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Compagnie Plastic Omnium SE

Annual Report Apr 5, 2016

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Annual Report

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COMPAGNIE PLASTIC OMNIUM

Incorporated in France with limited liability and issued capital of 9,148,603.20 euros Headquarters: 19, boulevard Jules Carteret – 69007 Lyon – France Registered in Lyon, no. 955 512 611 – APE business identification code: 6420 Z

2015 REGISTRATION DOCUMENT

The French version of this Registration Document was filed with the French financial market authority (Autorité des Marchés Financiers – AMF) on March 24, 2016 pursuant to Article 212-13 of the General Regulation of the AMF. It may be used in support of a financial transaction only if it is accompanied by a short form prospectus endorsed by the AMF. It was drawn up by the issuer and binds the signatories.

In accordance with Article L. 621-8-1-l of the French Monetary and Financial Code, the French version was registered after verification by the AMF "that the document was complete and comprehensible and that the information contained therein was coherent". This does not imply the authentication by the AMF of the accounting and financial information presented.

The English language version of this Registration Document is a free translation of the original, which was prepared in French. The original language version of the document in French takes precedence over the translation.

Pursuant to article 28 of European Commission Regulation (EC) No 809/2004, the following information is included by way of reference in this Registration Document:

  • the consolidated financial statements and Company financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014, and the corresponding auditors' reports appearing on pp. 84-195 (inclusive) of the 2014 Registration Document filed with the AMF on July 7, 2015 under the reference number R.15-058;
  • the consolidated financial statements and Company financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013, and the corresponding auditors' reports appearing on pp. 59-146 (inclusive) of the annual financial report for the year ended December 31, 2013 filed with the AMF on March 31, 2014.

1 PRESENTATION OF THE GROUP

1.1 Key figures 5
1.2 Timeline 7
1.3 Organization chart 9
1.4 Business and strategy 9
1.5 Research and Development (R&D) 11
1.6 Risk factors 13

2 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

2.1 Report from the Chairman of the Board
of Directors 19
2.2 Compensation of Corporate Officers 38
2.3 Statutory Auditors' Report 42

3 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

3.1 Issues 44
3.2 Development of Responsible Products
and Services
47
3.3 Corporate Social Responsibility 47
3.4 Protection of the Environment 57
3.5 Societal Commitment 64
3.6 Methodology 66
3.7 Cross-reference Table 68
3.8 Independent Third-party Report 72

4 REVIEW OF FINANCIAL POSITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

4.1 Significant events in 2015 75
4.2 Comments on the Consolidated Financial
Statements
76
4.3 Comments on the Company Financial
Statements
78
4.4 Outlook and Post-balance Sheet Events 79

PREAMBLE TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Financial Indicators 81

5 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2015 5.1 Balance sheet 83 5.2 Income Statement 85 5.3 Statement of Comprehensive Income 86 5.4 Change in Equity 87 5.5 Statement of Cash Flows 88 5.6 Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 90 5.7 Statutory Auditors' Report on the Consolidated Financial Statements 154 6 COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 6.1 Income Statement 157 6.2 Balance Sheet 158 6.3 Notes to the Company Financial Statements 159 6.4 Five-year Financial Summary 169 6.5 Subsidiaries and Affiliates 170 6.6 Statutory Auditors' Report on the Financial Statements 171 6.7 Special Report of the Statutory Auditors on Related party Agreements and Commitments 172 7 INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANY AND ITS SHARE CAPITAL 7.1 Information about the Company 175 7.3 Information about shareholders 182

8 COMBINED SHAREHOLDERS' MEETING
8.1 Agenda 187
8.2 Text of the Resolutions Submitted
for Approval by the Combined
Shareholders' Meeting on April 28, 2016
188
8.3 Board of Directors' Report
on the Resolutions Presented
to the Combined Shareholders' Meeting
on April 28, 2016
193
8.4 Statutory Auditors' Report on the Allocation
of Stock Options
197
8.5 Statutory Auditors' Report on the Allocation
of Existing Free Shares
198
8.6 Statutory Auditors' Report on the Reduction
in Share Capital
199
DECLARATION BY THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE
FOR THE REGISTRATION DOCUMENT
200
TABLE REGISTRATION DOCUMENT CROSS-REFERENCE 201

01

PRESENTATION OF THE GROUP

1.1 Key figures

Economic revenue corresponds to the consolidated revenue of the Group plus revenue from the Group's joint ventures, up to the Group's percentage stake. BPO, HBPO and YFPO for Plastic Omnium Automotive. The figure reflects the operational and managerial realities of the Group.

The consolidated revenue, In implementation of IFRS Standards 10-11-12, does not include the share of joint ventures, which are consolidated by using the equity method.

The operating margin corresponds to the operating results, including the share of the results for companies which have been consolidated by using the equity method, and the amortization of intangible assets acquired in business combinations, before other operating income and expenses.

Capital expenditures and projects

In € millions and as % of consolidated revenue

Free cash flow

In € millions and as % of consolidated revenue

Net debt / EBITDA

Capital expenditure refers to acquisitions of property, plant and equipment and intangible fixed assets net of disposals, the net change in advances to suppliers of fixed assets and investment subsidies received (see Cash Flow Statement and Note I.5 to the consolidated financial statements, line E "Net cash used in operations").

Free cash flow corresponds to the operating cash flow, less tangible and intangible investments net of disposals, taxes and net interest paid +/- variation of the working capital requirements (cash surplus from operations).

Net debt includes all of the long-term borrowings, short-term loans and bank overdrafts, less loans, marketable debt instruments and other non-current financial assets, and cash and cash equivalents.

Shareholders' equity includes operating grants.

EBITDA corresponds to the operating margin, which includes the share of the results of associates and joint ventures before depreciation charges and operating provisions.

1.2 Timeline

The Company's origins stretch back to 1946, when Plasticomnium set up business at the rue du Louvre in Paris. The Company then had three employees and Pierre Burelle was the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Its first products were pipe fittings, dehydrator spark plugs, and other plastic automotive parts (Jaeger).

At this time, injection molding machines were characterized by the weight of the part produced. In 1949, the Company had five molds, with the biggest able to produce a 250-gram part.

1952

The Company moved to rue du Parc in Levallois-Perret.

1954

The Company borrowed to buy a mold capable of making 1,200-gram parts, a serious challenge for a company of this size.

1963

New premises in Langres (Haute-Marne) were built to keep pace with the significant growth in business.

