CULTURE AND VALUES

During 2019, the Board asked the Senior Executive Team to review 
the Group’s purpose and culture. The output of this review led to the 
definition of the Company’s Purpose, which was approved by the Board. 
Further details can be found on page 48.

The reporting lines in respect of our whistle‑blowing processes were 
reviewed in light of the 2018 Code requirements. The Board is now 
responsible for the Company’s whistle‑blowing processes and receives 
periodic reviews. 

REMUNERATION

Under the 2018 Code, the Remuneration Committee is required 
to review workforce compensation and related policies and the 
alignment of incentives and rewards with the Group’s culture, and to 
take this review into account in the setting of the policy for Executive 
Director remuneration.

WORKFORCE AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

During 2019, the Remuneration Committee received updates on 
workforce remuneration, reviewed the requirements of the 2018 Code 
and approved the Committee’s amended terms of reference. 

At the 2019 AGM, Shareholders approved the Remuneration Policy.

The 2018 Code prescribes how the Board should engage with the 
Group’s workforce. During 2019, the Board appointed Hixonia Nyasulu 
as Employee Engagement Champion. Further details are set out below.

During Director discussions, factors set out in our section 172(1) 
statement on page 45 are considered, where relevant to the Board’s 
decision‑making.

The 2018 Code emphasises that the Board should understand the views 
of key stakeholders and be in a position to explain how their interests 
have been considered in decision‑making.

The Board has formalised this within its decision‑making processes, 
by ensuring that the consideration of stakeholder interests are set out in 
all Board and Committee papers in a proportionate and appropriate way, 
relevant to the matter to be considered. This will enable the Board and 
its Committees to effectively address stakeholder concerns.

NOMINATIONS AND GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

To assist the Board in meeting its enhanced obligations under the 2018 
Code, the remit of the Nominations and Governance Committee 
was expanded during 2019 to include oversight of the Board diversity 
policy and support the Board’s work in respect of employee engagement. 

To recognise this increase in responsibility the Committee was renamed 
the Nominations and Governance Committee. 

WORKFORCE ENGAGEMENT AND THE APPOINTMENT OF THE COMPANY’S EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT CHAMPION

Hixonia Nyasulu was appointed as the Company’s Employee Engagement 
Champion. Hixonia brings to the role wide‑ranging experience in 
leadership and operations and fully understands and supports the 
importance of engagement, teamwork and diversity. 

This role will include:
 – Engaging with the VP HR and regional HR representatives to obtain 
an understanding of the issues and concerns of the workforce, 
in addition to receiving positive feedback and business improvement 
suggestions from the employees.

 – Reviewing employee engagement mechanisms to ensure they 

remain effective.

 – Reviewing the output of the employee engagement survey.
 – Ensuring that there is an appropriate feedback mechanism to the 

workforce on what steps have been taken to address their concerns.

Hixonia will report to the Nominations and Governance Committee, 
Remuneration Committee and Board, as appropriate, on relevant 
workforce engagement matters.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

During 2020, the role of the Employee Engagement Champion will 
continue to be refined. Proposed Workforce Engagement activities 
for 2020:
 – Meetings to be held with the VP HR and regional HR representatives 
to discuss feedback and business improvement suggestions from 
the workforce.

 – The output of the 2020 employee engagement survey to be reviewed.
 – A review of the employee engagement process to be undertaken 

to ensure it is effective.

This plan will be subject to change as the year progresses to support 
the Board and its Committees achieve effective workforce engagement. 
Details on these engagement activities will be reported in the 2020 
Annual Report.

The Board approved the updated Matters Reserved to the Board and 
revised terms of reference for all Board Committees to reflect the 
requirements of the 2018 Code. Copies of each document are available 
on the Company’s website.

In addition, to ensure the Company complied with the 2018 Code 
requirements in respect of the Audit and Risk Committee membership, 
the Chairman stepped down from the Committee on 7 May 2019.

The Board will continue to embed its approach to applying the 2018 Code during the forthcoming year to ensure that the approach to implementation 
provides support to the Group’s strategic objectives.

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BOARD LEADERSHIP AND COMPANY PURPOSE CONTINUED

STAKEHOLDERS
The Board is committed to building 
positive relationships with all stakeholders 
and recognises this is vital to building 
a sustainable business.

Multiple stakeholders are impacted by our 
business, including shareholders, employees, 
customers, partners and the communities 
and governments of the countries in which 
the Group operates. Further information is 
available on how the Group engages with all 
its stakeholders within the Strategic Report 
on page 44.

During the year, the Company undertook a 
number of stakeholder engagement initiatives 
(these are detailed within the Strategic Report 
on pages 44 and 45). In addition to the Group 
activities, the Board undertook the following 
stakeholder activities: 

SHAREHOLDERS
Investor Relations
The Board believes that having clear, open and 
transparent communications with the capital 
markets is an essential element of being a 
listed company. In order to achieve this, the 
Company has a designated investor relations 
function, which acts as the primary point 
of contact with the investment community 
and is responsible for both maintaining and 
enhancing Vivo Energy’s relations with current 
and potential shareholders and the sell‑side 
analyst community.

The Company has an extensive programme 
of telephonic and face‑to‑face engagement 
with institutions and in 2019 conducted investor 
roadshows and attended investor conferences 
across the United Kingdom, United States, 
South Africa, and Continental Europe. 
These engagements were undertaken by a 
combination of Executive Management and the 
Investor Relations function. The Company also 
utilises technology to engage with international 
investors and undertook a number of video 
conference calls to investors based outside 
of the United Kingdom.

In addition, local management teams in five 
of our operating units hosted investor visits 
during the year.

The engagements with capital markets 
stakeholders cover a broad range of topics, 
including, but not limited to, Company 
performance, capital allocation, Executive 
remuneration, Governance, sustainability, 
Company strategy and developments in 
our operating environments.

Investor Relations regularly presents to, 
and discusses developments in the capital 
markets, with the Board, as well as sharing 
sell‑side research and investor feedback. 
Due to the importance that the Board 
places on communication with shareholders, 
arrangements can be made for major 
shareholders to meet with the Chairman, 
the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial 
Officer, the Senior Independent Director and 
the Independent Non‑Executive Directors, 
as required.

Annual General Meeting (AGM)
The Company’s second AGM will be held 
at 2.00 p.m. on 20 May 2020 at Freshfields 
Bruckhaus Deringer LLP, 28 Tudor Street, 
Temple, London, EC4Y 0BH, United Kingdom. 
Details of the business to be proposed at 
the meeting are contained in the Notice 
of AGM which will be sent to shareholders 
at least 20 working days prior to the date 
of the meeting. Voting at the AGM will be 
conducted by way of a poll and the results will 
be announced through the Regulatory News 
Service and made available on our website 
following the meeting.

To encourage shareholders to participate 
in the AGM process, the Company will offer 
electronic proxy voting through both our 
registrar’s website and, for CREST members, 
the CREST service.

It is anticipated that the whole Board will be 
present at the AGM. It provides a valuable 
opportunity for shareholders to engage 
with the Board and receive an update on 
the performance of the Company and 
ask questions during the meeting.

EMPLOYEES
Our people are central to us delivering 
against our strategic objectives and our 
vision to be Africa’s most respected energy 
company. Our success is reliant on our culture 
and the Board is committed to ensuring 
that our workforce policies and practices 
are aligned with the purpose, values and 
culture of Vivo Energy. Further information 
on employee engagement programmes is 
set out in the Strategic Report on page 44.

VISITS TO OUR 
LOCAL OPERATING UNITS

Visiting our local operating units allows the 
Directors to gain a better understanding 
and insight into particular issues faced by the 
operating unit and the business in general. 
In addition, these visits give the Directors a 
valuable opportunity to engage with our key 
stakeholders including employees, customers, 
and local communities from the local market. 
These visits are integral to the Board’s 
assessment and monitoring of our culture.

During 2019, several individual visits to our 
operating units were undertaken by the 
Board to ensure that they continued to 
develop a breadth and depth of knowledge 
of our business. A crucial aspect of these 
visits was the opportunity to engage on 
an individual level with the operating units’ 
Senior Management teams, which enabled 
the Directors to gain a better understanding 
of the challenges faced at a local level.

During the year, the following visits took place:
 – In June Carol Arrowsmith visited our 

operating unit in Senegal

 – In September Chris Rogers visited our 

Namibian operating unit

 – In September both John Daly and Hixonia 
Nyasulu visited our business in Uganda

 – In November Chris Rogers visited 

our operating unit in Ghana

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NAMIBIA

Chris Rogers visited our operating unit in Namibia 
where he was able to engage with Vivo Energy 
Namibia’s Senior Management team and undertook 
visits to several retail sites and the Windhoek depot.

As part of this visit, Chris was also able to attend the 
launch event for the road safety campaign: Be Safe – 
it could hit closer to home than you think! As a key 
stakeholder in the energy and transportation sectors, 
Vivo Energy Namibia continuously aims to instil a 
proactive culture and awareness for the safety of 
motorists, their passengers and pedestrians. This launch 
session was a valuable opportunity for Chris to see 
first‑hand the impact our operations have on the local 
communities in which we operate and is an example 
of the community investment programmes operated 
within the Group.

UGANDA

John Daly and Hixonia Nyasulu visited Vivo Energy 
Uganda. As part of this visit the Directors attended 
a presentation event whereby Vivo Energy Uganda 
donated school materials and sanitary products worth 
15 million Uganda Shillings to Kiswa primary school. 
At the function John and Hixonia met with local school 
children who would benefit from the donation, as well 
as local public officials. Education is one of Vivo Energy’s 
priority areas for community investment and this enabled 
the Directors to engage with the local community and 
employees of the Ugandan business.

Another important part of the programme for this 
trip was the HSSE visits undertaken, including to the 
Kampala depot and several service stations. During these 
visits the Directors were given valuable insight into the 
HSSE culture of the business and the customer offering 
by Vivo Energy Uganda.

15m

Ugandan Shillings worth of 
school materials and sanitary 
towels donated to Kiswa 
primary school

13Number of our retail and 

depot sites visited by our 
Non‑Executive Directors

SENEGAL

As part of Carol Arrowsmith’s visit to our operating 
unit in Senegal she met with Franck Konan Yahaut, 
EVP West Africa and the Senior Management team 
of Vivo Energy Senegal, to better understand the 
local market and business.

As part of this visit, sessions were held at the local  
depot and service stations. These visits enabled  
Carol to engage directly with local employees  
and understand the opportunities, challenges 
and the HSSE culture of the business. In addition,  
the service station visits enabled Carol to 
experience the customer offering of  
the Senegal business which gave her 
a deeper appreciation of the  
customer experience.

GHANA

Chris Rogers visited Vivo Energy Ghana, which afforded 
him the opportunity to meet the Senior Management 
team of the operating unit and to gain an insight into the 
businesses operations. In addition, Chris visited several 
service stations during the trip, which allowed him to  
gain a deeper appreciation of the customer experience.

In addition, Chris held meetings with the Group’s Internal 
Audit team to discuss several key audits that Internal 
Audit were working on and Chris spent time with 
PwC Ghana. As Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee, 
these enabled Chris to develop a deeper understanding 
of the work and challenges faced by the Internal 
Audit function.

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VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019GOVERN ANC E

BOARD LEADERSHIP AND COMPANY PURPOSE CONTINUED

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE  
SUPPORTED BY VALUABLE SKILLS

2  CHRISTIAN CHAMMAS
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 

3  JOHAN DEPR AETERE
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER 

APPOINTMENT DATE: 20 APRIL 20181

APPOINTMENT DATE: 20 APRIL 20182

Skills and Experience
Johan has wide‑ranging experience in senior finance 
roles both at Vivo Energy and other multinational 
companies including the Samsung Group, McKinsey 
and Morgan Stanley.

His responsibilities include financial control, treasury 
& credit, legal, IT and procurement.

External Public Appointments
None

Committee Membership
None

Nationality

Skills and Experience
Christian has extensive experience in the energy 
sector and has a deep knowledge of Africa and 
emerging markets. Prior to joining the Group, 
Christian was at Total for 31 years where he held 
several executive positions in Central America, the 
Caribbean, Pacific and India. Christian served as chief 
executive officer for the Total group of companies 
in Nigeria, Cameroon and Kenya, followed by 
successive positions as executive vice president for 
the Total group of companies for Central Africa, 
executive vice president for the Total group of 
companies for Caribbean and Central America, 
and as Total group representative for India and 
executive country chairman for downstream 
companies. His last position at Total was as 
executive vice president for the MENA region 
in the downstream division. 

External Public Appointments
None

Committee Membership
None

Nationality

1  JOHN DALY
CHAIRMAN –  
INDEPENDENT ON APPOINTMENT
APPOINTMENT DATE: 20 APRIL 2018

Skills and Experience
John brings strong international and consumer 
expertise to the Board having held various executive 
leadership positions over the course of 20 years 
at British American Tobacco plc (BAT). His most 
recent positions at BAT were chief operating officer 
(2010‑2014) and regional director for Asia Pacific, 
based in Hong Kong (2004‑2010). John is a former 
director of Reynolds American Inc., a US public 
company owned 42% by BAT. Prior to his time 
with BAT, John held various sales and marketing 
positions with Johnson & Johnson, Bristol‑Myers 
Squibb, Pennwalt Corporation and Schering‑Plough. 
Until May 2019, John was a non‑executive 
director of G4S plc.

External Public Appointments
Britvic PLC – non‑executive chairman 
Glanbia plc – non‑executive director

Committee Membership

Nationality

Committee membership key

  Audit and Risk Committee
  Nominations and Governance Committee
  Remuneration Committee
  Chair

Notes:
1  Prior to this he was Chief Executive Officer of the Group with effect from 2 January 2012.
2  Prior to this he was Chief Financial Officer of the Group with effect from 6 April 2012.
3  Previously a supervisory board member of Vivo Energy Holding B.V. (the former Group holding company).

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

STR ATEG IC REP ORT

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

4   THEMBALIHLE HIXONIA NYASULU 
SENIOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR
APPOINTMENT DATE: 20 APRIL 2018

Skills and Experience
Hixonia has global experience across multiple sectors 
in South Africa and Europe for blue‑chip companies, 
as well as on the Banking Enquiry panel for the 
South African Competition Commission. She held 
numerous management roles at Unilever in South 
Africa between 1978 and 1984, and subsequently 
founded two highly successful companies. She has 
substantial experience as a non‑executive director 
having held non‑executive director positions at 
Unilever Plc, Sasol Ltd, Anglo Platinum Ltd, the 
Development Bank of Southern Africa, Nedbank 
and served as a member of the JPMorgan Advisory 
Board for South Africa until October 2013.

External Public Appointments
Anglo American plc – non‑executive director

Committee Membership 

5  CAROL ARROWSMITH
INDEPENDENT  
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
APPOINTMENT DATE: 20 APRIL 2018

Skills and Experience
Carol has extensive experience of executive 
remuneration. For over 20 years, she specialised 
in advising boards of directors on executive 
remuneration across a range of sectors. 
She is a former vice chair and senior partner of 
Deloitte LLP, a global partner in Arthur Andersen 
and managing director of New Bridge Street 
Consultants. Carol is a fellow of the Chartered 
Institute of Personnel and Development.

External Public Appointments
Compass Group plc – non‑executive director 
and chair of their remuneration committee 

Committee Membership 

Nationality

Nationality

6   CHRISTOPHER ROGERS 
INDEPENDENT  
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
APPOINTMENT DATE: 22 APRIL 2018

Skills and Experience
Chris is a Chartered Accountant and has extensive 
financial and commercial experience. Chris was a 
director of Whitbread plc from 2005 to 2016 where 
he served as group finance director from 2005 
to 2012 and managing director of Costa Coffee 
from 2012 to 2016. He was group finance director 
of Woolworth Group plc and chairman of the 
Woolworth Entertainment businesses from 2001 to 
2005. Previously he held senior roles in both finance 
and commercial functions in Comet Group plc 
and Kingfisher.

External Public Appointments
Travis Perkins Plc – senior independent director 
(It is intended that Chris will step down from 
Travis Perkins Plc at their AGM on 28 April 2020) 
Kerry Group plc – non‑executive director 
Walker Greenbank PLC – non‑executive director

Committee Membership 

Nationality

7  GAWAD ABAZA
INDEPENDENT  
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
APPOINTMENT DATE: 1 DECEMBER 2018

8  JAVED AHMED
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR  
(VITOL APPOINTED DIRECTOR)
APPOINTMENT DATE: 12 MARCH 20183

9  TEMITOPE LAWANI
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR  
(HELIOS APPOINTED DIRECTOR)
APPOINTMENT DATE: 16 MARCH 20183

Skills and Experience
Gawad has a wealth of African commercial 
experience. He has significant operational knowledge 
of running consumer‑focused businesses across 
the African continent having held several senior 
management positions in the Middle East and Africa 
at Kraft and Cadbury.

Skills and Experience
Javed joined Vitol in 2009 and leads its global investing 
activity. Prior to this, he was with Morgan Stanley 
from 1997 to 2009 where he held positions including 
managing director and the head of acquisitions 
and structured transactions for Morgan Stanley’s 
commodities group.

External Public Appointments
Mondelez International – president,  
Middle East and Africa  
Cadbury Nigeria Plc – non‑executive director

Other External Appointments
Positions at a number of Vitol’s portfolio companies, 
including Petrol Ofisi, VTTI, VPI Holding and 
OVH Energy

Committee Membership 

Committee Membership 

Nationality

Nationality

Skills and Experience
Temitope is a co‑founder and managing partner 
of Helios Investment Partners, the largest 
Africa‑focused private investment firm. Prior to this, 
he was a principal at TPG Capital. Having began his 
career at the Walt Disney Company as an M&A and 
corporate development analyst, he went on to serve 
on the boards of various corporate enterprises. He is 
currently a member of the MIT Corporation, the 
MIT School of Engineering Dean’s Advisory Council, 
the Harvard Law School’s Dean’s Advisory Board, 
and on the board of The END Fund.

Other External Appointments
Helios Towers plc – non‑executive director 
Positions at a number of Helios’ portfolio companies, 
including Mall for Africa, Zola Electric, OVH Energy 
and Axxela

Committee Membership
None 

Nationality 

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VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GOVERN ANC E

BOARD LEADERSHIP AND COMPANY PURPOSE CONTINUED

SENIOR EXECUTIVE TEAM

1 CHRISTIAN CHAMMAS

2

JOHAN DEPRAETERE

3

POLYCARP IGATHE

4

ERIC GOSSE

5

FRANCK KONAN-YAHAUT

6 HANS PAULSEN

7 HERMAN NIEUWOUDT

8 OMAR BENSON

9 NAOUFEL AISSA

10 REINETTE WESSELS

11 KEVIN MASSIE

1   CHRISTIAN CHAMMAS
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
See Christian’s biography on page 74.

2   JOHAN DEPR AETERE
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
See Johan’s biography on page 74.

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GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

3  POLYCARP IGATHE
EVP SALES AND MARKETING
Polycarp is the EVP Sales and Marketing for the 
Group, a role that he had held since September 2019. 
Previously he served as the chief commercial officer 
of Equity Bank Kenya, between May 2018 and 
September 2018 when he was later promoted 
to the managing director position. 

In the 2017 Kenyan general election, he was elected 
as the second Deputy Governor of Nairobi County. 
Prior to this he served as Managing Director 
Vivo Energy Kenya.

Nationality

4   ERIC GOSSE
EVP BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, SUPPORT 
AND INDIAN OCEAN ISLANDS
Eric is the EVP, Business Development, Support 
and Indian Ocean Islands, a position he has held 
since January 2019. Eric is responsible for business 
development and projects, supply and sourcing 
(fuels), distribution, power and solar, technical audit, 
technical and engineering and HSSE.

Eric joined the Group from Total where he held 
various senior positions over the course of more 
than 25 years. He brings a wealth of commercial 
and industry experience to the Group.

Nationality

5   FR ANCK KONAN-YAHAUT
EVP WEST AFRICA
Franck is the EVP West Africa, a position he has 
held since February 2019. He previously held the 
positions of Managing Director, Shell Côte d’Ivoire 
and Burkina Faso Cluster, Managing Director, 
Côte d’Ivoire, before taking up his previous role 
of Managing Director, Senegal in September 2014. 
Franck transferred from Royal Dutch Shell to Vivo 
Energy following the sale of the Africa Downstream 
business in 2011. Franck joined Royal Dutch Shell in 
1996 from PwC, and following a number of years as 
finance manager in Guinea, Ghana and West Africa, 
he moved to West Africa Gas Pipeline Company 
in the Shell upstream business as general manager 
Finance and Administration.

Nationality

6  HANS PAULSEN
EVP EAST AND SOUTHERN AFRICA
Hans is the EVP East and Southern Africa, a role 
he has held since 1 July 2019. Prior to his current 
role, Hans served as the Group Programme 
Manager leading the SAP implementation project 
for the Group. He joined Vivo Energy in 2013 
as Managing Director Uganda. 

Before joining Vivo Energy, Hans held senior 
management roles in the telecoms sector both 
in Uganda and Zambia. He also previously worked 
in the oil and gas industry with Royal Dutch Shell 
in Uganda and Kenya from 1997 to 2002.

Nationality

9   NAOUFEL AISSA
VP LUBRICANTS & COMMERCIAL
Naoufel is the VP Lubricants & Commercial, a role 
he has held since July 2017. Prior to this, he held 
various senior roles at Vivo Energy, including Head 
of Lubricants from July 2015 and Managing Director, 
Tunisia until July 2015.

Naoufel transferred from Royal Dutch Shell to Vivo 
Energy following the sale of the Africa Downstream 
business in 2011. He has over 15 years’ experience 
including various sales and marketing roles in 
Shell globally and throughout Africa. He held the 
role of Managing Director for Shell Tunisia from 
September 2009.

Nationality

7   HERMAN NIEUWOUDT
CHIEF OF STAFF
Herman is the Chief of Staff for the Group, a 
role which he has held since September 2018. 
Prior to this he was the Vice President Human 
Resources, a position he held since the inception 
of Vivo Energy. He is primarily responsible for 
executive compensation and resourcing and 
the Chairman’s and CEO’s office.

Herman transferred from Royal Dutch Shell to Vivo 
Energy following the sale of the Africa Downstream 
business in 2011. During his 17 years with Shell he 
held various roles including downstream policy 
and compensation manager for the Africa region 
and general manager HR for Shell Oil Products 
Africa. Herman joined Shell in 1995 from Dulux 
South Africa where he was the head of HR for 
the industrial coatings division.

Nationality

10   REINETTE WESSELS 
VP HUMAN RESOURCES
Reinette is the VP Human Resources, a position 
she has held since September 2018, having 
joined the Group in October 2013 as Head of 
Talent and Development. She is responsible for 
providing strategic leadership and direction for 
the HR Function across the Group.

Prior to joining the Group, as an independent 
consultant, she provided specialised consulting to a 
number of listed companies in the areas of reward 
and talent management strategies and deployment. 
Her knowledge and experience of the human 
resources field spans a period of 28 years, across a 
number of diverse sectors, including holding various 
generalist, specialist and executive HR positions 
at British American Tobacco, where she worked 
for 12 years and as remuneration consultant at 
Old Mutual for seven years.

Nationality

8   OMAR BENSON
VP RETAIL, CR, QSR & ONFR
Omar held the VP Retail, CR, QSR and ONFR role 
from September 2018 until January 2020. He has 
now moved to a new senior role within Vivo Energy. 
Omar has held various other senior positions at 
Vivo Energy, including Head of Fuel Retail from 2013 
and adding Convenience Retail from 2015.

Prior to joining Vivo Energy he held various roles 
at Shell where he spent 11 years and before that he 
worked for Air Liquide, Mobil Oil and Copharmed.

Nationality

11  KEVIN MASSIE 
GENERAL COUNSEL
Kevin is the Group General Counsel, a position 
he has held since November 2019. Kevin trained 
and qualified as a barrister and solicitor in Canada. 
Before joining the Group, he practised at Ashurst 
LLP and Tullow Oil plc where he served in a number 
of senior roles including Associate General Counsel 
and Group Company Secretary.

Nationality

77

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019GOVERN ANC E

DIVISION OF RESPONSIBILITIES

THE ROLE OF THE BOARD

The Board is collectively responsible for the 
long‑term success of the Group by setting 
strategic priorities for the business to ensure 
that the Group generates value for its 
shareholders. In particular it is responsible 
for maintaining effective risk management 
and internal control systems.

The Board discharges some of its responsibilities 
directly whilst others are discharged through 
its principal Board Committees and through 
management. In order to retain control of key 
decisions and ensure there is a clear division 
of responsibilities between the Board and the 
running of the business, the Board has a formal 
schedule of matters reserved for its decision 
which is available on our website.

During 2019, the Board Schedule of Reserved 
Matters was reviewed and refreshed to 
incorporate changes required by the 2018 Code. 
The Board’s reserved matters include: 
 – Group strategy; 
 – Governance and regulatory compliance;
 – Financial reporting;
 – Major capital commitments; 
 – Major contracts and agreements;
 – Internal controls; 

 – Significant remuneration changes;
 – Stakeholder engagement;
 – Material corporate transactions;
 – Assessing and monitoring the culture 

of the Group;

 – Ensuring effective arrangements to engage 

with employees; and

 – Ensuring effective whistle‑blowing 

arrangements are in place.

OUR GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE

THE BOARD

AUDIT AND  
RISK COMMITTEE

The role of the Committee 
is to assist the Board in 
fulfilling its corporate 
governance obligations in 
relation to the Group’s 
financial reporting, 
internal control and risk 
management systems. 
In addition, it provides 
oversight of the Internal 
Audit function and the 
external auditors.

NOMINATIONS 
AND GOVERNANCE 
COMMITTEE

The Committee leads 
the process for, and 
makes recommendations 
to the Board, regarding 
the appointment of new 
Directors to the Board. 
In addition, the Committee 
supports the Board with 
the succession planning 
process, implementation 
and delivery against 
the Board Diversity 
Policy and employee 
engagement process.

REMUNERATION 
COMMITTEE

The role of the Committee 
is to set, review and 
recommend the policy 
on remuneration of the 
Chairman, Executives, 
Company Secretary and 
Senior Management team.

In addition, it monitors 
the implementation of 
the Remuneration Policy.

78

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019

BOARD AND COMMITTEE ATTENDANCEDuring 2019, the Board held five scheduled meetings. The following table shows the attendance of Directors at scheduled Board and Committee meetings during the year:BoardAudit and  Risk CommitteeNominations and  Governance CommitteeRemuneration  CommitteeJohn Daly15/52/21/14/4Christian Chammas5/5–––Johan Depraetere5/5–––Hixonia Nyasulu5/55/51/14/4Javed Ahmed25/5–0/1–Temitope Lawani5/5–––Carol Arrowsmith5/55/51/14/4Christopher Rogers5/55/51/14/4Gawad Abaza35/54/51/14/4Notes:The maximum number of scheduled meetings held during the year that each Director could attend is shown next to the number attended. Additional meetings were held as required. Minutes of Board and Committee meetings are made available to all Directors.1 John Daly stepped down from the Audit and Risk Committee on 7 May 2019 to ensure compliance with the 2018 Code.2 Javed Ahmed was unable to attend the Nominations and Governance Committee meeting due to prior business engagements.3 Gawad Abaza was unable to attend one Audit and Risk Committee meeting due to illness.STR ATEG IC REP ORT

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

2019 BOARD ACTIVITY

During the year the Board has considered all relevant matters within its remit, including the following: 

STRATEGY AND FINANCE

•  Continued the review of the Group’s long‑term strategy 
•  Approved the Company’s plan for 2019‑2024
•  Reviewed and approved the 2020 budget
•  Monitored progress of the Engen integration process
•  Received regular updates on the ERP implementation

PEOPLE AND CULTURE

•  Approved the Nominations and Governance Committee’s 

recommendation for the appointment of Hixonia as Employee 
Engagement Champion (further details are available on page 71)
•  Received a report from the VP HR on the output of the employee 
engagement survey undertaken at the end of 2018 and the actions 
being taken by the business following the survey

GOVERNANCE, COMPLIANCE AND RISK

•  Reviewed and approved the 2018 Annual Report and Accounts and 

Notice of AGM

•  Undertook an assessment of the effectiveness of the Group’s risk 
management and internal controls framework, which concluded 
they remain effective

•  Reviewed and approved the Schedule of Matters Reserved for 

the Board and the terms of reference to the Board Committees 
to ensure these are aligned with the 2018 Code

STANDING AGENDA ITEMS

•  Received reports from the Chief Executive Officer
•  Received reports from the Chief Financial Officer 
•  Received updates from the Board’s Committees 

•  Reviewed and approved the interim and final 

dividend recommendations

•  Reviewed and approved the preliminary and interim 

results announcements

•  Approved the reappointment of the Group’s external auditors

•  Approved the Group’s refreshed purpose following recommendation 
from the Senior Executive Team (further details are available on 
page 48)

•  Received Health & Safety updates
•  Approved the Company’s Modern Slavery Statement

•  Received updates on the 2018 Code and its implementation
•  Received regular Investor Relations reports and approved the 

appointment of a second corporate broker, Numis

•  Considered the output of the 2019 Board Effectiveness Review

•  Review and approval of the previous meeting minutes
•  Status update on any matters outstanding from previous meetings

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019

79

In accordance with the respective relationship 
agreements, should either of the two 
shareholder nominated Directors not be 
reappointed by a vote at the AGM, the 
respective shareholder would be entitled 
to nominate them for reappointment to 
the Board.

Copies of the Executive Directors’ service 
contracts and letters of appointment for 
the Non‑Executive Directors are available 
for inspection by shareholders at each AGM 
and during normal business hours at the 
Company’s registered office.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Directors have a statutory duty to avoid 
situations in which they may have interests 
which conflict with those of the Company. 
The Board has adopted procedures as provided 
for in the Company’s Articles of Association 
for authorising existing conflicts of interest 
and for the consideration of, and if appropriate, 
authorisation of new situations which may arise. 

The register setting out each Director’s 
interests is maintained and records both 
Javed Ahmed’s and Temitope Lawani’s 
appointment on behalf of the Company’s 
major shareholders. In addition, where a 
Director holds directorships or other similar 
appointments in companies or organisations 
not connected with the Company where no 
conflict of interest has been identified, such 
appointments are registered as potential 
conflicts and are authorised and recorded 
on the register. 

As good practice, the Chairman requests 
each of the Directors to declare any 
conflict of interest at each Board meeting.

GOVERN ANC E

DIVISION OF RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

THE BOARD’S COMMITTEES 
AND THEIR ROLE
The Board has established three principal 
Committees – the Audit and Risk Committee, 
the Nominations and Governance Committee 
and the Remuneration Committee. 
Each Committee has its own terms of 
reference approved by the Board which are 
available on our website. Membership of each 
Committee is determined by the Board on 
the recommendation of the Nominations and 
Governance Committee. The Board structure 
is set out on page 78.

The membership, roles and duties discharged 
during 2019 for each Committee is detailed 
in their respective Committee reports on 
pages 83 to 107. 

The Board has also established the Market 
Disclosure Committee in order to ensure 
timely and accurate disclosure of all information 
that is required to be disclosed to the market 
to meet the legal and regulatory obligations 
and requirements arising from the listing of 
the Company’s securities on the London 
Stock Exchange, including the Listing Rules, the 
Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, 
the Market Abuse Regulation and the listing 
on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

The Market Disclosure Committee meets 
at such times as is necessary or appropriate. 
The members of the Committee are the 
Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer, the 
Chief Financial Officer, the Group Financial 
Controller, the General Counsel and the 
Head of Investor Relations.

In addition to the oversight provided by the 
Board and its Committees, the Executive 
Directors are supported by the Senior 
Executive Team that help them discharge their 
duties. The Senior Executive Team comprises 
the senior leadership team, who have 
management responsibility for the business 
operations and support functions. The Senior 
Executive Team is not a decision‑making 
body, but an advisory forum to support the 
Executive Directors to discharge their role. 
The membership of the Senior Executive Team 
can be found on pages 76 and 77. The Senior 
Executive Team meets regularly in each financial 
year and relevant matters are reported to 
the Board by the Chief Executive Officer and, 
as appropriate, the Chief Financial Officer.

DIRECTORS
Led by the Chairman, the Board of Directors 
comprises four Independent Non‑Executive 
Directors, two Executive Directors and two 
representatives from our major shareholders, 
Vitol and Helios. Together, they ensure high 
standards of governance and bring a broad 
range of skills and experience to our business. 

All Directors are required to devote sufficient 
time and demonstrate commitment to their 
role and confirmed to the Chairman at the time 
of their appointment that they would be able 
to devote sufficient time to their role. In light 
of the 2018 Code requirement, the process 
for the approval of any additional external 
appointments for the Executive Directors or 
Independent Non‑Executive Directors was 
updated during 2019. All such appointments 
are to be approved by the Board in advance 
of such appointments being accepted. 

In July 2019, the Board approved Hixonia 
Nyasulu appointment to Anglo American plc. 
The Board felt that this appointment would 
enhance the skills mix of the Board as a whole 
and it was not considered to unduly affect 
Hixonia’s time commitment to the Company. 
Following an internal review, it was confirmed 
that no conflict of interest would arise through 
this additional appointment. 

As reported in the 2018 Governance Report, 
at the time of the IPO John Daly was appointed 
as a member of the Audit and Risk Committee. 
To ensure the Company complied with 
Provision 24 of the 2018 Code, John Daly 
stepped down as a member of the Audit 
and Risk Committee on 7 May 2019.

Further information on the skills and 
experience, Committee membership and other 
appointments of each Director can be found in 
their individual biographies on pages 74 and 75.

INDEPENDENCE 
With the exception of Javed Ahmed and 
Temitope Lawani, the Non‑Executive Directors 
were considered to be independent on 
appointment and continue to be, in accordance 
with the criteria outlined within the 2018 Code 
and are considered free from any business 
interest, which could materially interfere with 
the exercise of their judgement. In addition, 
the Board is satisfied that each Non‑Executive 
Director dedicates the necessary amount of 
time to the Company’s affairs and to their role.

The Board has agreed that each Director 
shall stand for reappointment at each AGM. 
All Independent Directors are appointed 
and reappointed by a dual vote, including 
the approval of shareholders excluding 
our major shareholders. 

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GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

In line with best practice, the roles of our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer are separate, clearly defined and set out in writing. The role profiles 
have been approved by the Board and are available on our website. The key roles of our Board are set out below:

CHAIRMAN

The Chairman’s primary role is to lead the Board and ensure that it operates effectively. In particular, he sets the agenda and promotes a culture 
of open debate between Executive and Non‑Executive Directors. He also has a pivotal role in ensuring effective communication with shareholders 
and other stakeholders and ensures that the members of the Board are made aware of the views of the major investors.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for running the business of the Company in close collaboration with, and with the support of, 
the Senior Executive Team.

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

The Chief Financial Officer is responsible for providing strategic financial leadership of the Company as well as management of the finance and 
legal functions.

SENIOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR

The Senior Independent Director is an Independent Non‑Executive Director of the Board. This role provides advice and additional support and 
experience to the Chairman and where necessary, performs an intermediary role for other Directors. The Senior Independent Director leads the 
annual appraisal and review of the Chairman’s performance and is available to respond to shareholder concerns when contact through the normal 
channels is inappropriate.

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

The Non‑Executive Directors are responsible for contributing sound judgement and objectivity to the Board’s deliberations and overall decision‑making 
process; providing constructive challenge, and monitoring the delivery of the strategy within the Board’s risk and governance framework.

COMPANY SECRETARY

It is the responsibility of the Company Secretary to ensure that there are good information flows to the Board and its Committees. The Company 
Secretary advises the Board on corporate governance matters and assists the Chairman in ensuring that the Directors have suitably tailored and 
detailed induction and ongoing professional development programmes. The removal of the Company Secretary is a matter for the Board as a whole. 

All Directors have access to the advice and services of both the Group General Counsel and the Company Secretary. Directors may take 
independent legal and/or financial advice at the Company’s expense when it is judged necessary in order to discharge their responsibilities effectively. 
No such independent advice was sought during the year to 31 December 2019.

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VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019GOVERN ANC E

COMPOSITION, SUCCESSION AND EVALUATION

BOARD AND COMMITTEE EFFECTIVENESS REVIEW
In line with current best practice and the 2018 Code, the Board undertakes an annual formal evaluation of its performance and effectiveness and 
that of the Chair, each Director and its Committees, with an external evaluation every three years.

This year, the Chairman, with the support of the Company Secretary, facilitated an internal evaluation of Board and Committee effectiveness. 

The Board evaluation process
The 2019 process was undertaken in three stages:

STAGE 1

STAGE 2

STAGE 3

The Chairman and Company Secretary 
created a comprehensive questionnaire 
covering areas of best practice, areas of 
focus for the Company and the performance 
of the Board’s Committees.

A complementary questionnaire was also 
issued covering the Chairman’s performance.

The Company Secretary created a report 
compiling all feedback and presenting 
conclusions on the effectiveness of the Board 
and its Committees. The report included 
recommendations for areas of focus in the 
forthcoming year.

The Board reviewed the report and 
recommendations. The Chairman in 
conjunction with the Company Secretary 
will develop a plan of action to improve 
areas highlighted by the evaluation over 
the forthcoming year.

The Senior Independent Director 
led the review of the Chairman’s 
performance in consultation with the 
other Non‑Executive Directors.

The Chairman met individually with each 
of the Directors to provide feedback 
on their individual performance.

Findings
In line with the 2018 Code, the effectiveness review questionnaire included the following areas: 
 – Board composition and expertise;
 – Risk management and internal control; and 
 – Succession planning. 

The key findings from the effectiveness review were presented to the Board which were discussed and actions for the forthcoming year were agreed. 

The conclusions of the 2019 effectiveness review have been positive and confirmed that the Board, its Committees and the Chairman operate 
effectively and that each Director contributes to the overall effectiveness and success of the Group. The Board confirms that all Directors continue 
to be effective and demonstrate a commitment to their roles and the boardroom culture was found to be effective and conducive in creating 
a positive environment for participation and challenge by the Non‑Executive Directors. 

The review identified some opportunities for the Board to further improve its effectiveness over the next year, which included:
 – Additional focus on the Group's culture; 
 – Increased attention on internal talent and succession;
 – Continued focus on key emerging and existing risks and the control environment; and
 – Continuing the programme of Board visits to the Group’s Operating Units, to ensure the Board has a deep understanding of all key stakeholders 

of the Group.

These key areas would inform the development of the Board’s objectives for 2020.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

NOMINATIONS  
AND GOVERNANCE 
COMMITTEE 
REPORT

COMMITTEE CHAIR
JOHN DALY

the Group’s strategy“

Building a diverse 
organisation to ensure 
the business has the right 
talent to deliver against 

ROLE OF THE COMMITTEE
The Board has delegated oversight of the 
leadership needs and succession planning for 
the Board to the Nominations and Governance 
Committee, to ensure the Group has the best 
talent to perform with a diverse pipeline of 
talent. In addition, the Committee supports 
the Board with the implementation and 
delivery against the Board Diversity Policy 
and employee engagement process.

MEMBERSHIP
All members of the Committee are 
Non‑Executive Directors as defined by 
the 2018 Code. Biographies of all members 
can be found on pages 74 and 75.

Committee members
 – John Daly – Chair 
 – Hixonia Nyasulu
 – Carol Arrowsmith
 – Christopher Rogers
 – Gawad Abaza
 – Javed Ahmed

MEETINGS
During the year the Committee held one 
meeting and addressed the following matters:
 – Approved and recommended to the Board 
updated terms of reference and the Board 
Diversity Policy;

 – Recommended to the Board that the 
Committee’s scope be expanded;
 – Recommended to the Board that the 

Committee’s name be changed to reflect 
its expanded remit; and

 – Reviewed and recommended to the Board 
the appointment of Hixonia Nyasulu as the 
Board’s Employee Engagement Champion.
Meeting attendance can be found on page 78.

COMMITTEE EFFECTIVENESS
The results from the Committee effectiveness 
review undertaken during 2019, were positive 
and responses evidenced that the Committee 
is operating effectively.

COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD
During the year, the Board membership 
comprised a Non‑Executive Chairman, 
two Executive Directors, two Non‑Executive 
Directors and four Independent Non‑Executive 
Directors. The Board considered this to be 
an appropriate blend of commercial and 
governance experience, independence and 
challenge and that the diverse range of skills 
and backgrounds of the Directors would 
prevent any undue individual or collective 
influence over the Board’s decision‑making.

BOARD APPOINTMENTS
All Board appointments are subject to a 
formal, rigorous and transparent process which 
supports the development of a diverse pipeline 
of talent. No new appointments were made 
during the year.

SUCCESSION PLANNING
During 2019, the Directors discussed Board 
succession. However, due to the short time 
since the Company had listed, the Committee 
did not formally review the succession plans 
of Senior Management.

The Committee recognises that Board and 
Senior Management succession planning is 
critical to ensuring a diverse pipeline and 
meeting the business’s future skill requirements 
to deliver our strategic objectives and our vision 
of becoming Africa’s most respected energy 
company. Further information on the Group's 
activities to maintain the talent pipeline can be 
found on pages 50 and 51. The Committee 
will review succession planning and how the 
Group develops the diverse talent pipeline 
during 2020.

DIVERSITY
Diversity is one of the key talent principles 
in Vivo Energy. The Company believes that 
ensuring a diverse pipeline of talent, from all 
backgrounds and with varied experiences 
within the countries we operate in, gives us 
a competitive advantage. 
As at 31 December 2019, 22% of the Board 
were women and 44% of the Board were from 
an ethnic minority background. Vivo Energy's 
Board comprises Directors from the UK, 
France, Ireland, Egypt, Belgium, Nigeria and 
South Africa, with a wide range of backgrounds 
and expertise. The Committee is committed to 
ensuring and promoting a diverse mix of skills, 
backgrounds and nationalities on the Board. 
During 2019, the Committee recommended to 
the Board that it adopt a Board Diversity Policy 
which sets out the Board’s ambitions in respect 
of Diversity. The Board recognises the value of 
having a diverse mix of individuals comprising 
a range of ethnicity, age, skills and education, 
thought and gender. The Board promotes 
diversity in its broadest sense, whilst recognising 
the importance of maintaining an appropriate 
sized Board. All Board appointments are 
made on merit, by assessing candidates 
against measurable objective criteria. 
The Committee is responsible for the 
implementation and delivery of the Policy, 
on behalf of the Board. This includes:
 – Considering all aspects of diversity when 
reviewing the composition of the Board, 
including ethnicity and gender, but also any 
other characteristics that may help achieve 
the Group’s strategy.

 – Endeavouring to continue to meet the 

recommendations of the Parker Review by 
having at least one Director on the Board 
from an ethnic minority background. 
 – Endeavouring to achieve at least one‑third 
female representation on the Board, in 
line with the Hampton‑Alexander Review 
recommendations. The Board recognises 
that there may be periods when this 
may not be achieved, however, it is our 
longer‑term intention to reach this goal.

The Committee recognises that diversity 
extends beyond the Boardroom and supports 
management in its efforts to build a diverse 
organisation to ensure the business has the right 
talent to deliver against the Group’s strategy. 
Further information on the Group's gender 
balance can be located on page 51.

JOHN DALY
COMMITTEE CHAIR

3 MARCH 2020

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AUDIT, RISK AND CONTROL

AUDIT AND RISK
COMMITTEE 
REPORT

COMMITTEE CHAIR
CHRISTOPHER ROGERS

Based on the constantly 
changing economic 
environment we believe it 
is important that, as a public 
company, we ensure all our 
stakeholders have confidence 
in our financial reporting and 

risk management processes.“

84

The Committee meets regularly with the 
external auditors and the Head of Internal 
Audit in private to discuss any issues which 
may have arisen.

Provided Vitol and Helios hold the right 
to nominate a Director of the Board, an 
observer from each shareholder may attend 
the Committee meetings. The Committee 
Chair reports on the events of the Committee 
meetings at each Board meeting. The report 
sets out the activities of the Committee 
including the recommendations and matters 
of particular relevance. The Board 
reviews and discusses key matters of 
the Committee meetings at the Board 
meetings. All recommendations set forth 
by the Committee, to the Board, in 2019 
were accepted.

COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
The Committee reviewed the half-year and 
annual financial statements published for the 
2019 financial year. Specific consideration was 
given to the clarity of disclosures, integrity of 
the financial reporting process, compliance 
with legal and financial reporting standards and 
the application of existing and new accounting 
policies and judgements. The Committee 
concluded the accounting policies, judgements 
and estimates are appropriate and balanced.

The Committee considered the Group’s 
statements on going concern and long-term 
viability to be appropriate. The Committee 
reviewed reports to support the going concern 
assumption and long-term viability of the 
Group. Based on the risk assessment report 
compiled by the Internal Audit function, the 
Committee reviewed the principal risks and 
their impacts. Further details on these areas 
can be found on pages 60 to 65 in the Strategic 
Report. The Committee is satisfied that the 
Annual Report clearly depicts the Group’s 
strategy, business model, financial performance 
and positions.

The Committee endorsed the Annual Report 
and assessed it to be fair, balanced and 
understandable to shareholders. In making 
these assessments the Committee reviewed 
disclosures, discussed the requirements 
with senior management and inspected 
representations made to the auditors. 
Based on the Committee’s endorsement 
a recommendation to the Board was made. 

Following the review of the report as a 
whole, the Board confirmed the assessment 
and approved the publication of the 2019 
Annual Report.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 
OF THE COMMITTEE
The role of the Audit and Risk Committee 
(‘Committee’) is to assist the Board in fulfilling 
its oversight responsibilities by reviewing and 
monitoring the:
 – Integrity of the financial and narrative 

statements of the Company;

 – Group’s system of internal controls, risk 

management and internal financial controls;
 – Effectiveness of the Internal Audit function;
 – Relationship with external auditors, including 
reviewing the independence, objectivity 
and effectiveness of the audit process, 
taking account of relevant professional, 
regulatory and ethical guidance; and
 – Processes for compliance with laws, 

regulations and ethical codes of conduct. 

The Committee operates under formal terms 
of reference in which its responsibilities are 
outlined. The terms of reference are reviewed 
on an annual basis and approved by the Board. 
Amendments made to the Committee’s terms 
of reference in 2019 can be found on the 
Group’s website: www.vivoenergy.com.

This year the Committee placed particular 
focus on the following key areas:
 – Accounting for Engen in accordance 
with IFRS 3 'Business combinations';
 – Implementation, cost capitalisation and 

information technology general controls 
of SAP S/4HANA, the Group’s new 
ERP system; 

 – Monitoring the integration progress 
of the acquired Engen entities; and
 – Recoverability risk assessment of other 

government receivables.

Further details on these key areas can be found 
under accounting judgements and estimates.

STRUCTURE AND OPERATIONS 
OF THE COMMITTEE
In May 2019, John Daly stepped down from 
the Committee to ensure its compliance 
with the 2018 Code. All members of the 
Committee are Independent Non-Executive 
Directors. The Committee has a balanced mix 
of commercial, financial and audit knowledge, 
with the Chairman of the Committee, 
Christopher Rogers, meeting the requirements 
of recent, relevant financial experience. 
The biographies of all Committee members 
can be found on page 74 and 75.

During 2019, the Committee held five 
scheduled meetings. Details of attendance 
by members at Committee meetings can be 
found on page 78. The Committee Chairman 
extended Committee meeting invitations to 
the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial 
Officer, Company Secretary, General Counsel, 
Group Financial Controller and Head of 
Internal Audit during the year, which were 
accepted by all parties. The external auditor 
was invited and attended all meetings. 

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

The Financial Reporting Council UK (FRC) 
performed a review of the Group’s 2018 
Annual Report and provided a letter requesting 
additional information, and comments on the 
financial statement disclosures. The Group 
provided a response to the FRC with the 
information required. 

The comments from the FRC have been used 
to enhance the financial statement disclosures 
in the 2019 Annual Report. The FRC's role 
is not to verify or provide assurance that 
the 2018 Annual Report and Accounts are 
materially correct in all aspects, but to consider 

compliance with reporting requirements. 
The FRC accepts no liability for reliance placed 
on their letter by the Company or any third 
party, including but not limited to investors and 
shareholders. The Group has since closed the 
review with the FRC.

Other disclosure and activities reviewed 
by the Committee comprised:
 – The accounting impact of IAS 29 

‘Financial reporting in hyperinflationary 
economies’ in Zimbabwe and other 
accounting considerations;

 – Assessment of the Group’s ongoing 

legal cases and regulatory investigations;

 – Impairment assessment of goodwill 

recognised from the acquisition of Engen; 
and

 – Review of the ethics and compliance 

reports including updates to the GDPR 
policies, labour broker and retail compliance 
statements and improvements of the 
KYC process.

ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS
Areas of significant judgement and estimates considered by the Committee in 2019 included:

Key judgements and estimates

Committee actions

Conclusions

BUSINESS COMBINATION

A purchase price allocation exercise was 
performed to account for the acquisition 
of Engen International Holdings (Mauritius) 
Limited in accordance with IFRS 3. 
The exercise included the determination 
of the fair value adjustments of 
the acquired assets and liabilities.

Reviewed the business combination 
memorandum outlying the purchase price 
allocation methodology, in accordance 
with IFRS 3, including all assumptions 
and estimates made by management.

The Committee assessed and agreed with 
the reasonability of the assumptions and 
estimates made during the purchase price 
allocation exercise, including the fair value 
adjustments. Further information on the 
business combination can be found in note 11 
of the consolidated financial statements.

GOODWILL IMPAIRMENT ASSESSMENT

Goodwill recognised from the acquisition 
of Engen International Holdings (Mauritius) 
Limited is subject to impairment testing.

The Committee assessed the following aspects 
of the goodwill impairment test:
 – The CGU level at which goodwill will be 

Key judgement areas surrounding the 
impairment assessment include the 
determination of the cash generating units 
(CGU) and assumptions used in the calculation 
of the recoverable amount of the CGU 
(including cash flow projections based 
on financial plans).

monitored.

 – Assumptions in relation to terminal growth 
in the businesses at the end of the five-year 
plan cycle period.

 – The use of fair value less cost of disposal 
to determine the recoverable amount.

Sensitivity analysis on the discount rate and 
projected cash flows.

The Committee is in agreement with the 
appropriateness of the analysis performed by 
management, the judgements applied and the 
estimates used.

The Committee concluded that the significant 
assumptions used for determining the 
recoverable amount were appropriate and 
sufficiently robust. The Committee is satisfied 
that the goodwill is not impaired. Further 
information on the impairment of goodwill 
can be found in note 4 of the consolidated 
financial statements.

OTHER GOVERNMENT BENEFITS RECEIVABLES

Other government receivables are subsidies 
received from national governments for 
fuel sold as part of the Group’s ordinary 
course of business.

SAP S/4HANA NEW ERP SOFTWARE

The implementation of SAP S/4HANA, 
the Group’s new ERP system, has been 
completed in 15 countries in which we operate.

TAX POSITIONS

Determining the Group’s income and other 
tax positions requires interpretation of the 
tax laws in numerous jurisdictions. Resolution 
of uncertain tax positions can take several 
years to complete and can be difficult to 
predict. Therefore, judgement is required 
to determine the Group’s income tax liability 
related to uncertain tax positions.

The assessment of recoverability risk related 
to other government benefits receivables 
was considered by the Committee.

Based on the assessment, the Committee 
concluded that the receivables were 
properly stated and the level of provisioning 
was appropriate. 

Monitored the implementation 
project progress. 

Reviewed the accounting policy on internally 
generated software projects including 
consideration of the economic useful life. 

Considered the design configurations, 
customisations and security set-ups of  
SAP S/4HANA as well as the internal 
controls related to the new ERP system.

The Committee acknowledged that strong 
change management and control processes 
were maintained throughout the project 
implementation.

The Committee confirmed that the related 
accounting policy and economic useful life 
complied with IAS 38 Intangible assets.

The Committee believes that the system landscape 
in relation to SAP S/4HANA is reliable.

Considered the appropriateness of the 
key judgements and estimates in relation 
to the uncertain tax positions.

The Committee concluded that the 
related tax positions are appropriate. 
Further information on the tax positions 
can be found in note 4 of the consolidated 
financial statements.

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AUDIT, RISK AND CONTROL CONTINUED

INTERNAL CONTROLS 
AND RISK MANAGEMENT
The Committee is tasked with the responsibility 
of reviewing and assessing risks, their impact 
and ensuring that appropriate controls are 
designed and implemented to mitigate these 
risks. The Group’s risk assessment process 
and the way in which significant business risks 
are managed remains a key area of focus for 
the Committee and the Internal Audit and 
Internal Controls functions.

In 2019, we continued to embed our risk 
management and governance structure 
across the Group. This structure, which 
covers the regular ongoing identification, 
assessment, mitigation and management of 
risks is monitored regularly by the Committee. 
The risk register, introduced in 2018, is one 
of its key components. The areas of focus 
include financial, operational, compliance, 
reputation and strategic risk factors and 
address both current and emerging risks. 
Through this process the Group’s principal 
key risks were identified. 

The Committee further reviewed the 
internal controls of the business as a whole. 
The internal control framework is intended 
to manage rather than eliminate the risk of 
failure to achieve the business objectives and 
can only provide reasonable and not absolute 
assurance against material misstatement.

Details relating to the principal risks and 
uncertainties of the Group as well as the 
mitigating controls can be found in the 
Strategic Report on pages 60 to 64.

The Committee completed its review of the 
effectiveness of the Group’s system of internal 
controls and risk management. The review 
covered the full year up to the date of this 
Annual Report. No significant weaknesses 
or instances of significant control failure 
were identified during the year. Given the 
robust processes the Committee is confident 
in its conclusion of the effectiveness of 
the internal controls and risk management 
system. The Committee has put forward 
this conclusion to the Board.

INTERNAL AUDIT
During the year the Committee reviewed 
and approved the internal audit plan and the 
progress of audits performed. The Committee 
was updated regularly on the actions taken 
and status of the audit recommendations. 
Internal audit findings including remedial action 
plans were presented and discussed in detail 
with the Committee. There is continuous 
communication between the Head of Internal 
Audit and the Chair of the Committee to 
ensure that all the information required by 
the Committee to perform its duties are 
made available.

An External Quality Assessment (EQA) of the 
Internal Audit function concluded the function 
was appropriately resourced, established 
and respected and demonstrating very good 
practice in key aspects of the audit approach. 
The assessment was carried out in 2017 and 
2018. The remedial actions identified as a 
result of the assessment were completed 
by the Internal Audit function in early 2019. 
Furthermore the function was in compliance 
with the IIA (Institute of Internal Auditors) 
standards. All improvement recommendations 
resulting from the EQA have been fully 
implemented by the Internal Audit function. 
In 2020 we will be undertaking a further 
EQA and, in light of the Engen acquisition the 
Committee has asked for a review on the level 
of resources in the Internal Audit function.

In relation to the resource requirement of 
the function, the Committee considers the 
experience and expertise of the function 
appropriate to address all categories of risk 
within the business. The function’s performance 
is assessed against the approved internal audit 
plan. The Committee concluded that the 
Internal Audit function was effective for the 
year and the Committee is satisfied that the 
scope, extent and effectiveness of internal 
audit activities were appropriate.

EXTERNAL AUDIT 

INDEPENDENCE
The Committee reviewed the auditor 
independence policy which is designed to 
safeguard the continued independence of 
the external audit firm. The policy sets out: 
 – The audit fee;
 – Oversight of audit firms who perform 

audit services; and

 – Audit-related and non-audit services 

provided to the Group.

External auditors are restricted from providing 
non-audit services which are prohibited by 
the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) Revised 
Ethical Standard 2016. The Committee assesses 
the independence of the external auditor on 
an ongoing basis. Any approved non-audit 
services with fees exceeding the threshold 
set to identify trivial services or which are not 
stipulated within the policy must be reviewed 
and approved by the Committee. 

The external auditor is only considered for 
non-audit services in instances where they 
have the most appropriate technical skills 
and expertise.

AUDIT FEES
On an annual basis, the Committee reviews 
the audit fees, resourcing and terms of 
the engagement. On a quarterly basis, the 
Committee reviews the non-audit services 
provided by the auditor.

The Committee is responsible for overseeing 
the process of approving all non-audit services 
provided by the external auditor. In doing so, 
it ensures the objectivity and independence 
of the auditor is safeguarded. Prior to approval, 
consideration is given to whether it is in the 
interest of the Company that the services 
are purchased from PwC instead of another 
supplier. For the 2019 financial year, the total 
amount paid to PwC for non-audit services 
does not represent a significant portion of 
their total revenues.

In 2019, the Group incurred total fees of 
$3.9 million (2018: $4.8 million) to PwC. Of this 
total, $3 million (2018: $1.7 million) related to 
audit work and $0.9 million (2018: $3.1 million) 
related to audit-related and non-audit services. 
Audit fees are disclosed in note 7 of the 
consolidated financial statements.

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APPOINTMENT AND EFFECTIVENESS
The Committee is tasked with the primary 
responsibility of overseeing the work 
performed by, and the relationship with, 
the Group’s external auditors. Oversight by 
the Committee includes, but is not limited, 
to making the recommendation on the 
appointment, reappointment and removal 
of the external auditor, assessing their 
independence on an ongoing basis, involvement 
in fee negotiations, approving the statutory 
audit fee, the scope of the statutory 
audit and appointment of the lead audit 
engagement partner. 

PwC was appointed as external auditors of 
the Group since listing on the London Stock 
Exchange in 2018. In accordance with current 
professional standards¸ Nicholas Stevenson 
the lead audit partner, will be subject to the 
mandatory partner rotation every five years.

During the year, the external auditor had 
presented the 2019 financial audit plan. 
The audit plan included the proposed audit 
scope as well as the assessment of key audit 
risks. The scope of the audit was assessed and 
reviewed by the Committee to be appropriate.

The FRC’s Audit Quality Review team 
selected to review the PwC 2018 audit file 
of the Group’s financial statements as part 
of their 2018 annual inspection of audit firms. 
The focus of such a review is on identifying 
areas where improvements are required 
rather than highlighting areas performed to 
or above the expected level. The Committee 
received a report of the findings of the FRC’s 
Audit Quality Review team as well as a report 
from PwC setting out how they plan to 
address the matters raised by the Audit Quality 
Review team in their 2019 audit. Following a 
review and consideration of the FRC report, 
including a discussion with PwC on their 
report, the Committee is satisfied that there 
is nothing material in the report which might 
have a bearing on PwC continuing as auditors 
to the Group.

The Committee considered PwC’s audit 
quality, cost and independence and remained 
satisfied with each of these elements. 
The Committee was also satisfied with the 
execution of the 2019 audit and believes it 
was conducted with the required level of skills 
and expertise. Based on their assessment, 
the Committee recommendation to reappoint 
PwC as the Group’s external auditor in 
2019 was accepted at the Annual General 
Meeting held on 7 May 2019. The Committee 
further recommended to the Board that 
PwC be reappointed by shareholders at the 
Annual General Meeting on 20 May 2020.

A re-tender of the external audit, by the 
Committee shall be in accordance with 
the Financial Reporting Council guidance. 
The tender process for audit-related 
engagements is initiated and approved by 
the Committee. The Committee confirms 
compliance with the provisions of the 
Competition and Markets Authority’s 
Order for the financial year under review.

COMMITTEE EFFECTIVENESS
Each year the Board will undertake an 
evaluation of the performance of the Audit and 
Risk Committee. This provides an opportunity 
to identify efficiencies, maximise strengths 
and highlight areas for further development. 
2019 was the first full year in which the 
Committee was operating and the first full 
year review. Overall feedback provided by 
the Board was positive and the Committee 
is considered to be functioning effectively 
in meeting its objectives.

CHRISTOPHER ROGERS
COMMITTEE CHAIR

3 MARCH 2020

87

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019The Committee is very aware of the further 
changes there have been in the regulation 
and oversight of executive remuneration 
during the last year. Although our Policy was 
approved prior to the regulations coming into 
force, we sought at the time to ensure that our 
Policy was reflective of the new regulations.

During the last year, we have continued to 
review our Policy and its implementation 
to ensure that it continues to meet 
the requirements.

REWARDING PERFORMANCE IN 2019
In reaching its decisions on both rewarding 
performance in 2019 and setting remuneration 
for 2020, the Committee has adhered to 
the principles of simplicity, transparency, 
proportionality and the linkage of pay 
to performance.

As well as integrating the Engen businesses, 
the new ERP system was implemented across 
the Shell‑branded markets. 2019 also saw a 
strong operational performance, with margin 
exceeded, planned volumes met and a strong 
cash performance. Delivery of these two 
major projects without business disruption 
demonstrates the strength of the leadership 
in the business. Our standards were not 
compromised either, with an outstanding 
HSSE performance and high employee 
engagement scores across the business.

For 2019, and as we had indicated last 
year, gross cash profit was introduced as a 
financial performance measure in the annual 
bonus in addition to adjusted EBITDA. 
Adjusted EBITDA, weighted at 40% remains 
a key financial performance measure, with 
the delivery of profitable growth a prime 
component of our strategy. The inclusion 
of gross cash profit, weighted at 30%, reflects 
the importance of cash generation within our 
strategy. The remaining 30% of the bonus is 
weighted against key strategic and individual 
objectives to ensure a continued focus on 
the quality of how we do business.

DEAR SHAREHOLDER
On behalf of the Board I am very pleased to 
present our Directors’ Remuneration Report 
(DRR) for the 2019 financial year.

Our first Remuneration Policy for Directors 
was put to shareholders for approval at the 
AGM in 2019. The Policy built on the review 
of remuneration which had taken place prior 
to the IPO and looked to ensure that the 
historically strong pay for performance ethos 
was maintained whilst incorporating best 
practice and complying with the Corporate 
Governance Code.

During 2018 and into 2019, we engaged 
actively with our major shareholders and 
the leading investor bodies to ensure that 
their feedback could be taken into account 
before our Policy was finalised. We very much 
appreciated the feedback and guidance we 
received, and we were delighted to have such 
a high vote in favour for both our Policy and 
the Annual Report on Remuneration.

The Committee continues to engage with 
shareholders concerning remuneration 
matters and receives feedback on an 
ongoing basis from the Company’s two 
major shareholders, as their representative 
Non‑Executive Directors are invited to 
attend Remuneration Committee meetings.

REMUNERATION POLICY 
FOR EXECUTIVES
Our Policy provides remuneration intended 
to attract and retain performance orientated 
individuals of the right calibre to take our 
business forward. It is a simple structure based 
on a number of key principles:
 – pay will reflect the role and responsibilities 
of the individual and will be determined 
in the context of the relevant market;
 – as a Company committed to growth 
our emphasis will be on pay for 
performance, to incentivise management 
to deliver the Company’s business goals 
and create long‑term shareholder value, 
consistent with the Company's purpose, 
values and strategy;

 – the pay framework will be set 

with reference to best practice in 
relevant markets;

 – good corporate governance, health and 
safety and risk management practice, 
which underpins our business; and
 – the pay philosophy and remuneration 

for the wider employee population will 
be considered when making decisions 
on remuneration for senior executives.

GOVERN ANC E

DIRECTORS' REMUNERATION 
REPORT

REMUNERATION
COMMITTEE

COMMITTEE CHAIR
CAROL ARROWSMITH

A coherent pay for 
performance ethos has been 
central to the Vivo Energy 
operating model and we are 
keen to maintain this culture 

across the Group.“

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OTH ER IN FORMATION

The financial performance elements of the 
bonus delivered outcomes of just over 60% 
of their maximum, recognising the strong 
operational performance of the business. 
We carefully considered the performance 
and delivery for both Christian and Johan 
against their strategic and individual objectives 
and we assessed that there had been a very 
high level of achievement, in particular the 
delivery of the Engen integration and the 
implementation of the ERP solution (more 
detail can be found on pages 94 and 95 of this 
report). The Committee consequently agreed 
that this element of the bonus would pay out 
in full. Overall this resulted in a bonus payout 
for 2019 of 73% of the maximum opportunity. 
The Committee believes that this is appropriate 
given the overall level of business performance.

The Committee also reviewed and approved 
the vesting level of the first tranche of the 
IPO Share Awards. These were legacy awards 
granted as part of the IPO process to ensure 
a measured transition. The second and third 
tranches of these awards will vest in 2020 and 
2021 respectively. These legacy awards were 
agreed prior to the IPO, and were detailed in 
the Admission prospectus. No further awards 
will be made under this plan.

During the year, the Committee also approved 
awards under the Company’s Long‑Term 
Incentive Plan (LTIP). As with the 2018 awards, 
the 2019 awards were based on the strategic 
performance measures of EPS, ROACE and 
TSR. These awards may vest in 2022, subject 
to the achievement of the relevant targets, 
following the announcement of the financial 
results for 2021. Normally, any shares resulting 
from the vesting of these awards must be held 
for a further two years post vesting.

The first LTIP award, granted after the IPO 
in 2018, will be performance tested at the end 
of 2020 and deferred for a two‑year period.

Our UK employees represent less than 1% of 
our total workforce. The Committee receives 
various briefings during the year on how 
pay and reward practices are operating, has 
oversight of the budget, its distribution for 
annual pay increases and how incentive plans 
are assessed and payouts determined.

PRIORITIES FOR 2020
In the coming year, the Committee will:
 – Continue to review the remuneration 

policies of the wider workforce to ensure 
that our approach to executive and senior 
management remuneration is aligned to 
the policy and market practice.
 – Review any feedback that comes 

through from our engagement with the 
wider workforce on remuneration and 
respond accordingly.

 – Approve the vesting level of the second 

tranche of IPO Share Awards.

 – Remain informed of ongoing market 

developments and changes in 
corporate governance to ensure that 
our arrangements remain relevant to 
the Company’s goals, congruent with 
shareholder interests and reflect the best 
practice principles in an appropriate form.

The voting outcomes from the 2019 AGM on 
both the Remuneration Policy and the Annual 
Report on Remuneration are shown on the 
table below. This Remuneration Report will be 
put to an advisory vote for shareholders at the 
2020 AGM on 20 May 2020.

I hope we can continue to enjoy the support 
of our shareholders on our approach 
to remuneration.

CAROL ARROWSMITH
COMMITTEE CHAIR

3 MARCH 2020

REMUNERATION FOR 2020
In line with our Policy, the Committee has 
made the following decisions with respect to 
remuneration for the Executive Directors 
in 2020:
 – Base pay – the base salaries for the 

Executive Directors will remain unchanged 
for 2020. Base salaries have now remained 
unchanged since the IPO in May 2018.
 – Annual bonus 2020 – the maximum 

opportunity remains unchanged at 200% 
for the CEO and 150% for the CFO, with 
the performance measures weighted 
70% on financial and 30% on non‑financial 
metrics. We have retained the same 
financial measures as for 2019, with Adjusted 
EBITDA and gross cash profit, weighted 
40% and 30% respectively. We believe 
that this provides a good balance between 
top‑line growth and bottom‑line delivery. 
Details of the targets will be disclosed 
retrospectively in next year’s report 
as they are commercially sensitive.

 – LTIP 2020 – The maximum award levels 

and performance criteria remain unchanged 
from the prior year for the 2020 awards. 
The awards will be made shortly after 
the announcement of the full year results. 
Full details of the targets are disclosed in 
the Annual Report on Remuneration.

REMUNERATION POLICY 
FOR WIDER WORKFORCE
Our strong pay for performance ethos 
runs across the entire organisation, from 
the CEO to every employee in the Group. 
This is underpinned by a relentless focus on 
HSSE performance and good business practice. 
The Committee continues to endorse this 
approach to remuneration and supports the 
Executive Directors and senior executives 
in ensuring this remains in place.

Although the Committee did not directly 
engage with employees regarding the detail 
of the policy, consistent principles regarding 
pay are applied across the organisation. 
Further details on the Board's approach to 
engagement with employees is set out on page 
44. However, we are not required to include 
a CEO pay ratio as we employ less than 250 
people in the UK.

SHAREHOLDER VOTE AT 2019 AGM
At the 2019 AGM, shareholders voted on the Remuneration Policy, which applies until 2022, and the 2018 Annual Remuneration Report. 
The table below shows the voting outcome.

Number  
of votes  
‘For’

%  
of votes  
cast

Number  
of votes  
‘Against’

%  
of votes  
cast

Total number  
of votes  
cast

Number  
of votes 
‘Withheld’

Remuneration Policy

1,120,880,170

99.84%

1,785,050

0.16% 1,122,665,220

Annual Remuneration Report

1,120,608,683

99.82%

2,056,537

0.18% 1,122,665,220

1,000

1,000

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DIRECTORS' REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED

SUMMARY OF OUR APPROACH

OUR STR ATEGY

OUR REMUNER ATION PRINCIPLES

Our approach to remuneration is intended to 
reflect our core values and remain consistent 
with our objective to be the most respected 
energy business in Africa.

Maintain a highly  
performance‑
driven culture

Reflect our values 
– notably on risk, 
HSSE and good 
business practice

Reward for 
execution of strategy 
and align pay with 
shareholders' interests

Commitment 
to openness  
and transparency

DELIVERED ANOTHER YEAR OF ADJUSTED EBITDA GROW TH

KPIs

VOLUME GROWTH 

+11%

ADJUSTED EBITDA 

+8%

NET INCOME 

+3%

ADJUSTED EBITDA
US$ million

400

51

376

42

107

122

431

54

135

+6%

+11%

+7%

227

227

242

302

32

82

188

240

22

76

142

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

  Retail 

  Commercial 

  Lubricants

450

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

90

WE HAVE FIVE  KEY STRATEGIC  OBJECTIVES:1  To remain a responsible and respected business in the communities in which we operate;2  To preserve our lean organisational structure and performance-driven culture;3  To maximise the value of our existing business;4  To pursue value-accretive growth; and5  To maintain attractive and sustainable returns through disciplined financial management.VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

REMUNER ATION FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS IN 2020

  PAY ELEMENT

BASE SALARY

BENEFITS

APPROACH

REMUNERATION FOR 2020

Fixed pay levels 
set at competitive 
levels with 
role-appropriate 
benefits

No changes to base salaries: 
 – CEO: £640,000
 – CFO: £450,000

Base salaries unchanged since IPO
Benefits package includes private medical  
care cover and life assurance
Pensions capped at 10% of salary

Maximum opportunity unchanged at: 
 – CEO: 200% of salary
 – CFO: 150% of salary

ANNUAL 
BONUS

Incentive linked to 
short-term targets

Performance targets remain weighted at 70% on financial 
performance and 30% on non‑financial performance
 – Adjusted EBITDA 40%
 – Gross cash profit 30%
 – Strategic goals 30%

50% of any bonus achieved will be deferred in shares until the 
Executive Director has achieved their shareholding requirement

Maximum opportunity unchanged at: 
 – CEO: 250% of salary
 – CFO: 200% of salary

Performance will be measured over a three‑year period  
from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2022. Awards will  
also be subject to a two‑year holding period

LTIP

Incentive linked to  
long-term priorities

2020 awards

Weighting

NIL

EPS

40%

Less than 6% 

20% of  
element 
vests

50% of  
element 
vests

100% of  
element 
vests

6%  
per annum

8%  
per annum

12% 
per annum

ROACE

Relative TSR

v. FTSE 350 (excluding 
financial services)

40% Less than 16%

16%

20% Below Median

Median

18%

–

20%

Upper‑
quartile

ADDITIONAL  
SAFEGUARDS

SHAREHOLDING
Both Directors have very significant 
shareholding in the Company.

Shareholding guidelines apply for two years 
after stepping down from the Board.

DISCRETION AND JUDGEMENT
A key feature of the Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy, to ensure 
pay reflects performance.

MALUS AND CLAWBACK
Provisions in place to prevent 
payments for failure.

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DIRECTORS' REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE GOVERNANCE

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 
OF THE COMMITTEE
The Remuneration Committee operates 
with a delegated authority from the Board 
and is responsible for:
 – Determining and agreeing with the 

Board the Remuneration Policy for the 
Executive Directors.

 – Setting individual remuneration packages 

and terms and conditions for the Executive 
Directors and other senior executives.
 – Reviewing and noting the remuneration 

trends and practices across the Company 
and taking these into account when 
reaching any decisions.

 – Evaluating the achievement of performance 
conditions under the annual bonus and LTIP.
 – Determining the Chairman’s remuneration, 

though the Board itself determines 
the levels of fees for the Non‑
Executive Directors.

No individual is present when his or her 
remuneration is being determined.

MEMBERSHIP
All members of the Committee are 
Non‑Executive Directors as defined 
by the Code.

Committee members
All members were appointed in May 2018, 
unless otherwise stated in their biographies 
on pages 74 and 75:
 – Carol Arrowsmith – Chair
 – John Daly
 – Hixonia Nyasulu
 – Christopher Rogers
 – Gawad Abaza

MEETINGS
The Committee met four times during 
2019. Details of attendance by members 
at Committee meetings can be found on 
page 78. The Committee normally invites 
the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief 
Financial Officer, the General Counsel, the 
Company Secretary and the Chief of Staff 
to attend appropriate elements of the 
scheduled meetings.

During the first half of 2019 the Committee 
engaged with shareholders on the development 
and, subsequently successful, acceptance of the 
Directors’ Remuneration Policy. The second 
half of 2019 has been focused on developing 
a standard calendar and staying informed on 
the changes to the UK Corporate Governance 
Code and other regulatory changes.

ADVISERS TO THE 
REMUNERATION COMMITTEE
Deloitte LLP were appointed as independent 
advisers by the Committee in 2018 following 
a competitive tender process. Deloitte are 
members of the Remuneration Consultants 
Group and, as such, voluntarily operate 
under the code of conduct in relation to 
executive remuneration consulting in the UK. 
Total fees received by Deloitte in relation 
to the remuneration advice provided to the 
Committee during 2019 amounted to £50,100. 
Fees are based on hours spent. Deloitte LLP in 
the UK do not provide any further services to 
the Company. Carol Arrowsmith was formally 
a partner at Deloitte LLP, retiring in May 2014. 
No other Directors have any connection with 
Deloitte LLP. The Committee is satisfied that 
the advice provided by Deloitte is independent.

92

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GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

2019 DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

This Directors’ Remuneration Report (DRR) has been prepared on behalf of the Board by the Committee in accordance with the relevant 
requirements of the Large and Medium‑sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008.

ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION
This section of the DRR sets out how the Policy has been applied in the year and how it will be applied in the coming year. In accordance with the 
legislative requirements, this DRR will be subject to an advisory shareholder vote at the 2020 AGM. Sections of this report that are subject to audit, 
in line with disclosure regulations, have been flagged below.

SINGLE TOTAL FIGURE OF REMUNERATION (AUDITED)

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
The following table sets out the total remuneration for the Executive Directors for the year ended 31 December 2019.

The single figure disclosure for 2019 is on a full year basis. This is in contrast to the disclosure for 2018 which covered the period from Admission 
(10 May 2018) to 31 December 2018, consistent with the legislative requirements. 

There are no LTIP awards vesting in the current financial year as the first awards under the LTIP were granted in August 2018 and will vest in 2021. 
The table includes details of the second tranche of the IPO Share Award which vests in May 2020. These have been included in the single figure 
for this year consistent with last year, but they do not form part of the forward‑looking package. The third and final tranche of the IPO Share Award 
will vest next year, at the same time as the first LTIP award reaches its vesting date. 

Full details of all legacy arrangements were set out in the Prospectus on Admission and in last year’s Directors’ Remuneration Report. 

Salary1

Benefits1,2

Retirement benefits1,3

Total Fixed Pay

Annual bonus4

Long‑Term Incentive Plan5

Legacy incentives: IPO Share Award6, 7

Total Variable Pay including Legacy Incentives

Total Pay

Less Legacy Incentives

Total: Less Legacy Incentives

Christian Chammas

Johan Depraetere

 (£'000)

 (£'000)

FY2019

FY2018 
(part year)

FY2019

FY2018 
(part year)

640

5

64

709

936

–

468

423

4

42

469

609

–

492

1,404

2,113

1,101

1,570

450

5

45

500

494

–

329

823

299

7

30

336

323

–

346

669

1,323

1,005

(468)

(492)

1,645

1,078

(329)

994

(346)

659

1  Base salaries, benefits and retirement benefits for 2018 are from 10 May 2018 to 31 December 2018.
2  The benefits consist of private medical cover. Directors also receive life assurance.
3  The retirement benefits represent the Company’s contribution to the Executive Directors’ retirement planning at a rate of 10% of base salary. This benefit level is consistent with the 

level provided to other UK employees.

4  2018 annual bonus is for the period from 10 May 2018. The full bonuses for 2018 (including the period 1 January to 9 May 2018) were as follows: Christian Chammas: £826,993 and 

Johan Depraetere: £466,822. These bonuses were paid wholly in cash as the shareholding requirement has already been met.
5  No awards vested under the Long‑Term Incentive Plan in 2018 or 2019, as the first awards under this plan were granted in 2018.
6  The second tranche of this legacy award will vest in May 2020. An estimated value of the second tranche of this award has been shown based on the average share price over the 

fourth quarter of 2019 (122 pence). The value of the first tranche, shown for 2018, has been restated based on the share price on the vesting date (123 pence).
IPO share awards were formally granted on 18 May 2018, when the share price was 174 pence. The value of the second tranche has therefore reduced by 30% since grant.

7 

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GOVERN ANC E

DIRECTORS' REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED

ANNUAL BONUS – 2019
The Executive Directors’ annual bonus targets for 2019 were set against a combination of financial and non‑financial performance measures. 

The measures for financial performance were adjusted EBITDA and gross cash profit weighted at 40% and 30% of the bonus opportunity respectively. 
The remaining 30% was based on a number of non‑financial objectives. 

Details of the performance targets and the outcomes are set out below.

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE – 70% OF THE AWARD

ADJUSTED EBITDA

GROSS CASH PROFIT

FY 2019:
$431m

l

e
v
e

l

e
c
n
a
m
r
o
f
r
e
P

100%

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

FY 2019:
$743m

l

e
v
e

l

e
c
n
a
m
r
o
f
r
e
P

100%

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

$400m

$410m

$420m

$430m

$440m

$450m

$460m

$710m

$720m

$730m

$740m

$750m

$760m

$770m

STRATEGIC AND INDIVIDUAL OBJECTIVES – 30% OF THE AWARD

CHRISTIAN CHAMMAS 

Area

Focus

Business Strategy

Delivery of the Strategic Business Review for the next 
phase of the business

Engen

Successful delivery and integration of Engen 

Infrastructure 
Development

Implementation of new ERP system across the business 

Employee Engagement Deliver on results and priorities from employee 

engagement survey

HSSE

Demonstrate focus on and personal leadership of the 
HSSE agenda

Human Capital

Lead the development of succession plans for the next 
levels of leadership 

FINAL ACHIEVEMENT: 30%

Outcome

Detailed plan approved by the Board by year‑end, with 
the different strategy workstreams consolidated into a 
clear story line and structure, accompanied by measurable 
deliverables and benefits.

Engen business successfully integrated within planned 
timescales. Engen‑branded operating units are already 
driving volume growth and delivering EBITDA above plan.

All go live milestones met and business improvements 
realised, all with no business disruption and no impact 
on volumes.
Leadership of CEO and CFO has been seen and noted 
as key to the delivery of the programme. 
Both SAP and IBM have endorsed the programme 
as outstanding.

2019 actions delivered and ongoing plans for 2020 
in progress. Key activities are grouped under career 
opportunities, managing performance, improving flow 
of information, escalating key issues and improving 
personal resilience. 
90% of employees are happy to work for Vivo Energy 
and would recommend it as a company to work for. 

An outstanding HSSE year. All performance 
measures of TRCF, spills and consequent lost volume 
(measured in tonnes) significantly exceeded in both 
Shell and Engen‑branded OUs.

Strengthened and renewed executive leadership team 
with a mix of internal and external new appointments.
Formal quarterly process now in place to review succession 
for all MDs, with central teams and other key talent 
being reviewed twice yearly. 18 new MDs appointed in 
2019, of which two were external and eight as part of 
Engen integration.

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STR ATEG IC REP ORT

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

STRATEGIC AND INDIVIDUAL OBJECTIVES – 30% OF THE AWARD

JOHAN DEPRAETERE 

Area

Focus

Business Strategy

Delivery of the Strategic Business Review  
for the next phase of the business 

Engen

Successful delivery and integration of Engen

Infrastructure 
Development

Support the delivery of the new ERP system across 
the business, with specific focus on Finance and IT

Financial Management Delivery of growth CAPEX programmes

Cost Management

Demonstrated leadership of  
cost‑management programmes

FINAL ACHIEVEMENT: 30%

Outcome

Detailed plan approved by the Board by year‑end, 
with the different strategy workstreams consolidated 
into a clear story line and structure, accompanied by 
measurable deliverables and benefits.