1965

Plasticomnium took control of UMDP (Union Mutuelle Des Propriétaires Lyonnais), a company listed on the Lyon stock exchange. The two companies merged and Pierre Burelle became Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the new entity. Plasticomnium's stock market listing dates back to this merger.

UMDP was a septic tank cleaning and sanitation company. Pierre Émile Burelle, a civil engineer and graduate of the École des Mines in Paris, took over its management in 1877 at the age of 29.

Under his leadership, the Company installed an extensive pipeline network to carry sludge from the La Mouche plant in Lyon to local farmland and market gardens. The 55 km network led to the creation of La Culture par l'Épandage (spread cropping).

After 1914, with the development of sewer systems, Pierre Émile Burelle refocused the business on waste bucket rentals. He died in 1926. Two of his sons were involved in the management of UMDP: Jean, who died in the war in 1915, and Charles, who headed the Company until 1965. In that year, Pierre Burelle, Jean Burelle's son and the grandson of Pierre Émile Burelle, acquired a majority stake in UMDP on the Lyon stock exchange.

UMDP's waste bucket business was the starting point for the development of a range of products and services by Pierre Burelle, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Plasticomnium, including waste container rental, maintenance and cleaning. This is now the backbone of the Environment Division.

Over the following two years, Pierre Burelle simplified the two companies' product ranges by selling off certain businesses. UMDP's La Mouche plant in Lyon became the waste container management center for the Lyon area and the starting point of the current Environment Division.

1966

The current corporate identity was adopted, with a new logo designed by Raymond Loewy and with Plastic Omnium written as two words.

1968

Plastic Omnium acquired Gachot's fluorinated resin department and set up a plant in Langres dedicated to this activity, which became the 3P Division.

The 1970s

The 1970s saw the start of the Company's international expansion with the creation of one subsidiary a year, including Spain in 1970, Germany in 1972, the United Kingdom in 1973, and the United States in 1977.

1974

A Group holding company was set up, Compagnie Plastic Omnium.

In 1974, the Company acquired a 2,500 metric ton injection-molding machine, followed in 1982 by a 10,000 ton machine, both records in terms of power for the time.

1983

New headquarters were built on Avenue Jules Carteret in Lyon, and the Berges du Rhône development was built in Lyon on the site of the former La Mouche plant.

1984

  • The Ludoparc playground and public garden equipment concept was launched.
  • Metroplast, a rotational casting subsidiary, was set up in Chalon-sur-Saône.

1986

Plastic Omnium's acquisition of the Landry group and Techniplaste Industrie led to the creation of the Fuel System Division that now operates under the name of Inergy Automotive Systems.

1987

Jean Burelle took over as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Compagnie Plastic Omnium, while Pierre Burelle became Honorary Chairman and remained on the Board.

In the 1990s, the Company continued to extend its geographic reach with the creation of new subsidiaries and with new acquisitions:

  • Zarn, in the United States, which operated four container plants, was acquired in 1991 and then sold on in 2001;
  • Vasam, a fuel tank manufacturer based in Madrid and Vigo, was acquired in 1994;
  • Reydel, a dashboard and door panel specialist with operations in France, Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom, was acquired in 1996 and formed the basis of the Plastic Omnium Auto Interior Division that was sold on to Visteon in 1999.

In the 2000s

The Company continued to grow with a targeted acquisition and partnership strategy, and established a presence in Asia. It also stepped up its spending on R&D.

2000

Saw the creation of Inergy Automotive Systems, a 50/50 joint venture with Solvay that became the world's largest fuel systems manufacturer.

2001

Laurent Burelle became Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Compagnie Plastic Omnium.

2002

  • ∑-Sigmatech, the Company's global research & development center for exterior automotive components, was inaugurated in the Lyon area;
  • the 3P Division's pipe fitting business was sold.

2003

Saw the acquisition of Beauvais Diffusion, a selective waste collection company in France.

2004

The Company acquired waste container specialist Temaco in France from Groupe Sita and sold Plastic Omnium Medical.

2005

Plastic Omnium and two German automotive equipment manufacturers, Hella and Mahle-Behr, set up a joint venture named HBPO, the global leader in complex front-end automotive module design, development, assembly and logistics.

2006

The Company acquired control of Inoplast, a manufacturer of components and products made with composite materials and thermoplastics for cars and trucks.

2007

  • The Company celebrated its 60th anniversary with a gathering of 1,000 people in La Défense (Paris).
  • Auto exterior joint ventures were launched in China, with Yanfeng Visteon.
  • Majority-owned auto exterior joint venture was launched in India, with Varroc. The Group took full control in 2012.
  • Also during the year, the Company acquired German-based Sulo, Europe's second largest waste container group.
  • Lastly, 2007 saw the acquisition of Compagnie Signature, the European leader in road signage and markings, from the Burelle SA parent company, and a launch of a partnership with Eurovia (Vinci) in the same segment.

2008

The Performance Plastics Products (3P) Division was sold.

2010

The Company bought out Solvay's 50% stake in the Inergy Automotive Systems joint venture.

Since 2010, the Company has continued to expand in fast growing regions, through a combination of organic growth and acquisitions.

2011

The Company acquired Ford's fuel system production assets in the United States, and the Polish auto exterior plants of its competitor Plastal.

2012

Saw the creation of two majority-owned fuel system joint ventures, one in China with BAIC, and the other in Russia with DSK.

Sale of Signature's German and French operations to Eurovia, as well as the unwinding of cross shareholdings.

2013

The Group added to its presence in high growth regions with the opening of five new plants in China, bringing the number of industrial facilities in this country to 19.

2014

Continued development in China with four new plants opened. Nine additional plants were also being built in North America (United States, Mexico), China and Russia to fulfill all the orders in the Automotive Division.

R&D activities were strengthened with the opening of α-Alphatech, the Auto Inergy Division's global R&D center in Compiègne, France.

Sale of its highway signage business in Switzerland, Signal AG, by the Environment Division.

2015

The Group continued its development strategy in dynamic markets by opening nine plants in China, the United States, Germany, South Korea and Russia.

In November, the Group opened a new development center for its automotive division in Tokyo.

In December, the Group announced that it had signed a memorandum of understanding with the Faurecia Group to acquire its Exterior Systems business (bumpers and front-end modules) for a enterprise value of €665 million.

Late 2015

The Group and its joint ventures employed 26,000 people working in 120 plants and 21 R&D centers in 30 countries.