Engen business successfully integrated within planned 
timescales. Engen‑branded operating units are already 
driving volume growth and delivering EBITDA above plan.
All controls, processes and reporting in place ahead of 
year‑end ensuring a smooth production of year‑end 
report and accounts.

All go live milestones met and business improvements 
realised, all with no business disruption and no impact 
on volumes.
Leadership of CEO and CFO has been seen and noted 
as key to the delivery of the programme.
Business improvements include:
 – Faster and more accurate stock reconciliation 

saving between 30%‑50% of reconciliation time 
 – Reduction of accounts reconciliation from a manual 

1‑2 week exercise to hours

 – Elimination of daily and monthly reviews by Finance 

and IT to determine the integrity of the trial balances 

Post CAPEX investment returns maintained for Retail 
and Commercial. Engen working capital reduced and 
cash flow increased.

First stage of programme delivered with full committed 
OPEX savings realised. 
Plan and objectives for second stage of programme 
approved by Board and integrated into deliverables 
and strategy for 2020.

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DIRECTORS' REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED

OVERALL OUTCOME

Christian Chammas (maximum – 200% of salary)

Adjusted EBITDA

Gross cash profit

Non‑financial Objectives

Total

Johan Depraetere (maximum – 150% of salary)

Adjusted EBITDA

Gross cash profit

Non‑financial Objectives

Total

Maximum Opportunity 
% of salary

Outcome

% of salary

£'000

80%

60%

60%

200%

60%

45%

45%

150%

49%

37%

60%

146%

37%

28%

45%

110%

315

237

384

936

166

125

203

494

Both the financial performance elements of the bonus (adjusted EBITDA and gross cash profit) delivered outcomes above target. 30% of the bonus 
for 2019 was focused on a number of key strategic, operational and leadership priorities as described above. The Committee carefully considered 
the performance against these and assessed that there had been a significantly high level of achievement, notably in the areas the development 
of the future strategy, the integration of Engen, the implementation of a new ERP system, with no business disruption, and the outstanding 
HSSE results. Based on this assessment, the Committee determined that this element of the bonus should pay out at maximum. Taking the financial 
and non‑financial performance together, the Committee is satisfied that a total bonus payout of 73% of the maximum opportunity is a fair reflection 
of the overall performance during the year.

LONG-TERM INCENTIVE AWARDS (AUDITED)

CURRENT INCENTIVE PLANS – LTIP
No awards vested under the LTIP in 2019 and consequently no figure is shown in the single figure table on page 93. 

LTIP AWARDS GRANTED IN 2019
Awards were made under the LTIP during 2019, on the same basis as for 2018. These awards were granted in the form of nil cost options over 
Vivo Energy plc shares, with the number of shares that may vest conditional upon performance to the end of the 2021 financial year. Awards to 
Executive Directors will also be subject to an additional two‑year holding period.

The 2019 LTIP awards are subject to performance targets based on earnings per share (EPS), return on average capital employed (ROACE) and 
relative total shareholder return (Relative TSR). The Committee determined that this mix of performance measures ensured focus on delivery of 
strategic and operational goals and management of capital within the business, which is a key strategic focus and aligns with shareholder value creation. 

Details of the performance measures with their weightings and targets are shown below:

2019 Awards

Weighting

NIL

20% of  
element vests

50% of  
element vests

100% of  
element vests

EPS 
Compound annual growth

40%

Less than 6%  
per annum

6%  
per annum

8%  
per annum

12%  
per annum

ROACE 
Weighted average over performance period

Relative TSR 
v. FTSE 350 (exc. financial services)

40%

Less than 16%

16%

18%

20%

20%

Below Median

Median

–

Upper‑quartile

Note: There is straight‑line vesting between the points shown in the table.

96

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GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

The following table provides details of the awards made on 12 March 2019:

Name

Christian Chammas

Johan Depraetere

Number of  
Shares awarded

Face value at  
grant (£'000)

End of performance period

1,222,420

687,613

1,600

31 December 2021

900

31 December 2021

Notes: The number of shares under award was based on a (five‑day average) share price of 131 pence. For the 2019 year, awards to Christian Chammas 
represent 250% of base salary and awards to Johan Depraetere represent 200% of base salary.

LTIP AWARDS TO BE GRANTED IN 2020 (NOT AUDITED)
Awards will be made under the long‑term incentive plan in 2020, following the announcement of the preliminary results for 2019. These awards 
will be granted in the form of nil cost options over Vivo Energy plc shares, with the number of shares that may vest conditional upon performance 
over a three‑year period from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2022. Awards to Executive Directors will also be subject to an additional two‑year 
holding period.

The maximum level of award for 2020 will remain unchanged at 250% of base salary for the CEO and 200% for the CFO. 

Awards will remain conditional on achievement of stretching performance targets based on EPS, ROACE and TSR as for the awards made in 2018 
and 2019. The performance targets for the 2020 LTIP award are shown below:

2020 awards

Weighting

NIL

20% of 
element vests

50% of  
element vests

100% of  
element vests

EPS 
Compound annual growth

40%

Less than 6%  
per annum

6%  
per annum

8%  
per annum

12%  
per annum

ROACE 
Weighted average over performance period

Relative TSR 
v. FTSE 350 (exc. financial services)

40%

Less than 16%

16%

18%

20%

20%

Below Median

Median

–

Upper‑quartile

Note: There is straight‑line vesting between the points shown in the table.

LEGACY INCENTIVES – IPO SHARE AWARDS (AUDITED)
As detailed in the Admission documents, it was agreed prior to IPO that one‑off share awards would be granted to the Executive Directors and 
other senior executives (the ‘IPO Share Awards’). The terms of these awards including award levels and performance criteria were determined prior 
to Admission. These awards were structured as nil‑cost options to vest, subject to the performance conditions, in three equal tranches on the first, 
second and third anniversaries of Admission. The number of shares was determined prior to Admission and the CEO and CFO were awarded a total 
number of shares of 1,197,860 and 842,245 respectively. 

As previously stated, these awards were one‑off in nature, and therefore will not be replicated in future years.

Each tranche of the IPO Share Awards is subject to targets relating to gross cash profit and adjusted net income. These targets are equally weighted. 
The target is the maximum that can be achieved. Performance against target is calculated on a straight‑line basis (expressed as a percentage and 
weighted 50% for each target) with the minimum being zero.

The first tranche vested in May 2019. The second tranche is based on performance to 31 December 2019 and will be eligible for vesting in May 2020. 
The performance targets for this tranche were gross cash profit of $741.6 million and adjusted net income of $175.4 million. 

The Group delivered gross cash profit of $743 million and adjusted net income of $162 million, and therefore this tranche is expected to vest at 
96% of maximum on the second anniversary of Admission. For the purposes of the single figure table, the amount shown is based on the number of 
shares expected to vest in May 2020 based on the average share price over the fourth quarter of 2019 (122 pence). The third tranche will be based 
on performance to 31 December 2020. The targets for this final tranche will be disclosed on a retrospective basis in the 2020 Remuneration Report 
as they are deemed to be commercially sensitive.

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DIRECTORS' REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED

DETAILS OF LONG-TERM INCENTIVE AWARDS HELD BY EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

LTIP

Christian 
Chammas

Johan  
Depraetere

Date of award

Share price at 
date of award

Option price

Number 
of options 
held as at 
31 December 
2018

Number 
of options 
awarded 
during the year

Number 
of options 
exercised 
during  
the year

Number of 
options lapsed  
during the year

End of 
performance 
period

Number of 
options held as 
at 31 December 
2019

8 August 
2018

12 March 
2019

8 August 
2018

12 March 
2019

148p

131p

148p

131p

nil

1,081,081

–

nil

nil

nil

1,222,420

608,108

–

687,613

–

–

–

–

– 31 December 
2020

– 31 December 
2021

– 31 December 
2020

– 31 December 
2021

1,081,081

1,222,420

608,108

687,613

IPO SHARE AWARD

Christian  
Chammas

Johan  
Depraetere

Date of award

Share price at 
date of award

Number of 
shares held as at 
31 December 
2018

Number of 
shares vesting 
during the year

Number of 
shares lapsed 
during the year

End of 
performance 
period

Number of 
shares held as at 
31 December 
2019

18 May 2018

174p

399,287

399,111

18 May 2018

174p

399,287

18 May 2018

174p

399,286

–

–

18 May 2018

174p

280,748

280,625

18 May 2018

174p

280,748

18 May 2018

174p

280,749

–

–

176 31 December 
2018

– 31 December 
2019

– 31 December 
2020

123 31 December 
2018

– 31 December 
2019

– 31 December 
2020

–

399,287

399,286

–

280,748

280,749

98

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
The fees for the Chairman and Non‑Executive Directors will be reviewed later in 2020, but currently remain unchanged since Admission in 2018. 
The fee structure for 2019 is shown below, and any change will be reported in next year’s report.

Role

Chairman

Basic fee for Non‑Executive Directors

Additional fee for Senior Independent Director

Additional fee for Chair of a Board Committee

Fee

£275,000

£62,500

£15,000

£15,000

The following table sets out the total remuneration for the Chairman and the Non‑Executive Directors for the years ended 31 December 2019 
and 2018. The remuneration for 2018 comprises the total remuneration received by them since their individual appointment dates in 2018.

Director

John Daly

Gawad Abaza

Carol Arrowsmith

Hixonia Nyasulu

Christopher Rogers

Javed Ahmed1

Temitope Lawani1

Total

1  The Non‑Executive Directors nominated by Vitol and Helios, subject to the Relationship Agreement, do not receive any fees.

DIRECTORS’ APPOINTMENT DATES

Director

John Daly

Christian Chammas

Johan Depraetere

Gawad Abaza

Carol Arrowsmith

Hixonia Nyasulu

Christopher Rogers

Javed Ahmed

Temitope Lawani

1  Original appointment dates.
Non‑Executive Directors are subject to annual re‑election at the AGM as their service contracts have no fixed term.

FY2019 
£'000

275

62.5

77.5

77.5

77.5

–

–

575

FY2018 
£'000

181

5

50

50

50

–

–

336

Date of Appointment

20 April 2018

2 January 20121

6 April 20121

1 December 2018

20 April 2018

20 April 2018

22 April 2018

12 March 2018

16 March 2018

99

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019 
GOVERN ANC E

DIRECTORS' REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED

STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ SHAREHOLDING AND SHARE INTERESTS (AUDITED)
The table below sets out the Directors’ and their connected persons’ share interests in the ordinary shares of the Company. Executive Directors 
are expected to build up and maintain a shareholding of at least 200% of salary in Vivo Energy plc shares. This policy will apply to both the current 
Executive Directors as well as any future appointments to the Board.

As at the year‑end, both Executive Directors have interests in shares which substantially exceed the minimum shareholding guideline. There have 
been no changes in the interests of each Director between 31 December 2019 and the date of this report.

In line with the 2018 Code, the Committee has adopted a post‑employment shareholding guideline. Following departure, Executive Directors will be 
expected to hold two times base salary for a period of 12 months, reducing to one times base salary for a further 12 months.

Director

John Daly

Christian Chammas

Johan Depraetere

Gawad Abaza

Carol Arrowsmith

Hixonia Nyasulu

Christopher Rogers

Javed Ahmed

Temitope Lawani 

Shares owned  
outright at  
31 December
20191

216,666

6,357,324

4,953,435

20,000

37,878

22,000

30,303

n/a

13,152,630

IPO Share Awards 
(subject to  
performance
conditions)2

LTIP 
(subject to  
performance  
conditions)

IPO Cash Award1

n/a

596,289

446,390

n/a

n/a

798,573

2,303,501

561,497

1,295,721

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

1  As disclosed in the Prospectus, one‑off cash awards were made to Executive Directors on Admission. The cash amount was communicated before Admission and the net amount 

was used to subscribe for shares at the IPO offer price shortly following Admission. Shares are released from the ‘no‑sale’ agreement in three equal tranches on the first, second and 
third anniversaries of Admission. The shares shown will be released in May 2020 and May 2021.

2  As disclosed in the Prospectus, it was agreed prior to Admission that one‑off share awards would be granted to Executive Directors shortly after the IPO. These awards, which were 

granted as nil‑cost options, will vest, subject to performance conditions, in three equal tranches at the first, second, and third anniversaries of Admission.

DILUTION
The Company ensures that the level of shares granted under the Company’s share plans and the means of satisfying such awards remain within 
best practice guidelines so that dilution from employee share awards does not exceed 10% of the Company’s issued share capital for all employee 
share plans and 5% in respect of executive share plans in any 10‑year rolling period. The Company will monitor dilution levels on a regular basis.

PERFORMANCE GRAPH AND TABLE
The graph below shows the TSR of the Company and the UK FTSE 250 index since the Admission of the Company to 31 December 2019. 
The FTSE 250 index was selected on the basis that the Company has been a member of the FTSE 250 in the UK since 24 September 2018.

£120

£100

£80

£60

£40

£20

£0

8
1

y
a
M
0
1

8
1

y
a
M

1
3

8
1
n
u
J
0
3

8
1

l

u
J

1
3

8
1
g
u
A

1
3

8
1
p
e
S
0
3

8
1

t
c
O

1
3

8
1

v
o
N
0
3

8
1

c
e
D

1
3

9
1
n
a
J

1
3

9
1
b
e
F
8
2

9
1

r
a
M

1
3

9
1

r
p
A
0
3

9
1

y
a
M

1
3

9
1
n
u
J
0
3

9
1

l

u
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1
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1
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u
A

1
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9
1
p
e
S
0
3

9
1

t
c
O

1
3

9
1

v
o
N
0
3

9
1

c
e
D

1
3

Vivo Energy

FTSE 250 (exc. investment trusts)

Source: Thomson Reuters Datastream

i

l

g
n
d
o
h
0
0
1
£

l

a
c
i
t
e
h
t
o
p
y
h
f
o
e
u
a
V

l

100

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STR ATEG IC REP ORT

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

COMPANY PERFORMANCE
The following table sets out the CEO’s pay since Admission on 10 May 2018. The data for 2018 is therefore on a part year only basis.

£’000 
CEO remuneration

CEO single figure of remuneration

Annual bonus payout (% of Maximum)

Long‑term incentive payout (% of Maximum)2

2019

20181

2,113

73%

96%

1,570

72%

99.96%

1  Figures for 2018 were stated on a part year basis covering the period from Admission (10 May 2018) to 31 December 2018.
2  Long‑term incentive payouts are in respect of the First and Second tranches of the IPO Share Awards. No LTIP awards have vested since Admission.

PERCENTAGE CHANGE IN CEO REMUNERATION
The table below shows the percentage change in the salary, benefits and bonus of the CEO between 2018 and 2019, compared with the percentage 
change for the same components of pay for employees in the UK. The UK employee workforce has been selected as being the most applicable 
employee group.

CEO

All employees

Salary 
% change

Benefits 
% change

Bonus 
% change

0%

3%

0%

0%

13%1

12%

1  For the 2018 performance year the CEO bonus calculation was prorated to reflect his pre and post‑IPO salary. For the 2019 performance year his full post‑IPO salary forms the basis 

of the calculation.

RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF SPEND ON PAY
The following table shows the relationship between distributions to shareholders and the total remuneration paid to all employees for the years 
ending 31 December 2018 and 2019. For the year ending 31 December 2018 the data is since the date of Admission of the Company and not for 
the full year.

US$ million

Shareholder distributions

Total employee expenditure

Approved by the Board and signed on its behalf

CAROL ARROWSMITH 
CHAIR OF THE REMUNERATION COMMITTEE

3 MARCH 2020

2019

48

168

2018

24

176

Change

100%

‑5%

101

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019GOVERN ANC E

DIRECTORS' REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED

POLICY TABLE
The following sections are an extract from our Directors’ Remuneration Policy (Policy). The full policy, as voted on by shareholders at the 2019 AGM 
can be found in last year’s Remuneration Report.

FIXED PAY

102

BASE SALARYPurpose and link  to strategyProvides the fixed element of the remuneration package. Set at competitive levels against the market in order to attract and retain the calibre of executives required to execute the strategy.OperationBase salaries are normally reviewed annually. The Committee will consider various factors when determining salary levels, including individual contribution, business performance, role scope, practice in relevant talent markets and the range of salary increases applying across the Group. Maximum opportunityThere is no maximum salary. However, salary increases for Executive Directors will normally be within the range of increases for the general employee population over the period of this Policy. Increases in excess of those for the wider employee population may be awarded in certain circumstances including instances of sustained strong individual performance, if there is a material change in the responsibility, size or complexity of the role, or if an individual was intentionally appointed on a below-market salary. In such circumstances, the Committee will provide the rationale for the increase in the relevant year’s Annual Report on Remuneration.Performance metricsNot applicable. BENEFITSPurpose and link  to strategyBenefits to be competitive in the market in which the individual is employed.OperationCan include Company benefits such as permanent health insurance, healthcare and life insurance.The Committee retains the ability to approve additional role appropriate benefits in certain circumstances (e.g. participation in all-employee share incentives, relocation allowances and expenses, expatriation allowances etc.).Maximum opportunityThere is no maximum limit. However, role appropriate benefits are capped at a suitable level reflecting the local market and jurisdiction.Performance metricsNot applicable. RETIREMENT BENEFITSPurpose and link  to strategyProvides benefits which enable executives to plan for retirement. Retirement benefits are designed to be cost effective and competitive in the market in which the individual is employed.OperationDefined contribution scheme (and/or a cash allowance in lieu thereof).Maximum opportunityThe maximum defined contribution (or cash in lieu thereof) will be 10% of base salary. This is currently in line with retirement benefits provided to the rest of the UK employee population.Performance metricsNot applicable. VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

VARIABLE PAY

103

ANNUAL BONUSPurpose and link  to strategyIncentivises the achievement of specific goals over the short-term that are also aligned to the long-term business strategy.OperationPerformance measures are set by the Committee and are weighted to reflect a balance of financial, strategic and individual objectives.Following the end of the year the Committee reviews performance and determines the extent to which objectives have been achieved in order to determine the payout level.Executive Directors will normally be required to defer up to 50% of any resulting annual bonus into shares until the Executive Director meets the relevant shareholding requirement. The remaining balance of the annual bonus is paid in cash.Where bonuses are deferred into shares, dividend equivalents may accrue.Cash and share bonuses awarded for annual bonuses will be subject to malus and clawback. Maximum opportunityMaximum opportunity of 200% of salary. Currently a maximum opportunity of 200% of base salary applies to the CEO and 150% of base salary for the CFO.The payout for threshold performance may vary year-on-year depending on the nature and stretch of the target but will normally not exceed 25% of the maximum opportunity.Performance metricsBonuses for the Executive Directors may be based on a combination of financial and non-financial measures. The exact performance measures and targets for each financial year may be varied to reflect the priorities for the business. Financial measures will represent at least 50% of any award.LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN (LTIP)Purpose and link  to strategyAligns the interests of executives and shareholders by delivering shares to Executive Directors and other senior executives as a reward for delivery of long-term performance objectives aligned to the strategy.OperationThe Committee has the authority to grant awards under the LTIP to Executive Directors. Typically, they will do this every year. Awards are normally conditional on achievement of performance conditions assessed over three years. Awards to Executive Directors will normally also be subject to a holding period of two years post vesting. Details of the performance period and holding period will be disclosed in the Annual Report on Remuneration for the year in which the relevant award is made.Dividend equivalents may accrue on any shares that vest.Awards are subject to malus and/or clawback for a period of five years from the date of grant. Maximum opportunityThe LTIP provides for a conditional award of shares (or economic equivalent) up to an annual limit of 250% of base salary. Under the plan rules an award of up to 300% of base salary can be granted in exceptional circumstances. The grant value of awards to the CEO and CFO for 2018 and 2019 are 250% and 200% of base salary respectively.The vesting level for the threshold performance hurdle may vary year-on-year depending on the nature and stretch of the target but will normally not exceed 25% of the maximum opportunity.Performance metricsThe vesting of awards is usually subject to continued employment and the Group’s performance over the performance period. The Remuneration Committee will set the performance targets for each award in light of the appropriate business priorities at the relevant time.SHAREHOLDING GUIDELINESPurpose and link  to strategyAlignment of Executive Directors with shareholders.OperationGuidelines are 200% of base salary for all Executive Directors. Shareholdings are expected to be built up and maintained over the course of tenure. Directors are also expected to hold two times base salary in shares for a period of 12 months on leaving the Company, reducing to one times base salary for a further 12 months.VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019GOVERN ANC E

DIRECTORS' REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA FOR 
INCENTIVES – SELECTING MEASURES, 
TARGET SETTING AND ASSESSMENT
Performance criteria for annual bonus and 
LTIP awards are designed to support the 
execution of the short‑term and long‑term 
business strategy and to provide alignment with 
our shareholders’ interests. The combination 
of financial, strategic and individual objectives 
enables the Committee to achieve a balanced 
assessment of performance. 

Performance targets for each award are 
intended to be suitably challenging, taking into 
account internal and external forecasts, as 
well as market conditions and the strategic 
ambitions and risk appetite of the Group. 
Outcomes at the maximum level are intended 
to represent exceptional performance. 

Consistent with best practice, the 
Remuneration Committee will seek to 
ensure that outcomes from incentive plans 
suitably reflect performance. As well as 
exercising suitable judgement when assessing 
performance, the Committee may exercise 
discretion and make adjustments to any 
formulaic results, if the outcome is not 
considered to be appropriate or is not 
reflective of overall performance over 
the relevant period. When making this 
judgement, the Committee has scope to 
consider any such factors as it deems relevant 
in the circumstances. To ensure that awards 
continue to operate in the manner intended, 
the Committee may also adjust the targets 
for awards or the calculation of performance 
measures and vesting outcomes for certain 
events (e.g. major acquisition).

MALUS AND CLAWBACK
The annual bonus, LTIP and IPO Share Awards 
are subject to clawback in certain scenarios. 
Such scenarios include, but are not limited to:
 – material misstatement of the Company’s 

financial accounts;

 – a material failure of risk management by 
the Company or any Group company;
 – an error in calculation of any awards based 

on false or misleading information;

 – gross misconduct by the relevant participant;
 – any action or omission on the part of a 

participant resulting in serious reputational 
damage to the Company, any member 
of the Group; and 

 – a serious breach or non‑observance of 

any code of conduct, policy or procedure 
operated by the Group. 

RECRUITMENT POLICY
When determining remuneration for a 
new Executive Director, the Remuneration 
Committee will consider the requirements of 
the role, the needs of the business, the relevant 
skills and experience of the individual and the 
external talent market relevant to the role. 
Normally the Committee would seek to align 
the new Executive Director’s remuneration 
package to the Remuneration Policy. 

Base salary and benefits (including pension) 
will be determined in accordance with the 
policy table. If an individual is appointed 
on a base salary below the desired market 
positioning, the Committee retains the ability 
to re‑align the base salary over time, reflecting 
development in the role, which may result 
in a higher rate of annual increase. 

Where necessary, additional benefits may 
also be provided (e.g. relocation support, 
tax equalisation). In addition, for an overseas 
appointment, the Committee may offer cost 
effective benefits and pension provisions, 
which reflect local market practice and 
relevant legislation.

Notice periods in service contracts for any new 
appointment would not exceed 12 months.

Incentive opportunities (excluding any 
buy‑out) will be consistent with the policy. 
As noted in the LTIP policy table, in exceptional 
circumstances a maximum LTIP award of 
up to 300% of base salary may be granted in 
accordance with the LTIP rules. The Company 
would provide clear disclosure regarding any 
such awards. The Committee may tailor the 
targets for initial incentive awards to reflect 
the circumstances on recruitment.

The Committee may consider buying out 
remuneration forfeited by an executive 
on joining the Company. Any such buy‑out 
will be of comparable commercial value to 
the arrangements forfeited and capped as 
appropriate. When determining the terms of 
the buy‑out award, the Committee may tailor 
the terms, taking into account the structure, 
time horizons, value and performance targets 
associated with arrangements forfeited. 
The Committee may also require the 
appointee to purchase shares in the Company 
in accordance with its shareholding policy. 
The Committee would subsequently provide 
suitable disclosure regarding any such award 
granted on recruitment to the Board.

Where an individual is appointed to the Board 
as a result of internal promotion or following 
a corporate transaction (e.g. following an 
acquisition), the Committee retains the ability to 
honour any legacy arrangements agreed prior 
to the individual’s appointment to the Board.

On the appointment of a new Non‑Executive 
Chairman or Non‑Executive Director, 
the terms and fees will normally be consistent 
with the fee policy.

104

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

105

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS: SERVICE CONTRACTS AND LOSS OF OFFICE PROVISIONSNotice PeriodSix months’ notice from the Company or the Executive Director.Termination PaymentsThe Company will also be entitled to terminate an Executive Director’s service agreement with immediate effect by making a payment in lieu of notice, equal to (i) the base salary that would have been payable, and (ii) the cost that would have been incurred in providing the Executive Director with the contractual benefits which the Executive Director would have been entitled to receive during the notice period.The Company can alternatively, in its sole discretion, continue to provide such contractual benefits instead of paying a sum representing their cost.The payment in lieu of notice may be subject to mitigation and therefore payable in equal monthly instalments over the notice period, conditional on the relevant Executive Director making reasonable efforts to secure alternative employment or engagements.Certain benefits in connection with departure (e.g. legal costs, outplacement costs) may be payable in certain circumstances. Incentive AwardsThe treatment of incentive awards will depend on the circumstances of departure.Normally no bonus is payable if, on the date on which any bonus is paid, the Executive Director has (i) left the Company, (ii) given or received notice of termination, or is (iii) under suspension for disciplinary matters which could result in dismissal. In certain circumstances, the Committee may determine that a departing executive will retain the ability to earn a bonus award subject to performance and time pro-rating to reflect the period employed. Any bonus deferred into shares will normally be released at the end of the deferral period, unless the Committee determines otherwise.Unvested long-term incentive awards will normally lapse on termination, unless the Committee determines that an Executive Director is deemed to be a ‘good leaver’. For good leavers, any unvested awards may run until the normal vesting date, with any vesting normally on a time apportioned basis and subject to the achievement of the performance conditions. If the Committee thinks there are circumstances that justify it, the Committee may release shares early, having regard to performance achieved to the date of leaving, if applicable.Restrictive CovenantsExecutive Directors will be subject to a confidentiality undertaking without limitation in time, and non-solicitation and non-compete restrictive covenants for a period of 12 months after the termination of their employment.Change of ControlNo special contractual provisions apply in the event of change of control.External AppointmentsExecutive Directors may accept up to one position as a non-executive director of another publicly listed company, subject to prior approval from the Board. Any fees from such an appointment may be retained by the Executive Director. Executive Directors are not entitled to accept a position as an executive director in any company that is not a Group Company.The Executive Directors’ service contracts are available for inspection by shareholders at the Company’s registered office. VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019GOVERN ANC E

DIRECTORS' REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED

106

LEGACY INCENTIVES AND IPO AWARDSDetails of legacy arrangements for the Executive Directors and other senior managers agreed prior to IPO were included in the Prospectus on Admission and also detailed in the 2018 Annual Remuneration Report. For the avoidance of doubt, they do not form part of the Remuneration Policy, as voted on by shareholders in 2019, and no further awards will be granted under these plans.IPO CASH AWARDSOperationIn recognition of the significant contribution made prior to Admission, cash bonuses were paid to Executive Directors shortly prior to Admission (the ‘IPO Bonuses’).The IPO Bonuses were conditional upon each of the Executive Directors using the after-tax amount to subscribe for shares at the Offer Price shortly following Admission. The Executive Directors subscribed for shares accordingly. The shares are subject to a ‘no-sale’ agreement of a maximum of three years from the date of Admission, with one third of the shares being released from the agreement on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of Admission.No further awards will be granted to Executive Directors under this plan. IPO SHARE AWARDSOperationPrior to IPO it was agreed that one-off awards would be granted under the 2018 IPO Plan as soon as practicable after Admission (the ‘IPO Share Awards’).The IPO Share Awards were formally granted as nil-cost options over shares which will vest, subject to achievement of specified performance conditions. The performance targets relate to consolidated gross cash profit and adjusted net income. Awards are scheduled to vest in three equal tranches on the first, second and third anniversary of Admission. Dividend equivalents may accrue on any vested shares. Further details are set out in the Annual Report on Remuneration. No further awards will be granted to Executive Directors under this plan. VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

107

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REMUNERATIONPurpose and link  to strategyTo attract and retain high calibre individuals by offering market competitive fee arrangements.OperationNon-Executive Directors receive a basic fee in respect of their Board duties. Additional fees are paid to Non-Executive Directors for additional Board responsibilities, including Chairmanship of Board Committees.The Chairman receives an all-inclusive fee for the role.The Remuneration Committee sets the remuneration of the Chairman, whilst the Board as a whole is responsible for determining Non-Executive Director fees. Fees are typically reviewed annually.Where appropriate, role-appropriate benefits may be provided. This may include travel and other expenses incurred in the performance of Non-Executive duties for the Company, which may be reimbursed or paid for directly by the Company, as appropriate, including any tax due on the benefits.Maximum OpportunityFee levels are capped in accordance with the Articles of Association.Current fee levels can be found on page 98. Fees are set at a level, which is considered appropriate to attract and retain the calibre of individual required by the Company.These fees are the sole element of Non-Executive remuneration and they are not eligible for participation in Group incentive awards, nor do they receive any retirement benefits.The Chairman’s appointment may be terminated at any time by either side by giving six months’ written notice or in accordance with the Articles. The Non-Executive Directors’ appointments may be terminated at any time by either side, giving one month’s written notice or in accordance with the articles.VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019GOVERN ANC E

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

The Directors present their Report for the 
year ended 31 December 2019:

COMPANY DETAILS 
AND CONSTITUTION
Vivo Energy plc is a company incorporated 
in England and Wales with company 
number 11250655. The Company’s Articles 
of Association (the ‘Articles’) may only 
be amended by a special resolution at a 
general meeting of the shareholders. 

DIRECTORS’ REPORT CONTENT
The Strategic Report, the Corporate 
Governance Report and Directors’ 
Remuneration Report are all incorporated 
by reference into this Directors’ Report 
and should be read as part of this Report.

STRATEGIC REPORT
The Strategic Report is a requirement of the 
Companies Act 2006 (the ‘Act’) and can be 
found on pages 8 to 65. The Company has 
chosen, in accordance with section 414C(11) 
of the Act, to include certain matters in 
its Strategic Report that would otherwise 
be disclosed in this Directors’ Report, 
such information is referenced below.

MANAGEMENT REPORT
For the purposes of Disclosure Guidance 
and Transparency Rule (DTR) 4, 
the Strategic Report and this Directors’ 
Report on pages 8 to 110 comprise 
the Management Report.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
STATEMENT
The corporate governance statement setting 
out how the Company complies with the 
2018 Code is set out on pages 66 to 107. 
The information required by DTR 7.2.6R can 
be found on pages 108 and 110. A description 
of the composition and operation of the 
Board and its Committees is set out on 
pages 66 to 107.

DISCLOSURES REQUIRED 
UNDER LISTING RULE 9.8.4R
The Company is required to disclose certain 
information under Listing Rule 9.8.4R in the 
Directors’ Report or advise where such 
relevant information is contained. All relevant 
disclosures can be located as follows:

Information

Directors’ compensation 

Relationship agreements

Capitalised interest

Location in Annual Report 

Remuneration Report 

Directors’ Report

Directors’ Report

Details of long-term incentive schemes 

Remuneration Report

Shareholder waivers of dividends

Directors’ Report 

Page(s)

88 to 107

110

108

97

110

RISK MANAGEMENT 
AND INTERNAL CONTROL
The Board has overall responsibility for 
monitoring the Group’s system of internal 
control and risk management and for carrying 
out a review of its effectiveness. In discharging 
that responsibility, the Board confirms that 
it has established the procedures necessary 
to apply the provisions of the 2018 Code, 
including clear operating procedures, 
lines of responsibility and delegated authority. 

Business performance is managed closely and 
the Board and the Senior Executive Team 
have established processes to monitor:
 – Strategic plan achievement, through 
a regular review of progress towards 
strategic objectives;

 – Monitoring and maintenance of insurance 
cover to insure all risk areas of the Group;

 – Financial performance, within a 

comprehensive financial planning and 
accounting framework, including budgeting 
and forecasting, financial reporting, analysing 
variances against plan and taking appropriate 
management action;

 – Capital investment and asset management 
performance, with detailed appraisal, 
authorisation and post-investment reviews; 
and

 – The emerging and principal risks 

facing the Group, ensuring that they 
are being identified, evaluated and 
appropriately managed.

The Board is supported by the Audit and Risk 
Committee in reviewing the effectiveness of 
the Group’s risk process and internal control 
systems. The system of internal control is 
designed to manage, rather than eliminate, the 
risk of failure to achieve business objectives 
and it must be recognised that it can only 
provide reasonable and not absolute assurance 
against material misstatement or loss. A robust 
assessment of the principal and emerging risks 
faced by the Company has been undertaken 
by the Board (for further informant please 
see pages 58 to 65 in the Strategic Report). 
The Board has established a framework of 
prudent and effective controls, which enable 
risk to be assessed and managed which is 
annually reviewed to ensure it remains effective. 

The Chief Financial Officer, with the assistance 
of the finance function, is responsible for the 
appropriate maintenance of financial records 
and processes. This ensures that all financial 
information is relevant, reliable, in accordance 
with the applicable laws and regulations and 
distributed both internally and externally in a 
timely manner. A review of the consolidation 
and financial statements is completed by the 
Chief Financial Officer to ensure that the 
financial position and results of the Group are 
appropriately recorded, circulated to members 
of the Board and published where appropriate. 
All financial information published by the 
Group is subject to the approval of the Board, 
on the recommendation of the Audit and 
Risk Committee.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT 
INCLUDING SECTION 172 STATEMENT
Details of the Company’s stakeholder 
engagement practices and section 172 
statement can be found on page 45. 

Further information is also available on pages 
72 and 73 in respect of the Board’s stakeholder 
engagement activities during the year. 

GOING CONCERN AND VIABILITY
The going concern statement required by 
the Listing Rules and the 2018 UK Corporate 
Governance Code (the ‘2018 Code’) is set out 
on page 65. The longer-term viability statement 
is located on page 65.

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT 
OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
Disclosures relating to financial risk 
management objectives and policies, including 
our policy for hedging are set out in note 3 
to the consolidated financial statements.

IMPORTANT EVENTS SINCE THE 
END OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR
Details of those important events affecting the 
Group which have occurred since the end of 
the financial year are set out in the Strategic 
Report and note 33 to the consolidated 
financial statements.

CAPITALISED INTEREST
$1.4 million of interest was capitalised as part 
of the development of SAP S/4HANA, this 
amount is deemed to be deductible over the 
remaining life of the asset. The amount of 
the tax benefit is immaterial to the Group.

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GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

POWERS OF THE DIRECTORS
The powers of the Directors are determined 
by the Act and the Articles of Association 
of the Company. The Directors have 
been authorised to issue and allot shares. 
These powers are subject to annual 
shareholder approval at the Annual General 
Meeting (AGM), and at the 2020 AGM 
shareholders will be asked to renew and 
extend the authority to allot shares in the 
Company, or grant rights to subscribe for, 
or to convert any security into, shares in the 
Company for the purposes of section 551 
of the Act (the 'Allotment Resolution').

The authority in the first part of the Allotment 
Resolution will allow the Directors to allot 
new shares in the Company, or to grant rights 
to subscribe for, or convert any security into, 
shares in the Company up to a nominal value 
which is equivalent to approximately one 
third of the total issued ordinary share capital 
of the Company.

The authority in the second part of the 
Allotment Resolution will allow the Directors 
to allot new shares in the Company, or to 
grant rights to subscribe for, or convert any 
security into, shares in the Company, only in 
connection with a rights issue, up to a nominal 
value which is equivalent to approximately an 
additional third of the total issued ordinary 
share capital of the Company. This is in 
line with corporate governance guidelines. 
In addition, shareholders will be asked at the 
2020 AGM to grant the Directors authority 
to disapply pre-emption rights in line with 
corporate governance guidelines.

There are no present plans to undertake a 
rights issue or to allot any further new shares 
other than in connection with the Company’s 
share schemes and plans. 

The Company did not repurchase any shares 
during the financial year ended 31 December 
2019. At the 2020 AGM shareholders will 
be asked to grant authority to the Directors 
under section 701 of the Act to make market 
purchases of ordinary shares up to a maximum 
of 126,607,305 shares. As at 3 March 2020, the 
Company did not hold any shares in treasury. 
Any ordinary shares purchased may be 
cancelled or held in treasury.

DIRECTORS’ INDEMNITIES
In accordance with the Company’s Articles 
of Association and to the extent permitted 
by law, Directors are granted a deed of 
indemnity from the Company in respect 
of liability incurred as a result of their office. 
Qualifying third party indemnity provisions 
(as defined by section 234 of the Act) were in 
force during the year ended 31 December 2019 
and remain in force. In addition, the Company 
provides Board members with Directors’ 
and Officers’ Liability Insurance. Neither the 
indemnity nor the insurance provides cover 
in the event that a Director is proven to have 
acted dishonestly or fraudulently.

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS
The Directors’ interests in ordinary shares of 
the Company are set out within the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report. No Director has any 
other interest in any shares or loan stock of 
any Group company. No Director was or is 
materially interested in any contract, other 
than under their service contract or letter 
of appointment, which was subsisting during 
or existing at the end of year and which was 
significant in relation to the Group’s business. 
Please refer to the ‘Relationship Agreements’ 
section for information relating to the Group’s 
relationship with Vitol.

There are procedures in place to deal with any 
conflicts of interest and these have operated 
effectively during the year. Further details are 
set out on page 80.

RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
As required under the DTRs, a statement 
made by the Board regarding the preparation 
of the financial statements is set out on 
page 111, which also provides details regarding 
the disclosure of information to the Company’s 
auditors and Management’s report on internal 
control over financial information.

SHARE CAPITAL
As at the date of this Report, the Company’s 
issued share capital is composed of a single 
class of 1,266,073,050 ordinary shares of 
US$0.50 each.

FAIR, BALANCED 
AND UNDERSTANDABLE
The Board considers the Annual Report 
and financial statements, when taken as a 
whole, is fair, balanced and understandable 
and provides the information necessary for 
shareholders to assess the Company’s position 
and performance, business model and strategy. 
There are various activities, policies and 
procedures in place for the Board to ensure 
a fair balanced and understandable Annual 
Report. These include, but are not limited to:
 – The Annual Report and the financial 
statements have been prepared in 
accordance with the applicable reporting 
and regulatory frameworks, including 
International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRS), FRS 102, UK Companies Act 2006, 
the 2018 Code, the Listing Rules and the 
Disclosure Guidance and Transparency 
Rules and UK GAAP.

 – Accounting policies are used Company-wide 
to ensure accurate and correct accounting 
treatment. All financials are maintained 
according to those guidelines which ensure 
compliance with IFRS.

 – The Company has an extensive set of 

internal controls covering various areas 
of the business. The internal control 
KPIs are monitored and measured on a 
monthly basis. The finance departments 
have department manuals which detail 
the reporting process to be followed 
and the controls in place to mitigate 
risk, these include the Finance manual, 
Credit & Treasury manual and Tax manual.

 – Monthly reporting to the Board on 

financial performance.

OVERSEAS BRANCHES
As at 31 December 2019, the Group had the 
following branches:
 – Engen Marketing Tanzania Limited (branch 
registered in Tanzania, company registered 
in Bahamas). 

 – Plateau Africa Holdings Limited (branch 

registered in Mauritius, company registered 
in Canada). 

 – Vivo Energy Namibia Ltd. (branch registered 
in Namibia, company registered in the UK).

 – Vivo Energy Overseas Holdings Limited 
(branch registered in Kenya, company 
registered in the Mauritius).

DIRECTORS
The details of the Directors of the Company 
who held office during the year and up to 
the date of this report can be found on 
pages 74 to 75.

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DIRECTORS’ REPORT CONTINUED

SHAREHOLDERS’ RIGHTS
Each ordinary share of the Company carries 
one vote at general meetings of the Company. 
Except as set out in the Articles or in applicable 
legislation, there are no restrictions on the 
transfer of shares or on the voting rights in 
the Company.

In accordance with applicable law and the 
Company’s share dealing policy, certain 
employees are required to seek approval 
before dealing in any Company securities.

The holders of ordinary shares are entitled to 
receive the Company’s reports and accounts, 
to attend and speak at general meetings of the 
Company, to appoint proxies and to exercise 
voting rights. None of the shares carry any 
special rights with regards to control of the 
Company. There are no arrangements of 
which the Company is aware under which 
financial rights are held by a person other 
than the holder of the shares, and no known 
agreements relating to, or places restrictions 
on, share transfers or voting rights.

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT TRUST (THE ‘EBT’)
On 10 May 2019 the Company established 
the Vivo Energy Employee Benefit Trust. 
This is a discretionary trust formed to enable 
the Company to issue shares to certain 
employees under the Company’s share plans, 
namely the IPO Share Award, Long-Term 
Incentive Plan and any other share plan that 
the Company may establish in the future. 
To satisfy the first tranche of the IPO Share 
Award, the EBT subscribed for 1,070,531 shares 
on 10 May 2019. As at 31 December 2019 
the EBT held no shares. Dividends on shares 
held by the EBT are waived.

DIVIDENDS
Full details of the Company’s dividend policy 
and proposed final dividend payment for the 
year ended 31 December 2019 are set out 
on page 153 and note 23 to the consolidated 
financial statements.

SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDINGS
The major shareholders of the Company 
are Vitol Africa B.V. and VIP Africa II B.V. 
(together ‘Vitol’) and HIP Oils Mauritius Limited 
and Helios Holdings Limited (together ‘Helios’). 

Details regarding the notifications received 
by the Company in relation to material 
shareholdings pursuant to the Disclosure 
Guidance and Transparency Rules can be 
found on page 175.

RELATIONSHIP AGREEMENTS
As at 31 December 2019, Helios held 29% and 
Vitol held 36% of the Company’s shares in issue 
and were therefore classified as controlling 
shareholders under the Listing Rules.

Pursuant to Listing Rule 9.2.2AD(1) the 
Company has entered into relationship 
agreements with both Helios and Vitol which 
shall only be terminated in the event that 
the respective shareholder and its associates 
cease to hold at least 10% of the shares in 
the Company, or if the Company ceases to 

110

be admitted to listing on the premium segment 
of the Official List and traded on London Stock 
Exchanges Main Market for listed securities. 
Throughout the period under review, the 
Company has complied with provisions and 
obligations in the relationship agreements, and 
as far as the Company is aware, both Helios 
and Vitol have also complied. 

CHANGE OF CONTROL
The Company’s subsidiary, Vivo Energy 
Investments B.V. has in place a credit facility 
agreement under which a change in control of 
the Company would in certain circumstances 
trigger repayment provisions. In addition, the 
Group’s arrangements with brand partners 
and the shareholders’ agreement in relation to 
Shell and Vivo Lubricants B.V. could be subject 
to change of control termination provisions 
in limited circumstances.

The Company’s share plans (including the 
IPO Share Awards and Long-Term Incentive 
Plan granted to the Executive Directors and 
Senior Management) contain clauses which 
may cause options and awards to vest on a 
change in control, in some cases subject to the 
satisfaction of performance conditions at that 
time. The Company is not party to any other 
significant agreements that would take effect, 
alter or terminate upon a change of control 
following a takeover.

No Director or employee is contractually 
entitled to compensation for loss of office or 
employment as a result of a change in control.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Group sources fuel products from 
Vitol S.A. and certain of its affiliates (together, 
‘Vitol Fuel’) under a supply agreement. 
The supply agreement is a framework 
agreement under which Vitol Fuel is the 
Group’s preferred supplier. Details of the 
transactions under the supply agreement 
which took place during the year, are 
disclosed in note 32 to the consolidated 
financial statements.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES AND FUTURE 
DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN THE GROUP
The Strategic Report sets out the principal 
activities of the Group and contains details 
of possible future developments.

SUSTAINABILITY AND GREENHOUSE 
GAS DISCLOSURES 
Information about the Company’s approach to 
sustainability including details of our greenhouse 
gas emissions is set out in the Strategic Report 
on page 55. 

POLITICAL DONATIONS
No political donations were made during 
the financial year-end. The Company’s 
policy is that no political donations be made 
or political expenditure incurred.

EXTERNAL AUDITORS
So far as each Director is aware, there is no 
relevant information of which the Company’s 
External Auditor is unaware. Each Director 
has taken all steps that ought to have been 
taken as a Director to make himself aware of 
any relevant audit information and to establish 
that PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) 
are aware of that information.

As detailed on page 87, the Audit and Risk 
Committee recommended, and the Board 
approved, the proposal that the current 
Auditors, PwC, be reappointed as Auditors 
of the Company at the AGM. Resolutions to 
reappoint PwC as the Company’s Auditors 
until the conclusion of the AGM in 2021 and 
to authorise the Directors to determine 
their remuneration, will be proposed to 
shareholders at the AGM.

AGM
The Company’s 2020 AGM will be held at 
2.00 p.m. on 20 May 2020 at Freshfields 
Bruckhaus Deringer LLP, 28 Tudor Street, 
Temple, London EC4Y 0BH United Kingdom. 
The Notice of the AGM contains a full 
explanation of the business to be conducted at 
the meeting and can be found on our website. 

EMPLOYEE INVOLVEMENT
The Company considers it important that its 
employees are involved and engaged at all levels 
within the organisation. Through channels such 
as Vivo Energy’s town hall meetings which 
are undertaken on a quarterly basis within 
each Operating Unit, management ensure 
that employees are updated with matters 
of interest, including updated on Company 
performance. During the year the Board 
were provided with an overview of the output 
following the employee engagement survey 
which highlighted key issues affecting Vivo 
Energy employees.

Further details on employee involvement can 
be found in the Strategic Report on pages 50 
and 51. Additional information regarding the 
Board’s workforce engagement champion can 
be found on page 71.

EMPLOYMENT OF DISABLED PEOPLE
Further details on the employment of disabled 
people can be found in the Strategic Report 
on page 49.

MODERN SLAVERY
In compliance with the Modern Slavery 
Act 2016, the Company’s statement on 
Modern Slavery can be found on our website.

The Directors’ Report was approved by the 
Board on 3 March 2020. 

By order of the Board

JOHN DALY
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

3 MARCH 2020

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019 
STR ATEG IC REP ORT

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

The Directors are responsible for preparing 
the Annual Report and Accounts in 
accordance with applicable law and regulations. 
Company law requires the Directors to 
prepare financial statements for each 
financial year. Under that law, the Directors 
have elected to prepare the Group financial 
statements in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted 
by the European Union (EU). The Company 
financial statements have been prepared in 
accordance with United Kingdom Generally 
Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom 
Accounting Standards, comprising FRS 102), the 
Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the 
UK and Republic of Ireland, and applicable law. 

In preparing these financial statements, the 
Directors are required to:
 – adopt the going concern basis unless it is 

inappropriate to do so;

 – select suitable accounting policies and then 
apply them consistently from year to year;
 – make judgements and accounting estimates 

that are reasonable and prudent; and
 – state whether IFRS as adopted by the EU 
and IFRS as issued by the IASB have been 
followed for the Group financial statements 
and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, 
comprising FRS 102, have been followed 
for the Company financial statements.

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

The Directors are responsible for the 
maintenance and integrity of the corporate 
and financial information included on the 
Company’s website. 

DECLARATION 
Each of the Directors, whose names and 
functions are listed on pages 74 to 75 of 
the Annual Report, confirm to the best 
of their knowledge, that:
 – the Group financial statements, which 

have been prepared in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards 
as adopted by the EU and applicable law, 
give a true and fair view of the assets, 
liabilities, financial position and profit of 
the Group;

 – the Company financial statements, which 
have been prepared in accordance with 
United Kingdom Generally Accepted 
Accounting Practice (United Kingdom 
Accounting Standards, comprising FRS 102 
‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable 
in the UK and Republic of Ireland’, and 
applicable law), give a true and fair view 
of the assets, liabilities, financial position 
and profit of the Company;

 – the Strategic Report and Directors’ Report 
include a fair review of the development 
and performance of the business and 
the position of the Group, together 
with a description of the principal risks 
and uncertainties that it faces; and
 – as at the date of this Report, there is 

no relevant audit information of which 
the Company’s auditor is unaware. 
Each Director has taken all the steps he or 
she should 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 auditors are aware 
of that information.

The Board confirms that the Annual Report 
and financial statements when taken as a 
whole are fair, balanced and understandable 
and provide the information necessary for 
shareholders to assess the strategy, position and 
performance and business model of the Group.

For and on behalf of the Board

CHRISTIAN CHAMMAS
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Legislation in the UK governing the preparation 
and dissemination of financial statements may 
differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

3 MARCH 2020

JOHAN DEPRAETERE
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

3 MARCH 2020

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FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS

HERE WE SET OUT OUR STATUTORY ACCOUNTS AND 
SUPPORTING NOTES, WHICH ARE INDEPENDENTLY 
AUDITED AND PROVIDE IN-DEPTH DISCLOSURE 
ON THE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF OUR BUSINESS.

CONTENTS

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Independent Auditors’ Report 

 Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

Consolidated statement of financial position 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity 

Consolidated statement of cash flows 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements 

Company financial statements 

Notes to the Company financial statements 

113

120

121

122

123

124

164

166

112

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GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF VIVO ENERGY PLC

REPORT ON THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OPINION

In our opinion:
 – Vivo Energy plc’s Group financial statements and Company financial statements (the “financial statements”) give a true and fair view of the 
state of the Group’s and of the Company’s affairs as at 31 December 2019 and of the Group’s profit and cash flows for the year then ended;
 – The Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted 

by the European Union;

 – The Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice 
(United Kingdom Accounting Standards, comprising FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland”, 
and applicable law); and

 – The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the Group financial 

statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

We have audited the financial statements, included within the Annual Report and Accounts (the “Annual Report”), which comprise: the Consolidated 
and Company statements of financial position as at 31 December 2019; the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the Consolidated 
statement of cash flows, and the Consolidated and Company statements of changes in equity for the year then ended; and the notes to the 
Consolidated and Company financial statements, which include a description of the significant accounting policies.

Our opinion is consistent with our reporting to the Audit Committee.

BASIS FOR OPINION

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (“ISAs (UK)”) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under 
ISAs (UK) are further described in the Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We believe that the 
audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Independence

We remained independent of the Group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the 
UK, which includes the FRC’s Ethical Standard, as applicable to listed public interest entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in 
accordance with these requirements.

To the best of our knowledge and belief, we declare that non-audit services prohibited by the FRC’s Ethical Standard were not provided to the Group 
or the Company.

Other than those disclosed in note 7 to the financial statements, we have provided no non-audit services to the Group or the Company in the period 
from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019.

OUR AUDIT APPROACH

Context

PricewaterhouseCoopers Accountants NV, were the auditors of Vivo Energy Holding B.V., the parent company of the Group prior to June 2018 
and had been since the year ended 31 December 2012. Following the Group’s listing on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange in May 2018, 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP were appointed as auditors of the Group and Vivo Energy plc. In preparation of the listing Vivo Energy plc was 
incorporated and installed as the Group’s parent company. Partners and staff from PricewaterhouseCoopers Accountants NV continue to 
support PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP on the Group audit for the year ended 31 December 2019.

Overview

 – Overall Group materiality: $13.0 million (2018: $14.0 million), based on 5% of earnings before tax and special items.
 – Overall Company materiality: $18.5 million (2018: $18.0 million), based on 1% of net assets.

Materiality

Audit scope

 – Ten components engaged to perform audit of their complete financial information.
 – 2 components engaged to perform audits of specific balances.
 – Overall coverage of 72% revenue, 72% profit before tax, and 68% total assets was obtained.
 – 5 components were visited by the group engagement team.

Key audit
matters

 – Recoverability of other government benefits receivable (Group).
 – Provisions for uncertain tax positions (Group).
 – Accounting for the acquisition of Vivo Energy Overseas Holdings Limited (Group).

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INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF VIVO ENERGY PLC 
REPORT ON THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

The scope of our audit

As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality and assessed the risks of material misstatement in the financial statements. 

Capability of the audit in detecting irregularities, including fraud

Based on our understanding of the Group and industry, we identified that the principal risks of non-compliance with laws and regulations related to 
breaches of anti-bribery and corruption laws, health and safety regulations and competition laws and regulations (see page 60 of the Annual Report), 
and we considered the extent to which non-compliance might have a material effect on the financial statements. We also considered those laws and 
regulations that have a direct impact on the preparation of the financial statements such as the Companies Act 2006, Listing Rules, UK tax legislation 
and other legislation specific to the industry in which the Group operates. We evaluated management’s incentives and opportunities for fraudulent 
manipulation of the financial statements (including the risk of override of controls), and determined that the principal risks were related to posting 
inappropriate journal entries to increase revenue or reduce expenditure, and management bias in accounting estimates. The group engagement 
team shared this risk assessment with the component auditors so that they could include appropriate audit procedures in response to such risks 
in their work. Audit procedures performed by the group engagement team and/or component auditors included:
 – Discussions with management including Internal Audit, Finance, Head of Ethics and Compliance and the Head of Forensics. These discussions 

included consideration of known or suspected instances of non-compliance with laws and regulation and fraud;

 – Evaluation of management’s controls designed to prevent and detect irregularities, in particular their anti-bribery controls. For example, 

understanding the Group’s bid and contracting approval controls, the extent to which the Group’s anti-bribery and corruption programme is 
embedded in operating units, assessment of procedures associated with making one-off payments to counterparties and searching third party 
sources for allegations of corruption made against the Group and its employees;

 – Assessment of matters reported on the Group’s whistleblowing helpline or through other mediums and the results of management’s investigation 

of such matters;

 – Reading key correspondence with regulatory authorities;
 – Challenging assumptions and judgements made by management in their significant accounting estimates, in particular in relation to legal and 

tax claims and government benefits receivables (see related key audit matters below); 

 – Identifying and testing journal entries both at a local operating unit level and Group consolidation, in particular any journal entries posted 

with unusual account combinations or posted by senior management; and

 – Review of correspondence with, or reports issued by, competition authorities and assessment of external legal advice received in respect 

of any matters raised.

There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above and the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is 
from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we would become aware of it. Also, the risk of not detecting a 
material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, 
for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

Key audit matters

Key audit matters are those matters that, in the auditors’ professional judgement, were of most significance in the audit of the financial statements 
of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) identified by the 
auditors, including those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy; the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts 
of the engagement team. These matters, and any comments we make on the results of our procedures thereon, were addressed in the context 
of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. 
This is not a complete list of all risks identified by our audit. 

KEY AUDIT MATTER

Provisions for uncertain tax positions

Refer to notes 2, 10 and 25 in the Group financial statements. 
The Group operates in a number of tax jurisdictions and recognises tax 
based on interpretation of local laws and regulations which are sometimes 
uncertain and requires interpretation. In several territories tax audits are 
performed and tax claims are made however these are often settled for 
much less once further information is supplied. The claims often focus on 
the application of transfer pricing policies. Management are required to 
make judgements on whether it is probable that the tax authorities will 
accept the current treatment and, where it is not considered probable, 
estimate the expected value or the most likely value of the payout.
We focused on the judgements and estimates made by management 
in assessing the likelihood and quantification of material exposures 
and the associated uncertain tax position provisions.

Recoverability of other government benefits receivables

Refer to note 2 and 17 in the Group financial statements. 
The Group has $110 million of receivables mostly due from 8 governments 
principally related to subsidies for product prices or incidental costs where 
regulated price mechanisms exist. The recoverability of these receivables 
is not always certain with outstanding balances being aged and with 
governments with poor or no credit ratings.
Determination of the provisioning required against these receivables 
requires consideration of the willingness and ability of the counterparties 
to meet their debts. This can often be complex and highly judgemental.
Due to the nature and aging of the receivables in Guinea and Senegal 
we identified the receivables with the governments of these countries 
to be where our main audit focus was required.

HOW OUR AUDIT ADDRESSED THE  
KEY AUDIT MATTER

With the assistance of our local and international tax specialists 
including transfer pricing specialists, we evaluated management’s 
judgements in respect of the likelihood of tax positions being challenged. 
We looked at the nature of the transactions, the technical merits of 
the position and the local tax authorities’ track record of challenging 
similar tax positions.
We also challenged management on the level of provisioning booked 
for each uncertain tax position, considering both whether the level 
of provisioning was too prudent or too optimistic. We considered 
management’s assessment through the examination of their analysis 
of these positions, including testing of their detailed workings 
and consideration of advice received from their tax advisers. 
We determined that the provisions recognised and the disclosures 
in the financial statements were reasonable.

For Senegal and Guinea we performed procedures to determine the 
accuracy of the receivables being recognised, including the legal right 
to offset, by assessing supporting documentation and confirming the 
positions directly with the government authorities. In addition we 
verified the claims arising in the year to the underlying transactions 
and payments back to bank statements.
Where provisioning was required for the receivables with Guinea 
and Senegal, we assessed management’s calculation against the 
communications with the local authorities, historical precedent of 
similar matters being resolved, and evidence of the Group’s efforts to 
secure payment. In addition, we sought independent evidence of the 
government’s ability and willingness to pay by considering third party 
published views on the economic and fiscal positions of the countries, 
meeting with government representatives and seeking the view 
of internal specialists.
We similarly performed procedures over the accuracy of the 
receivables recognised in the year for other government receivables 
by obtaining and testing the movement schedule. We performed 
confirmations directly with the governments and, where these 
were ineffective, alternative procedures. In addition, we assessed 
each government’s ability to pay through review of credit ratings, 
reports from international bodies and media searches.
Based on our work performed, we found the judgements and 
assumptions used by management in the recoverability assessment 
of government benefits receivables to be supportable based on 
the available evidence.

115

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF VIVO ENERGY PLC 
REPORT ON THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

KEY AUDIT MATTER

Accounting for the acquisition of Vivo Energy Overseas Holdings 
Limited (“VEOHL”)

Refer to note 2 and 11 in the Group financial statements. 
In March 2019, the Group completed the Engen International Holdings 
(Mauritius) Limited, subsequently renamed Vivo Energy Overseas 
Holdings Limited (VEOHL), acquisition for a purchase consideration of 
$177m comprising issuance of 63 million ordinary shares and a $64m cash 
settlement. This acquisition represents a significant one-off transaction 
as well as a notable geographical expansion of the Vivo Energy business. 
We have considered the valuation of the purchased assets and 
liabilities as the most significant area of audit focus given the high level 
of judgement and estimation involved. We have engaged valuation 
experts to support our work.

HOW OUR AUDIT ADDRESSED THE  
KEY AUDIT MATTER

To ensure completeness, accuracy and existence of the inputs into 
the valuation of purchased assets and liabilities we performed specified 
procedures on the opening balance sheets of the largest acquired 
Engen entities. We engaged pension and tax specialists to support these 
procedures in relation to retirement benefit obligations and uncertain 
tax positions including those related to transfer pricing.
We engaged internal experts to assess the valuation methodology 
and assumptions used in determining the value of PPE and intangible 
assets acquired including relationships with retail station owners 
and operators, brand name and commercial customer relationships 
and the business enterprise value.
We assessed, with support from our internal valuation experts, the 
purchase price allocation report prepared for management by their 
experts, Deloitte. In addition, we identified the level at which goodwill 
should be allocated, noting that this should be at the lowest level at 
which it is monitored for internal management purposes but must not 
be larger than the operating segments defined by IFRS 8, and assessed 
for impairment.
Based on the procedures performed we concluded that management 
had accurately determined the value of the business acquired and 
appropriately recognised goodwill.

We determined that there were no key audit matters applicable to the Company to communicate in our report.

How we tailored the audit scope

We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed enough work to be able to give an opinion on the financial statements as a whole, 
taking into account the structure of the Group and the Company, the accounting processes and controls, and the industry in which they operate.

The Group operates in 23 countries across Africa. It is structured such that each country operates semi-autonomously with oversight, consolidation, 
and certain activities performed by Group management. Each country can contain many legal entities, associates and joint ventures for which 
separate financial information is prepared. In general, each country will prepare an IFRS pack (the ‘financial information’) for its principal operating 
activities which will contain one or more legal entities. We have identified a component as being the entity or group of entities for which an IFRS pack 
is prepared.

We identified Morocco and Kenya as financially significant components based on their size compared to the consolidated financial statements of the 
Group. A further 6, large components were identified and engaged to perform audits of their complete financial information in order to provide 
appropriate coverage over the operations of the Group. In addition, Tunisia performed an audit of the revenue and receivables balances only in 
order to provide sufficient coverage over the revenue balance.

Guinea and Senegal were identified as significant risk components relating to the recoverability of government benefits receivables as described in 
the key audit matters. Guinea was requested to perform an audit over the other assets balance only while Senegal was engaged to perform an audit 
of their complete financial information as one of the 6 components identified above.

Reunion and Zimbabwe components were engaged to perform audits of their complete financial information. These components provide limited 
contribution to the consolidated results of the Group however represent 2 of the largest entities acquired as part of the VEOHL acquisition described 
in the key audit matters above.

Procedures were also performed at a Group level over balances including cash, goodwill and external borrowings which are included in legal entities 
not associated with an individual country. Procedures over centralised controls and IT functions were also performed by the group engagement team.

Overall coverage of 72% of revenue, 72% of profit before tax, and 68% of total assets was obtained. None of the operating units excluded from our 
Group audit scope individually contributed more than 5% to consolidated revenue. 

Interactions with component teams varied depending on their size, complexity and risk. Interactions with each component included: detailed 
instruction; a risk assessment and audit approach planning meeting; detailed deliverables identifying significant matters and procedures performed 
over significant risks; status and clearance meetings at key stages of the audit; and file reviews tailored to the specifics of the component. This was 
in addition to further ad-hoc calls and emails to discuss matters arising.

In addition, members of the Group engagement team performed visits to audit teams responsible for Morocco, Kenya, Ghana, Senegal and 
Côte d’Ivoire. These represent the 2 financially significant components as well as 3 other large components as part of a rotational process that 
covers all large components.

The Company financial statements audit was performed independently by the Group engagement team. This did not contribute to the scope 
of work performed on the consolidated financial statements.

116

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GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

Materiality

The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality. We set certain quantitative thresholds for materiality. These, together 
with qualitative considerations, helped us to determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and extent of our audit procedures on 
the individual financial statement line items and disclosures and in evaluating the effect of misstatements, both individually and in aggregate on 
the financial statements as a whole. 

Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole as follows:

GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Overall materiality

$13.0 million (2018: $14.0 million).

$18.5 million (2018: $18.0 million).

How we determined it

5% of earnings before tax and special items.

1% of net assets.

Rationale for benchmark applied The Group is profit-oriented, therefore it is considered 

most appropriate to use a profit-based benchmark. 
The Directors, management and the users of the 
Group financial statements focus on adjusted numbers, 
being adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBIT and adjusted 
net income. The Group defines “adjusted” as excluding 
special items. Based on this, we consider an adjusted 
metric of profit before tax and special items to be the 
most appropriate benchmark.

The entity is a holding company of the rest of the Group 
and is not a trading entity. Therefore an asset based 
measure is considered appropriate. The strength of the 
balance sheet is the key measure of financial health that 
is important to shareholders since the primary concern 
for the Company is the payment of dividends.

For each component in the scope of our Group audit, we allocated a materiality that is less than our overall Group materiality. The range of materiality 
allocated across components was between $1.0 million and $12.0 million. Certain components were audited to a local statutory audit materiality that 
was also less than our overall Group materiality.

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them misstatements identified during our audit above $1.0 million (Group audit) 
(2018: $0.7 million) and $1.0 million (Company audit) (2018: $0.9 million) as well as misstatements below those amounts that, in our view, warranted 
reporting for qualitative reasons.

Going concern

In accordance with ISAs (UK) we report as follows:

REPORTING OBLIGATION

OUTCOME

We are required to report if we have anything material to add or draw attention 
to in respect of the Directors’ statement in the financial statements about whether 
the Directors considered it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of 
accounting in preparing the financial statements and the Directors’ identification 
of any material uncertainties to the Group’s and the Company’s ability to continue 
as a going concern over a period of at least twelve months from the date of approval 
of the financial statements.

We are required to report if the Directors’ statement relating to going concern in 
accordance with Listing Rule 9.8.6R(3) is materially inconsistent with our knowledge 
obtained in the audit.

We have nothing material to add or to draw attention 
to. However, because not all future events or conditions 
can be predicted, this statement is not a guarantee 
as to the Group’s and Company’s ability to continue 
as a going concern. For example, the terms of the 
United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union 
are not clear, and it is difficult to evaluate all of the 
potential implications on the Group’s trade, customers, 
suppliers and the wider economy.

We have nothing to report.

117

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF VIVO ENERGY PLC 
REPORT ON THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

REPORTING ON OTHER INFORMATION 

The other information comprises all of the information in the Annual Report other than the financial statements and our auditors’ report thereon. 
The Directors are responsible for the other information. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, 
accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion or, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in this report, any form of assurance thereon. 

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the 
other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially 
misstated. If we identify an apparent material inconsistency or material misstatement, we are required to perform procedures to conclude whether 
there is a material misstatement of the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have 
performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to 
report based on these responsibilities.

With respect to the Strategic Report and Directors’ Report, we also considered whether the disclosures required by the UK Companies Act 2006 
have been included.

Based on the responsibilities described above and our work undertaken in the course of the audit, the Companies Act 2006 (CA06), ISAs (UK)  
and the Listing Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) require us also to report certain opinions and matters as described below 
(required by ISAs (UK) unless otherwise stated).

STRATEGIC REPORT AND DIRECTORS’ REPORT

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit, the information given in the Strategic Report and Directors’ Report for the 
year ended 31 December 2019 is consistent with the financial statements and has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. 
(CA06)
In light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and Company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit, we did not 
identify any material misstatements in the Strategic Report and Directors’ Report. (CA06)

THE DIRECTORS’ ASSESSMENT OF THE PROSPECTS OF THE GROUP AND OF THE  
PRINCIPAL RISKS THAT WOULD THREATEN THE SOLVENCY OR LIQUIDITY OF THE GROUP

We have nothing material to add or draw attention to regarding:
 – The Directors’ confirmation on page 65 of the Annual Report that they have carried out a robust assessment of the principal risks facing the Group, 

including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity.

 – The disclosures in the Annual Report that describe those risks and explain how they are being managed or mitigated.
 – The Directors’ explanation on page 65 of the Annual Report as to how they have assessed the prospects of the Group, over what period they 
have done so and why they consider that period to be appropriate, and their statement as to whether they have a reasonable expectation that 
the Group will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the period of their assessment, including any related 
disclosures drawing attention to any necessary qualifications or assumptions.

We have nothing to report having performed a review of the Directors’ statement that they have carried out a robust assessment of the principal 
risks facing the Group and statement in relation to the longer-term viability of the Group. Our review was substantially less in scope than an 
audit and only consisted of making inquiries and considering the Directors’ process supporting their statements; checking that the statements 
are in alignment with the relevant provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code (the “Code”); and considering whether the statements 
are consistent with the knowledge and understanding of the Group and Company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit. 
(Listing Rules)

OTHER CODE PROVISIONS

We have nothing to report in respect of our responsibility to report when: 
 – The statement given by the Directors, on page 109, that they consider the Annual Report taken as a whole to be fair, balanced and understandable, 
and provides the information necessary for the members to assess the Group’s and Company’s position and performance, business model and 
strategy is materially inconsistent with our knowledge of the Group and Company obtained in the course of performing our audit.

 – The section of the Annual Report on page 84 describing the work of the Audit Committee does not appropriately address matters communicated 

by us to the Audit Committee.

 – The Directors’ statement relating to the Company’s compliance with the Code does not properly disclose a departure from a relevant provision 

of the Code specified, under the Listing Rules, for review by the auditors.

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

In our opinion, the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 
2006. (CA06)

118

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GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND THE AUDIT

Responsibilities of the Directors for the financial statements

As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors’ responsibilities set out on page 111, the Directors are responsible for the preparation of the 
financial statements in accordance with the applicable framework and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. The Directors are also 
responsible for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the Directors are responsible for assessing the Group’s and the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, 
disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Directors either intend to liquidate 
the Group or the Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether 
due to fraud or error, and to issue an Auditors’ Report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a 
guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise 
from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic 
decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. 

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the FRC’s website at:  
www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Auditors’ Report.

Use of this report

This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and only for the Company’s members as a body in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 
of the Companies Act 2006 and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving these opinions, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose 
or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.

OTHER REQUIRED REPORTING

COMPANIES ACT 2006 EXCEPTION REPORTING

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:
 – we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or
 – adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not 

visited by us; or

 – certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or
 – the Company financial statements and the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited are not in agreement with the accounting 

records and returns.

We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility. 

APPOINTMENT

Following the recommendation of the Audit Committee, we were appointed by the Directors on 20 April 2018 to audit the financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2018 and subsequent financial periods. The period of total uninterrupted engagement is 2 years, covering the years 
ended 31 December 2018 to 31 December 2019.

Nicholas Stevenson (Senior Statutory Auditor) 
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors 
London 
3 March 2020

119

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

US$ million

Revenues
Cost of sales 
Gross profit 
Selling and marketing cost
General and administrative cost

Share of profit of joint ventures and associates
Other income/(expense)
Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT)
Finance income
Finance expense 
Finance expense – net
Earnings before tax (EBT)
Income taxes 
Net income 

Net income attributable to:
Equity holders of Vivo Energy plc
Non-controlling interest (NCI)

Other comprehensive income (OCI)
Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss
Currency translation differences
Net investment hedge gain
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss
Re-measurement of retirement benefits
Income tax relating to retirement benefits
Change in fair value of financial instruments through OCI
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
Total comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income attributable to:
Equity holders of Vivo Energy plc
Non-controlling interest (NCI)

Earnings per share (US$) 
Basic
Diluted

The notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Non-gaap Measures
US$ million, unless otherwise indicated

EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted net income
Adjusted diluted EPS (US$)

Notes

5

5

7

14
8
6

9

10
6

15

22

2019

8,302
(7,627)
675
(224)
(165)

2018

7,549
(6,924)
625
(197)
(183)

22
2
310
7
(71)
(64)
246
(96)
150

136
14
150

(42)
3

–
–
1
(38)
112

113
(1)
112

0.11
0.11

2019

416

431
162
0.12

28
3
276
6
(53)
(47)
229
(83)
146

135
11
146

(20)
7

3
(1)
1
(10)
136

126
10
136

0.11
0.11

2018

366

400
178
0.14

Refer to the non-GAAP financial measures definitions and reconciliations to the most comparable IFRS measures on page 42 and 43.

120

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GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

US$ million

Assets
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Right-of-use assets
Intangible assets
Investments in joint ventures and associates
Deferred income taxes 
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income
Other assets

Current assets
Inventories
Trade receivables
Other assets
Income tax receivables
Other financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents 

Total assets

Equity and liabilities
Total equity
Attributable to equity holders of Vivo Energy plc
Non-controlling interest 

Liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Lease liabilities
Borrowings
Provisions
Deferred income taxes
Other liabilities

Current liabilities
Lease liabilities
Trade payables
Borrowings
Provisions
Other financial liabilities
Other liabilities
Income tax payables

Total liabilities
Total equity and liabilities

Notes

31 December 
2019

31 December  
2018

12
28
13
14
10
15
17

18
19
17

16
20

21

28
24
25, 26
10
27

28

24
25, 26
16
27

823
176
226
227
34
9
110
1,605

517
451
257
9
–
517
1,751
3,356

751
53
804

104
294
102
66
160
726

21
1,257
306
14
3
178
47
1,826
2,552
3,356

622
148
134
223
36
8
101
1,272

441
444
255
19
3
393
1,555
2,827

533
48
581

98
314
75
51
143
681

13
1,062
286
15
–
165
24
1,565
2,246
2,827

The notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

The consolidated financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 3 March 2020 and were signed on its 
behalf by:

CHRISTIAN CHAMMAS 
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 

JOHAN DEPRAETERE 
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

121

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

Attributable to equity holders of Vivo Energy plc

Notes

Share 
capital

Share 
premium

Retained 
earnings Reserves1

Retirement 
benefits

Other reserves

Currency 
translation 
difference

Fair 
value 
reserves

Equity-
settled 
incentive 
schemes2

NCI 
reserves

Total

NCI

Total 
equity

601
–
–
–
–
31
1
–
–
–
633

31

11

31

23

3
–
–
–
–
–
1
–
–
–
4

72
136
–
136
–
–
–
2
19
(30)
199

(136)
–
–
–
–
82
–
–
–
–
(54)

2 
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
2

(19)
–
(24)
(24)
–
–
–
–
–
–
(43)

1
–
1
1
–
–
–
–
–
–
2

9
–
–
–
1
–
(2)
–
–
–
8

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

533
136
(23)
113
1
113
–
2
19
(30)
751

48 581
14 150
(15)
(38)
(1) 112
–
1
12 125
–
–
4
6
–
19
(10)
(40)
53 804

Attributable to equity holders of Vivo Energy plc

Notes

Share 
capital

Share 
premium

Retained 
earnings

Reserves

Retirement 
benefits

Other reserves

Currency 
translation 
difference

Fair 
value 
reserves

Equity-
settled 
incentive 
schemes2

NCI 
reserves

Total

NCI

Total 
equity

–
–
–
–
–
1,800
3
(1,202)

–
–
601

245
–
–
–
(245)
–
1
2
–
–
3

21

21

21

31

23

309
135
–
135
(364)
–
–
–
–
(8)
72

–
–
–
–
–

(1,336)

–
1,200
–
–
(136)

(2)
–
2
2
2
–
–
–
–
–
2 

(160)
–
(12)
(12)
153
–
–
–
–
–
(19)

2
–
1
1
(2)
–
–
–
–
–
1

2
–
–
–
(2)
–
–
–
9
–
9

6
–
–
–
(6)
–
–
–
–
–
–

402
135
(9)
126
(464)
464
4
–
9
(8)
533

46 448
11
146
(1)
(10)
10
136
– (464)
–
464
–
4
–
–
–
9
(8)
(16)
581
48

US$ million

Balance at 1 January 2019

Net income 

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income

Share-based expense

Share issuance related to acquisition1

Share issuance related to share awards 

Transactions with NCI

Net impact of IAS 293

Dividends paid4

Balance at 31 December 2019

US$ million

Balance at 1 January 2018

Net income 

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income

IPO-related reorganisation impact5

Capital contribution

Directors’ subscriptions

Capital reduction

Share-based expense

Dividends paid4

Balance at 31 December 2018

The notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

1 

Included in reserves is a merger reserve ($82m) relating to the premium on shares issued as part of the consideration of the acquisition of Vivo Energy Overseas Holdings Limited 
(VEOHL), formerly known as Engen International Holdings (Mauritius) Limited in March 2019.

2  Equity-settled incentive schemes include the Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) and the IPO Share Award Plan.
3  The net impact on retained earnings as a result of the index-based adjustments in Zimbabwe under IAS 29 ‘Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies’.
4  The dividends paid to the equity holders of Vivo Energy plc were paid out of distributable reserves (refer to note 11 of the Company financial statements).
5  Refer to the general information (note 1).

122

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GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

US$ million

Operating activities
Net income
Adjustment for:
Income taxes
Amortisation, depreciation and impairment
Net gain on disposals of PP&E and intangible assets
Share of profit of joint ventures and associates
Dividends received from joint ventures and associates
Current income tax paid
Net change in operating assets and liabilities and other adjustments
Cash flows from operating activities
Investing activities
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
Purchases of PP&E and intangible assets
Proceeds from disposals of PP&E and intangible assets 
Other investing activities
Cash flows from investing activities 
Financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of shares
Proceeds from long-term debt
Repayment of long-term debt
Net (repayments)/proceeds (of)/from bank and other borrowings
Repayment of lease liabilities
Dividends paid
Interest paid
Cash flows from financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year

The notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

1  Prior year comparatives were reclassified to provide a consistent presentation to 2019 (see note 2.1).

Notes

10
12, 13, 28
8
14
14

29

12, 13
8, 12, 13

24
24
24
28

20

2019

150

96
106
–
(22)
22
(83)
176
445

(16)
(149)
2
3
(160)

–
62
(82)
1
(27)
(40)
(51)
(137)
(24)
124
393
517

20181

146

83
90
(2)
(28)
23
(103)
42
251

–
(147)
3
–
(144)

1
–
(84)
40
(25)
(16)
(44)
(128)
(9)
(30)
423
393

123

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.  GENERAL INFORMATION

Vivo Energy plc (the ‘Company’), a public limited company, was 
incorporated on 12 March 2018 in the United Kingdom under the 
Companies Act 2006 (Registration number 11250655). The Company 
is registered in England and Wales and limited by shares. The address 
of the registered office is 5th Floor, The Peak, 5 Wilton Road, London, 
SW1V IAN, United Kingdom. The Company was inserted as the 
parent company of the Group in a pre-IPO reorganisation that is 
further explained in note 21. On 10 May 2018, the Company listed 
on the London Stock Exchange Main Market for listed securities 
and the Main Board of the securities exchange operated by the 
Johannesburg Stock Exchange by way of secondary inward listing. 
References to ‘Vivo Energy’ or the ‘Group’ mean the Company 
and its subsidiaries and subsidiary undertakings. 

On 1 March 2019, Vivo Energy Investments B.V. acquired a 100% 
shareholding in Vivo Energy Overseas Holding Limited (VEOHL) 
formerly known as Engen International Holdings (Mauritius) Limited. 
Upon completion of the transaction, Vivo Energy extended operations 
in eight new markets and added over 200 Engen-branded service 
stations to the existing network.

Vivo Energy distributes and sells fuel and lubricants to retail and 
commercial consumers in Africa and trades under brands owned by 
the Shell and Engen group of companies and, for aviation fuels only, 
under the Vitol Aviation brand. Furthermore, Vivo Energy generates 
revenue from non-fuel retail activities including convenience retail 
and quick service restaurants by leveraging on its retail network. 
Further details on the nature of the Group’s operations and principal 
activities can be found in the Strategic report on page 1 to 65.

2. 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these 
consolidated financial statements are set out below, and have been 
applied consistently over the years with the addition of the Group 
accounting policy on business combinations, computer software 
and hyperinflation accounting.

2.1 Basis of preparation
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) 
as adopted by the European Union (EU), interpretations issued by 
the IFRS Interpretations Committee (IFRS IC), and those parts of the 
Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. 
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared under 
the historical cost convention unless otherwise indicated.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS 
requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires 
management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the 
Group’s accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of 
judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates 
are significant to the consolidated financial statements, are disclosed 
in note 4.

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the 
going concern basis of accounting as the Directors, at the time of 
approving the financial statements, have a reasonable expectation that 
the Company and the Group will have adequate resources to continue 
in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Further details 
are contained within the going concern statement included in the 
Directors’ Report. 

Management continually seeks to provide the reader with more 
understandable and useful information and has therefore reclassified 
comparatives to provide a consistent presentation to 2019. In 2019 
improvements were made in the consolidated statement of cash flows. 
Interest received was reclassified from financing activities to operating 
activities (2018: $6m). This reclassification had no impact on the net 
increase/decrease in cash and cash equivalents.

2.2 Application of new and revised IFRS
The following pronouncements issued by the IASB and endorsed 
by the European Union are effective for annual periods beginning 
1 January 2019. The Group’s financial statements have been prepared 
in accordance with these standards, which have no material impact on 
the consolidated financial statements of the Group:
 – Amendments to IAS 19 Plan amendment, curtailment or settlement
 – Amendments to IAS 28 Long-term interests in associates and 

joint ventures

 – Amendments to IFRS 9 Prepayments with negative compensation
 – Improvements to IFRS Standards 2015–2017 Cycle

The following pronouncements, issued by the IASB effective for 
annual periods beginning 1 January 2019, have been early adopted 
by the Group in 2017 and 2018 respectively:

 – IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ (retrospectively)
 – IFRIC 23 ‘Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatment’

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2.3 New standards, amendments and interpretations 
not yet adopted
The following amendments and new interpretations to the standards 
effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2020, 
have not been applied in preparing the consolidated financial 
statements of the Group: 
 – Amendments to IFRS 3 Definition of a business 
 – Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8 Definition of ‘material’
 – Interest Rate Benchmark Reform
 – Effective date of updated references to the Conceptual Framework

The above amendments and new interpretations to the standards, 
which are not yet effective, are not expected to have a material impact 
on the Group.