Simplified Organization Chart (directly held capital)

Environment

Automobile

* 73.4% voting rights.

** The % voting rights is equal to the % holding.

1.3 Organization chart

Compagnie Plastic Omnium has two core businesses, Automotive and Environment.

The Automotive Division manufactures and sells automotive body components and modules, and automotive fuel systems through its worldwide network of plants. Its customers are exclusively carmakers.

The Environment Division manufactures and sells a complete range of products and services in the waste containerization and urban design segments. Its main clients are either local authorities or waste collection companies.

The Plastic Omnium Group is organized around the holding companies or holding countries indicated in the organization chart above, which own shares of the local operating subsidiaries. The activity of these local operating entities primarily depends on their local market; therefore, they have the assets and liabilities necessary for their activity but they do not have strategic assets. All Group companies are directly or indirectly wholly owned and controlled by Compagnie Plastic Omnium, with the exception of the following companies, which are owned jointly with partners:

HBPO owned in equal proportions by Plastic Omnium, Hella and Mahle-Behr. The world leader in front-end modules, HBPO contributed revenue of €641 million in 2015 (Plastic Omnium's share), through its network of 21 assembly plants.

YFPO this 49.95%-owned joint venture is China's leading manufacturer of auto exterior components. Its revenue contribution stood at €290 million in 2015 (Plastic Omnium's share). YFPO employs some 3,400 people in its development center and 17 plants in China.

1.4 Business and strategy

Plastic Omnium is a manufacturing and services company that partners carmakers and local authorities through its two businesses – Automotive equipment and Environment. It operates worldwide on four continents (see page 76 comments on the consolidated financial statements for the breakdown of revenue by region).

The Automotive Division, which accounted for 94% of 2015 revenue, or €5.6 billion (see page 76 comments on the consolidated financial statements), holds leadership positions in two business segments. The key market is global automobile manufacturing, which amounted to 85.8 million vehicles in 2015, up by 1.5% from the 84.6 million in 2014 (source: IHS January 2016).

The Auto Exterior Division is ranked number one worldwide for exterior components and modules*, manufactured mainly from injected polypropylene and composite materials. The division designs and delivers a wide array of parts and modules including bumpers and energy absorption systems, front-end modules, and products made from composite materials, especially tailgates. In 2015, Auto Exterior delivered over 18 million painted bumpers, representing 11% of the global market. This market share was 8% in 2010 and has risen due the expansion of the division in high growth regions, especially China, where Auto Exterior had an 18% share of the market in 2015. Its two main competitors are the Canadian group Magna (8% market share) and the French equipment manufacturer Faurecia (6%); 32% of the worldwide productionof bumpers is still handled by auto-makers themselves. On December 14, 2015, Plastic Omnium announced that it had signed a memorandum of understanding with the Faurecia Group to acquire its Exterior Systems business (bumpers and frontend modules) for an enterprise value of €665 million. Active in the decorative component segment, Plastic Omnium Auto Exterior * In-house analysis using IHS data.

designs customized, high value-added, multi-material solutions that integrate both functionality and safety performance, making vehicles lighter and reducing carbon emissions.

The Auto Inergy Division is the world's leading manufacturer of blowmolded polyethylene fuel systems.* Combining integrated safety and emissions-control, fuel systems must serve a number of functions: refueling, storage, ventilation, engine supply and fuel level gauge systems. In 2015, Auto Inergy produced 18 million systems for a 21% share of the global market. Its three main competitors are the US group Kautex, a Textron subsidiary, the Chinese group YAPP and the TI group, which have market shares of 15%, 11% and 9% respectively. Metal fuel tanks still account for 23% of the global market, offering substantial growth potential for the replacement of metal with plastic, particularly for safety and weight reasons. Plastic Omnium Auto Inergy's market share growth, which went from 16% in 2010 to 21% in 2015, is due partly to increases in this type of substitution but is also attributable to the heavy capital expenditures made to locate the business in high-growth regions. Auto Inergy also develops and markets SCR emissions control systems that enable diesel vehicles to eliminate up to 95% of their NOx emissions and up to 8% of their carbon emissions (see paragraph "Confirmation of the success of the SCR offer" in section 4.1 "Significant events in 2015" on page 75).

The two businesses are present across four continents through a network of 109 local plants. Just-in-time deliveries, the large size of components and – in the case of bumpers painted the same color as the bodywork – their fragility, means production must take place close to the carmakers' plants. However, as they do not use the same production techniques or raw materials, each business has to have its own plants.

Compagnie Plastic Omnium's Automotive Division and its joint ventures were employing over 23,800 people and supplying nearly all of the world's carmakers in 2015. German carmakers accounted for 31% of Automotive revenue in 2015, ahead of American (28%), Asian (20%) and French (19%) carmakers.

The Environment Division accounted for 6% of the Group's revenue in 2015, or €386 million (see page 76 comments on the consolidated financial statements), and had over 2,000 employees.

* In-house analysis using IHS data.

With 11 plants in Europe (France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Spain) and one R&D center in France, Plastic Omnium Environment is the world leader in waste containerization, through its three main businesses:

  • containers: production and sale of household waste receptacles, containers, composters, and underground and semi-underground containers;
  • associated services, from maintenance and cleaning to incentive-based invoicing systems to incentivize local authorities to manage waste more cost effectively and efficiently;
  • urban equipment: the Division offers a wide range of urban equipment for communal areas such as waste disposal locations, schoolyards, play areas, parks and train stations. It also has an in-house styling unit, which has developed "Your City, Your Design", a unique offer that allows municipalities to customize equipment to suit their specific environment.

Plastic Omnium Environment has a 30% share of the market in Europe. Its main competitors are German groups ESE and Schaefer, which have market shares of 20% and 17% respectively.

The Company has two fundamental strategic objectives: to increase production capacity in fast-growing markets and step up investment in research and development in order to meet market demand for lighter vehicles and reduced emissions and waste.

Both of the Company's core businesses operate in growing markets.

In the Automotive Division's market, production by the world's carmakers is forecast to increase by an average of about 3% a year in the next four years (source: IHS January 2016). Global vehicle production is set to rise from 85.8 million units in 2015 to 97.2 million units in 2019 with China's share rising to 28%. This amounts to an increase of 11.4 million units of which China will account for 4.9 million (43%), Asia excluding China for 2.2 million, Europe for 1.9 million and North America for 1.7 million. Accordingly, the first strand of Plastic Omnium's development strategy is to support this growth with targeted investment in new plants. This is leading to changes in the location of the Company's main production centers. At the end of 2015, the Group was running 109 automotive equipment plants of which 38 in Asia, 47 in Europe, 17 in North America and 7 in South America and Africa.