2.4 Consolidation
The Group is made up of various entities, subsidiaries, joint ventures 
and associates. Details regarding all entities are included in note 15 
in the Company financial statements.

Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. Control is achieved 
when the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from 
its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those 
returns through its power over the entity.

The Group reassesses whether or not it controls an investee if the 
facts and circumstances indicate that there may be changes to one 
or more of the elements of control. Subsidiaries are consolidated 
from the effective date of acquisition and de-consolidated from the 
date that control ceases.

Profit or loss and each component of other comprehensive income 
are attributed to the owners of the Group and to the non-controlling 
interests. Total comprehensive income of subsidiaries is attributed 
to owners of the Group and to the non-controlling interests even if 
this results in the non-controlling interests having a deficit balance. 

All intra-group transactions and balances, income, expenses and cash 
flows are eliminated on consolidation. Where necessary, accounting 
policies of subsidiaries are adjusted to ensure consistency with the 
policies adopted by the Group.

Changes in ownership interests in subsidiaries without change 
of control
Transactions with non-controlling interests that do not result in loss of 
control are accounted for as equity transactions, that is, as transactions 
with the owners in their capacity as owners. The difference between 
fair value of any consideration paid and the relevant share acquired 
of the carrying value of net assets of the subsidiary is recorded in 
equity. Gains or losses on disposals to non-controlling interests are 
also recorded in equity.

Joint arrangements
Joint arrangements are contractual arrangements whereby the 
Group and other parties undertake activities that are under joint 
control, meaning that the relevant activities that significantly affect 
the investee’s returns require the unanimous consent of the parties 
sharing control. Joint arrangements are classified as either joint 
operations or joint ventures depending on the contractual rights 
and obligations of each investor. The Group has assessed the nature 
of its joint arrangements and determined them to be joint ventures. 
Joint ventures are joint arrangements whereby the parties that have 
joint control have the rights to the net assets of the arrangement 
and are accounted for using the equity method.

Under the equity method, the investment is initially recognised at 
cost as adjusted for the post-acquisition changes in the Group’s share 
of net assets of the joint venture, less any impairment in the value 
of the investment. The Group’s share of post-tax profits or losses 
are recognised in the consolidated income statement. Losses of a 
joint venture in excess of the Group’s interest in that joint venture 
are recognised only to the extent that the Group has incurred 
legal or constructive obligations or made payments on behalf of 
the joint venture.

Unrealised gains on transactions between the Group and its joint 
ventures are eliminated to the extent of the Group’s interest in the 
joint ventures. Unrealised losses are eliminated unless the transaction 
provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred. 
Where necessary, accounting policies of the joint ventures are 
adjusted to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Group.

Investments in associates
Associates are entities where the Group has significant influence 
and is neither a subsidiary nor an interest in a joint venture. 
Significant influence is the power to participate in the financial and 
operating policy decisions of the investee but where the Group 
does not have control or joint control over those policies.

At the date of acquisition, any excess of the cost of the acquisition 
over the Group’s share of the net fair value of the identifiable 
net assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of the associate is 
recorded as goodwill. The goodwill is included within the carrying 
amount of the investment. Investments in associates are accounted 
for using the equity method of accounting. Under the equity 
method, the investment is initially recognised at cost as adjusted 
for the post-acquisition changes in the Group’s share of net assets 
of the associate, less any impairment in the value of the investment. 
The Group’s share of post-tax profits or losses are recognised in 
the consolidated income statement. Losses of an associate in excess 
of the Group’s interest in that associate are recognised only to the 
extent that the Group has incurred legal or constructive obligations 
or made payments on behalf of the associate.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

2. 

 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING  
POLICIES CONTINUED

2.5 Business combination
The Group applies the acquisition method to account for business 
combinations. The consideration transferred for the acquisition of 
a subsidiary is the fair values of the assets and liabilities transferred 
and the equity interests issued by the Group. The consideration 
transferred includes the fair value of any asset or liability resulting 
from a contingent consideration arrangement. Identifiable assets 
and liabilities acquired and contingent liabilities assumed in a 
business combination are measured initially at their fair values at 
acquisition date. The Group recognises any non-controlling interest 
in the acquiree on an acquisition by acquisition basis, either at 
fair value or at the non-controlling interest’s proportionate share 
of the recognised amounts of acquiree’s identifiable net assets. 
Acquisition related costs are expensed as incurred.

Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the Group 
is recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. Subsequent  
changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration that is 
deemed to be an asset or liability is recognised in accordance with 
IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ either in profit or loss or as a change 
to other comprehensive income. Contingent consideration that is 
classified as equity is not remeasured, and its subsequent settlement 
is accounted for within equity.

Goodwill is initially measured as the excess of the aggregate of 
the consideration transferred and the fair value of non-controlling 
interest over the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. 
If this consideration is lower than the fair value of the net assets of 
the subsidiary acquired, the difference is recognised in profit or loss.

Inter-company transactions, balances, income and expenses on 
transactions between group companies are eliminated. Profits and 
losses resulting from inter-company transactions that are recognised 
in assets are also eliminated. Accounting policies of the subsidiaries 
have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the 
policies adopted by the Group.

2.6 Foreign currency translation
Functional and presentation currency
Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s 
entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic 
environment in which the entity operates (‘the functional currency’). 
The functional currency of the Company is United States dollars 
(‘US dollars’). These consolidated financial statements are presented 
in US dollars, which is the functional and presentation currency 
of the Company.

Transactions and balances
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional 
currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the 
transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the 
settlement of such transactions, and from the translation at year-end 
exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in 
foreign currencies, are recognised in the consolidated statements 
of comprehensive income.

Foreign exchange gains and losses that relate to monetary items 
such as borrowings, receivables and cash and cash equivalents are 
presented in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income 
within cost of sales for trading related gains and losses and within 
finance income and expense for non-trading related gains and losses. 

Translation differences on non-monetary financial assets, such 
as equities classified as financial assets at fair value through 
other comprehensive income (FVTOCI), are included in other 
comprehensive income.

The financial statements of entities in hyperinflationary economies 
are translated in accordance with IAS 29 ‘Financial Reporting 
in Hyperinflationary Economies’.

Accounting for hyperinflation
The results of the Group’s operations within entities based in 
Zimbabwe have been prepared in accordance with IAS 29 as if 
the economy had been hyperinflationary from date of acquisition. 

Hyperinflationary accounting requires transactions and balances 
to be stated in terms of the measuring unit, current at the end 
of the reporting period in order to account for the effect of loss 
of purchasing power during the period. The Group has elected to 
use the Zimbabwe Consumer Price Index (CPI), as published by 
the Zimbabwe Reserve Bank, as the general price index to restate 
amounts, since CPI provides an official observable indication of the 
change in the price of goods and services.

The carrying amounts of non-monetary assets and liabilities carried 
at historical cost have been adjusted to reflect the impact of the CPI. 
Amortisation, depreciation and impairments shall be recalculated 
based on the carrying amounts of property, plant and equipment, 
right-of-use assets and intangible assets restated to reflect the change 
in the general price index. All other items recognised in the statement 
of comprehensive income are restated by applying the change in the 
general price index from the dates when the items of income and 
expenses were originally recorded. The restatement of income and 
expenses are carried out on a monthly basis by applying the respective 
conversion factor. The net impact of these gains or losses, have been 
recognised in the statement of comprehensive income.

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All items in the statement of cash flows are expressed in terms 
of the general price index at the end of the reporting period. 
Following the application of IAS 29, the financial statements of 
Zimbabwean subsidiaries are translated at the closing exchange rate 
applicable for the period.

The impact of applying IAS 29 in the current period resulted in an 
increase in property, plant and equipment of $19m, an increase in 
intangible asset of $7m, an increase in net finance expense of $5m and 
a decrease in net income of $3m. An impairment test on fixed assets 
was carried out on 31 December 2019, which indicated there was no 
impairment to be recognised.

Functional currency Zimbabwe
At acquisition of VEOHL on 1 March 2019, the functional currency of 
the Zimbabwean subsidiaries were assessed in accordance with IAS 21 
‘The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates’. From the date of 
acquisition, the functional currency is considered to be the RTGS dollar, 
labour and other expenditure are priced and settled in RTGS dollars 
and the primary economic environment that the entity generates cash 
flow from operations is Zimbabwe. Furthermore, secondary factors 
such as the currency in which funds from financing activities are 
generated and the currency in which receipts from operating activities 
are retained supports the RTGS dollar as the functional currency.

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) introduced an exchange 
control registration process for certain foreign denominated 
liabilities (legacy debts) that were outstanding as at 22 February 2019. 
The purpose of the registration was to provide the RBZ with sufficient 
information that will allow it to determine a roadmap for orderly 
settlement of these legacy debts. Liabilities registered in accordance 
with the Exchange Directive Rule 102/2019 approximated $63m and 
were settled by the Group using an exchange rate of 1:1 USD/RTGS$ 
in July 2019. 

Group companies
The results and financial position of all the Group entities with 
a functional currency other than the presentation currency are 
translated into the presentation currency as follows:
 – Assets and liabilities are translated at the closing rate at the 

reporting date;

 – Income and expense items and cash flows are translated at the 
average exchange rates for the period (unless this average is 
not a reasonable approximation of the cumulative effect of the 
rates prevailing on the transaction dates, in which case income 
and expenses are translated at the rate on the dates of the 
transactions); and

 – Exchange differences arising are recognised directly in other 

comprehensive income.

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition 
of a foreign entity are treated as assets and liabilities of the 
foreign entity and translated accordingly.

2.7 Revenue recognition
Revenue from the sale of goods such as fuel and lubricants and any 
other products are recognised when a customer obtains control of 
the goods after excluding amounts collected on behalf of third parties 
(i.e. sales taxes, excise duties and similar levies). The Group’s control 
of products are transferred to the customer at the point in time 
when delivery and transfer of title occurs to the customer including oil 
marketing companies for Vivo Energy Kenya Ltd. (VEK), and when the 
performance obligation to the customers is fulfilled. The Group does 
not offer bundled products. Majority of the markets where the Group 
operates are regulated and price is established either by government 
or the industry.

In Kenya, oil marketing companies are legally required to import 
petroleum products through the Open Tender System (OTS) that 
is centrally co-coordinated by the Ministry of Energy. This legal notice 
is governed by the OTS agreements signed between all licensed oil 
marketers in Kenya. VEK, like other oil marketing companies in Kenya, 
participates in this process.

VEK does not only participate in this process but also purchases from 
the suppliers and sells the petroleum products through the OTS to 
other oil marketing companies. Related revenues are recognised at 
the fair value of the consideration received or receivable when risks 
and rewards of ownership are transferred from VEK to the customer, 
which is when the title passes to the other oil marketing companies.

For sales of services, the total consideration in the service contracts 
is allocated to all services based on their stand-alone selling prices. 
The stand-alone selling price is determined based on the list prices 
at which the Group sells the services in separate transactions.

The Group recognises an asset for the incremental costs of obtaining 
a contract with a customer if the Group expects the benefit of those 
costs to exceed one year. The Group has determined that certain 
sales incentive programmes meet the requirements to be capitalised. 
Total capitalised costs to obtain a contract were immaterial during 
the periods presented and are included in the other current and 
non-current long-term assets on the consolidated balance sheet. 

The Group applies a practical expedient to expense costs as incurred 
for costs to obtain a contract when the amortisation period would 
have been one year or less.

2.8 Finance income and expense
Finance income and expense are recognised in the income statement 
using the effective interest rate method. All finance costs are 
recognised in the periods in which they are incurred.

2.9 Consolidated statement of comprehensive income presentation 
Cost of sales reflects all costs relating to the revenue recognised, 
including depreciation costs. Selling and marketing costs reflect 
the marketing, selling costs, depreciation and amortisation costs. 
The general and administrative costs reflect all central and corporate 
costs, including employee and depreciation costs.

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2. 

 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING  
POLICIES CONTINUED

2.10 Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is carried at historical cost less 
accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. 
The initial cost of an asset comprises its purchase price or construction 
cost and any costs directly attributable to bringing the asset into 
operation. The purchase price or construction cost is the aggregate 
amount paid and the fair value of any other consideration given to 
acquire the asset. Property, plant and equipment is depreciated on a 
straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the various classes 
of assets and commences when the asset is ready for use. Land and 
construction-in-progress are not depreciated.

The following depreciation rates are applied for the Group:
 – Buildings: 
 – Machinery and other equipment: 

 20 – 50 years
   4 – 25 years

Major improvements are capitalised when they are expected to 
provide future economic benefit. When significant components of 
property, plant and equipment are required to be replaced at regular 
intervals, the Group derecognises the replaced part and recognises 
the new part with its own associated useful life and depreciation. 
Repairs and maintenance costs are charged to the consolidated 
statement of comprehensive income as incurred.

The carrying amount of an item of property, plant and equipment is 
derecognised on disposal, or when no future economic benefits are 
expected from its use or disposal. Any gain or loss arising from the 
derecognition of property, plant and equipment is included in the 
consolidated statements of comprehensive income when the item 
is derecognised. 

Each asset’s estimated useful life, residual value, and method of 
depreciation are reviewed and adjusted, if appropriate, at each 
year-end.

2.11 Intangible assets
Goodwill 
Goodwill arises on the acquisition of subsidiaries and represents the 
excess of the consideration transferred over the Company’s interest 
in fair value of the net identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent 
liabilities of the acquiree and the fair value of the non-controlling 
interest in the acquiree.

For goodwill recognised in the consolidated statements of financial 
position, impairment reviews are undertaken annually, once 
goodwill has been allocated to cash generating units (CGUs), 
or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate 
a potential impairment. The carrying value of the CGU to which 
goodwill is allocated is compared to the recoverable amount. 
Any impairment is recognised immediately as an expense and 
is not subsequently reversed.

Shell Licence Agreements (‘Licences’)
The licences acquired grant the Company the exclusive right to 
distribute and market Shell-branded products in the relevant 
countries. The licences are recognised at their fair value at the 
acquisition date and are carried forward at cost less accumulated 
amortisation calculated using the straight-line method over the 
expected useful life of 15 years.

Computer software
Computer software comprises software purchased from third 
parties as well as the cost of internally developed software. 
Computer software licences are capitalised on the basis of the costs 
incurred to acquire and bring into use the specific software. Costs that 
are directly associated with the production of identifiable and unique 
software products that are controlled by the Group, and where it 
is probable of producing future economic benefits, are recognised 
as intangible assets. Direct costs of software development include 
employee costs and directly attributable overheads. Costs associated 
with maintaining software programs are recognised as an expense 
when they are incurred. Amortisation is charged on a straight-line 
basis over their estimated useful lives of three to 10 years.

Other intangible assets
Other intangible assets include Butagaz brand, LPG retail distributor 
relationships and Commercial LPG customer relationships recognised 
at their fair value allocated at acquisition date are subsequently 
measured at carrying amount less accumulated amortisation 
calculated using the straight-line method over the expected 
useful life of 10 years. The VEOHL business acquisition in 2019 
attributed additional intangible assets recognised through application 
of IFRS 3 ‘Business combinations’. The1se intangible assets relate to 
customer relationships and the use of the Engen brand with useful 
lives of between 10 to 15 years.

2.12 Impairment of non-financial assets
At least annually, the Group reviews the carrying amount of tangible 
and intangible assets with finite lives to assess whether there is an 
indication that those assets may be impaired. If any such indication 
exists, the Group makes an estimate of the asset’s recoverable 
amount. An asset’s recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair 
value less costs to sell and its value-in-use. In assessing its value-in-use 
or fair value less cost of disposal, the estimated future cash flows 
attributable to the asset are discounted to their present value using 
a pre-tax or post-tax discount rate that reflects current market 
assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the 
asset. If the recoverable amount of an asset is estimated to be less 
than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced 
to its recoverable amount.

A corresponding impairment loss is recognised in the consolidated 
statements of comprehensive income.

Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount 
of the asset is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable 
amount, but only to the extent that the increased carrying amount 
does not exceed the original carrying amount that would have been 
determined, net of depreciation, had no impairment loss been 
recognised for the asset in prior years. Any impairment reversal is 
recognised in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

2.13 Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. 
Cost comprises direct purchase costs (including transportation), 
cost of production, manufacturing and taxes, and is determined 
using the weighted average cost method.

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2.14 Other government benefits receivable
Other assets include other government benefits receivable that 
reflect subsidies received from national governments for fuel sold 
as part of the Group’s ordinary course of business.

The following types of compensation are applicable to the Company:
 – Amounts due from/to the government for oil purchased at higher/
lower prices than the price set by the local authority. Where the 
oil purchasing price paid by the Group is higher than the price set 
by the local authorities, a receivable due from the government 
is recognised by the Group to compensate for the higher price 
paid. Similarly if the purchasing price of oil is lower than set price, 
a liability towards the government is recognised. If collections/
payments are expected in one year or less, the receivable/liability 
are classified as current assets/current liabilities. If not, they are 
presented as non-current assets/non-current liabilities. As at 
31 December 2019, this relates to Vivo Energy Botswana, Senegal, 
Morocco, Madagascar and Guinea.

 – Amounts due from/to the government for transport costs incurred 
to encourage marketers to distribute products to remote areas of 
the country. The government has introduced a pricing mechanism 
whereby if the Group only delivers to local areas, then a liability 
requiring payment to the government will be recognised. If the 
Group delivers to remote areas then a receivable owing from the 
government will be due. If collections/payments are expected in 
one year or less, the receivable/liability are classified as current 
assets/current liabilities. If not, they are presented as non-current 
assets/non-current liabilities. As at 31 December 2019, this relates 
to Vivo Energy Botswana, Senegal, Morocco and Guinea.

The origination of these receivables arises from legal rights based 
on government schemes of taxation and subsidies and not from any 
contractual agreements. As such, they are not considered as financial 
instruments within the scope of IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ and 
are accounted for under IAS 20 ‘Accounting for Government Grants 
and Disclosure of Government Assistance’. Other government 
benefits receivable are recognised initially at fair value, which 
represents the difference between the market value if sold at 
arm’s length and the price set by the Government. The subsidy is 
accrued to match the associated cost to which the compensation 
has been granted. Initial recognition and any subsequent adjustments 
are recognised within cost of sales in the consolidated statement 
of comprehensive income. 

If a receivable is recognised as owing from the government and 
there is risk over the recoverability of that asset, then a provision 
for impairment will be recognised.

Where the Group enters into factoring arrangements it transfers and 
derecognises other government receivables if either:

 – The Group has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards 

of ownership of the asset; or

 – The Group has neither transferred nor retained substantially all the 
risks and rewards of ownership of the asset and no longer retains 
control of the asset.

Under the continuing involvement approach, the Group continues 
to recognise part of the asset. The amount of the asset that continues 
to be recognised is the maximum amount of the Group’s exposure 
to that particular asset or its previous carrying amount, if lower.

2.15 Financial instruments
Financial instruments consist of:
 – Financial assets, which include cash and cash equivalents, trade 

receivables, lease receivables, employee and other advances, equity 
investments and derivative financial instruments and eligible current 
and non-current assets; and

 – Financial liabilities, which include long-term and short-term 

loans and borrowings, bank overdrafts, trade payables, lease 
liabilities, derivative financial instruments and eligible current 
and non-current liabilities.

Financial instruments are recognised initially at fair value plus, for an 
item not at fair value through profit and loss (FVTPL), transaction 
costs that are directly attributable to its acquisition or issue. 
Financial instruments are initially recognised when the Group 
becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. 
Trade receivables are initially recognised when they are originated. 
Financial assets are derecognised when substantial risks and rewards 
of ownership of the financial asset have been transferred. In cases 
where substantial risks and rewards of ownership of the financial 
assets are neither transferred nor retained, financial assets are 
derecognised only when the Group has not retained control over 
the financial asset. Financial liabilities are derecognised when its 
contractual obligations are discharged, cancelled or expired, and when 
its terms are modified and the cash flows are substantially different. 
Subsequent to initial recognition, financial instruments are measured 
as described below.

Financial instruments measured at amortised cost
Except for debt instruments that are designated at fair value through 
profit or loss (FVTPL) on initial recognition, financial instruments that 
meet the following criteria are measured at amortised cost using the 
effective interest method:
 – They are held within a business model whose objective is to hold 

assets in order to collect contractual cash flows; and

 – The contractual terms of the instrument give rise on specified dates 
to cash flows that are solely payment of principal and interest on 
the principal amount outstanding.

The amortised cost is reduced by impairment losses. Finance income 
or expense, foreign exchange gains and losses and impairments are 
recognised in profit and loss. The following financial assets and liabilities 
are classified as measured at amortised cost:

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, on the statement of financial position and 
for the purpose of the cash flow statement, includes cash on hand, 
in banks, placements held at call with banks and other short-term 
highly-liquid investments with maturities of three months or less. 
Where the Group does not have the right of offset, bank overdrafts 
are shown as borrowings in current liabilities on the consolidated 
statements of financial position.

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2. 

 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING  
POLICIES CONTINUED

2.15 Financial instruments (continued)
Trade receivables
Trade receivables are amounts due from customers for goods sold or 
services performed in the ordinary course of business. If collection is 
expected in one year or less (or in the normal operating cycle of the 
business if longer), they are classified as current assets. If not, they are 
presented as non-current assets. The Group may obtain security for 
certain trade receivables in the form of cash deposit, bank guarantees, 
credit insurance and assets securities, which can be called upon if the 
counterparty is in default under the terms of the agreement.

Trade payables
Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods or services that 
have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. 
Accounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is 
due within one year or less (or in the normal operating cycle of 
the business if longer). If not, they are presented as non-current 
liabilities. Where trade finance facilities are used to extend payment 
terms, these facilities are presented as short-term borrowings in the 
consolidated statement of financial position.

Borrowings
Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, net of transaction 
costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently carried at amortised 
cost; any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) 
and the redemption value is recognised in the consolidated statements 
of comprehensive income over the period of the borrowings using 
the effective interest method.

Other assets and other liabilities 
Other assets such as employee loans, brand promotion fund 
receivables, customer deposits and other liabilities are measured 
at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.

Equity investments at fair value through other comprehensive 
income (FVTOCI)
For equity investments not held for trading, the Group elected to 
present subsequent changes in the investment’s fair value in other 
comprehensive income. The Group subsequently measures these 
assets at fair value with fair value gains and losses recognised in 
other comprehensive income and never reclassified to profit or loss. 
Dividends are recognised in profit or loss as other income when 
the Group’s right to receive payment is established. 

Financial instruments measured at fair value through profit 
or loss (FVTPL)
Instruments that are not measured at amortised cost or FVTOCI are 
measured at FVTPL. These instruments are subsequently measured 
at fair value, with any gains or losses arising on re-measurement 
recognised in profit or loss. The gain or loss on disposal is recognised 
in profit or loss. Financial instruments at FVTPL include derivative 
financial instruments.

Derivative financial instruments
The Group is exposed to foreign currency fluctuations on foreign 
currency assets, liabilities, net investment in foreign operations 
and forecasted cash flows denominated in foreign currency.

The Group limits the effect of foreign exchange rate fluctuations 
by following established risk management policies including the use 
of derivatives. The Group enters into derivative contracts where 
the counterparty is primarily a bank.

Derivative financial instruments are initially recognised and subsequently 
measured at fair value. Attributable transaction costs are recognised 
in profit or loss as a cost.

Changes in fair value of foreign currency derivative instruments 
neither designated as cash flow hedges nor hedges of net investment in 
foreign operations are recognised in profit or loss and reported within 
foreign exchange gains, net within results from operating activities.

Changes in fair value and gains or losses on the settlement of foreign 
currency derivative financial instruments relating to borrowings, which 
have not been designated as hedges, are recorded in finance expense. 
Changes in fair value and gains or losses on the settlement of foreign 
currency derivative financial instruments relating to operational 
transactions, which have not been designated as hedges, are recorded 
in other income.

Net investment hedges
When a non-derivative financial liability is designated as the hedging 
instrument in a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation, the 
effective portion of foreign exchange gains and losses is recognised 
in OCI and presented in currency translation reserve within equity. 
Any ineffective portion of foreign exchange gains and losses is 
recognised immediately in profit or loss. The amount recognised 
in OCI is reclassified to profit or loss as a reclassification adjustment 
on disposal of the foreign operation.

2.16 Impairment of financial assets 
The Group applies the expected credit loss (ECL) model for 
recognising impairment losses on financial assets measured at 
amortised cost. ECL is the difference between the contractual 
cash flows and the cash flows that the entity expects to receive 
discounted using the effective interest rate. 

Loss allowance for financial assets other than trade receivables are 
measured at the amount equal to 12 months’ ECL unless there has 
been a significant increase in credit risk from initial recognition, in 
which case those are measured at lifetime ECL. Since the contractual 
terms of most financial assets are typically less than 12 months, there 
is no significant difference between the measurement of 12 months’ 
and lifetime ECL.

For trade receivables, a simplified impairment approach is applied and 
ECL is measured at the amount equal to lifetime ECL. Lifetime ECLs 
are the ECLs that result from all possible default events over the 
expected life of a financial asset. Lifetime ECL for trade receivables 
is computed based on a provision matrix, which takes into account 
historical credit loss experience adjusted for forward-looking 
information. Experienced credit judgement is applied to ensure 
that probabilities of default are reflective of the credit risk associated 
with the Group’s exposure.

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The measurement of expected ECL is a function of the probability of 
default, loss given default (i.e. the magnitude of the loss after recovery 
if there is a default) and the exposure at default (i.e. the asset’s 
carrying amount). It is measured using historical cash collection data 
grouped into various age categories. The historical loss rates are 
adjusted where macroeconomic factors or other commercial factors 
are expected to have a significant impact on future expected credit 
losses. The measurement of expected ECL further takes into account 
all collateral held for secured trade receivables. The Group considers 
that there is no reasonable expectation of recovery of the debt when 
the counterparty, among others, fails to engage in an acceptable 
repayment plan or fails to make contractual payments for a period 
greater than 180 days past due.

Financial assets are considered to be credit-impaired when there 
is reasonable and supportable evidence that one or more events 
that have a detrimental impact on the estimated future cash flows 
have occurred. This includes but is not limited to observable data 
at the reporting date that confirms potential future impairment such 
as severe financial difficulty of a counterparty; probability that a 
counterparty will enter bankruptcy; a contract breach; disappearance 
of an active market for a counterparty’s products; concession being 
granted to a counterparty for economic or contractual reasons due to 
a financial difficulty that would not otherwise be considered; and other 
financial reorganisation of a counterparty’s business. At the reporting 
date, any significant change in credit risk arising from these factors 
results in an adjustment of default probabilities. Where the Group has 
no reasonable expectation of recovering the debt, for example where 
all legal avenues for collection of amounts due have been exhausted, 
the debt (or relevant portion) is written off. 

2.17 Share capital 
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Where any Group company 
purchases the Company’s equity share capital (treasury shares), 
the consideration paid is deducted from equity attributable to 
the Company’s equity holders until the shares are cancelled or 
reissued. Where such ordinary shares are subsequently reissued, 
any consideration received is included in equity attributable to 
the Company’s equity holders.

2.18 Non-controlling interest
Non-controlling interests in the Group’s equity are stated at the 
non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of the net assets 
of the companies concerned.

2.19 Dividend distribution
Dividend distribution to the Company’s shareholders is recognised 
as a liability in the Group’s financial statements in the period in 
which the dividends are approved by the Company’s shareholders.

2.20 Share-based payments
The Group issues equity-settled and cash-settled share-based payments 
to employees via share and share option plans.

Equity-settled share-based payments
Equity-settled share-based payments arising from the Long-Term 
Incentive Plan (LTIP) and the IPO Share Award Plan are measured 
at fair value (excluding the effect of non-market vesting conditions) 
at grant date. The fair value determined at grant date is recognised 
over the vesting period, based on the Group’s estimate of the shares 
that will eventually vest and adjusted for the effect of non-market 
vesting conditions. A corresponding increase in other reserves is 
also recognised in equity. 

Cash-settled share-based payments
Cash-settled share-based payments arising from the Vivo Energy 
and SVL Management Equity Plans are recognised as an expense 
over the vesting period, measured by reference to the fair value 
of the corresponding liability which is recognised in the consolidated 
statements of financial position. The liability is measured at fair value 
at each reporting date until settlement, with changes in fair value 
recognised in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

2.21 Leases
Leases are included in right-of-use (ROU) assets and lease liabilities 
on the Group’s consolidated statement of financial position.

ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognised based on the present 
value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term 
at commencement date. As most of the leases do not provide an 
implicit rate, the Group uses the incremental borrowing rate based 
on the information available at commencement date in determining 
the present value of future payments. The ROU assets also includes 
any lease payments made and excludes lease incentives and initial 
direct costs incurred. The ROU assets acquired under IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ 
are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the asset’s useful life, or 
over the shorter of the asset’s useful life and the lease term if there is 
no reasonable certainty that the Group will obtain ownership at the 
end of the lease term.

The measurement of the lease liability may include options to extend 
or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the option 
will be exercised. After the initial measurement at commencement, 
the carrying amount of the lease liability is increased by interest on 
the lease liability, reduced by lease payments made and remeasured to 
reflect any reassessment or lease modifications. Interest on the lease 
liability is computed based on the initial discount rate used to compute 
the lease liability at commencement (or if applicable a revised discount 
rate used in a modification or remeasurement) to produce a constant 
period rate of interest on the remaining balance of the lease liability.

Lease agreements with lease and non-lease components are generally 
accounted for separately. For certain instances where it is impractical 
to separate the lease from the non-lease component, the Group will 
account for them as a single lease component. Additionally, the Group 
applies a portfolio approach to effectively account for the ROU assets 
and liabilities.

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2. 

 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING  
POLICIES CONTINUED

2.22 Provisions 
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present legal or 
constructive obligation as a result of past events, it is probable that 
an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation, 
and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

Provisions are measured at the present value of the expenditures 
expected to be required to settle the obligation using a pre-tax rate 
that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money 
and the risks specific to the obligation. The increase in the provision 
due to passage of time is recognised as finance expense.

Compulsory stock provision 
The compulsory stock provision relates to amounts due to the 
government in Morocco for cash received to fund the compulsory 
stock obligation (CSO) as required according to the local authority. 
The cash received in 1994 was based on the CSO levels and the oil 
price at that time. This amount due to the government is classified 
as a non-current liability in ‘Other liabilities’ in the consolidated 
statements of financial position. 

The difference between the current oil prices at the end of 
November 2015 and the oil prices in 1994 is accounted for as a 
non-current provision. From 1 December 2015, the fuel market 
in Morocco is deregulated.

Legal and other provisions
Legal and other provisions include provisions for environmental 
restoration, restructuring costs and legal claims. Provisions are 
not recognised for future operating losses.

Where there are a number of similar obligations, the likelihood 
that an outflow will be required in settlement is determined 
by considering the class of obligations as a whole. 

Post-employment obligations
The Group operates various post-employment schemes, including 
both defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans and 
post-employment medical plans.

Pension obligations
A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the 
Group pays fixed contributions into a separate entity. The Group 
has no legal or constructive obligations to pay further contributions 
if the fund does not hold sufficient assets to pay all employees 
the benefits relating to employee service in the current and prior 
periods. A defined benefit plan is a pension plan that is not a defined 
contribution plan.

For defined contribution plans, the Group pays contributions 
to publicly or privately administered pension insurance plans on 
a mandatory, contractual or voluntary basis. The Group has no 
further payment obligations once the contributions have been paid. 
The contributions are recognised as employee benefit expense when 
they are due. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to 
the extent that a cash refund or a reduction in the future payments 
is available.

Typically defined benefit plans define an amount of pension benefit 
that an employee will receive on retirement, usually dependent on 
one or more factors such as age, years of service and compensation.

The liability recognised in the consolidated statements of financial 
position in respect of defined benefit pension plans is the present 
value of the defined benefit obligation at the end of the reporting 
period less the fair value of plan assets. The defined benefit obligation 
is calculated annually by independent actuaries using the projected 
unit credit method. Full actuarial valuation was performed for all 
the defined benefit plans. The present value of the defined benefit 
obligation is determined by discounting the estimated future cash 
outflows using interest rates of high-quality corporate bonds that are 
denominated in the currency in which the benefits will be paid, and 
that have terms to maturity approximating to the terms of the related 
pension obligation. In countries where there is no deep market in 
such bonds, the market rates on government bonds are used.

Actuarial gains and losses arising from experience adjustments and 
changes in actuarial assumptions are charged or credited to equity 
in other comprehensive income in the period in which they arise. 

Current and past service costs are recognised immediately in profit 
or loss. Net finance expense/income will be calculated as the product 
of the net defined liability/asset and the discount rate as determined 
at the beginning of the year and is included in net finance expense 
in the statement of comprehensive income.

Defined benefit scheme characteristics and funding
The Group operates multiple post-employment defined benefit 
schemes for its employees in two thirds of its operating countries. 
The multiple pension schemes provide the employees with a 
pension or lump sum retirement benefit where the exact pension 
payments on retirement differ per scheme. For some operating 
companies (mainly Ghana and Cape Verde) there is an additional 
post-employment health scheme.

Approximately 70% of the total defined benefit obligations are 
unfunded. The other 30% of the total defined benefit obligations 
are funded. The funded plan relates to the pension schemes in 
Mauritius. The funded plans are legally separate from the Group 
and administered by a separate fund and comply with local 
regulatory and legal requirements.

The schemes are exposed to a number of risks, including:

 – Investment risk: movement of discount rate used (high-quality 

corporate bonds) against the return from plan assets. If plan assets 
underperform against the yield then this will create a deficit; 
 – Interest rate risk: decreases/increases in the discount rate used 

(high-quality corporate bonds) will increase/decrease the defined 
benefit obligation;

 – Longevity risk: changes in the estimation of mortality rates of 

current and former employees; and

 – Salary risk: increases in future salaries increase the gross defined 

benefit obligation.

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Other post-employment obligations
Some Group companies provide post-retirement healthcare 
benefits to their retirees. The entitlement to these benefits is usually 
conditional on the employee remaining in service up to retirement 
age and the completion of a minimum service period. The expected 
costs of these benefits are accrued over the period of employment 
using the same accounting methodology as used for defined benefit 
pension plans. Actuarial gains and losses arising from experience 
adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions are charged or 
credited to equity in other comprehensive income in the period in 
which they arise. These obligations are valued annually by independent 
qualified actuaries.

Deferred income tax is recognised, using the liability method, on 
temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and 
liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial 
statements. However, deferred tax liabilities are not recognised if 
they arise from the initial recognition of goodwill. Deferred income tax 
is not accounted for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or 
liability in a transaction other than a business combination that at the 
time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or 
loss. Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that 
have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date and 
are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is 
realised or the deferred income tax liability is settled.

Termination benefits
Termination benefits are payable when employment is terminated 
by the Group before the normal retirement date, or whenever 
an employee accepts voluntary redundancy in exchange for these 
benefits. The Group recognises termination benefits at the earlier 
of the following dates (a) when the Group can no longer withdraw 
the offer of those benefits; and (b) when the entity recognises costs 
for a restructuring that is within the scope of IAS 37 ‘Provisions’ and 
involves the payment of termination benefits.

In the case of an offer made to encourage voluntary redundancy, 
the termination benefits are measured based on the number of 
employees expected to accept the offer. Benefits falling due more 
than 12 months after the end of the reporting period are discounted 
to their present value.

2.23 Current and deferred income tax 
The income tax expense for the period comprises current and 
deferred tax. Income tax is recognised in the consolidated statements 
of comprehensive income, except to the extent that it relates to items 
recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. In this 
case, the income tax is also recognised in other comprehensive income 
or directly in equity, respectively.

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of the tax laws 
enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date in the countries 
where the Company and its subsidiaries operate and generate taxable 
income. The Group periodically evaluates positions taken or intended 
to be taken in tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable 
tax regulation is subject to interpretation. It accounts for uncertain tax 
positions where appropriate on the basis of amounts expected to be 
paid to the tax authorities.

Deferred income tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it 
is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the 
temporary differences, unused tax losses and unused tax credits can 
be utilised. The criteria considered when recognising deferred income 
tax assets includes:
 – The existence of taxable temporary differences that relate to the 

same taxation authority and same taxable entity, and 

 – The expected future taxable profits and tax planning opportunities. 
In case of a history of recent losses, it has been considered whether 
other convincing evidence is available to support the recognition 
of the deferred income tax assets.

Deferred income tax is provided on temporary differences arising 
on investments in subsidiaries and associates, except for deferred 
income tax liability where the timing of the reversal of the temporary 
difference is controlled by the Group and it is probable that the 
temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a 
legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current tax 
liabilities and when the deferred income tax assets and liabilities relate 
to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either the 
same taxable entity or different taxable entities where there is an 
intention to settle the balances on a net basis.

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3. 

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

3.1 Financial instruments by category
The table below sets out the Group’s classification of each class of financial assets and financial liabilities and their fair values for the current year 
and the comparative year:

US$ million

Financial assets
Trade receivables1
Cash and cash equivalents
Financial assets at FVTOCI
Other assets2
Total

Measured at 
amortised cost

Measured at 
FVTOCI

Total 
carrying value

Fair value

31 December 2019

451
517
–
115
1,083

–
–
9
–
9

451
517
9
115
1,092

451
517
9
115
1,092

1  Trade receivables include credit secured receivables of $206m.
2  Other assets (note 17) exclude the following elements that do not qualify as financial instruments: prepayments, VAT and duties receivable and other government benefits receivable.

US$ million

Financial liabilities
Trade payables
Borrowings
Other liabilities1
Lease liabilities
Other financial liabilities
Total

1  Other liabilities (note 27) exclude the elements that do not qualify as financial instruments.

Measured at 
FVTPL

Measured at 
amortised cost

Total  
carrying value

Fair value

31 December 2019

–
–
–
–
3
3

1,257
600
225
125
–
2,207

1,257
600
225
125
3
2,210

1,257
600
225
125
3
2,210

31 December 2018

US$ million

Financial assets
Trade receivables1
Cash and cash equivalents
Financial assets at FVTOCI
Other assets2
Other financial assets
Total

Measured at 
amortised cost

Measured at 
FVTPL

Measured at 
FVTOCI

Total  
carrying value

Fair value

444
393
–
93
–
930

–
–
–
–
3
3

–
–
8
–
–
8

444
393
8
93
3
941

444
393
8
93
3
941

1  Trade receivables include credit secured receivables of $197m.
2  Other assets (note 17) exclude the following elements that do not qualify as financial instruments: prepayments, VAT and duties receivable and other government benefits receivable.

US$ million

Financial liabilities
Trade payables
Borrowings
Other liabilities1
Lease liabilities
Total

1  Other liabilities (note 27) exclude the following elements that do not qualify as financial instruments.

134

Measured at 
amortised cost

Total  
carrying value

Fair value

31 December 2018

1,062
600
219
111
1,992

1,062
600
219
111
1,992

1,062
600
219
111
1,992

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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The Group has classified equity investments as financial instruments at FVTOCI (without recycling). These investments are measured 
using inputs for the asset or liability that are in absence of observable market data, based on net asset value of the related investments 
(level 3 in the IFRS 13 ‘Fair Value Measurement’ hierarchy). Because the value is based on the net asset value of the related investments, 
no sensitivity analysis is presented.

The following table presents the changes in level 3 items for the periods ended 31 December:

US$ million

Opening balance 1 January 2018
Fair value adjustment
Foreign exchange differences
Closing balance 31 December 2018
Fair value adjustment
Foreign exchange differences
Closing balance 31 December 2019

Financial assets  
measured at FVTOCI

6
1
1
8
1
–
9

The fair value through other comprehensive income are the only level 3 financial assets within the Group. There were no changes made 
during the year to valuation methods or the processes to determine classification and no transfers were made between the levels in the 
fair value hierarchy.

3.2 Financial risk factors
The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including currency risk, fair value interest rate risk, cash flow 
interest rate risk and price risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. The Group’s overall risk management programme focuses on the unpredictability 
of financial markets and seeks to minimise potential adverse effects on the Group’s financial performance.

Market risk
Foreign exchange risk
The Group operates internationally and is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from various currency exposures, primarily with respect 
to the US dollar. Foreign exchange risk arises from future commercial transactions and recognised assets and liabilities.

Management has set up a policy to require Group companies to manage their foreign exchange risk. Group treasury is required to approve 
all hedging plans before execution. The Group has a number of natural hedges in place, where the timing of foreign currency payments is 
matched with the receipts in a similar currency. Forward contracts are used to manage the foreign exchange risk arising from future obligations. 

Foreign currency exposure on the consolidated net monetary position is $378m (2018: $274m). Other monetary balances in other currencies 
are not material. If the non-US dollar held currency had weakened/strengthened by 10% against the US dollar with all other variables 
held constant, pre-tax profit for the year would have been $38m (2018: $27m) lower/higher, mainly as a result of foreign exchange gains/losses 
on translation of non-US dollar denominated receivables and payables. 

Price risk
The Group generally seeks to manage its exposure to commodity price risk through careful inventory management and as at 31 December 2019 
the Group was not significantly exposed to commodity price risk. In regulated markets, the Group has no price exposure as long as the sale of 
the inventory is matching the timing of the price structures updates, however in unregulated markets, such as Marine and Aviation, the Group 
may be exposed to price changes in the short-term if inventory is not carefully managed. 

In Botswana, Guinea, Madagascar, Senegal and Morocco (for Butane only) the Group is financially compensated by the local government for 
the effect of these price restrictions. For further information see note 3.2 Credit risk. For some countries (such as Senegal) the transport costs 
are subsidised.

The Group does not hold equity securities for trading and is, therefore, not exposed to price risk.

Cash flow interest rate risk and fair value interest rate risk
The Group’s interest rate risk arises from borrowings. It is Group policy to have short-term loan facilities at floating rate and medium to 
long-term facilities at floating or fixed rate. Swap from floating to fixed is possible when there is a clear economic benefit, subject to Group 
Treasury’s approval. The Group has long-term borrowing facilities which carry variable interest rates and therefore the Group is exposed to 
a cash flow interest rate risk as at 31 December 2019. The Group also has some short-term overdraft facilities which carry a fixed interest rate 
exposing the Group to fair value interest rate risk. But given that the rate is fixed for a short period of time, and that these facilities terms are 
subject to renegotiation should interest rate move, the exposure is minimal. At 31 December 2019, if interest rates on US dollar-denominated 
and Euro-denominated borrowings had been one hundred basis points higher/lower with all other variables held constant, the calculated 
post-tax profit for the year would have been $4m (2018: $5m) higher/lower, mainly as a result of higher/lower finance expense 
on floating rate borrowings.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

3. 

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT CONTINUED

3.2 Financial risk factors (continued)
Credit risk
Credit risk is managed on a Group basis, except for credit risk relating to accounts receivable balances. Each local entity is responsible for 
managing and analysing the credit risk for each of their new clients before standard payment and delivery terms and conditions are offered. 
Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents, as well as credit exposures to wholesale and retail customers, including outstanding 
receivables and committed transactions. At reporting date, the Group noted no significant concentrations of credit risk to individual customers 
or counterparties. The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date is the carrying value of each class of receivables. 

All external customers must have their identity checked and credit worthiness assessed and approved prior to the signing of a binding agreement 
or contract. Credit worthiness is assessed for all customers based on commercial data, but also considers financial data when a credit limit 
exceeds $15,000 for Retail and $100,000 for Commercial. The utilisation of credit limits is regularly monitored and checks performed on 
outstanding debt at regular intervals. Where the environment allows, security (bank guarantees) will be taken to secure the Group’s exposure. 
For banks and financial institutions, management of the operating entity are responsible for making the short-term placements with the banks 
after approval from Group Treasury.

The investment policy is based in order of importance on security, liquidity and yield. Management will assess the counterparty risks of the 
third party based on financial strength, quality of management, ownership structure, regulatory environment and overall diversification. 
Group Treasury is required to approve all investment decisions to ensure they are made in line with the Group’s credit policies. The Group 
has provided secured loans to individual employees (note 17). 

As at 31 December 2019, the Group is exposed to credit risk in relation to other government benefits receivables mainly in Botswana, Morocco, 
Madagascar, Senegal and Guinea. The Morocco receivable of $22m (2018: $27m) relates to compensation provided by the government for 
setting the price of butane on sales to retail customers. These other government benefits receivable are partially provided for, the total provision 
amounted to $18m at 31 December 2019 (2018: $15m). Based on management’s review on the recoverability of these receivables it believes 
the credit risk in relation to these balances (note 17) is relatively low.

In Morocco customer receivables to the amount of $19m (2018: $24m) were assigned to a factoring subsidiary of a commercial bank, 
the assigned amount was received in cash and the corresponding receivable was derecognised and with regard to the late payment risk, 
the Group capped the exposure to six months’ maximum of interest. This resulted in a continuous involvement accounting treatment where 
a substantial portion of the risk has been transferred. A continuous involvement liability of $0.4m (2018: $0.5m) was recognised. In addition, 
other government benefits receivable to the amount of $9m (2018: $45m) were assigned to a local commercial bank, the assigned amount was 
received in cash and the corresponding receivable was derecognised. With regard to the late payment risk, the Group capped the exposure 
to 5.5 months’ maximum of interest. A continuous involvement liability of $0.2m was recognised. The Group considers that the held to collect 
business model remains appropriate for these receivables and hence continues measuring them at amortised cost. The Group has arrived to 
this conclusion because the factoring of the Group’s B2B receivables before maturing is done on an infrequent basis. Furthermore, the Group 
continues to guarantee the late payment risk up to 180 days. The business model is, therefore, not impacted because the risks and rewards as 
existing prior to the factoring remain after the factoring.

The table below shows the balances of the major counterparties at the reporting dates:

31 December 2019

31 December 2018

Credit rating

US$ million

Credit rating

US$ million

AAAmmf
A+
Ba1-

B+
BBB-
None available
None available
A-

56
49
42

38
22
10
7
3

A+
Af
BB+

B+
BBB-
None available
None available
A-

58
46
45

30
27
10
11
33

Banks
Bank 1
Bank 2
Bank 3
Other government benefits receivable
Senegal government
Morocco government
Madagascar government
Guinea government
Botswana government

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Liquidity risk
Prudent liquidity risk management implies maintaining sufficient cash and the availability of funding through an adequate amount of committed 
credit facilities. Due to the cyclical nature of the underlying businesses, the Directors aim to maintain flexibility in funding by keeping committed 
credit lines available.

Management monitors rolling forecasts of the Group’s liquidity reserve on the basis of expected cash flow. This is generally carried out at local 
level in the operating companies of the Group in accordance with practice and limits set by Group policies. Where short-term liquidity is needed, 
the operating entities organise short-term facilities to cover the deficit which have to be authorised by Group Treasury.

The table below analyses the Group’s financial liabilities into relevant maturity groupings based on the remaining period at the reporting date 
to the contractual maturity date. The amounts disclosed in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows.

US$ million
Borrowings1
Trade payables
Lease liabilities
Other liabilities2
Total

31 December 2019

Less than  
3 months

225
1,161
6
49
1,441

Between  
3 months  
and 1 year

81
89
17
24
211

Between 1  
and 2 years

Between 2  
and 5 years

Over
 5 years

85
7
20
18
130

211
–
44
4
259

–
–
90
130
220

Total

602
1,257
177
225
2,261

1  Borrowings exclude, as of 31 December 2019, the undrawn multi-currency revolving credit facility of $236m (note 24).
2  Other liabilities (note 27) exclude the elements that do not qualify as financial instruments.

US$ million

Borrowings1
Trade payables
Lease liabilities
Other liabilities2
Total

31 December 2018

Less than  
3 months

203
1,003
5
43
1,254

Between  
3 months  
and 1 year

84
51
15
20
170

Between 1  
and 2 years

Between 2  
and 5 years

Over
 5 years

84
6
20
22
132

232
2
51
5
290

–
–
42
129
171

Total

603
1,062
133
219
2,017

1  Borrowings exclude, as of 31 December 2018, the undrawn multi-currency revolving credit facility of $300m (note 24).
2  Other liabilities (note 27) exclude the elements that do not qualify as financial instruments.

Net investment hedge
Foreign currency exposure arises from the Group’s net investment in its several subsidiaries that have the Cape Verde Escudo (CVE) and the 
CFA Franc BCEAO (XOF), the CFA Franc BEAC (XAF) as functional currencies that are 100% pegged to the Euro (EUR) and the Moroccan 
Dirham (MAD) and the Tunisian Dinar (TND) which are pegged to a basket of EUR and USD. Therefore, the risk arises from fluctuation 
in spot exchange rates between these currencies (or the EUR) and the US dollar, which causes the amount of the net investment to vary.

The hedged risk in the net investment hedge is the risk of a weakening of the CVE, XAF and the XOF currencies (or the EUR) against the 
US dollar which will result in a reduction in the carrying amount of the Group’s net investment in these foreign operations.

Part of the Group’s net investment in those subsidiaries is hedged by a EUR denominated secured bank loan (carrying amount: $150m) 
(2018: $124m), which mitigates the foreign currency risk arising from the revaluation of the subsidiaries’ net assets. The loan is designated 
as a hedging instrument for the changes in the value of the net investment that is attributable to changes in the spot rate.

To assess hedge effectiveness, the Group determines the economic relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item by 
comparing changes in the carrying amount of the debt that is attributable to a change in the spot rate with changes in the investment in the 
foreign operation due to movements in the spot rate (the offset method). The Group’s policy is to hedge the net investment only to the extent 
of the debt principal.

137

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

3. 

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT CONTINUED

3.2 Financial risk factors (continued)
The amounts related to items designated as hedging instruments in the statement of financial position and the statement of comprehensive 
income were as follows:

Carrying amount

US$ million

Foreign exchange denominated debt

Nominal amount

239

Assets

–

Liabilities

150

Foreign exchange denominated debt

(3)

(3)

–

Change in value  
used for calculating  
hedge for 2019

Change in value  
of hedging instrument 
recognised in OCI

Hedge ineffectiveness 
recognised in  
profit or loss

Carrying amount

US$ million

Foreign exchange denominated debt

Nominal amount

175

Assets

–

Liabilities

124

Foreign exchange denominated debt

(7)

(7)

–

Change in value  
used for calculating  
hedge for 2018

Change in value  
of hedging instrument 
recognised in OCI

Hedge ineffectiveness 
recognised in  
profit or loss

31 December 2019

Line item in the  
statement of financial  
position where the hedging  

instrument is included

Borrowings

Line item in profit  
or loss that includes  
hedge ineffectiveness

Not applicable

31 December 2018

Line item in the  
statement of financial  
position where the hedging  
instrument is included

Borrowings

Line item in profit  
or loss that includes  
hedge ineffectiveness

Not applicable

3.3 Capital management
The Group’s capital management objective is to maintain a commercially sound consolidated statements of financial position with the aim of 
maximising the net cash return to the shareholders, whilst maintaining a level of capitalisation that is commercially defensible and which leads 
to an effective and optimised working capital structure.

Liquidity and capital resources are monitored through a review of the Group’s net debt position, leverage ratio and available short-term capital 
resources. Net debt is calculated as total borrowings and lease liabilities (including current and non-current borrowings and lease liabilities as 
shown in the consolidated statements of financial position) less cash and cash equivalents. The leverage ratio is calculated as net debt divided 
by adjusted EBITDA. For details related to key covenants refer to note 24.

US$ million

Long-term debt (note 24)
Lease liabilities (note 28)
Total debt excluding short-term bank borrowings
Short-term bank borrowings1
Less: cash and cash equivalents (note 20)
Net debt

1 

Short-term bank borrowings exclude the current portion of long-term debt.

US$ million

Net debt
Adjusted EBITDA1
Leverage ratio

1 

For the description and reconciliation of non-GAAP measures refer to pages 42 and 43.

US$ million

Cash and cash equivalents
Available undrawn credit facilities
Available short-term capital resources

31 December 
2019

371
125
496
229
(517)
208

31 December 
2019

208
431
0.48x

31 December 
2019

517
1,410
1,927

31 December  

2018

392
111
503
208
(393)
318

31 December  

2018

318
400
0.79x

31 December  

2018

393
1,281
1,674

The Group manages its capital structure and makes adjustments to it in light of changes in economic conditions in order to ensure sound 
capital management.

138

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

4.  CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS 

4.1 Accounting judgements
In the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies, management has made the following judgements, apart from those involving estimates, 
which have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the consolidated financial statements:

Accounting for leases under IFRS 16
In establishing the lease term for each lease contract that has an option to extend, judgement has been applied to determine the extension 
period. When it is concluded that it is reasonably certain that the extension option will be utilised, the lease term is extended to include the 
reasonably certain period of five years. The lease agreements have the option to extend the leases and the option to terminate the leases. 
The extension options in different contracts vary between five years to unlimited period. The Group uses significant assumptions that all of the 
existing leases, that are expiring within the following five years, that have an extension option, will be extended for an additional five-year period, 
when determining the lease term.

In addition, IFRS 16 requires lease payments to be discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease. In case the interest rate implicit in 
the lease cannot be readily determined, the incremental borrowing rate should be used. That is the rate of interest that a lessee would have to 
pay to borrow over a similar value to the right-of-use asset in a similar economic environment. Accordingly, the Group elected to use the local 
borrowing rates for each operating unit at the commencement date. That is the rate at which local operating units would need to borrow to 
acquire the asset. For additional details relating to leases refer to note 28.

Deferred tax position
Recognition of deferred tax assets requires assessment of when those assets are likely to reverse and judgement on the availability of sufficient 
taxable profits upon reversal. Deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent it is considered probable that those assets will be recoverable. 
The deferred tax assets as at 31 December 2019 are $34m (2018: $36m) as presented in note 10. Deferred tax assets recorded are re-assessed 
at each period.

4.2 Estimation uncertainty
The key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the end of the reporting period, that have 
a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities within the next financial year are 
discussed below.

Goodwill impairment assessment
The Group annually tests whether goodwill has suffered any impairment, in accordance with the accounting policy stated in note 2.12. 
On 1 March 2019, the Group acquired 100% of Vivo Energy Overseas Holding Limited. The transaction added operations in eight new 
countries and over 200 Engen-branded service stations, expanding the Group’s presence across 23 countries in Africa. As a result of the 
transaction, the Group recognised and allocated goodwill to the Engen Retail and Engen Commercial segments which represent the lowest level 
within the entity at which goodwill is monitored in the current year. 

The recoverable amount of each cash generating unit (CGU) was determined based on a Fair Value Less Cost of Disposal calculation which 
was based upon cash flow projections from the five-year business plan prepared for each CGU. The terminal value was estimated based upon 
a perpetuity growth rate of 1.8%, reflecting an inflationary level of growth beyond the five-year plan. Post-tax discount rate of 15.9% was used 
to discount the projected cash flows. 

Based upon the goodwill impairment test, goodwill is not impaired. No impairment would occur, if the post-tax discount rate applied 
to the cash flow projection of each CGU had been 1% higher than management estimates and all other assumptions remain unchanged. 
The Engen Retail and Engen Commercial segments would only result in an indication of impairment if the post-tax discount rates increased 
to 17.4% and 22.0%, respectively. 

Government related assets and liabilities
The Company has various assets from and liabilities to governments and authorities with respect to government benefits receivable as well 
as for taxes and duties. The Group constantly assesses underlying inherent risks and assumptions and as a consequence related accounting 
estimates are determined and adjustments are made to the carrying amounts of those assets and liabilities, where necessary. A key element 
in the assessment of uncertainty of recoverability of government benefit receivables is the credit risk associated with these governments, 
this is considered in note 3.2.

Tax positions
The Group operates across many tax jurisdictions and the interpretation and application of tax law can be complex and requires judgement to 
assess the risk and estimate the potential outcomes. These outcomes can vary significantly from what has been provided. The Group recognises 
many individually immaterial provisions with a cumulative amount totalling $27m related to income tax and $33m related to indirect and 
other tax matters. These are recorded for the amount that is expected to be settled where this can be reasonably estimated. This reflects 
management’s assessment of the expected value of such risks based on a multiple scenario outcome and likelihood. Factors considered include 
the status of recent current tax audits and enquiries; the results of previous claims; the transfer pricing policies of the Group and any changes to 
the relevant tax environments. The provision has increased this year as a result of a completed acquisition in 2019. The timing of the resolution 
of the risks is uncertain and may take many years, however is expected to be within the next five years.

139

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

5. 

SEGMENT REPORTING 

The Group operates under three reportable segments: Retail, Commercial and Lubricants.

Retail segment – Retail fuel is aggregated with Non-fuel retail. Both the operating segments derive revenue from retail customers who visit our 
retail sites. Retail fuel and Non-fuel revenues are aggregated as the segments are managed as one unit and have similar customers. The economic 
indicators that have been addressed in determining that the aggregated segments have similar economic characteristics are that they have similar 
expected future financial performance and similar operating and competitive risks.

Commercial segment – Commercial fuel, LPG, Aviation and Marine are aggregated in the Commercial segment as the operating segments 
derive revenues from commercial customers. The segments have similar economic characteristics. The economic indicators that have been 
addressed are the long-term growth and average long-term gross margin percentage.

Lubricants segment – Retail, B2C, B2B and Export Lubricants are the remaining operating segments. Since these operating segments meet 
the majority of aggregation criteria, they are aggregated in the Lubricants segment.

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-makers. 
The Directors monitor the operating results of its business units separately for the purpose of making decisions about resource allocation, 
segment performance assessment and interacting with segment managers.

The following tables present revenues and profit information regarding the Group’s operating segments:

US$ million

Revenue from external customers
Gross profit
Add back: depreciation and amortisation
Gross cash profit
Adjusted EBITDA

US$ million

Revenue from external customers
Gross profit
Add back: depreciation and amortisation
Gross cash profit
Adjusted EBITDA

US$ million

Share of profit of joint ventures and associates included in segment EBITDA
Lubricants
Retail
Commercial
Total

Retail

5,249
411
43
454
242

Retail

4,860
393
35
428
227

Commercial

Lubricants

Consolidated

2019

2,678
192
22
214
135

375
72
3
75
54

8,302
675
68
743
431

2018

Commercial

Lubricants

Consolidated

 2,325 
 163 
 18 
 181 
 122 

 364 
 69 
 2 
 71 
 51 

 7,549 
 625 
 55 
 680 
 400 

2019

2018

 12 
 5 
 5 
 22 

 13 
 8 
 7 
 28 

140

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

The amount of revenues from external customers by location of the customers is shown in the table below.

US$ million

Revenue from external customers by principal country
Morocco
Kenya
Ghana
Other
Total

US$ million

Non-current assets by principal country (excluding deferred tax)
The Netherlands
Morocco
Kenya
Other
Total

6.  RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES

2019

2018

 1,476 
 1,256 
 571 
 4,999 
 8,302 

 1,561 
 1,270 
 603 
 4,115 
 7,549 

31 December 
2019

 31 December
 2018

 232 
 208 
 143 
 988 
 1,571 

 206 
 187 
 125 
 718 
 1,236 

Non-GAAP measures are not defined by International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and, therefore, may not be directly comparable 
with other companies’ non-GAAP measures, including those in the Group’s industry. Non-GAAP measures should be considered in addition to, 
and are not intended to be a substitute for, or superior to, IFRS measurements. The exclusion of certain items (special items) from non-GAAP 
performance measures does not imply that these items are necessarily non-recurring. From time to time, we may exclude additional items 
if we believe doing so would result in a more transparent and comparable disclosure.

The Directors believe that reporting non-GAAP financial measures in addition to IFRS measures, as well as the exclusion of special items, 
provides users with enhanced understanding of results and related trends and increases the transparency and clarity of the core results 
of operations. Non-GAAP measures are used by the Directors and management for performance analysis, planning, reporting and are 
used in determining senior management remuneration.

US$ million

EBT
Finance expense – net
EBIT
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment
EBITDA 
Adjustments to EBITDA related to special items:
IPO1 and Engen acquisition related expenses2
Write-off of non-current asset3
Restructuring4
Management Equity Plan5
Adjusted EBITDA

2019

246
64
310
106
416

11
3
3
(2)
431

2018

229
47
276
90
366

29
–
17
(12)
400

1 

IPO costs were incurred to list the Company on the London Stock Exchange Main Market and the Main Board of the JSE Limited by way of secondary inward listing. The decision to float 
and list the Company does not form part of the normal core operations of the business and is, therefore, treated as a special item.

2  On 1 March 2019 Vivo Energy Investments B.V., a subsidiary of the Group, acquired 100% of the issued shares in Vivo Energy Overseas Holdings Limited (VEOHL) (formerly known as 

Engen International Holdings (Mauritius) Limited). The cost of the acquisition and the related integration project expenses are treated as special items. 

3  The Group has recognised a write-off related to a government benefits receivable as a result of a retrospective price structure change by the government to finance their outstanding 
debt. Such retrospective changes of existing price structures are considered non-recurring and are not representative of the core operational business activities and performance for 
the period and are therefore, treated as special items.
In 2019 the Group acquired VEOHL, restructuring costs incurred were as a result of the integration of VEOHL into our business model. Restructuring cost in 2018 related to a specific 
cost optimisation programme that was significant in that year. The impact from these activities do not form part of the core operational business activities and performance and should, 
therefore, be treated as a special item in 2018 and 2019. 

4 

5  The Management Equity Plan vested at IPO in May 2018 and is exercisable on the first anniversary of admission for a period of 12 months, refer to note 31. This is therefore a re-occurring 
special item in 2018 and 2019. Changes in the fair value of the cash-settled share-based plan does not form part of the core operational business activities and performance and should, 
therefore, be treated as a special item. The costs of share-based payment schemes introduced after the IPO are not treated as special items. 

141

 VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

6.  RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES CONTINUED

US$ million

Net income
Adjustments to net income related to special items:
IPO1 and Engen acquisition related expenses2
Write-off of non-current asset3
Restructuring4
Management Equity Plan5
Tax on special items
Adjusted net income

US$

Diluted EPS 
Impact of special items
Adjusted diluted EPS

2019

150

11
3
3
(2)
(3)
162

2019

0.11
0.01
0.12

2018

146

29
–
17
(12)
(2)
178

2018

0.11
0.03
0.14

1 

IPO costs were incurred to list the Company on the London Stock Exchange Main Market and the Main Board of the JSE Limited by way of secondary inward listing. The decision to float 
and list the Company does not form part of the normal core operations of the business and is, therefore, treated as a special item.

2  On 1 March 2019 Vivo Energy Investments B.V., a subsidiary of the Group, acquired 100% of the issued shares in Vivo Energy Overseas Holdings Limited (VEOHL) (formerly known as 

Engen International Holdings (Mauritius) Limited). The cost of the acquisition and the related integration project expenses are treated as special items. 

3  The Group has recognised a write-off related to a government benefits receivable as a result of a retrospective price structure change by the government to finance their outstanding 

4 

debt. Such retrospective changes of existing price structures are considered non-recurring and are not representative of the core operational business activities and performance for the 
period and are therefore, treated as special items.
In 2019 the Group acquired VEOHL, restructuring costs incurred were as a result of the integration of VEOHL into our business model. Restructuring cost in 2018 related to a specific 
cost optimisation programme that was significant in that year. The impact from these activities do not form part of the core operational business activities and performance and should, 
therefore, be treated as a special item in 2018 and 2019. 

5  The Management Equity Plan vested at IPO in May 2018 and is exercisable on the first anniversary of admission for a period of 12 months, refer to note 31. This is therefore a re-occurring 
special item in 2018 and 2019. Changes in the fair value of the cash-settled share-based plan does not form part of the core operational business activities and performance and should, 
therefore, be treated as a special item. The costs of share-based payment schemes introduced after the IPO are not treated as special items. 

The Group defines Headline earnings as earnings based on net income attributable to owners of the Group, before items of a capital nature, 
net of income tax as required for companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Further explanations of all non-GAAP measures can 
be found on page 42-43 in the Strategic Report.

US$ million, unless otherwise indicated

Headline earnings per share
Net income attributable to owners
Re-measurements:

Net gain on disposal of PP&E and intangible assets
Write-off of non-current asset1 

Income tax on re-measurements
Headline earnings
Weighted average number of ordinary shares (million)
Headline EPS (US$)
Diluted number of shares (million)
Diluted headline EPS (US$)
Effective tax rate

2019

2018

 136 

 135 

–
3
(1)
 138 
 1,255 
 0.11 
 1,255 
 0.11 
39%

(2)
–
 1 
 134 
 1,202 
 0.11 
 1,202 
 0.11 
36%

1  The Group has recognised a write-off related to a government benefits receivable as a result of a retrospective price structure change by the government to finance their outstanding 

debt. Such retrospective changes of existing price structures resulted in the re-measurement of an asset and is therefore excluded.

142

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

7.  GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE COST

Employee benefits

US$ million

Wages, salaries and other employee benefits
Restructuring, severance and other involuntary termination costs1
Retirement benefits
Share-based payment expense

2019

 159 
 3 
 7 
 (1)
 168 

2018

 158 
 14 
 7 
 (3)
 176 

1  Total restructuring costs amount to $3m (2018: $17m) of which some elements are reflected in other employee benefits categories.

Included in the employee benefit expense for the year ended 31 December 2019, was social security expense of $1m (2018: $2m) and other 
pension costs relating to employees employed in the UK. Refer to note 3 in the Company financial statements.

Employee benefits have been charged in:

US$ million

General and administrative cost
Selling and marketing cost
Cost of sales

The monthly average number of full-time equivalent employees were as follows: 

Sales and distribution
Administration and support

2019

 96 
 39 
 33 
 168 

2019

 1,845 
 755 
 2,600 

2018

 102 
 42 
 32 
 176 

2018

1,702
657
2,359

Depreciation and amortisation
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets and amortisation of intangible assets are separately disclosed in note 12, 13 
and 28 respectively.

Audit fees

US $’000

Parent company and consolidated financial statements
Subsidiaries1
Audit fees2
Audit-related fees3
Tax advisory fees
Tax compliance fees
Other assurance services4
Other non-audit services
Other fees total
Total fees

1  Audit fees for foreign entities are expressed at the average exchange rate for the year.
2  Audit fees in 2019 comprise fees for the business combination in relation to the VEOHL acquisition and the SAP S/4HANA implementation.
3  Audit-related fees relate to interim financial statements reviews.
4  Other assurance services relate mainly to comfort letter procedures and volume certificates to support brand royalty expenses.

8.  OTHER INCOME/(EXPENSE)

US$ million

Net gain on disposals of PP&E and intangible assets
Gain/(loss) on financial instruments
Other income

2019

 1,656
 1,383
 3,039 
 692 
5
–
193
11
 901 
 3,940 

2018

1,036
705
1,741
1,119
17
28
1,925
–
3,089
4,830

2019

2018

– 
 1 
 1 
 2 

 2 
 (1)
 2 
 3 

143

 VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

9. 

FINANCE INCOME AND EXPENSE

US$ million

Finance expense
Interest on bank and other borrowings and on lease liabilities1
Interest on long-term debt including amortisation of set-up fees
Net impact of hyperinflation2
Accretion expense net defined benefit liability
Foreign exchange loss
Other

Finance income
Interest from cash and cash equivalents

Finance expense – net 

Includes an amount of $11m (2018: $10m) finance expense for leases in respect to IFRS 16 ‘Leases’.

1 
2  Represents the net non-monetary loss impact from the application of IAS 29 ‘Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies’. Refer to note 2.6.

10. 

INCOME TAXES

Current income taxes
Analysis of income tax expense:

US$ million

Current tax
Current income tax
Current income tax prior years

Deferred tax
Deferred income tax
Deferred income tax prior years

Income tax expense

The reconciliation of income taxes, computed at the statutory tax rate, to income tax expense was as follows:

US$ million

EBT
Statutory tax rate
Income tax expense at statutory tax rate
Increase/(decrease) resulting from:

Impact of tax rates in foreign jurisdictions
Income not subject to tax
Expenses not tax deductible
Non-recognition of tax benefits in relation to current period tax losses or temporary differences
Recognition and utilisation of previously unrecognised tax losses or temporary differences2
Withholding tax
Other3

Income tax expense
Effective tax rate

Prior year comparatives were reclassified to provide a consistent presentation to 2019.

1 
2  $1m is recognised after the business acquisition and is supported by developments in the acquired markets.
3  Amongst others includes movements related to uncertain tax positions.

144

2019

2018

(35)
(24)
(5)
(2)
(1)
(4)
(71)

 7
7
(64)

(27)
(19)
–
(2)
(2)
(3)
(53)

6
6
(47)

2019

2018

 (95)
 (2)

 (97)

 1 
– 
 1 
 (96)

2019

 246 
19%
 (47)

 (23)
 7 
 (11)
 (5)
 6 
 (19)
 (4)
 (96)
39%

 (77)
 (2)

 (79)

 (3)
 (1)
 (4)
 (83)

20181

 229 
19%
 (44)

 (21)
 10 
(10)
 (3)
–
 (21)
 6
 (83)
36%

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

Deferred income taxes
The significant components of the Company’s recognised deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows:

31 December 2019

31 December 2018

Asset

Liability

Asset

Liability

US$ million

Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Retirement benefits
Provisions
Withholding taxes
Tax losses carried forward1
Other

Offsetting of balances
Total

 1 
–
 9 
 17 
–
 12 
 17 
 56 
 (22)
 34 

 (31)
 (23)
 (1)
 (2)
 (15)
–
 (16)
 (88)
22 
 (66)

 1 
–
 9 
 27 
–
 1 
 13 
 51 
 (15)
 36 

2019

 (15)
1 
 (1)
 (19)
 1 
 1 
 (32)

 (17)
 (21)
 (1)
–
 (16)
–
 (11)
 (66)
 15 
 (51)

2018

 (9)
 (4)
 (1)
–
 (2)
 1 
 (15)

1  The recognised deferred tax asset relates to $8m tax losses which is supported by expected future taxable profits (2018: Nil).

The changes in the net deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows:

US$ million

Balance at the beginning of year, net

In profit
In other comprehensive income
Business acquisition
Other
Foreign exchange differences

Unrecognised deferred tax assets relate to carry forward losses of $93m (2018: $86m) and tax credit carry forwards of $4m (2018: Nil). 
Of the unrecognised carry forward losses $11m will expire at the end of 2021, $15m at the end of 2022, $21m at the end of 2023 and 
$46m at the end of 2024 or later. 

The unrecognised taxable temporary differences associated with undistributed retained earnings of investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures 
and associates amounts to $20m (2018: $7m).

11.  BUSINESS COMBINATION

On 1 March 2019 Vivo Energy Investments B.V., a subsidiary of the Group, acquired 100% of the shares in Vivo Energy Overseas Holding Limited 
(VEOHL), a retailer and marketer of Engen-branded fuels and lubricants in Africa. VEOHL markets its products to retail customers through 
a large network of Engen-branded service stations, including convenience retail offerings, as well as directly to commercial customers. In the 
comparative period in the 2018 year, there were no business combination transactions.

The transaction with VEOHL added operations in eight new countries and over 200 Engen-branded services stations expanding the Group’s 
presence across 23 countries in Africa. The new markets for the Group are Gabon, Malawi, Mozambique, Reunion, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia 
and Zimbabwe. VEOHL’s Kenya operations, a market in which the Group currently operates, is the ninth country included in the transaction. 
The acquisition is considered to have increased the Group’s market share, making it the largest pan-African independent network, and will 
reduce costs through economies of scale.

VEOHL was acquired for a purchase consideration of $177m. The consideration was paid by a share issuance of 63 million ordinary shares 
measured at the market price of the company’s shares as listed on the London Stock Exchange on 1 March 2019, amounting to $113m and 
a $64m cash settlement. This has resulted in Engen Holdings (Pty) Limited holding a circa 5% shareholding in the Group.

US$ million

Cash 
Ordinary shares issued
Total purchase consideration

1 March 2019

 64 
 113 
 177 

Acquisition-related costs of $9m not directly attributable to the issuance of shares are included in general and administrative expenses in profit 
or loss and in operating cash flows in the statement of cash flows.

145

 VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

11.  BUSINESS COMBINATION CONTINUED

In accordance with the requirements of IFRS 3 (revised) ‘Business combinations’, the initial accounting for the VEOHL business combination 
is incomplete, as additional information necessary to identify and measure assets and liabilities is being received. Accordingly, the amounts 
recognised in the financial statements are provisional as at 31 December 2019. 

The following table summarises the preliminary values of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the acquisition of VEOHL, 
as at the acquisition date:

US$ million

Property, plant and equipment
Right-of-use assets
Intangible assets
Investments in joint ventures and associates
Other assets1
Deferred tax asset
Inventories
Trade receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Lease liabilities
Trade payables
Borrowings
Provisions
Other liabilities
Income tax payables
Deferred tax liabilities
Net identifiable assets
Less: Non-controlling interest (NCI)2
Add: Goodwill
Net assets acquired

Included in other assets is an indemnification asset of $6m.

1 
2  The non-controlling interest has been measured at its proportionate share of the net identifiable assets in VEOHL.

US$ million

Opening balance 1 March 2019
Changes to provisional assets and liabilities1
Foreign exchange differences2
Closing balance 31 December 2019

1 March 2019

 149 
 16 
 25 
 2 
 35 
 1 
 64 
 71 
 52 
(16)
(146)
(27)
(33)
(29)
(20)
(20)
 124 
(12)
 65 
 177 

Goodwill

 64 
 1 
(3)
 62 

1  Update of opening balance assessment of assets and liabilities during the measurement period.
2 

Foreign exchange differences include a positive $6m impact from application of IAS 29 ‘Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies’. 

Goodwill can be attributed to future synergies to be derived through the acquisition and the business knowledge and technical skills of the 
acquired workforces. Future synergies are expected through increased market penetration and expansion as well as improved profitability 
from operating under the Vivo Energy business model.

Acquisition contribution to the business 
VEOHL contributed revenues of $860m and a net income of $12m to the Group for the period 1 March 2019 to 31 December 2019. 
Had the acquisition occurred at 1 January 2019 revenue for the year 2019 would be $1,032m and net income would be circa $15m. 

At acquisition contingent liabilities of $8m were recognised at fair value. These contingencies relate to ongoing legal claims of VEOHL 
and its subsidiaries. The Group has identified contingent assets to the value of $1m in relation to legal action ongoing at acquisition date. 

The fair value of trade receivables at acquisition was $71m. The gross contractual amount was $81m, of which $10m is expected to 
be uncollectible.

146

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

12.  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

US$ million

Cost at 1 January 2019
Additions
Business acquisition1
Disposals
Transfers
Foreign exchange differences2
Cost at 31 December 2019

Accumulated depreciation at 1 January 2019
Depreciation
Disposals
Foreign exchange differences2
Accumulated depreciation at 31 December 2019
Net carrying value at 31 December 2019

Land

Buildings

Machinery and 
other equipment

Construction 
in progress

 33 
–
 22 
–
1 
(1) 
 55 

–
–
–
–
–
 55 

 229 
 6 
 71 
(4) 
 24 
(7) 
 319 

(43) 
(16) 
 3 
 2 
(54) 
 265 

 453 
 25 
 61 
(29) 
 53 
(11) 
 552 

(118) 
(56) 
 28 
 5 
(141) 
 411 

 68 
 93 
 9 
–
(78) 
–
 92 

–
–
–
–
–
 92 

1 
2 

Includes PP&E recognised on acquisition of VEOHL of $149m.
Foreign exchange differences include the impact from the application of IAS 29 ‘Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies’. Refer to note 2.6.

US$ million

Cost at 1 January 2018
Additions
Disposals
Transfers to right-of-use asset
Transfers
Foreign exchange differences
Cost at 31 December 2018

Accumulated depreciation at 1 January 2018
Depreciation
Disposals
Transfers to right-of-use asset
Foreign exchange differences
Accumulated depreciation at 31 December 2018
Net carrying value at 31 December 2018

Land

Buildings

Machinery and 
other equipment

Construction 
in progress

 32 
–
–
–
 2 
(1) 
 33 

–
–
–
–
–
–
33

 201 
 8 
(5) 
–
 30 
(5) 
 229 

(36) 
(13) 
 5 
– 
 1 
(43) 
 186 

 428 
 16 
(38) 
(12)
 71 
(12) 
 453 

(116) 
(47) 
 38 
 4 
3 
(118) 
 335 

 77 
 96 
–
–
(103) 
(2) 
 68 

–
–
–
–
–
–
 68 

No assets have been pledged as security. Depreciation charge of $72m (2018: $60m) is included in cost of sales for $64m (2018: $52m), 
in selling and marketing cost for $1m (2018: $1m) and in general and administrative cost for $7m (2018: $7m).

2019

Total

 783 
 124
 163 
(33) 
–
(19)
1,018

(161) 
(72) 
31 
7 
(195) 
 823 

2018

Total

 738 
 120 
(43) 
(12) 
–
(20)
 783 

(152) 
(60) 
 43 
 4
4 
(161) 
 622 

147

 VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

13. 

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

US$ million

Cost at 1 January 2019
Additions
Business acquisition
Foreign exchange differences1
Cost at 31 December 2019

Accumulated amortisation at 1 January 2019
Amortisation
Accumulated amortisation at 31 December 2019
Net carrying value at 31 December 2019

Shell licence 
agreement

Goodwill

Computer 
software

 143 
–
–
 (4)
 139 

 (77)
 (5)
 (82)
 57 

 21 
–
 65 
 (5)
 81 

–
–
–
 81 

 51 
 25 
–
 (1)
 75 

 (16)
 (3)
 (19)
 56 

1 

Foreign exchange differences include the impact from the application of IAS 29 ‘Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies’. Refer to note 2.6. 

US$ million

Cost at 1 January 2018
Additions
Disposals
Foreign exchange differences
Cost at 31 December 2018

Accumulated amortisation at 1 January 2018
Amortisation
Foreign exchange differences
Accumulated amortisation at 31 December 2018
Net carrying value at 31 December 2018

Shell licence 
agreement

Goodwill

Computer 
software

 145 
–
–
 (2)
 143 

 (72)
 (5)
–
 (77)
 66 

 21 
–
–
–
 21 

–
–
–
–
 21 

 25 
 27 
 (1)
– 
 51 

 (14)
 (3)
1
 (16)
 35 

2019

Total

 247 
 25 
 90 
 (10)
 352 

 (113)
 (13)
 (126)
 226 

2018

Total

 224 
 27 
 (1)
 (3)
 247 

 (104)
 (11)
 2
 (113)
 134 

Other

 32 
–
 25 
–
 57 

 (20)
 (5)
 (25)
 32 

Other

 33 
–
–
 (1)
 32 

 (18)
 (3)
 1
 (20)
 12 

Amortisation charge of $13m (2018: $11m) is included in cost of sales for $1m (2018: Nil), selling and marketing cost for $9m (2018: $9m) and 
general and administrative cost for $3m (2018: $2m).

Impairment test for goodwill
The Group tests whether goodwill has suffered any impairment on an annual basis. The recoverable amount of the CGUs was determined 
based on Fair Value Less Cost of Disposal and Value-in-Use calculations which require the use of assumptions. The calculations use cash flow 
projections based on an approved business plan covering a five-year period. Cash flows beyond the five-year period are extrapolated using 
the estimated long-term growth rate shown below. The terminal value was calculated using the Gordon Growth formula.

In the year of acquisition the goodwill generated from the Engen acquisition is monitored by management at the level of Engen Retail ($39m) 
and Engen Commercial ($23m). These are subunits of the operating segments identified in note 5 and represent the units that are expected 
to benefit from the synergies of the combination. The remaining goodwill consists of amounts not significant in comparison to the total 
carrying amount.

In future years goodwill will be monitored at the operating segment level as defined in note 5 on a non-aggregated basis, as the monitoring 
of the Engen business is incorporated into the overall monitoring of the Vivo Energy segments.

148

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GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

The following tables sets out the key assumptions for those CGUs that have a significant goodwill allocated to them:

Revenue growth compounded annual growth rate
Gross margin compounded annual growth rate
Post-tax discount rate
Long-term growth rate

20191

Engen 
Retail

Engen 
Commercial

10.4%
13.4%
15.9%
1.8%

8.7%
6.9%
15.9%
1.8%

1  Assumptions presented relate to the goodwill test for the recognised goodwill in connection with the 2019 Engen acquisition, therefore, no comparative information is presented. 

The methodology applied to each of the key assumptions used is as follows: 

Assumptions

Revenue growth

Budgeted average gross margin
Post-tax discount rate

Long-term growth rate

Approach used to determine values

Average volumes over the five-year forecast period; based on past performance and management 
expectations of market developments.
Based on past performance and management expectations of the future.
Based on specific risks relating to the industry and country. Factors considered for the industry 
include regulatory environment, market competition, and barriers to entry.
Management assumes the US dollar long-term inflation of 1.8%. The rate is consistent with 
forecasts included in economic reports. 