For the Environment Division, rising living standards in emerging markets will generate an increase in waste produced, and consequently a growing demand for waste containerization solutions, a trend that will help to drive expansion in Plastic Omnium's business.

Alongside volume growth in Plastic Omnium's global markets, there will be an increase in the demand for more environmentally friendly products, driven by new regulations especially in mature markets in Europe and North America. The second strategic objective is therefore to increase research and development resources to respond to this demand.

1.5 Research and Development (R&D)

An integral part of the Group's long-term strategy, innovation supports the Compagnie Plastic Omnium's performance and its reputation as a leader in automotive equipment and services for local authorities.

In 2015, a total of €295 million was allocated for research and development, equivalent to 5.9% of revenue.

Innovation revolves around two international R&D centers: ∑-Sigmatech (based in Lyon with 500 employees) manufactures exterior body parts and composite materials while α-Alphatech (based in Compiègne, France) manufactures fuel systems, emissions-control systems andnew energy storage solutions. α-Alphatech was opened on September 1, 2014 following an investment of €65 million and has 450 employees. In line with the Group's growth and globalization strategy, its R&D facilities have been strengthened with 19 development centers in growth regions.

The Group thus boasts 21 centers worldwide with 2,000 engineers of 20 nationalities dedicated to finding innovative solutions to meet the strictest environmental standards. Rewarding this focus on R&D policy, the Group manages a portfolio of over 3,500 patents of which 142 were filed in 2015, placing it in 30th position in France (source: INPI 2014 rankings) and in 7th position in the automotive sector.

In a context of stricter global regulations, the Group is focusing its research on solutions that reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions in order to help carmakers design and build the clean cars of tomorrow by activating two main levers:

  • reduced emissions (a major concern for the automotive sector);
  • design freedom giving manufacturers the wherewithal to make vehicles as aerodynamic as possible and lighten design requirements for the benefit of creativity style-wise.

Lighter and more aerodynamic vehicles play an important role in helping to meet the carbon emission thresholds set by the European Union and governments in various Plastic Omnium Group host countries. These thresholds call for a weighted average of 95 grams of CO2 per kilometer for all vehicles sold by carmakers registered in the European Union in one year beginning in 2020 and are backed by financial penalties on excess emissions for manufacturers who fail to comply.

A world leader in the market for exterior parts, Plastic Omnium Auto Exterior makes over 70,000 pieces of plastic body parts per day (bumpers, fenders, tailgates, spoilers, floor modules and body protectors). These injected plastic exterior parts are up to 40% lighter than steel parts. On some vehicles these plastic panels make up 50% of the painted surface of the body. Improved aerodynamics (both active and passive) can result in a gain of over 3 grams of CO2 per kilometer.

As the vehicle's first contact with air flow, the front bumpers are key to reducing aerodynamic drag. Plastic Omnium offers active systems to direct airflow around the car:

  • active grille shutters that open completely or partially depending on engine speed and temperature;
  • active front spoiler that lowers at above 60 km/h, optimizing the vehicle's aerodynamic shape;
  • active side shutters on the rear bumpers that open at 60 km/h to capture air flow.

These active systems also comprise advanced driver assistance systems. Layout, function integration and electromagnetic transparency offer means of including sensors, radars, antennas and other equipment that can, in the best conditions, enhance performance and reliability.

Plastic Omnium is the world leader in composite tailgates as evidenced by its 60% share of this booking market and the 1 million vehicles it fitted worldwide in 2015. Composite tailgates offer carmakers a new degree of design freedom on the rear surface of the vehicle, a 30% weight advantage compared to traditional steel, and a modular structure to facilitate managing the increasing diversity of vehicles and versions.

Plastic Omnium offers two technologies covering a wide range of vehicles:

• Higate Hybrid combines a thermoset composite interior frame with thermoplastic exterior panels in a bodywork finish pasted to the frame. It is well suited to vehicles such as SUVs and full-size station wagons with large tailgates.

Its benefits include:

  • reduced production complexity and a 50% reduction in steel drawing investment costs;
  • a 7 kg-weight saving on very large motorized tailgates (translating to 0.7 grams less CO2 per kilometer) with mechanical properties intact;
  • the integration of numerous functions.
  • Higate Thermoplastic combines a thermoplastic composite injected frame with overmolded steel reinforcements. The exterior panels are also injected, painted and pasted to the frame. Higate Thermoplastic is perfectly suited to vehicles such as sedans and station wagons with high production rates. It offers great design freedom coupled with a nearly 4kg weight saving and a 50% higher production rate compared to thermoset composites.

Higate Hybrid and Higate Thermoplastic currently feature in PSA Peugeot Citroën, Volvo and Jaguar Land Rover vehicles.

Two new versions are under development. Higate Premium will cater to vehicles such as large SUVs and station wagons consisting of a carbon fiber-reinforced composite frame. Higate Entry is an economic solution that will cater to A-segment and B-segment vehicles.

Furthermore, the Auto Exterior Division is expanding its range of innovative products with high-performance composites that significantly reduce vehicle weight. Plastic Omnium produces and converts close to 20,000 metric tons of composite materials for the automobile and truck industries, making it a leader in the growth market of vehicle weight reduction. The design and manufacture of composite material parts, from formulating materials to converting them in high-production-rate processes, is done entirely in-house.

Plastic Omnium is seeking to develop high-performance composites for structural parts such as floors, center pillars and cross members using next-generation, high-reinforcement materials such as new resins and carbon fibers. New processes such as Advanced SMC, pultrusion and thermoplastic overmolding are also being developed to reduce cycle times by 1-2 minutes and reduce finishing stages so as to make high-performance composites compatible with mass car production.

These efforts are beginning to bear fruit, as evidenced by the first recycled carbon fiber SMC part produced for BMW in 2015.

In March 2015, Plastic Omnium won two awards from JEC, the world's largest composite materials industry body, for two innovations developed jointly with PSA Peugeot Citroën and Hyundai Motor Europe.