The Group considers the post-tax discount rate to be the most sensitive assumption. No impairment would occur, if the post-tax discount rate 
applied to the cash flow projection of each CGU had been 1% higher than management estimates and all other assumptions in the table above 
are unchanged. Goodwill in relation to the Retail and Commercial segments would only result in an indication of impairment if the post-tax 
discount rates increased to 17.4% and 22.0%, respectively.

14. 

INVESTMENTS IN JOINT VENTURES AND ASSOCIATES

The Group also has interests in a number of associates and joint ventures that are accounted for using the equity method. A comprehensive 
listing of the Group’s joint ventures and associates can be found in note 15 of the Company financial statements. 

US$ million

At 1 January 
Acquisition of businesses
Share of profit
Dividend received
Foreign exchange differences
At 31 December

2019

 223 
 5 
 22 
(22) 
(1) 
 227 

2018

 219 
 1 
 28 
(23) 
(2) 
 223 

In December 2017, the Group acquired a 50% interest in Shell and Vivo Lubricants B.V. (SVL) that is considered a material investment to the 
Group. SVL is the principal supplier of manufacturing, sales and distribution for lubricants products in Africa. The investment is a joint venture 
investment and measured using the equity method. SVL is jointly owned by Vivo Energy Investments B.V. (50%) and Shell Overseas Investments 
B.V. (50%).

The table below provides summarised financial information for the carrying amount of the investment in SVL.

US$ million

At 1 January 
Share of profit
Dividend received
At 31 December

2019

 163 
 12 
(11) 
 164 

2018

 160 
 13 
(10) 
 163 

149

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

14. 

INVESTMENTS IN JOINT VENTURES AND ASSOCIATES CONTINUED

The total assets of SVL as per 31 December 2019 are $241m (2018: $234m), of which $156m (2018: $153m) relate to current (including cash 
and cash equivalents of $28m (2018: $23m)) and $85m (2018: $81m) to non-current assets. The current liabilities are $89m (2018: $79m) 
(including borrowings of $21m (2018: $21m)) and non-current liabilities of $6m (2018: $6m). The revenue for the year ending 31 December 2019 
was $281m (2018: $287m), and profit after income tax was $21m (2018: $22m). Other comprehensive loss, net of tax, for the year amounted 
to $1m (2018: $1m). The 2019 profit includes amortisation and depreciation of $8m (2018: $8m), net finance expense of $1m (2018: $2m) 
and income tax expense of $9m (2018: $7m).

The carrying value of SVL includes a notional goodwill of $96m calculated as the difference between the cost of the investment and the investor’s 
share of the fair values of the investee’s identifiable assets and liabilities acquired. Since the notional goodwill is not shown as a separate asset, 
it is not required to be separately tested for impairment, nor does it trigger an annual impairment test.

There are no contingent liabilities relating to the Group’s investments in joint ventures and associates.

15.  FINANCIAL ASSETS AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

US$ million

At 1 January 

Fair value adjustment
Foreign exchange differences
At 31 December

2019

2018

 8 

 1 
–
 9 

 6 

 1 
 1 
 8 

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income relate to the Group’s investment in Société de Gestion des Stocks Pétroliers 
de Côte d’Ivoire S.A. (GESTOCI) in which it holds an interest of circa 17%. The Group does not have significant influence or joint control in 
the investee. The investment is not held for trading and not a contingent consideration recognised by an acquirer in a business combination, 
therefore, at initial recognition the Group has elected to account for the investment at fair value through other comprehensive income.

No dividends were received from GESTOCI in 2018 and 2019. Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income are categorised 
as level 3 of the fair value hierarchy and are the only level 3 financial assets within the Group. There have been no transfers between any levels 
during the year.

16.  OTHER FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Other financial assets and liabilities are derivative instruments comprising forward foreign exchange contracts and interest hedge contracts with 
a fair value of $(3)m (2018: $3m). The net loss of $6m on the changes in the fair value of these financial assets and financial liabilities have been 
recognised in profit and loss (2018: net gain of $4m). Other financial assets and liabilities at fair value through other comprehensive income are 
categorised as level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. There have been no transfers between any levels during the year.

The specific valuation techniques used to value financial instruments that are carried at fair value using level 2 techniques are:

 – The fair value of interest hedge contracts is calculated as the present value of the estimated future cash flows based on current market data 

provided by third party banks; and 

 – The fair value of forward foreign exchange contracts is calculated by comparison with current forward prices of contracts for comparable 

remaining terms.

17.  OTHER ASSETS

US$ million

Prepayments
Other government benefits receivable²
VAT and duties receivable
Amounts due from dealers and joint ventures
Indemnification asset on legal and tax claims
Deposits
Employee loans
Other³

Current
Non-current

Prior year comparatives were reclassified to provide a consistent presentation to 2019.

1 
2  Refer to note 3.2.
3  The amount mainly comprises of other non-current receivables.

150

31 December 
2019

31 December
20181

99
92
61
33
13
13
7
49
367
257
110
367

109
123
31
27
10
11
8
37
356
255
101
356

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GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

Other government benefits receivable

US$ million

Senegal
Morocco
Madagascar
Guinea
Botswana
Other

31 December 
2019

38
22
10
7
3
12
92

31 December  

2018

30
27
10
11
33
12
123

Other government benefits receivable are presented net of provisions for impairment of $18m (2018: $15m). For the year $133m (2018: $220m) 
of other government benefits was recognised in cost of sales for compensation of costs incurred.

18. 

INVENTORIES

US$ million

Fuel
Lubricants
Other

31 December 
2019

436
79
2
517

31 December  

2018

364
70
7
441

Cost of sales as disclosed on the face of the consolidated statements of comprehensive income include the total expense for inventory during 
the year for $7,379m (2018: $6,719m). The carrying value of inventory represents the net realisable value.

Provisions for write-downs of inventories to the net realisable value amounted to $7m (2018: $5m).

19.  TRADE RECEIVABLES

Trade receivables were as follows, as at:

US$ million

Trade receivables
Less: provision for impairment of trade receivables
Trade receivables – net 

31 December 
2019

 506 
(55)
451

31 December  

2018

485
(41)
444

The fair values of trade receivables approximate their carrying value as they are deemed short-term in nature and recoverable within 12 months.

Movements in provision for impairment of trade receivables are as follows:

US$ million

At 1 January 
Additions1
Reversals
Utilisation
Foreign exchange differences
At 31 December

2019

2018

41
22
(4)
(2)
(2)
55

40
6
(4)
–
(1)
41

1  Additions in 2019 include an amount of $10m related to acquired assets of VEOHL.

As at 31 December 2019 trade receivables of $33m (2018: $29m) were past due but not impaired. The aging of these trade receivables is 
as follows:

US$ million

Up to 3 months past due
3 to 6 months past due
More than 6 months past due

31 December 
2019

31 December  

2018

23
6
4
33

21
2
6
29

151

 VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

20.  CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

US$ million

Cash
Cash equivalents:

Short-term placements
Money market funds and other cash equivalents

21.  SHARE CAPITAL AND RESERVES

31 December 
2019

 348 

 65 
 104 
 517 

31 December  

2018

173

214
6
393

Share capital consists of 1,266,073,050 ordinary shares at the nominal value of $0.50 each. All shares have been issued and fully paid and entitle 
the holder to participate in dividends. On a show of hands every holder of ordinary shares present at a meeting in person or by proxy, is entitled 
to one vote, and upon a poll each share is entitled to one vote. Shareholders will, under general law, be entitled to participate in any surplus 
assets in a winding up of the Company in proportion to their shareholding.

In May 2018, a pre-IPO reorganisation resulted in Vivo Energy plc being inserted as the parent company of the Group. Pursuant to a share exchange 
agreement, the shareholders of Vivo Energy Holding B.V. (the former parent company of the Group) transferred all the shares in Vivo Energy 
Holding B.V. to Vivo Energy plc in exchange for the issue and allotment of new ordinary shares in Vivo Energy plc. Vivo Energy plc issued 
1,200m ordinary shares at a nominal value of $1.50 and for a total consideration of $1,800m. Following the share exchange, the shareholders 
of Vivo Energy plc were the same as the shareholders of Vivo Energy Holding B.V. prior to the exchange. The investment in Vivo Energy Holding 
B.V. was recognised at cost for an amount of $464m in the Company financial statements of Vivo Energy plc. The difference between the 
consideration of $1,800m and the Vivo Energy Holding B.V. investment value of $464m is recognised as negative merger reserve ($1,336m).

Effective 13 June 2018, the Company completed a court-approved reduction of capital. The purpose of the reduction of capital was to provide 
distributable reserves which will allow the Company to make future dividend payments. Following the reduction of capital, the number of issued 
shares and the rights attached to those shares remained unchanged. The nominal value of the ordinary shares in the capital of the Company 
was reduced by $1.00 from $1.50 to $0.50.

Other reserves are disclosed in the consolidated statements of changes in equity. 

Ordinary shares

At 1 January
Reorganisation
Capital contribution/shares issued
Share issuance related to share awards/Directors’ subscriptions
Capital reduction
At 31 December

22.  EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic and diluted EPS were computed as follows:

US$ million, unless otherwise indicated

Basic earnings per share
Net income 
Attributable to owners
Weighted average number of ordinary shares (million)
Basic earnings per share (US$)

Number of shares

US$ million

Number of shares

US$ million

2019

2018

 1,201,798,866 
–
 63,203,653 
 1,070,531 
–
 1,266,073,050 

 601 
–
 31 
 1 
–
 633 

 2,250,000 
 (2,250,000)
 1,200,000,000 
 1,798,866 
–
 1,201,798,866 

– 
– 
 1,800 
 3 
 (1,202)
 601 

2019

2018

 150 
 136 
 1,255 
 0.11 

146
135
1,202
 0.11 

152

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GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

US$ million, unless otherwise indicated

Diluted earnings per share
Earnings attributable to owners
Diluted number of shares (million)
Diluted earnings per share (US$)

US$

Adjusted diluted earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share
Impact of special items
Adjusted diluted earnings per share

23.  DIVIDENDS

2019

2018

 136 
 1,255 
 0.11 

135
1,202
 0.11 

2019

2018

 0.11 
0.01
 0.12 

 0.11 
 0.03 
 0.14 

The Board approved an interim dividend of circa 1.1 cents per share. This dividend was paid on 23 September 2019 to shareholders of record 
at close of business on 23 August 2019. The dividend was paid out of distributable reserves as at 30 June 2019.

The Board has recommended a final dividend of circa 2.7 cents per share, amounting to $34m. Payment of this dividend is expected on 
8 June 2020 to shareholders of record at close of business on 15 May 2020. The dividend will be paid out of distributable reserves as at 
31 December 2019.

US$ million

Interim dividend
Final dividend
Total

24.  BORROWINGS

US$ million
VEI BV Term Loan1
VEI BV Revolving Credit Facility2
Bank borrowings

Current
Non-current

Drawn on

09/06/2017
27/02/2019

Interest rate

Libor +2.50%/3.00%
Euribor +1.50%/1.85%

Maturity

09/06/2022

2019

14
34
48

2018

8
16
 24 

31 December 
2019

31 December 
2018

 308 
 63 
 229 
 600 
 306 
 294 
 600 

 392 
– 
 208 
 600 
 286 
 314 
 600 

1  The amounts are net of financing costs. Loan amount is $310m (2018: $395m); financing costs are $2m (2018: $3m).
2  The amount includes financing costs of circa $1m.

Current borrowings consist of bank borrowings which carry interest rates between 1.8% and 18.0% per annum. Included in bank borrowings 
is an amount of $17m (2018: $32m) relating to trade financing.

The carrying amounts of the Group’s non-current and current borrowings approximate the fair value. 

The VEI BV Term Loan facility was entered into on 9 June 2017. The facility matures on 9 June 2022 and has semi-annual repayments. 
Interest is paid quarterly at a rate of Libor +2.5% per annum. Incremental facility was drawn down on 18 December 2017 and carries 
an interest of Libor +2.5% for the amortised portion and Libor +3.0% for the bullet portion.

In May 2018, the Company established a new multi-currency revolving credit facility of $300m. At the end of February 2019, an amount 
of $64m was drawn to pay for VEOHL acquisition.

153

 VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

24.  BORROWINGS CONTINUED

The tables below provides an analysis of cash and non-cash movements in borrowings for the period:

US$ million

1 January

Proceeds from long-term debt

Repayment of long-term debt

Proceeds/repayment of bank borrowings

Borrowings acquired in acquisition of business1

Foreign exchange movements

Other2

31 December

1  Represents the borrowings acquired through the acquisition of VEOHL as at 1 March 2019.
2  Other changes include financing costs.

US$ million

1 January

Repayment of long-term debt

Proceeds/repayment of bank borrowings

Foreign exchange movements

Other1

31 December

1  Other changes include financing costs.

Long-term debt

Bank borrowings

392

 62

 (82)

–

–

 (3)

 2 

371

208

–

–

1

 27 

 (7) 

– 

229

Long-term debt

Bank borrowings

480

 (84)

– 

 (7)

 3 

 392 

175

–

 40 

 (6)

 (1)

 208 

2019

Total

600

62 

 (82)

 1 

 27 

 (10)

 2 

 600 

2018

Total

655

 (84)

 40 

 (13)

 2 

 600 

Key covenants:
 – The Company needs to supply to the lender within 150 calendar days after year-end its audited annual consolidated financial statements, 
unaudited annual non-consolidated financial statements and the unaudited annual Group accounts of each operating unit. Within 90 days 
after each half of each financial year, the Company should provide its unaudited non-consolidated financial statements, unaudited consolidated 
financial statements and unaudited Group accounts for each operating unit for the financial half-year.

 – With each set of financial statements, a financial covenants compliance certificate has to be provided showing the debt cover and 

interest cover. The loan carries some customary negative pledges such as on asset sale, securities over assets, mergers and guarantees 
subject in each case to some exemptions and permitted baskets. It also has a Change of Control clause triggering repayment if a shareholder, 
other than permitted ones, takes control of the Company.

No key covenants were breached in the last applicable period.

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OTH ER IN FORMATION

25.  PROVISIONS

Provisions include the following:

US$ million

Provisions
Retirement benefit obligations (note 26)

Current
Non-current

US$ million

At 1 January 
Provision recognised on business acquisition¹
Additions
Utilisation
Releases
Foreign exchange differences
At 31 December
Current
Non-current

31 December 
2019

31 December 
2018

 85 
 31 
 116 
 14 
 102 
 116 

Compulsory stock 
obligation

Legal
provision

Other

22
– 
– 
– 
 (1)
– 
 21 
– 
 21 
 21 

4
 8 
–
– 
– 
– 
 12 
 12 
– 
 12 

35
 23 
 10 
 (6)
 (6)
 (4)
 52 
 2 
 50 
 52 

 61 
 29 
 90 
 15 
 75 
 90 

2019

Total

61
 31 
 10 
 (6)
 (7)
 (4)
 85 
 14 
 71 
 85 

1 

Provisions recognised on business acquisition of VEOHL was $33m (refer to note 11) of which $2m related to retirement benefit obligations (refer to note 26).

Compulsory stock obligation provision
The oil market regulator in Morocco introduced an industry mechanism to enable oil market operators to maintain the necessary compulsory 
stock volume requirement. This resulted in an oil fund liability, which is an amount payable to the Moroccan oil fund regulator in relation to the 
compulsory stock reserve requirement introduced in 1994. The oil fund liability is recorded under other liabilities. Since 1 December 2015 Morocco 
operates in a deregulated fuel environment therefore the compulsory stock provision represents the difference between the purchase price of 
the compulsory oil stocks in 1994 and current market values up to November 2015, as well as the difference between the purchase price and 
current market values of LPG. As at 31 December 2019, the Moroccan government has not indicated a repayment date for the compulsory 
stock obligation.

Legal provision
This amount represents a provision of certain legal claims brought against the Group. The timing of any payout is uncertain as these claims are 
being disputed by the Group. The Group believes that the outcome of these claims will not give rise to a significant loss beyond the amounts 
provided against as at 31 December 2019.

Other
Other provisions include a number of costs to be paid out by the Group that have uncertainty in timing of cash values and total monetary 
value. Other provisions relate mainly to employee related provisions of $8m (2018: $15m) and provisions for uncertain tax positions of 
$29m (2018: $9m).

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

26.  RETIREMENT BENEFITS

The Group operates defined benefit plans in multiple African countries, which include Cape Verde, Ghana, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, Mauritius, 
Morocco, Namibia, Senegal and Tunisia. The plans operated in Cape Verde, Mauritius, Morocco, Tunisia and Senegal combined present 
approximately 80% of the total liability for the Company. The valuations are carried out in line with the regulatory requirements in each country 
considering the requirements under IAS 19 ‘Employee Benefits’. The plans offered in these countries differ in nature and consist of medical 
plans, pension plans, retirement indemnities, jubilees and long service award plans. These plan benefits are linked to final salary and benefit 
payments are met as they fall due. The exception to this is one of the plans in Mauritius, which operates as a funded plan, with a funding level of 
approximately 91% at 31 December 2019. Plan assets are held in vehicles with standard investment risk, following a balanced investment strategy, 
split between equities, government bonds and asset-backed securities. The plan has been closed to future accrual from 31 December 2014 
onwards. However, the link to final salaries is being maintained for in-service employees.

US$ million

Current service cost
Accretion expense

US$ million

Defined benefit plans
Defined contribution plans
Total retirement benefit costs

US$ million

Consolidated statements of financial position obligations for:

Pension benefits
Other post-employment benefits

Total liability

The amounts recognised in the consolidated statements of financial position are determined as follows:

US$ million

Present value of funded obligations
Fair value of plan assets
Funded status of funded benefit obligations (net liability)
Present value of unfunded obligation
Unfunded status end of year (net liability)
Net defined benefit obligation

2019

2018

 1 
2
3 

 1 
2
3 

2019

2018

3 
 6 
 9 

3 
 6 
 9 

31 December 
2019

31 December  

2018

 26 
 5 
 31 

 25 
 4 
 29 

31 December 
2019

 (13)
 11 
(2)
(24)
(26)
(26)

31 December  

2018

 (13)
 12 
 (1)
 (24)
 (25)
 (25)

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

The movements in the defined benefit obligation for funded and unfunded post-employment defined benefits over the year are as follows:

US$ million

At 1 January

Current service costs

Benefits paid

Interest costs

(Gains)/losses from change in financial assumptions

Actuarial (gains)/losses 
Retirement benefit obligations recognised on acquisition

Foreign exchange differences
At 31 December

Pension benefits

Other

Total

Pension benefits

2019

 37 

 1 

 (3)

 2 

 1 

– 
– 

 (1)
 37 

 4 

–

– 

– 

– 

– 
 2 

 (1)
 5 

 41 

 1 

 (3)

2 

 1 

– 
 2 

 (2)
 42 

 41 

 1 

 (3)

 2 

–

 (2)
–

 (2)
 37 

Other

 4 

–

–

–

–

–
–

–
 4 

2018

Total

 45 

 1 

 (3)

 2 

–

 (2)
–

 (2)
 41 

The plan assets shown above are invested in equities $5m (2018: $8m), government bonds $3m (2018: $3m), corporate bonds $3m (2018: $0.5m) 
and cash and cash equivalent $0.1m (2018: $0.1m).

The movements in the fair value of plan assets over the year are as follows:

US$ million

At 1 January
Interest income
Employer contributions
Benefits paid
Foreign exchange differences
At 31 December

Pension benefits

 12 
 1 
 2 
 (3)
 (1)
 11 

2019

Total

 12 
 1 
 2 
 (3)
 (1)
 11 

Pension benefits

 11 
 1 
 3 
 (3)
– 
 12 

2018

Total

 11 
 1 
 3 
 (3)
– 
 12 

The sensitivity of the defined benefit obligation to changes in weighted principal assumptions is:

31 December 2019

31 December 2018

Range of assumptions

Increase/(decrease)

Assumptions used

Effect of using alternative assumptions

Rate of increase in pensionable remuneration
Rate of increase in pensions in payment
Rate of increase in healthcare costs
Discount rate for pension plans
Discount rate for healthcare plans
Expected age at death for persons aged 60:

Men
Women

4.34%
2.26%
9.72%
5.84%
13.81%

 79.74 
 83.65 

4.43%
2.27%
9.88%
5.98%
13.71%

79.73
83.56

0.50% – (0.50%)
0.50% – (0.50%)
0.50% – (0.50%)
0.50% – (0.50%)
0.50% – (0.50%)

2.49% – (2.33%)
1.48% – (1.37%)
4.08% – (3.76%)
(4.89%) – 5.33%
(5.53%) – 6.15%

157

 VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

26.  RETIREMENT BENEFITS CONTINUED

The principal actuarial assumptions were as follows:

Discount rate
Inflation rate
Future salary increases
Future pension increases

Discount rate
Inflation rate
Future salary increases
Future pension increases

Tunisia

9.25%
4.50%
6.00%
n/a

Tunisia

8.50%
4.70%
6.00%
n/a

Senegal

Cape Verde

Mauritius

Morocco Côte d’Ivoire

10.00%
1.50%
3.00%
n/a

4.00%
2.00%
2.00%
1.00%

5.25%
2.80%
2.80%
3.00%

3.25%
n/a
6.00%
n/a

6.00%
n/a
3.00%
n/a

Senegal

Cape Verde

Mauritius

Morocco

Côte d’Ivoire

8.25%
n/a
3.00%
n/a

4.25%
2.00%
2.00%
1.00%

6.00%
3.50%
3.50%
3.00%

3.50%
n/a
6.00%
n/a

6.00%
n/a
3.00%
n/a

Guinea

13.50%
n/a
10.00%
n/a

Guinea

13.50%
n/a
10.00%
n/a

Namibia

11.30%
7.40%
n/a
n/a

Namibia

11.40%
8.00%
n/a
n/a

2019

Ghana

15.00%
10.00%
n/a
n/a

2018

Ghana

15.00%
10.00%
n/a
n/a

Assumptions regarding future mortality experience are set based on actuarial advice in accordance with published statistics and experience in 
each territory.

The weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligation is 10.8 years. 

Expected contributions to post-employment benefit plans for the year ending 31 December 2020 are $3m.

27.  OTHER LIABILITIES

US$ million

Oil fund liabilities (note 25)
Other tax payable1
Deposits owed to customers
Employee liabilities²
Deferred income
Other

Current
Non-current

1  Other tax payable mainly relates to VAT, withholding taxes and employee taxes.
2  Employee liabilities mainly relate to employee bonuses and the cash-settled legacy Management Equity Plan.

31 December 
2019

31 December
2018

96
91
63
51
11
26
338
178
160
338

87
80
60
62
9
10
308
165
143
308

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

28.  LEASES

The Group has leases for motor vehicles, corporate offices, land, buildings and equipment. Leases have remaining lease terms of one year to 
99 years, some of which may include options to extend the leases for at least five years and some of which may include options to terminate 
the leases within one year. 

The consolidated statement of financial position shows the following amounts relating to leases:

US$ million

Right-of-use assets, 1 January 2018
Depreciation of right-of-use assets
Leases effective in 20181
Right-of-use assets, 31 December 2018
Depreciation of right-of-use assets
Leases effective in 2019
Right-of-use assets, 31 December 2019

Land and buildings

Motor vehicles

129
(16)
17
130
(17)
 47 
160

19
(3)
2
18
(4)
2
16

Total

148
(19)
19
148
(21)
49
 176 

1 

Included in leases effective 2018 is an amount of $8m for the transfer of leases from PPE to right-of-use assets.

US$ million

Current lease liabilities
Non-current lease liabilities

The consolidated statement of comprehensive income shows the following amounts relating to leases:

US$ million

Interest expense (included in finance cost)
Depreciation of right-of-use assets
Expenses relating to short-term leases, low-value leases and variable leases not included in the lease liabilities

31 December 
2019

31 December
2018

 21 
 104 
 125 

2019

(11)
(21)
(6)

 13 
 98 
 111 

2018

(10)
(19)
(5)

Depreciation charge of $21m (2018: $19m) is included in cost of sales for $3m (2018: $3m), in selling and marketing costs for $16m (2018: $14m) 
and in general and administrative costs $2m (2018: $2m).

The consolidated statement of cash flows shows the following amounts relating to leases:

US$ million

Cash flows from financing activities
Principal elements of lease payments
Interest paid

Other information related to leases was as follows:

Weighted average remaining lease term (years)
Weighted average discount rate

The Group recognised rental income of $43m (2018: $35m).

2019

2018

(27)
(9)
(36)

2019

 11 
12%

(25)
(10)
(35)

2018

15
10%

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

29.  NET CHANGE IN OPERATING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AND OTHER ADJUSTMENTS

US$ million

Trade payables
Trade receivables
Inventories
Other liabilities
Other assets
Provisions
Other

2019

105
50
(25)
6
6
(5)
39
176

2018

222
(47)
(99)
(16)
(69)
(17)
68
42

30.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Commitments
The Group also has purchase obligations, under various agreements, made in the normal course of business. The purchase obligations are as 
follows, as at:

US$ million

Purchase obligations

31 December 
2019

13 

31 December  

2018

 13 

Contingent liabilities and legal proceedings
The Group may from time to time be involved in a number of legal proceedings. The Directors prepare a best estimate of its contingent liabilities 
that should be recognised or disclosed in respect of legal claims in the course of ordinary business. Furthermore, in many markets there is a 
high degree of complexity involved in the local tax and other regulatory regimes. The Group is required to exercise judgement in the assessment 
of any potential exposures in these areas.

As announced by Vivo Energy plc on 16 January 2020, the Company’s subsidiary in Morocco has received a report from the investigators 
in charge of the Conseil de la Concurrence’s (‘the CdC’) ongoing review of the competitive dynamics of the Moroccan fuel retailing industry. 
Vivo Energy Morocco will have the opportunity to provide submissions in response to the report in accordance with the procedures set out 
in the applicable laws of Morocco. These submissions along with the report will then be considered by the board of the CdC prior to any ruling 
being made, which if unfavourable may be appealed in accordance with the laws of Morocco. Management believes that Vivo Energy Morocco 
has at all times conducted its operations in accordance with applicable competition laws, rules and regulations. 

In the ordinary course of business, the Group is subject to a number of contingencies arising from litigation and claims brought by governmental, 
including tax authorities, and private parties. The operations and earnings of the Group continues, from time to time, to be affected to varying 
degrees by political, legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments, including those relating to the protection of the environment and indigenous 
groups in the countries in which they operate. The industries in which the Group is engaged are also subject to physical risks of various types. 
There remains a high degree of uncertainty around these contingencies, as well as their potential effect on future operations, earnings, cash flows 
and the Group’s financial condition.

The Group does not believe and is not currently aware of any other litigations, claims, legal proceedings or other contingent liabilities that should 
be disclosed.

31.  SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS

The Group operates share-based payment plans for certain Executive Directors, Senior Managers and other senior employees. Information  
on these plans is included in the Remuneration Report on page 88.

Management Equity Plan
In 2013, Vivo Energy Holding B.V. awarded to eligible employees either (1) Management equity plan (MEP) phantom options which entitled 
option holders to a cash payment based on the value of Vivo Energy Holding shares upon exercise of their MEP phantom options or 
(2) the opportunity to acquire restricted shares in combination with a linked option right to acquire ordinary shares in Vivo Energy.

Under the terms of the MEP phantom options, all outstanding phantom options would become fully exercisable upon admission in May 2018. 
The option holders agreed to amend the terms of their outstanding phantom options such that 30% of the outstanding MEP phantom options 
were deemed to be exercised at admission and 70% has become exercisable on the first anniversary of admission for a period of 12 months. 
Under the amended terms, the option holders’ entitlement to the cash payment is based on the market value of the shares of Vivo Energy plc 
at the time of exercise net of a nominal exercise price per share.

The MEP related liability as at 31 December 2019 amounted to $15m (2018: $20m).

160

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

IPO Share Award Plan
In May 2018, Vivo Energy plc granted certain Executive Directors and Senior Managers one-off share awards (‘IPO Share Awards’) under the 
2018 IPO Share Award Plan. The IPO Share Awards will vest, subject to continued service and performance conditions relating to consolidated 
gross cash profit growth and adjusted net income growth being met, in three equal tranches on the first, second and third anniversary 
of admission. 

Long-Term Incentive Plan
In May 2018, Vivo Energy plc adopted the Vivo Energy 2018 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the ‘LTIP 2018’). In March 2019, Vivo Energy plc adopted 
the Vivo Energy 2019 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the ‘LTIP 2019’). The LTIP 2018 and LTIP 2019 provide for grants of awards over the shares 
of the Company in the form of share awards subject to continued employment and the performance conditions relating to earnings per share, 
return on average capital employed and total shareholder returns over a three-year period. Executive Directors and Senior Management of 
the Group are eligible for grants under the LTIP 2018 and LTIP 2019. 

The table below shows the share-based payment expense/(income) recognised in the statements of comprehensive income:

US$ million

Cash-settled share-based payments
Management Equity Plan
SVL Management Equity Plan
Equity-settled share-based payments
IPO Share Award Plan
Long-Term Incentive Plans 2018 & 2019

2019

2018

 (2)
– 

–
1 
 (1)

 (18)
 6 

 6 
 3 
 (3)

MEP

Phantom
Options

 11 
– 
 (4)
 7 
 7 

–
16
(5)
11
–

Movements in the number of shares and share options outstanding, and their related weighted average exercise prices, are as follows:

In million

LTIP 2018

LTIP 2019 

IPO  
Share Awards

Average exercise price 
per phantom option
US$

LTIP

IPO

Outstanding at 1 January 2019
Granted/Converted
Vested/Exercised
Outstanding at 31 December 2019
Exercisable at 31 December 2019

Outstanding at 1 January 2018
Granted/Converted
Vested/Exercised
Outstanding at 31 December 2018
Exercisable at 31 December 2018

4 
 (1)
– 
 3 
– 

–
4
–
4
–

–
 5 
– 
 5 
– 

–
–
–
–
–

 4 
 (1)
(1)
 2 
– 

–
4
–
4
–

 0.05 
– 
– 
 0.05 
n/a

–
0.05
0.05
0.05
n/a

The inputs of the valuation model for options granted during the year are as follows:

US$
Share price at grant date
Share price at valuation date
Option exercise price
Expected dividends as a dividend yield (%)

2019

2018

LTIP 2018

LTIP 2019

IPO Share 
Awards

MEP phantom 
options

LTIP 2018

IPO Share 
Awards

MEP phantom 
options

2.24
–
–
0%

1.65
–
–
0%

2.33
–
–
0%

–
1.67
0.05
0%

2.24
–
–
0%

2.33
–
–
0%

–
1.84
0.05
0%

161

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

 32.  RELATED PARTIES

Sales and purchases

US$ million

2019
Sales of products and services and other income
Purchase of products and services and other expenses

2018
Sales of products and services and other income
Purchase of products and services and other expenses

The following table presents the Company’s outstanding balances with related parties:

US$ million

31 December 2019
Receivables from related parties
Payables to related parties

31 December 2018
Receivables from related parties
Payables to related parties

Joint ventures 
and associates

Shareholders

Total

 15 
284

 15 
321

 130 
1,312

 134 
1,279

 145 
 1,596

 149 
1,600

Joint ventures 
and associates

Shareholders

Total

 11 
(58)
(47)

 4 
(56)
(52)

 8 
(339)
(331)

 13 
(236)
(223)

 19 
(397)
(378)

 17 
(292)
(275)

The receivables from related parties arise from sale transactions, which are due two months after the date of sales. The receivables are 
unsecured in nature and bear no interest. No provisions are held against receivables from related parties. 

The payables to related parties arise mainly from purchase transactions and are typically due two months after the date of purchase. 
These payables bear no interest.

Key management compensation
Key management is considered to be the Directors (Executive and Non-Executive) and Senior Management.

US$’000 

Salaries and other short-term employee benefits 
Share-based benefits2
Service fees
Post-employment benefits 
IPO cash award

2019

8,933 
2,572
734 
505 
– 
12,744 

20181
 6,561 
(4,767)
642 
 333 
 6,622 
 9,391 

1 
2 

Senior Management compensation is disclosed from the date of appointment.
Share-based benefits include LTIP, IPO Share Awards and the MEP phantom options. Negative compensation results from the fair value adjustment of the cash-settled MEP phantom 
options, further explained in note 31.

Directors’ compensation
Directors’ compensations are disclosed from the date of appointment.

US$’000 

Salaries, and other short-term employee benefits
Share-based benefits1
Service fees
Post-employment benefits 

1 

Share-based benefits include LTIP and IPO Share Awards.

2019

3,277
3,090
734 
164 
7,265

2018

 2,221
3,194
 642 
 107 
 6,164 

In the year ended 31 December 2018, Directors exercised the SVL Phantom Option Awards. The aggregate gross pre-tax gain made on the 
exercise of the options was $3m. The performance period for the SVL share options related to the pre-IPO period.

162

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GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

33.  EVENTS AFTER BALANCE SHEET PERIOD 

There have been no material subsequent events after the reporting period, up to and including the date that the financial statements 
were authorised for issue, that would have required disclosure or adjustment of the Consolidated financial statements or the Company 
financial statements.

163

 VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

COMPANY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

US$ million

Fixed Assets
Investments 

Current assets
Debtors
Cash and cash equivalents 

Creditors falling due within one year
Current assets less current liabilities
Total assets less current liabilities
Net assets
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
Share premium
Other reserves
Equity-settled incentive schemes
Retained earnings1
Total equity

Notes

31 December 
2019

31 December  
2018

5

6
7

8

9

10

1,913
1,913

11
1
12
(48)
(36)
1,877
1,877

633
4
1,244
6
(10)
1,877

1,800
1,800

15
2
17
(9)
8
1,808
1,808

601
3
1,192
4
8
1,808

1  Loss for the financial year ended 31 December 2019 was $18m (2018: Profit of $8 m).

The notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

The consolidated financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 3 March 2020 and were signed 
on its behalf by:

CHRISTIAN CHAMMAS  
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER  

JOHAN DEPRAETERE
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

164

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GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

US$ million

At 1 January 2019
Share issuance related to acquisition
Share issuance related to share awards
Equity-settled incentive scheme
Loss for the period
Dividends 
As at 31 December 2019

US$ million

At 12 March 2018
Capital contribution
Share capital reduction
Directors’ subscriptions
Dividends
Equity-settled incentive schemes
Profit for the period
As at 31 December 2018

Called up 
share capital

Share 
premium

Other 
reserve

Equity-settled 
incentive schemes

Retained 
earnings

 601 
31
1
–
–
–
633

 3 
–
1
–
–
–
4

 1,192 
82
–
–
–
(30)
1,244

 4 
–
 (2)
4
–
–
6

 8 
–
–
–
(18)
–
(10)

Called up 
share capital

Share 
premium

Other 
reserve

Equity-settled 
incentive schemes

Retained 
earnings

–
1,800
(1,202)
3
–
–
–
601

–
–
2
1
–
–
–
3

–
–
1,200
–
(8)
–
–
1,192

–
–
–
–
–
4
–
4

–
–
–
–
–
–
8
8

Total

 1,808 
 113
–
4
(18)
(30)
1,877

Total

–
1,800
–
4
(8)
4 
8
1,808

165

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.  GENERAL INFORMATION

Vivo Energy plc (‘Vivo Energy’ or the ‘Company’) was incorporated as 
a private limited company in the United Kingdom on 12 March 2018 and 
re-registered as a public limited company on 9 April 2018. Vivo Energy plc  
was incorporated in conjunction with the pre-IPO reorganisation of 
the Group. On 10 May 2018 the Company listed on the London Stock 
Exchange Main Market for listed securities and the Main Board of the 
securities exchange operated by the Johannesburg Stock Exchange 
by way of secondary inward listing. The Company operates as the 
holding company of a group which distributes and sells fuel, liquefied 
petroleum gas (LPG) and lubricants to retail and commercial 
consumers under the Shell brand. The Group sells Aviation fuels, using 
the Vitol Aviation brand, as well as unbranded marine fuels. In addition, 
the Group generates revenue under convenience retail by leveraging 
on its retail network.

The Company is registered in England and Wales and is limited by 
shares (Registration number 11250655) under the Companies Act 
2006. The address of the registered office is 5th floor, The Peak, 
5 Wilton Road, London, SWIV IAN, United Kingdom. 

Effective 13 June 2018, the Company completed a court-approved 
reduction of capital. The purpose of the reduction of capital was 
to provide distributable reserves which will allow the Company to 
make future dividend payments. Following the reduction of capital, 
the number of issued shares and the rights attached to those shares 
remained unchanged. The nominal value of the ordinary shares in the 
capital of the Company was reduced by $1.00 from $1.50 to $0.50.

Vivo Energy plc (the ‘Company’) ownership structure is 27.48% owned 
by HIP Oil 2 B.V.; 27.35% owned by Vitol Africa B.V.; 8.73% owned by 
VIP Africa II B.V.; 1.56% owned by HIP Oils NewCo Sarl. The remaining 
percentage is owned by a number of private shareholders and 
companies, none of whom own more than 20% of the issued share 
capital of the Company.

2. 

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these 
consolidated financial statements are set out below. These policies 
have been applied consistently over the years. 

2.1 Basis of preparation
The Company financial statements, for the years ended 31 December, 
have been prepared on a going concern basis, under the historical cost 
accounting rules, in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102 
(‘FRS 102’) and those parts of the UK Companies Act 2006 applicable 
to companies reporting under FRS 102.

The following disclosure exemptions available under FRS 102 have 
been applied:

Section 7 Statement of cash flow and section 3 Financial statement 
presentation paragraph 3.17(d)

Section 11 Basic financial instruments paragraph 11.41(b), 11.41(e)

Section 26 Share-based payment paragraph 26.18(b), 26.19, 26.21, 26.23

As permitted by section 408(3) of the Companies Act 2006, the 
income statement of the Company is not presented in this Annual 
Report. The Company has not published its individual cash flow 
statement as its liquidity, solvency and financial adaptability are 
dependent on the Group rather than its own cash flows. The Group 
consolidated financial statements as presented on page 112 include 
the financial statements of the Company and all of its subsidiary 
undertakings together with the Group’s share of the results of 
associates made up to 31 December 2019.

2.2 Foreign currency translation

Functional and presentation currency
Items included in the financial statements of the Company are 
measured using the currency of the primary economic environment 
in which the entity operates (the ‘functional currency’). The financial 
statements are presented in United States dollars (‘US dollars’), 
which is also considered to be the Company’s functional and 
presentation currency.

Transactions and balances
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional 
currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the 
transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from 
the settlement of such transactions and from the translation 
at period-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities 
denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in profit or loss. 
Monetary assets and liabilities expressed in foreign currencies 
at the end of the reporting period are translated into US dollar 
at the market rate ruling at the end of the reporting period.

2.3 Income tax
The income tax expense for the period comprises current and 
deferred tax. Income tax is recognised in the consolidated statements 
of comprehensive income, except to the extent that it relates to items 
recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. In this 
case, the income tax is also recognised in other comprehensive income 
or directly in equity, respectively.

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of the tax 
laws enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date in the 
country where the Company operates and generates a taxable 
income. The Company periodically evaluates positions taken in tax 
returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulation is 
subject to interpretation. It establishes provisions where appropriate 
on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities.

Deferred income tax is recognised, using the liability method, 
on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets 
and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the financial statements. 
However, deferred tax liabilities are not recognised if they arise 
from the initial recognition of goodwill. Deferred income tax is not 
accounted for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability 
in a transaction other than a business combination that at the time 
of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or 
loss. Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) 
that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date 
and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset 
is realised or the deferred income tax liability is settled.

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Deferred income tax assets are recognised only to the extent that 
it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which 
the temporary differences can be utilised.

2.5 Investments 
Investments in subsidiary undertakings are stated at cost, less any 
provision for impairment.

2.6 Share-based payments
The Group operates a number of share-based payment plans using 
the Company’s equity instruments. The fair value of the compensation 
given in respect of these share-based payment plans is recognised 
as a capital contribution to the Company’s subsidiaries over the 
vesting period. The capital contribution is reduced by any payments 
received from subsidiaries in respect of these share-based payments. 
Details of the share-based payments, share option schemes and 
share plans are disclosed in note 31 ’Share-based payments’ to the 
consolidated financial statements. 

2.7 Dividend policy
Dividends paid and received are included in the Company financial 
statements in the period in which the related dividends are actually 
paid or received or, in respect of the Company’s final dividend for 
the year, approved by shareholders.

2.8 Share capital
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. 

Where any Group company purchases the Company’s equity 
share capital (treasury shares), the consideration paid is deducted 
from equity attributable to the Company’s equity holders until the 
shares are cancelled or reissued. Where such ordinary shares are 
subsequently reissued, any consideration received is included in 
equity attributable to the Company’s equity holders.

2.9 Going concern basis
The Company operates as an investment holding company for the 
Vivo Energy Group, holding investments in Vivo Energy Holding B.V. 
As the Company is an intrinsic part of the Group’s structure, the 
Directors have a reasonable expectation that Group companies will 
continue to support the Company through trading and cash generated 
from trading for the foreseeable future. Thus, they continue to adopt 
the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

2.10 Critical accounting estimates and judgements
Certain accounting judgements and estimates are used when applying 
the Company’s accounting policies. These estimates and judgements 
are not considered significant and do not have a significant impact 
on the financial statements.

Deferred income tax is provided on temporary differences arising 
on investments in subsidiaries and associates, except for deferred 
income tax liability where the timing of the reversal of the temporary 
difference is controlled by the Company and it is probable that the 
temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is 
a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current 
tax liabilities and when the deferred income taxes assets and liabilities 
relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either 
the same taxable entity or different taxable entities where there is 
an intention to settle the balances on a net basis.

2.4 Financial instruments
Financial instruments are initially recognised when the Company 
becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. 
Trade receivables are initially recognised when they are originated. 
Financial assets are derecognised when substantial risks and rewards 
of ownership of the financial asset have been transferred. In cases 
where substantial risks and rewards of ownership of the financial 
assets are neither transferred nor retained, financial assets are 
derecognised only when the Company has not retained control 
over the financial asset. Financial liabilities are derecognised when 
its contractual obligations are discharged, cancelled or expired, 
and when its terms are modified and the cash flows are substantially 
different. Subsequent to initial recognition financial instruments 
are measured as described below.

Financial instruments measured at amortised cost
Except for debt instruments that are designated at fair value through 
profit or loss (FVTPL) on initial recognition, financial instruments that 
meet the following criteria are measured at amortised cost using the 
effective interest method. 
 – They are held within a business model whose objective is to hold 

assets in order to collect contractual cash flows; and

 – The contractual terms of the instrument give rise on specified dates 
to cash flows that are solely payment of principal and interest on 
the principal amount outstanding.

The amortised cost is reduced by impairment losses. Finance income 
or expense, foreign exchange gains and losses and impairments 
are recognised in profit and loss. The following financial assets and 
liabilities are classified as measured at amortised cost:

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash at bank. Cash equivalents 
are short-term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible 
to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant 
risk of change in value.

Other financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are initially measured at fair value, net of transaction 
cost and are subsequently measured at amortised cost using 
the effective interest method, with interest expense recognised 
on an effective yield basis except for short-term payables when 
the recognition of interest would be immaterial.

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NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

3. 

EMPLOYEE COSTS

US$ million

Salaries and wages
Social security costs
Share-based payments

The monthly average number of full-time equivalent employees as at 31 December:

No.

Directors
Administration and support

4. 

INCOME TAX

2019

14
1
4
19

2019

6
16

The Company is subject to income tax in the United Kingdom on its net income as adjusted for tax purposes, at the rate of 19%. 
At 31 December 2019, the Company had no accumulated tax losses (2018: Nil).

Deferred tax
No deferred tax asset has been recognised under the Company’s accounting policy for recognising deferred tax assets.

A reconciliation between the actual income tax expense and the theoretical amount that would arise using the applicable income tax rate 
for the Company as follows:

Reconciliation of effective tax 

US$ million

(Loss)/profit before income tax
Tax calculated at 19%
Impact of:

Expenses not allowable for tax purpose
Dividends received not subject to tax
Prior period adjustment

Total income tax expense

5. 

INVESTMENTS

US$ million

At 1 January
Acquisition of investment 
At 31 December

2019

(18)
(3)

1
–
2

–

2019

1,800
113
1,913

2018

10
–
4
14

2018

6
18

2018

8
1

3
(4)
–

–

2018

–
1,800
1,800

On 1 March 2019 Vivo Energy plc made a capital contribution to Vivo Energy Holding B.V. to finance the acquisition of Vivo Energy Overseas 
Holding Limited (VEOHL), a retailer and marketer of Engen-branded fuels and lubricants in Africa. 

6.  DEBTORS

US$ million

Related party receivable
Other receivables
Total

31 December 
2019

31 December 
2018

9
2
11

15
–
15

Receivable from related party arises from recharges of employee benefit costs. The amounts are unsecured, interest free and have no fixed date 
of repayment and are repayable on demand.

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7.  CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

US$ million

Bank

8.  CREDITORS

US$ million

Due within one year
Trade payables
Related party payables
Total creditors

31 December 
2019

31 December  
2018

1

2

31 December 
2019

31 December  
2018

4
44
48

2
7
9

Payable to related parties relates to IPO costs, salary related expenses and other costs. The amounts are unsecured, interest free, have no fixed 
date of repayment and are payable on demand. Refer to note 6 in the consolidated financial statements for further details relating to IPO costs.

9.  CALLED UP SHARE CAPITAL

Share capital consists of 1,266,073,050 ordinary shares at the nominal value of $0.50 each. For further details, refer to note 21 in the 
consolidated financial statements.

10.  OTHER RESERVES

The other reserves relate to the share capital reduction completed subsequent to the listing on the London and Johannesburg Stock Exchange 
Market in 2018. A realised profit available for distribution resulted from a transfer to other reserves from called up share capital.

11.  DIVIDENDS

The Board approved an interim dividend of circa 1.1 cents per share. This dividend was paid on 23 September 2019 to shareholders of record 
at close of business 23 August 2019. This dividend was paid out of distributable reserves as at 30 June 2019.

The Board has recommended a final dividend of circa 2.7 cents per share, amounting to approximately $34m. Payment of this dividend is 
expected to be executed on the 8 June 2020 to shareholders of record at close of business on 15 May 2020. The dividend will be paid out 
of distributable reserves as at 31 December 2019.

US$ million

Interim dividend
Final dividend
Total dividend

12.  RELATED PARTIES

2019

14
34
48

2018

8
16
24

The Company discloses transactions with related parties which are not wholly owned with the same Group. It does not disclose transactions 
with members of the same Group that are wholly owned. All transactions during the period under review have been with members of the 
same Group that are wholly owned.

13.  EVENTS AFTER BALANCE SHEET PERIOD

For the events after balance sheet period refer to note 33 in the consolidated financial statements.

14.  OTHER MATTERS

The auditors’ remuneration for the current year in respect of audit and audit-related services was $0.3m. Auditors’ remuneration relating 
to other non-audit services has been disclosed in the consolidated financial statements, refer to note 7. The consolidated accounts have been 
completed in accordance with requirements SI 2008/489.

The Directors are remunerated by the Company for their services to the Group as a whole. No remuneration was paid to them specifically in 
respect of their services to Vivo Energy plc for either year. Full details of the Directors’ remuneration are disclosed in ‘Directors’ compensation’ 
in note 32.

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NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

15.  COMPANY UNDERTAKINGS

A list of all subsidiaries, indirectly held by Vivo Energy plc, except for Vivo Energy Holding B.V. which is 100% owned directly by Vivo Energy plc, 
in the Group as at 31 December 2019 is as follows:

Subsidiary

Incorporation

Class of share

Registered address

Shareholding

Engen Marketing Tanzania Limited

Bahamas

Ordinary shares

Vivo Energy Botswana Pty Ltd.

Botswana

Ordinary shares

Vivo Energy Burkina S.A.

Burkina Faso

Ordinary shares

H&J Corporate services, Ocean Centre, Montague Foreshore, 
East Bay Street, P.O. Box SS-19084, Nassau, Bahamas

2nd Floor, Tholo 2, Plot 50369, Fairgrounds,  
Gaborone, Botswana

Rond Point des Nations Unies, Ouagadougou Secteur 4 
Section II Lot EX-TF 432 Parcelle III, Burkina Faso

Plateau Africa Holdings Ltd.

Canada

Ordinary shares

199 Bay Street, Suite No.4000, Toronto ON M5L 1A9, Canada

Vivo Energy Cabo Verde S.A.

Cape Verde

Ordinary shares

Sociedade Comercial de Navegacão 
Concha Verde S.A.

Cape Verde

Ordinary shares

Vivo Energy Côte d’Ivoire S.A.

Côte d’Ivoire

Ordinary shares

Vivo Energy Gabon S.A.

Gabon

Ordinary shares

Vivo Energy Ghana Ltd.

Ghana

Ordinary shares

Vivo Energy de Guinée S.A.

Guinea

Ordinary shares

Vivo Energy Guinea Mining Sarl.

Guinea

Ordinary shares

Vivo Energy Kenya Ltd.

Vivo Energy Malindi Ltd.

Vivo Energy East Africa Ltd.

Kenya

Kenya

Kenya

Ordinary shares

Ordinary shares

Ordinary shares

Vivo Energy Provident Trust Ltd.

Kenya

Ordinary shares

Vivo Marketing Kenya Ltd.

Vivo Oil Tanking Kenya Ltd.

Kenya

Kenya

Ordinary shares

Ordinary shares

Vivo Energy Liberia Ltd.

Liberia

Ordinary shares

Avenida Amilcar Cabral, C.P 4, Mindelo, São Vicente,  
Cabo Verde

Avenida Amilcar Cabral, C.P 4, Mindelo, São Vicente,  
Cabo Verde

Rue des pétroliers, Zone Industrielle de Vridi,  
15 BP 378 Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

234, BD Bessieux, Face au Lycee Immaculee Conception,  
BP 224, Libreville, Gabon

Rangoon Lane, Contonments City, Digital Address:  
GL-045-46-56, P.O. Box 1097, Accra, Ghana

Aeroport Gbessia, Commune de Matoto, BP 312,  
Conakry, Guinea

Aeroport Gbessia, Commune de Matoto, BP 312,  
Conakry, Guinea

Vienna Court, East Wing, State House Road, P.O. Box 43561-
00100, Nairobi, Kenya

Vienna Court, East Wing, State House Road, P.O. Box 43561-
00100, Nairobi, Kenya

Vienna Court, East Wing, State House Road, P.O. Box 43561-
00100, Nairobi, Kenya

Vienna Court, East Wing, State House Road, P.O. Box 43561-
00100, Nairobi, Kenya

Vienna Court, East Wing, State House Road, P.O. Box 43561-
00100, Nairobi, Kenya

Vienna Court, East Wing, State House Road, P.O. Box 43561-
00100, Nairobi, Kenya

c/o Law Offices of Yonah, Obey & Associates,  
152 Cary Street, P.O. Box 3147, Monrovia Liberia

Société Malgache des Pétroles  
Vivo Energy S.A.

Madagascar

Ordinary shares

Bâtiment B4 Golden Business Center – Lot II i A bis Morarano 
Alarobia-101, Antananarivo-Madagascar

Vivo Energy Limited

Malawi

Ordinary shares

Mission Road, Bulk Oil Sites, Makata Industrial Area,  
Blantayre, Malawi

Vivo Energy Mali S.A.

Mali

Ordinary shares

Vivo Energy Senegal Holdings Ltd.

Mauritius

Ordinary shares

Vivo Energy Tunisia Holdings Ltd.

Mauritius

Ordinary shares

Vivo Energy Madagascar Holdings Ltd.

Mauritius

Ordinary shares

Vivo Energy Africa Holdings Ltd.

Mauritius

Ordinary shares

Hippodrome, Route de Koulikoro BP 199,  
Immeuble N°3293 – Bamako, Mali

Level 3, Alexander House, 35 Cybercity,  
Ebene 72201, Mauritius

Level 3, Alexander House, 35 Cybercity,  
Ebene 72201, Mauritius

Level 3, Alexander House, 35 Cybercity,  
Ebene 72201, Mauritius

Level 3, Alexander House, 35 Cybercity,  
Ebene 72201, Mauritius

Vivo Energy Mauritius Ltd.

Mauritius

Ordinary shares

Cemetery Road, Roche Bois, Port Louis, Mauritius

100%

100%

58.79%

100%

100%

100%

66.67%

60%

74.34%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

72%

100%

77.05%

100%

100%

100%

100%

75%

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Subsidiary

Incorporation

Class of share

Registered address

Shareholding

Vivo Energy Overseas Holdings Ltd.

Mauritius

Ordinary shares

Vivo Energy Maroc S.A.

Morocco

Ordinary shares

Vivo Energy Africa Services Sarl.

Morocco

Ordinary shares

C/O IQ EQ Corporate Services (Mauritius) Ltd,  
33, Edith Cavell Street, Port Louis, 11324, Mauritius

Immeuble Le Zenith II, Lotissement Attaoufik,  
Route de Nouaceur, Sidi Maarouf Casablanca, 20190 Maroc

Casablanca Nearshore Park Shore 14 – 2ème étage Plateau 201, 
1100 Bd Al Qods – Quartier Sidi Maârouf, 20270,  
Casablanca, Morocco

Sopetrole S.A.
Terminal Energetique Jorf

Morocco
Morocco

Ordinary shares

Ordinary shares

Zone Industrielle, lot n°2, Laayoune, Morocco

Immeuble Zenith II, Lotissement Attaoufik, Route de 
Nouaceur, Sidi Maarouf, Casablanca

Immeuble Zenith II, Lotissement Attaoufik, Route de 
Nouaceur, Sidi Maarouf, Casablanca

Terminal D’hydrocarbures Jorf

Morocco

Ordinary shares

Terminal Energetique Agadir

Tidsi Gaz

VE Mozambique Trading Lda

Morocco
Morocco
Mozambique

Ordinary shares

Zone Industrielle d’Anza (côté mer), Agadir

Ordinary shares

Zone Industrielle d’Anza (côté mer), Agadir

Ordinary shares

EN4, Tchumene II, Talhao 19 , Parcela 3380, Matola, Mozambique

Vivo Energy Mocambique Lda

Mozambique

Ordinary shares

Av. 25 de Setembro, 1230, 33 Andares, 3º Andar Porta 
307/310, Maputo, Mozambique

Vivo Energy Holding B.V.

Netherlands

Ordinary shares

Teleportboulevard 110, 1043 EJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Vivo Energy Investments B.V.

Netherlands

Ordinary shares

Teleportboulevard 110, 1043 EJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Vivo Energy Cape Verde Holdings B.V.

Netherlands

Ordinary shares

Teleportboulevard 110, 1043 EJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Vivo Energy Morocco Holdings B.V.

Netherlands

Ordinary shares

Teleportboulevard 110, 1043 EJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Vivo Energy Mauritius Holdings B.V.

Netherlands

Ordinary shares

Teleportboulevard 110, 1043 EJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Vivo Energy Mali Holdings B.V.

Netherlands

Ordinary shares

Teleportboulevard 110, 1043 EJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Vivo Energy Newco Holdings B.V.

Netherlands

Ordinary shares

Teleportboulevard 110, 1043 EJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Vivo Energy Ghana Holdings B.V.

Netherlands

Ordinary shares

Teleportboulevard 110, 1043 EJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Vivo Energy Kenya Holdings B.V.

Netherlands

Ordinary shares

Teleportboulevard 110, 1043 EJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Vivo Energy Uganda Holdings B.V.

Netherlands

Ordinary shares

Teleportboulevard 110, 1043 EJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Vivo Energy Guinea Holdings B.V.

Netherlands

Ordinary shares

Teleportboulevard 110, 1043 EJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Vivo Energy Côte d’Ivoire Holdings B.V. Netherlands

Ordinary shares

Teleportboulevard 110, 1043 EJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Vivo Energy Burkina Faso Holdings B.V.

Netherlands

Ordinary shares

Teleportboulevard 110, 1043 EJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Vivo Energy Supply B.V.

Netherlands

Ordinary shares

Teleportboulevard 110, 1043 EJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Vivo Energy Sales and Marketing Ltd. 

Vivo Energy Reunion S.A.

Société de Transport Mace S.A.

Vivo Energy Rwanda Ltd.

Kabuye Depot Holding Company  
Rwanda Ltd.

Nigeria

Reunion

Reunion

Rwanda

Rwanda

Ordinary shares

1, Murtala Mohammed Drive, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria

Ordinary shares

1 Rue Sully Prud’Homme, ZI N°2, Le Port, 97823, Reunion

Ordinary shares

1 Rue Sully Prud’Homme, ZI N°2, 97823 LE Port Cedex, 
Reunion

Ordinary shares

Kacyiru, Gasabo, Umujyi wa Kigali, Rwanda

Ordinary shares

Kacyiru, Gasabo, Umujyi wa Kigali, Rwanda

Vivo Energy Senegal S.A.

Senegal

Ordinary shares

Quartier Bel-Air Route des Hudrocarbores, BP 144 Dakar, 
Senegal

Vivo Energy Sierra Leone Ltd.

Sierra Leone

Ordinary shares

37 Siaka Stevens Street, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Vivo Energy South Africa (Pty) Ltd. 

South Africa

Ordinary shares

Vivo Energy Tanzania Limited

Tanzania

Ordinary shares

15th Floor Towers South, The Towers, 2 Heerengracht,  
cnr Hertzog Boulevard, Foreshore 8001, Cape Town,  
South Africa

Plot No. 263 Mandela Road, Kurasini, Temeke District, 
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Société Vivo Energy Tunisie S.A.

Société Butagaz Tunisie S.A.

Société Sudgaz S.A.

Tunisia

Tunisia

Tunisia

Ordinary shares

24-26 place du 14 janvier 2011 – 1001 Tunis, Tunisia

Ordinary shares

24-26 place du 14 janvier 2011 – 1001 Tunis, Tunisia

Ordinary shares

24-26 place du 14 janvier 2011 – 1001 Tunis, Tunisia

100%

100%

100%

49%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

96.80%

100%

100%

93.60%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

65.01%

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NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED

15.  COMPANY UNDERTAKINGS CONTINUED

Subsidiary

Incorporation

Class of share

Registered address

Société D’Exploitation et de Gestion  
des Points de Vente S.A.1

Vivo Energy Uganda Ltd.

Vivo Energy Malindi Uganda Ltd. 

Vivo Energy Uganda Provident Trust.

Tunisia

Ordinary shares

24-26 place du 14 janvier 2011 – 1001 Tunis, Tunisia

Uganda

Uganda

Uganda

Ordinary shares

Plot 9/11 7th Street Industrial Area, Kampala, Uganda

Ordinary shares

Plot 9/11 7th Street Industrial Area, Kampala, Uganda

Ordinary shares

Plot 9/11 7th Street Industrial Area, Kampala, Uganda

Vivo Energy Namibia Ltd.

United Kingdom  Ordinary shares

Vivo Energy UK Services Ltd.

United Kingdom Ordinary shares

5th Floor – The Peak, 5 Wilton Road, London, SW1V 1AN, 
United Kingdom

5th Floor – The Peak, 5 Wilton Road, London, SW1V 1AN, 
United Kingdom

Engen Petroleum Zambia Ltd.

VE Zambia Legacy Ltd.

Zambia

Zambia

Ordinary shares

Plot 3132, Buyantanshi Road, Lusaka, Zambia

Ordinary shares

394 Mushemi Road, Rhodes Park, P.O Box 32256, Lusaka, 
Zambia

Vivo Energy Zambia Marketing Ltd.

Zambia

Ordinary shares

Plot 3132, Buyantanshi Road, Lusaka, Zambia

Engen Petroleum Zimbabwe  
(Private) Ltd.

Vivo Energy Zimbabwe Operations 
(Private) Limited

Vivo Energy Zimbabwe Holdings  
(Private) Ltd.2 

Zimbabwe

Ordinary shares

Zimbabwe

Ordinary shares

Zimbabwe

Ordinary shares

Engen House 71 Kaguvi Street P.O Box 372, Harare, 
Zimbabwe

Engen House 71 Kaguvi Street P.O Box 372, Harare, 
Zimbabwe

Engen House 71 Kaguvi Street P.O Box 372, Harare, 
Zimbabwe

Shareholding

48.38%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

99.98%

100%

100%

100%

49%

1  Société D’Exploitation et de Gestion des Points de Vente S.A. is an entity incorporated in order to directly operate retail sites in Tunisia. There are three senior staff members appointed 
as shareholders with a total of 52% shareholding. All of them have no voting rights and cannot influence any decisions. Therefore the Group controls the entity and has the ability to affect 
returns through its power over the entity.

2  Vivo Energy Zimbabwe Holdings (Private) Ltd was acquired as part of the business acquisition of VEOHL in 2019. The Group has control over the entity by holding most of the voting 

rights, majority of seats on the Board of Directors and is exposed to the variable returns of the business.

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A list of all joint ventures and associates, indirectly held by Vivo Energy plc, in the Group as at 31 December 2019 is as follows:

Investment

Incorporation

Class of share

Registered address

Shareholding

Baobab Energy Botswana  
Propriety Limited

Botswana

Ordinary shares

Plot 50369 Fairgrounds Office Park, Gaborone, Botswana

Manutenção Caboverdeana Matec S.A.

Cape Verde

Ordinary shares

Baobab Energy Côte d’Ivoire Sarl.

Côte d’Ivoire

Ordinary shares

Stockage Petrolier de Cote d’Ivoire Sarl. Côte d’Ivoire

Ordinary shares

Rua dos Bombeiros – Zona Industrial CP 227 Mindelo –  
São Vicente Republica de Cabo Verde

Rue des pétroliers, Zone Industrielle de Vridi,
15 BP 378 Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

Abidjan Port-bouet vridi canal de Petroliers 12 B.O 2141 
Abidjan 12, Côte d’Ivoire

Société Gabonaise D’Entroposag de 
Produits Pétrolière S.A.

Société PIZO de Formulation de 
Lubrifiants S.A.

Gabon

Ordinary shares

P.O. BOX 2218, Libreville, Gabon

Gabon

Ordinary shares

Port Gentil, PO Box 699, Port Gentil, Gabon

Chase Logistics Ltd.

Ghana

Ordinary shares

1 Alema Avenue, Airport Residential Area, Accra,  
P.O. Box AN 8743 Accra North, Ghana

Road Safety Ltd.

Société Guinéene des Pétroles S.A.

Ghana

Guinea

Ordinary shares

Tema Shell Installation, Fishing Harbour Road, Tema, Ghana

Ordinary shares

Boulevard Maritim, Kaloum, BP 656, Conakry, Guinea

Logistique Pétrolière S.A.

Madagascar

Ordinary shares

Immeuble FITARATRA- 5 ème étage,  
Rue Ravoninahitriniarivo, Ankorondrano 101,  
Antananarivo, Madagascar

Petroleum Importers Limited

Energy Storage Company Ltd.

Mer Rouge Oil Storage Company Ltd.

Compagnie D’Entreposage 
Communautaire S.A.

Stogaz S.A.

Maghreb Gaz S.A.

Société de Cabotage Pétrolier S.A.

Ismalia Gaz S.A.

Malawi

Mauritius

Mauritius

Morocco

Morocco

Morocco

Morocco

Morocco

Ordinary shares

6th Floor Unit House, Off Victoria Avenue, Blantyre, Malawi

Ordinary shares

Cemetery Road, Roche Bois, Port Louis, Mauritius

Ordinary shares

Edith Cavell Street, Les Cascades, Port Louis, Mauritius

Ordinary shares

Route cotière 111, Km 6,5, Ghezouane, Mohammedia, 
Morocco

Ordinary shares

Rue Ferhat Hachad, Mohammedia, Morocco

Ordinary shares

Immeuble Tafraouti, Km 7,5 Route de Rabat, Ain Sebaa, 
Casablanca, Morocco

Ordinary shares

27 Bd Zerktouni, Casablanca, Morocco

Ordinary shares

Km 9 Route d’El Hajeb, Meknes, Morocco

Société Dakhla des Hydrocarbures S.A. Morocco

Ordinary shares

11 Avenue de la Marine Royale, Dakhla, Morocco

Tadla Gaz S.A.

Société Marocaine de Stockage S.A.

Morocco

Morocco

Ordinary shares

Km 7,5 Route de Rabat, Ain Sebaa, Casablanca, Morocco

Ordinary shares

Lotissement des Pétroliers, Oued El, Maleh,  
Mohammedia, Morocco

Imopetro, Importadora Mocambicana  
de Petroleos Limitada

Mozambique

Ordinary shares

Havi Properties (Proprietary) Ltd.

Namibia

Ordinary shares

Shell and Vivo Lubricants B.V.

Netherlands

Ordinary shares

Av. 25 de Setembro, Predio 33 Andares, 40 Andar,  
Cidade de Maputo, Mozambique

18 Liliencron Street, The Village, Unit 20-22 Eros,  
Windhoek, Namibia

Carel van Bylandtlaan 30, 2596 HR The Hague,  
the Netherlands

Société Réunionnaise d’Entreposage S.A. Reunion

Ordinary shares

3 Rue Jacques Prevert, Riviere des Galets, 97420 Le Port

Société de Manutention de Carburants 
Aviation Dakar S.A.

Société Dakaroise D’Entreposage S.A.

Cimsahel Energy S.A.

Société D’Entrepots Pétroliers  
de Tunisie S.A.

Société Bitumes de Tunis S.A.

Société d’Exploitation et de Gestion  
des Pipelines de Rades S.A.

Senegal

Ordinary shares

Dakar-Yoff, B.P. 8022 Yoff, Senegal

Senegal

Senegal

Tunisia

Tunisia

Tunisia

Ordinary shares
Ordinary shares
Ordinary shares

Cap des Biches, Rufisque, B.P. 59 Rufisque, Senegal

Sous préfecture de SINDIA, Senegal

24-26 place du 14 janvier 2011 – 1001 Tunis, Tunisia

Ordinary shares

24-26 place du 14 janvier 2011 – 1001 Tunis, Tunisia

Ordinary shares

24-26 place du 14 janvier 2011 – 1001 Tunis, Tunisia

50%

15%

50%

30%

37.50%

28.10%

8%

50%

16.53%

32.99%

25%

50%

25%

32.31%

50%

37.49%

38.71%

40%

33.33%

50%

12%

5.88%

50%

50%

19.92%

25%

50%

50.10%

30%

50%

25%

173

 VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019OTH ER IN FORMATION

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

FINANCE CALENDAR 2019/20
Financial year-end 

Annual results announcement 

Q1 Trading update 

Annual General Meeting 

Final dividend payment 

Interim results announcement 

Interim payment date 

Q3 Trading update 

PLEASE NOTE THESE DATES ARE PROVISIONAL AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)
The AGM will be held on 20 May 2020 at: 
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer 
65 Fleet Street, Template 
London EC4Y 1HT 
United Kingdom

31 December 2019

4 March 2020

30 April 2020

20 May 2020

8 June 2020

28 July 2020

18 September 2020

October 2020

The meeting will start at 14:00 and registration will be possible from 13:30.

The Notice for the AGM will be communicated to shareholders in a separate communication and shared on the investor relations website. 
For further details relating to the AGM, refer to page 110 in the Governance Report.

DIVIDENDS
The Directors have adopted a progressive dividend policy while maintaining an appropriate level of dividend cover and sufficient financial 
flexibility in the Group. The dividend policy has a minimum payout ratio of 30% of attributable income.

A final dividend, for the year ended 31 December 2019, of 2.7 dollar cents per share will be proposed to shareholders resulting in a full dividend 
of 3.8 dollar cents per share for the year, representing a Group payout ratio of 35% of attributable net income.

1 January 2019 – 30 June 2019
1 July 2019 – 31 December 2019

Dividend per share

Record date

Payment date

1.1 dollar cents
2.7 dollar cents

23 August 2019
15 May 2020

23 September 2019
08 June 2020

All dividends will be declared in US dollars. Shareholders who hold shares through the London Stock Exchange and are resident in the UK, 
may elect to receive their dividends in pounds sterling and shareholders who hold shares through the Johannesburg Stock Exchange will 
automatically receive their dividends in South African Rand.

174

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS
As at 31 December 2019, the following interests in the ordinary share capital of the Company have been notified to the Directors under 
the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules (DTR 5). In accordance with DTR 5, as of 3 March 2020 the Directors have not received 
any notification of a change in the shareholders’ positions from 31 December 2019. 

Shareholder name

HIP Oil 2 B.V.1 3
Vitol Africa B.V.2
VIP Africa II B.V.2
Capital Group Companies Inc.
HIP Oils NewCo Sarl1 4
Engen Holdings (Pty) Limited

31 December 2019
Percentage

27.50
27.37
8.73
5.25
1.56
5.00

1  Members of the Helios Investment Partners.
2  Members of the Vitol Group. 
3  During the year HIP Oil 2 B.V. has become HIP Oils Mauritius Limited (Mauritius).
4  During the year HIP Oils NewCo Sarl has become Helios Holdings Limited (Cayman Islands).

The rights attached to the ordinary shares of the Company held by these shareholders are identical in all respects.

MANAGING YOUR SHAREHOLDING
Link Asset Services, the Company Registrar, provides our shareholders with online access to information regarding their investments 
as well as the services to assist in managing your shareholding on an online platform or telephonically. 

Link Asset Services can be contacted via telephone on 0371 664 0300 (+44 371 664 0300 outside the UK). Lines are open between 
09:00 – 17:30, Monday to Friday excluding public holidays in England and Wales. Furthermore you may contact the Registrar by emailing 
shareholderenquiries@linkgroup.co.uk.

The registry is located at 34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 4TU.

SHAREHOLDER SECURITY
In recent years, share fraud has been increasing at an alarming rate. This entails shareholders receiving unsolicited phone calls or investment 
opportunities, known as boiler room scams. These opportunities are usually high risk and turn out to be worthless investments. The callers 
may sometimes imply a connection to Vivo Energy and provide misleading and incorrect information.

Investors are advised to be very wary of unsolicited advice, offers to sell shares at a discount or buy at a premium, or offers of free company 
reports. If you have been contacted by an unauthorised company or approached by investors with unsolicited advice you should contact the 
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) using the share fraud reporting form at www.fca.org.uk/scams. You can find out more about investment 
security by visiting the FCA’s website or by calling the helpline on 0800 111 6768 (overseas callers dial +44 207 066 1000).

KEEPING IN CONTACT
Our Annual and Interim Reports, trading results, announcements and presentations can be found on our website, www.vivoenergy.com. 
Here you can find details of our business and operations and extensive information about the Vivo Energy Group.

To support efficient communication as well as being environmentally friendly, we encourage shareholders to register to the mailing list 
on the investor relations website.

175

 VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019OTH ER IN FORMATION

HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION

SUMMARY INCOME STATEMENT

US$ million

Revenues
Cost of sales 
Gross profit 
Selling and marketing cost
General and administrative cost
Share of profit of joint ventures and associates
Other income/(expense)
Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT)
Finance expense – net
Earnings before tax (EBT)
Income taxes 
Net income 

NON-GAAP MEASURES

US$ million, unless otherwise indicated

Volumes (million litres)
Gross cash profit
EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted net income
Adjusted diluted EPS (US$)1

2019

8,302
(7,627)
675
(224)
(165)
22
2
310
(64)
246
(96)
150

2019

10,417
743
416
431
162
0.12

2018

7,549
(6,924)
625
(197)
(183)
28
3
276
(47)
229
(83)
146

2018

9,351
680
366
400
178
0.14

2017

6,694
(6,080)
614
(194)
(197)
16
3
242
(31)
211
(81)
130

2017

9,026
666
326
376
171
0.13

2016

5,729
(5,196)
533
(218)
(135)
16
1
197
(23)
174
(75)
99

2016

8,389
579
286
302
109
0.08

2015

5,972
(5,539)
433
(178)
(123)
11
15
158
(22)
136
(67)
69

2015

7,990
474
233
240
74
0.05

1  EPS for 2017, 2016 and 2015 are the updated earnings per share based on the capital structure of the Group at 31 December 2018 (including the IPO reorganisation impacts on the 

weighted average number of ordinary shares).

SEGMENT INFORMATION

US$ million, unless otherwise indicated

FY 2019

H2 2019

H1 2019

FY 2018

H2 2018

H1 2018

Volumes (million litres)
Retail
Commercial
Lubricants
Total 
Gross cash unit margin ($’000 litres)
Retail fuel (excluding Non-fuel retail)
Commercial
Lubricants
Total 
Gross cash profit 
Retail (including Non-fuel retail)
Commercial
Lubricants
Total

5,900
4,380
137
10,417

71
49
547
71

 454 
 214 
 75 
743

3,060
2,301
71
5,432

72
50
557
72

 238
115
39
392

2,840
2,079
66
4,985

71
47
537
70

216
99
36
351

5,354
3,863
134
9,351

75
47
525
73

428
181
71
680

2,719
1,937
67
4,723

73
46
515
71

211
90
35
336

2,635
1,926
67
4,628

78
47
536
74

217
91
36
344

176

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

US$ million

Assets
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Right-of-use assets
Intangible assets
Investments in joint ventures and associates
Deferred income taxes 
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income
Other assets

Current assets
Inventories
Trade receivables
Other assets
Income tax receivables
Other financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents 

Total assets

Equity and liabilities
Total equity
Attributable to equity holders of Vivo Energy
Non-controlling interest

Liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Lease liabilities
Borrowings
Provisions
Deferred income taxes
Other liabilities

Current liabilities
Lease liabilities
Trade payables
Borrowings
Provisions
Other financial liabilities
Other liabilities
Income tax payables

Total liabilities
Total equity and liabilities

31 December
2019

31 December
2018

31 December
2017

31 December
2016

31 December
2015

823
176
226
227
34
9
110
1,605

517
451
257
9
–
517
1,751
3,356

751
53
804

104
294
102
66
160
726

21
1,257
306
14
3
178
47
1,826
2,552
3,356

622
148
134
223
36
8
101
1,272

441
444
255
19
3
393
1,555
2,827

533
48
581

98
314
75
51
143
681

13
1,062
286
15
–
165
24
1,565
2,246
2,827

585
148
120
219
43
6
83
1,204

353
412
229
8
–
423
1,425
2,629

402
46
448

121
396
92
51
169
829

12
869
259
21
1
152
38
1,352
2,181
2,629

507
136
116
51
37
6
80
933

333
305
170
9
3
369
1,189
2,122

548
40
588

113
40
82
52
140
427

11
719
197
25
–
93
62
1,107
1,534
2,122

 473 
 122 
 145 
 43 
 26 
 12 
 36 
 857 

 283 
 303 
 230 
6 
 2 
 300 
 1,124 
 1,981 

 484 
 41 
 525 

 103 
 82 
 78 
 61 
 131 
 455 

10 
 654 
 195 
 36 
–
 85 
 21 
 1,001 
 1,456 
 1,981 

177

 VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019OTH ER IN FORMATION

GLOSSARY

Term

B2B
B2C
CAGR
CAPEX
CSR
DPO
DPS
DSO
DTR
EBIT
EBITDA
EBT
EIHL
EPS
ERP
ETR
FVTOCI
FVTPL
FY
GAAP
GDP
GDPR
GHG
HSSE
IASB
IFRS
IFRS IC
IPO
ITGC
JSE
KFC
KPI
KYC
LIBOR
LPG
LTIF
LTIP
M&A
NCI
OCI
OU
PP&E
Q
QSR
RCF
ROACE
RTGS
SVL
TJ
TRCF
UK
VEOHL
YOY

178

Description

Business to business
Business to consumer
Compound annual growth rate
Capital expenditure
Corporate social responsibility
Days payable outstanding
Dividend per share
Days sales outstanding
Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules
Earnings before finance expense, finance income and income taxes
Earnings before finance expense, finance income and income taxes, depreciation and amortisation
Earnings before income taxes
Engen International Holdings (Mauritius) Limited
Earnings per share
Enterprise resource planning
Effective tax rate
Fair value through other comprehensive income
Fair value through profit and loss
Full year
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
Gross domestic product
General Data Protection Regulation
Greenhouse gas
Health, safety, security and environment
International Accounting Standards Board
International Financial Reporting Standards
IFRS Interpretation Committee
Initial public offering
Information technology general controls
Johannesburg Stock Exchange
Kentucky Fried Chicken
Key performance indicator
Know your customer
London Interbank Offered Rate
Liquefied petroleum gas
Lost time injury frequency
Long-Term Incentive Plan
Mergers and acquisitions
Non-controlling interest
Other comprehensive income
Operating unit
Property, plant and equipment
Quarter
Quick service restaurant
Revolving credit facility
Return on average capital employed
Real-time gross settlement
Shell and Vivo Lubricants B.V.
Terajoules
Total recordable case frequency
United Kingdom
Vivo Energy Overseas Holdings Limited
Year-on-year

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019STR ATEG IC REP ORT

GOVERN ANC E

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTH ER IN FORMATION

KEY CONTACTS AND ADVISERS

REGISTRY
In the UK: 0371 664 0300
Outside the UK: +44 371 664 0300

INVESTOR RELATIONS 
Email: investors@vivoenergy.com
Tel: +44 20 3034 3735

MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Email: vivoenergy@tulchangroup.com
Tel: +44 20 7353 4200

WEBSITE
vivoenergy.com

REGISTERED OFFICE
Vivo Energy plc
The Peak, 5th Floor
5 Wilton Road, London
SWIV IAN
United Kingdom

DOMICILE
Registered in England and Wales
No. 11250655

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

COMPANY SECRETARY
Claire Dhokia

PRINCIPAL LEGAL ADVISERS
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP

PRINCIPAL BANKERS/SPONSOR
JP Morgan Securities plc

179

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019OTH ER IN FORMATION

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Such forward-looking statements contained 
in this report are current only as of the 
date on which such statements are made. 
The Company and the Directors do not intend, 
and do not undertake any obligation, to update 
any forward-looking statements set forth in 
this report. You should interpret all subsequent 
written or oral forward-looking statements 
attributable to the Group or to persons 
acting on the Group’s behalf as being qualified 
by the cautionary statements in this report. 
As a result, you should not place undue reliance 
on such forward-looking statements.

In particular, the statements in the Risk section 
on page 58 of this report regarding the Group’s 
strategy, targets, and other future events or 
prospects are forward-looking statements. 
No assurance can be given that such future 
results will be achieved; actual events or 
results may differ materially as a result of 
risks and uncertainties facing the Group. 
Such risks and uncertainties could cause actual 
results to vary materially from the future 
results indicated, expressed, or implied in 
such forward-looking statements. In addition, 
management’s assumptions about future events 
may prove to be inaccurate. You should be 
aware that a number of important factors 
could cause actual results to differ materially 
from the plans, objectives, expectations, 
estimates and intentions expressed in such 
forward-looking statements. Given these 
risks and uncertainties, you should not rely 
on forward-looking statements as a prediction 
of actual results.

This report includes forward-looking 
statements. These forward-looking statements 
involve known and unknown risks and 
uncertainties, many of which are beyond 
the Company’s control and all of which are 
based on the Directors’ current beliefs and 
expectations about future events. Forward-
looking statements are sometimes identified by 
the use of forward-looking terminology such 
as: ‘believe’, ‘expects’, ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘could’, ‘should’, 
‘shall’, ‘risk’, ‘intends’, ‘estimates’, ‘aims’, ‘plans’, 
‘predicts’, ‘continues’, ‘assumes’, ‘positioned’, 
‘anticipates’ or ‘targets’ or the negative thereof, 
other variations thereon or comparable 
terminology, but are not the exclusive means 
of identifying such statements. These forward-
looking statements include all matters that are 
not historical facts. They appear in a number 
of places throughout this report and include 
statements regarding the intentions, beliefs or 
current expectations of the Directors or the 
Group concerning, among other things, the 
future results of operations, financial condition, 
prospects, growth, strategies of the Group 
and the industry in which it operates, which 
reflect estimates and assumptions made by 
the Group’s management. These estimates 
and assumptions reflect the Company’s best 
judgement based on currently known market 
conditions and other factors.

180

VIVO ENERGY PLC | ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2019Design and production by Radley Yeldar www.ry.com

This report has been printed on Claro Silk and Munken, papers which are 
certified by the Forest Stewardship Council®. The papers are made at a mill 
with ISO 14001 Environmental Management System accreditation. 

Printed by CPI Colour using vegetable oil based inks, CPI is a CarbonNeutral® 
printer, certified to ISO 14001 Environmental Management System and 
registered to EMAS, the Eco Management and Audit Scheme.

Vivo Energy plc
The Peak, 5th Floor
5 Wilton Road, London
SWIV IAN
United Kingdom