  • Plastic Omnium and PSA Peugeot Citroën are developing an alternative to the traditional steel subframe in the form of a self-supporting, fiberglass-reinforced thermoset resin floor. It will reduce the number of assembly parts from over thirty to four main components and lead to weight saving of 8 kg in mid-size models. The technology is compatible with car bodywork assembly lines and will be suitable for use with steel and other materials;
  • for Hyundai Motor Europe, Plastic Omnium has developed a front bumper impact beam that is 43% (3.7 kg) lighter than its sheet steel equivalent. The new technology combines a pultruded fiberglass and carbon fiber reinforcement overmolded with a thermoplastic resin to reach a high level of performance at a competitive cost.

Both innovations offer a crashworthiness equivalent to current metallic parts.

The goal is to fit the new front bumper impact beam onto an initial Hyundai vehicle by 2017 and then roll it out in subsequent vehicles.

The floor developed in conjunction with PSA was fitted onto the PSA Peugeot 208 Hybrid Air and Citroën C4 Cactus Concept Airflow prototypes presented at the Paris Motor Show in October 2014. The first applications could come into commercial production as soon as 2020.

Auto Inergy has stepped up the development of systems that control and reduce emissions of hydrocarbons, NOx and CO2, with its SCR-DINOx and TSBM solutions.

A plastic fuel tank made by extrusion blow-molding gives a weight advantage of some 20-30% compared to an equivalent metal tank, which significantly helps reduce CO2 emissions. Moreover, a range of manufacturing techniques allows plastic tanks to meet the strictest standards in terms of evaporative emissions. Finally, the flexibility of its shape makes it possible to optimize the vehicle's available space, allowing complex designs and the integration of a great many functions and components. Plastic fuel tank systems therefore improve the filling operation and are anti-corrosive and compatible with all types of fuel including biodiesels and bio-ethanols.

Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) is a highly effective emissions control technology for diesel vehicles. An aqueous solution of urea, known as AdBlue®, is injected upstream of a catalytic converter in the exhaust pipe. When it makes contact with the warm gases it is transformed by hydrolysis into ammonia, which then reacts with the nitrogen oxides (NOx) so that finally only nitrogen, which makes up 80% of our air, and water vapor are emitted. Building on its experience with handling on-board technical fluids, since 2006 Auto Inergy has developed AdBlue®storage and distribution systems for light commercial vehicles. Currently in its second generation, DINOx Premium, the SCR system eliminates 95% of a diesel vehicle's NOx emissions and up to 8% of its CO2 emissions. Optimized in terms of size and performance, the system meets emissions and fuel consumption standards including the EURO 6 standard which took effect in Europe in September 2014.

Auto Inergy is currently working on an innovation in the field of Selective Catalytic Reduction, the DINOx Compact. This system incorporates the electronic control unit and all related sensors in a single module to maximize the performance/cost ratio for manufacturers.

Moreover, DINOx Compact is specifically designed to work seamlessly with the control and diagnostic systems developed and patented by Plastic Omnium.

This all-in-one module is compatible with blow-molded and injection-molded fuel tanks and is designed to adapt to the requirements of future standards.

Today Plastic Omnium is positioned as a leader in the SCR market which is growing strongly due to stricter environmental standards aimed at reducing NOx emissions (EURO 6 in Europe and Tier 2 Bin 5 in North America). In early 2015, the Group began producing SCR systems for Audi's MLBevo platform.

Plastic Omnium produced 600,000 SCR systems in 2015 and is expected to produce 2.7 million such systems in 2019, which would amount to a global market share of 33%.

The Plastic Omnium Group's weight-saving solutions for hybrid and electric vehicles are especially important in that they offset battery weight while optimizing vehicle range. For hybrids, Auto Inergy has developed the INBAFFLE range of noise reduction systems that attenuate the sloshing noise caused by the movement of fuel in the tank when the vehicle comes to a halt and these sounds are no longer covered by the noise of the engine. For future plug-in hybrids, whose batteries can be recharged via a regular electrical outlet, Auto Inergy is developing appropriate fuel storage solutions. For gasoline versions, fuel vapors cannot be treated when the car is operating in all-electric mode or when it is at a standstill. To remedy this situation, Auto Inergy has developed reinforced plastic fuel systems that safely store hydrocarbon vapor without deforming the system, until the internal combustion engine is restarted and the vapor is purged. TSBM technology, which helps reduce hydrocarbon emissions by integrating the maximum of components into the fuel tank during the blow molding stage instead of welding them once the tank has been manufactured, is particularly adapted. It enables weight saving of 5-10kg compared to equivalent steel systems. Two of these tanks are currently being developed.

In the Environment business, research programs focus primarily on materials and the optimization of existing products. The Environment Division has gradually increased the percentage of recycled polyethylene in its worldwide production of bins from 20% in 2007 to 60% in 2015. In addition, the Division is now offering a line of 100% recycled 4-wheeled bins. These are made from regenerated materials from a variety of sources: used bins, manufacturing rejects, polyethylene flakes and bottles, etc. Finally, Plastic Omnium Environment sells a "Green Made" line of HDPE manufactured from non-food grade sugar cane.

The other strand of the Environment Division's research and development consists of services, primarily assistance to local authorities to improve the effectiveness of their sorting and recycling so that ultimately the fraction of non-reusable waste is reduced. Plastic Omnium is the only player to offer integrated data management services, based on efficient hardware and software computer systems. These include RFID chips to track equipment, access control and telemetry systems to measure container fill levels, embedded weighing system on collection trucks, etc. The systems collect and send the data safely to the Plastic Omnium Customer Service Center, local authorities or collection companies, where it is processed to improve waste container management, analyze sorting performance or optimize collection routes in real time. Plastic Omnium can use the data to help local authorities set up incentive-based invoicing and cut costs.

1.6 Risk factors

Compagnie Plastic Omnium has reviewed the risks that could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial position, or results, and considers that there are no significant risks other than those listed below.

Operational Risks

Risk related to automotive programs

Identification of risk

Each automotive program has risks which could reduce its profitability from that initially expected. The risk in particular affects programs incorporating innovations, which could necessitate higher levels of investment and/or expenses by Compagnie Plastic Omnium than initially forecast, in order to reach the level of quality required. In addition, each automotive program is subject to risks in terms of manufacturing volumes, which depend on a wide range of factors, some of which are regional in nature, such as economic activity, carmaker production strategy, consumer access to credit and the regulatory environment, but also on factors specific to each vehicle, such as the attractiveness of its design.

Risk management

Compagnie Plastic Omnium's commitment to diversifying its businesses and increasing the number of automotive programs represents a key component of its strategic vision that significantly reduces exposure to geographic and other risks.

The Automotive Division has more than 30 customers in 40 countries, comprising nearly all of the world's major carmakers and serving different market segments and two distinct product families. This Division has continued to diversify its exposure to global automobile manufacturing markets with the launch of 132 new programs in production in 2015.

In terms of commitments, all new projects are subject to a highly detailed approval process. The largest projects must be authorized by Compagnie Plastic Omnium's senior management. Once a project has been accepted, a structured operational and financial monitoring system is set up to track it.

Information technology risk

Identification of risk

The day-to-day activities of Compagnie Plastic Omnium's business lines and support services could be affected by the unavailability of critical IT systems, mainly due to system breakdown, network failure, damage to infrastructure or internal or external malicious acts.

Risk management

The Information Systems Department, with the support of senior management, has placed increased emphasis on systems standardization and consolidation and continues to upgrade IT and network production infrastructures, business applications and workstation services. Management pays special attention to the incorporation of new technologies and to the availability and integrity of Company data.

The security of technical systems, applications and networks is addressed at the outset of strategic projects and followed up by regular audits and self-assessment programs.

Industrial and Environmental Risks

Health, Safety and Environment Risk

Identification of risk

Like any industrial activity, Compagnie Plastic Omnium's sites are exposed to risks such as workplace accidents, occupational illnesses, environmental damage (pollution), non-compliance or the tightening of regulatory requirements applicable in the area of HSE. Such events may generate additional costs or investment expenses for Compagnie Plastic Omnium in order to remedy the situation, comply or in respect of any sanctions.

Risk management

With regard to health, safety and the environment, Compagnie Plastic Omnium has introduced a policy that is described in the Sustainable Development section of the document. Rolled out worldwide, this policy is based on a shared vision, a structured management system, regular reporting and an ongoing certification program.

It is managed by Compagnie Plastic Omnium's Executive Committee, which examines individual subsidiaries' performance every month, via the specific reporting system set up to help drive continuous improvement.

A dedicated organization comprised of front-line Health, Safety and Environment HSE facilitators is responsible for supporting and coordinating its deployment. This network of experts is led by Compagnie Plastic Omnium's HSE Department, backed by central HSE managers at the Division level. Final responsibility for managing health, safety and environment risks lies with the Division senior management.

Ongoing corrective and improvement action plans have been introduced and included in the programs to obtain ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certification for industrial facilities. These plans foster wider adoption of best practices. They include training on ergonomics, the Man-Machine interface and the tools of the in-house Top Safety program, along with compliance for machinery and equipment.

Compagnie Plastic Omnium also has its own management system. Promoted by the Executive Committee, the system is based on five management road-maps: leadership, motivation, competence, the search for excellence and working conditions. A specialized Group Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) committee comprised of several Executive Committee members is overseeing its implementation.

In 2015, OHSAS 18001 certification was renewed for Compagnie Plastic Omnium's system for centrally managing the safety of people and property.

Lastly, since 2013, the HSE information published in the Annual Report is subject to an audit by an external organization.

Credit and/or Counterparty Risk

Customer risk

Identification of risk

Compagnie Plastic Omnium cannot rule out the fact that one of its customers could find itself in financial difficulty that prevents it from respecting certain commitments.

Risk management

A balanced division of revenues by carmaker was maintained. In 2015, this breakdown was as follows:

  • German carmakers: 31% of Automotive revenue;
  • American carmakers: 28% of Automotive revenue;
  • Asian carmakers: 20% of Automotive revenue;
  • French carmakers: 19% of Automotive revenue;
  • other carmakers: 2% of Automotive revenue.

The breakdown of the customer base is shown in Note 3.1.4.2 to the consolidated financial statements.

A Credit Manager is responsible for implementing structured customer risk monitoring and outstanding collection procedures within the Divisions. The DSO ratio was 52 days in 2015. Receivables over six months past due amounted to €8 million net of provisions. Lastly, in all businesses, review procedures are carried out before the results of bids are issued, in particular to ensure a balanced portfolio of customer receivables, in line with a target profile defined and continually monitored by Compagnie Plastic Omnium senior management.

As at December 31, 2015 the risk of non-recovery was low and involved only a non-material amount of receivables more than twelve months past due (see Note 6.3.1 to the consolidated financial statements).

Supplier risk

Identification of risk

Default by a major supplier, in particular a supplier of specific components for which rapid substitution is difficult, given the work and time necessary to accredit a new supplier, could entail a change in production for Compagnie Plastic Omnium or generate additional costs impacting Compagnie Plastic Omnium's operating margin.

Risk management

Consequently, all automotive suppliers must be accredited according to meticulously defined operational, financial and regional criteria.

For approved suppliers, these criteria are then regularly monitored by the purchasing and quality assurance departments, with the help of specialized agencies. At risk suppliers are subject to special monitoring and when necessary safety stocks are put in place.

The Environment Division has more than one supplier for the most important materials. It also constantly monitors a number of major suppliers with support from corporate units and, as needed, from outside agencies.

Lastly, operating units are especially vigilant in this area. They focus on effectively anticipating and managing breakdowns in the supply chain that, while infrequent, can ultimately develop rapidly.

In 2015, Compagnie Plastic Omnium had no major supplier failures with negative consequences for logistics processes.

Liquidity Risk

Identification of risk

Compagnie Plastic Omnium must have access, at all times, to adequate financial resources not only to finance operations and the investments required to support its growth, but also to withstand the effects of any exceptional developments.

Risk management

After two successful market financings in 2012, one a €250 million "EuroPP" private bond issue maturing in December 2018 and the other a €119 million "Schuldschein" private placement maturing in June 2017, Compagnie Plastic Omnium issued €500 million in bonds to institutional investors in 2013, maturing in May 2020.

In addition, Compagnie Plastic Omnium and some of its subsidiaries have unsecured confirmed medium-term bank lines of credit that are not subject to any financial covenants. As at December 31, 2015, the average maturity of these lines of credit was more than 5 years. Compagnie Plastic Omnium also has programs of receivables sales with an average maturity of more than 3 years.

As at December 31, 2015, available medium-term facilities covered Compagnie Plastic Omnium's financing needs through December 31, 2020 (excluding the planned acquisition of Faurecia Auto Exterior's systems announced in December 2015). Lastly, Compagnie Plastic Omnium has a commercial paper program. All of the medium-term and short-term lines of credit are with leading banking institutions.

The breakdown of financial assets and liabilities is shown in Note 6.4.2 to the consolidated financial statements.

The cash positions of Compagnie Plastic Omnium and its Divisions are monitored daily and a report is submitted once a week to Senior Management.

Compagnie Plastic Omnium has performed a specific review of its liquidity risk and considers that it is in a position to meet its upcoming debt maturities.

Market Risks

Disclosures about market risks are also provided in Notes 6.2, 6.5 and 6.6 to the consolidated financial statements.

Compagnie Plastic Omnium centrally manages the treasury of its subsidiaries through Plastic Omnium Finance, which manages liquidity, currency and interest rate risks on their behalf. The market risk hedging strategy, which involves entering into on- and off-balance sheet commitments, is approved every quarter by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Currency risk

Identification of risk

Compagnie Plastic Omnium is exposed to exchange rate fluctuations, in particular where its manufacturing sites purchase raw materials and components or sell their production in currencies other than their accounting currency.

Risk management

Compagnie Plastic Omnium's activities are based for the most part on local plants. By producing locally what is sold locally, the Group has little exposure to currency fluctuations, aside from currency translation adjustments for the financial statements.

Compagnie Plastic Omnium's policy is to minimize the currency risk on transactions involving a future inflow or outflow of funds. Nonetheless, if a transaction does give rise to a material currency risk, it is hedged by a forward currency contract. The subsidiary involved places this hedge with the central treasury or, with the latter's approval, locally.

Interest rate risk

Identification of risk

Interest rate risk is due to fluctuations in interest rates, in particular those applicable to that part of debt financed at floating rates, and could result in an increase in the cost of finance.

Risk management

At December 31, 2015, following the fixed-rate bonds issued in 2012 and 2013, 80% of the Group's debt was financed at fixed rates.

To eliminate or limit the impact on its income statement of a rise in interest expense from variable-rate instruments, Compagnie Plastic Omnium used interest rate hedges such as swaps and caps. Note 5.2.8.1 to the consolidated financial statements lists these hedges.

As at December 31, 2015, unhedged interest rate risk was accordingly not significant.

Raw materials price risk

Identification of risk

Compagnie Plastic Omnium's operations use large quantities of plastic, steel, paint and other raw materials which are subject to price changes that could have an impact on its operating margin.

Risk management

To limit the impact of price fluctuations, Plastic Omnium has negotiated price indexation clauses with most of its automotive customers or, failing that, regularly renegotiates selling prices.

The Environment Division, as part of its proactive sustainability policy, manufactures its products using over 60% recycled plastic, which by nature is scarcely affected by price swings. For the remainder, the division negotiates annual price contracts with its suppliers. Lastly, inventories are managed to reduce the price impact as much as possible.

Taking these measures together, Compagnie Plastic Omnium considers that raw material price changes do not have a material impact on its operating margin.

Legal Risks

Compagnie Plastic Omnium's Legal Affairs Department is supported, as needed, by local advisors and a network of correspondents in the main countries. The Department helps operating and corporate units, in all their on-going and exceptional operations, to prevent, anticipate and manage legal risks relating to the business, as well as being responsible for claims and litigation.

At the date of this report, there is no dispute or lawsuit and no governmental, legal or arbitration proceeding (including all proceedings of which Compagnie Plastic Omnium is aware, which are pending or with which the Group is threatened) that might have, or has had during the past twelve months, a material effect on the financial position or profitability of the Plastic Omnium Group.

Intellectual property risk

Identification of risk

Compagnie Plastic Omnium is mainly exposed to a risk of misappropriation of know-how, as both a victim and an offender, which could give rise to disputes.

Risk management

Research and Innovation are major priorities for Compagnie Plastic Omnium, in both the Automotive and Environment Divisions. A structured approach of actively monitoring and investigating prior claims enables the Company to manage and protect its intellectual property rights. Extensive policies have been established in respect of patent filings for the innovations that result from research and development. Despite the measures taken, including research into prior claims, Compagnie Plastic Omnium cannot rule out the possibility of prior intellectual property claims and of the risks of litigation that might result.

Risks related to the quality of products and services sold

Identification of risk

Compagnie Plastic Omnium is exposed to the risk of warranty and liability claims from customers in respect of the products it sells and services it provides. Compagnie Plastic Omnium is also exposed to the risk of third-party product liability claims.

Risk management

With regard to product and process quality, the Divisions have implemented dedicated organizations and reliable processes whose robustness and effectiveness are systematically tested by certification procedures ISO/TS 16949 for the Automotive Division and ISO 9001 for the Environment Division. These organizations and processes have been widely used in industry for many years, especially in the automotive sector.

These risks fall into the area of contractual liability and are covered by specific insurance policies.

Competition risk

Identification of risk

Non-compliance with competition law regulations by one of its employees (in particular, an agreement with a competitor regarding the fixing of sales prices, sales conditions or the sharing of markets) could expose Compagnie Plastic Omnium to penalties that could be imposed by the competition authorities.

Risk management

Compagnie Plastic Omnium introduced a Code of Conduct in 2010 to ensure compliance with competition law, making sure that all employees who work in sales and purchasing were trained when it was introduced. Compagnie Plastic Omnium has since maintained its training efforts every year, with training sessions organized regularly in various geographical regions where the Group operates. All sales and purchasing employees have been invited every year since 2013 to participate in these e-learning sessions concerning the Group's Code of Conduct.

Other Risks

Tax risk

The complex, international structure of Compagnie Plastic Omnium means comprehensive monitoring is needed to keep abreast of tax requirements, issues and risks: These risks concern in particular international transactions, in respect of which the tax administrations increasingly require more information, to which the Group intends to respond, or, concerning knowledge of local constraints to which the Group must adhere.

Consequently, the Compagnie Plastic Omnium has put into place a Tax Department, which works in close collaboration with the Accounting, Legal, and Finance Departments. Comprising three separate units in charge of tax affairs at entity, division and Group level, it is supported by a network of tax experts at headquarters and in the main countries as well as by corporate and local advisors. The Department ensures that subsidiaries fulfill their tax obligations in compliance with local laws and regulations and provides them with the support and expertise they need to carry out all recurring and non-recurring operations related to tax issues.

A regular tax reporting system allows current and deferred taxes from all of the tax entities controlled by Compagnie Plastic Omnium to be monitored and managed, and helps to ensure that the consolidated financial statements are prepared rapidly and to a high standard. A transfer pricing documentation system ensures that transfer prices within Compagnie Plastic Omnium are effectively monitored and managed, and contributes to the quality of fiscal management and reducing potential risks in this field. These two information systems and management processes are supplemented by other country-specific tools and provide necessary information to users.

This set of means and resources enables the corporate Tax Affairs Department to provide assurance to senior management that all tax obligations, issues and risks inherent in the complex international structure of an expanding business group are closely monitored.

Insurance and Risk Coverage

Compagnie Plastic Omnium has put in place a global program of insurance benefiting all the subsidiaries in which it has a majority interest. This program is coupled with local coverage in all countries where the Company is located. The program is intended to cover the main risks that can affect its operations, results or assets and includes:

  • property, casualty and business interruption insurance;
  • operating and product liability insurance;
  • environmental liability insurance;
  • as well as insurance against specific risks such as shipping, travel, vehicles, etc.

The levels of cover and the insured amounts are appropriate for the types of risk insured and take into account conditions in the insurance market.

02

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

2.1 Report from the Chairman of the Board of Directors

In accordance with the provisions of article L. 225-37 of the Commercial Code (Code de Commerce), this chapter includes information on the composition of the Board of Directors and on the conditions for the preparation and organization of its work, the internal control and risk management procedures implemented by the Company, and any restrictions that the Board of Directors may have placed on the powers exercised by General Management.

Pursuant to article L. 225-37 of the Commercial Code, the Board of Directors of Compagnie Plastic Omnium approved this chapter during its meeting of February 24, 2016.

2.1.1 Composition and Conditions for the preparation and organization of the work of the Board of Directors

2.1.1.1 Composition and Independence of the Board of Directors

Composition of the Board of Directors

Pursuant to Article 11 of the Company's bylaws and Article L. 225-17 of the French Commercial Code, the Board of Directors of Compagnie Plastic Omnium is composed of up to 18 members.

The term of office of each director is three years. Directors are elected by the Shareholders' Meeting for three-year terms expiring at the close of the Shareholders' Meeting called during the year in which their term expires to approve the accounts for the previous financial year.

As at December 31, 2015, the Company is governed by a Board of Directors composed of 13 members: the Chairman and CEO, the Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Operating Officer, 10 directors.

Act No. 2011-103 of January 27, 2011 and the AFEP-MEDEF Code establish a principle of balanced representation between women and men on the Board of Directors. As at December 31, 2015, the Board of Directors of Compagnie Plastic Omnium comprises 5 women directors out of 13, which is a proportion of 38.46%.

The composition of the Board of Directors complies with the law that fixes a first minimum proportion of 20% of directors of the same gender to be achieved in 2014.

The Appointments Committee carries out its selection work so as to propose candidates for the Board of Directors. At all events, in 2017 the Board's composition will be in compliance with the law that requires a minimum proportion of 40% of directors of each gender.

List of terms of office and duties of corporate officers exercised during the year 2015

Laurent Burelle

French Age 66 Professional address: Plastic Omnium 1, Allée Pierre Burelle – 92300 Levallois-Perret

Laurent Burelle is a graduate of the Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich, and holds a Master of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

He began his career with the Plastic Omnium Group as a Production engineer and assistant to the Director of the Langres plant. In 1977, he was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Plastic Omnium SA in Valencia (Spain), going on to become Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. From 1981 to 1988, he served as Head of the Environment-Urban Systems Division, before becoming Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Compagnie Plastic Omnium in 1988. He has been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Compagnie Plastic Omnium since July 2001. He is a director with the Pernod-Ricard and CIC Lyonnaise de Banque companies, and a member of the Supervisory Board with Wendel and Labruyère-Eberlé. Furthermore, he is director of the Fondation Jacques Chirac, director of the AFEP and Vice Chairman of the Institut de l'Entreprise.

Laurent Burelle is a Commandeur de la Légion d'honneur.

End of term of office is 2018

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since July 1, 2001 Director since June 18, 1981 Holds 57,000 Plastic Omnium's shares

French companies
Burelle SA/* Chief Operating Officer and Director
Sofiparc SA** Chairman and member of the Supervisory Committee
Burelle Participations SA** Director
Plastic Omnium Auto Exteriors SAS** Chairman
Plastic Omnium Auto Inergy SAS**(1) Chairman
Lyonnaise de Banque Director
Pernod Ricard SA* Director
Labruyère-Eberlé SAS Member of the Supervisory Board
Wendel SA* Member of the Supervisory Board
Institut de l'Entreprise (Association) Vice Chairman
AFEP (Association) Director
Fondation Jacques Chirac (Association) Director
European Transalpine liaison committee Lyon-Turin (Association) Director
International companies
Compania Plastic Omnium SA** (Spain) Chairman and Deputy Director
Plastic Omnium Holding (Shanghai) Co. Ltd** (China) Chairman
Plastic Omnium Inc.** (United States of America) Chairman
SOGEC 2 SA** (Belgium) Deputy director
Compagnie Financière de la Cascade SRL** (Belgium) Manager
Terms of office ended in 2015
Plastic Omnium Environnement SAS Chairman and member of the Supervisory Committee through March 30, 2015
Plastic Omnium Environment BV**(2) (The Netherlands) Chairman through March 20, 2015

* Listed company.

** Member of the Compagnie Plastic Omnium Group/Burelle.

(1) Ex-Inergy Automotive Systèmes SAS.

(2) Ex-Plastic Omnium International BV.

Jean-Michel Szczerba

French Age 55 Professional address: Plastic Omnium 1, Allée Pierre Burelle – 92300 Levallois-Perret

After graduating from ESSEC business school in 1982, Jean-Michel Szczerba joined Banque Vernes & Commerciale de Paris as a financial

Term of office ends in 2018

Co-Chief Executive Director since December 15, 2015 Chief Operating Officer since March 16, 2010 Director since April 26, 2012 Holds 360,000 Plastic Omnium's shares

analyst. He joined Plastic Omnium in 1985, where he was successively Financial Controller, Finance Department Manager, and Chief Financial Officer, before becoming Deputy Chief Executive Officer in 2001. He was appointed Chief Operating Officer of Compagnie Plastic Omnium in 2010, Director in 2012 and co-Chief Executive Officer in 2015.

Jean-Michel Szczerba is a Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur and a Chevalier de l'Ordre National du Mérite.

French companies
Burelle Participations SA** Director
Plastic Omnium Finance SNC** Manager
Plastic Omnium Gestion SNC** Manager
Plastic Omnium Environnement Holding SAS** Chairman
Groupe Progrès SA Director
International companies
Plastic Omnium GmbH** (Germany) Manager
Hella Behr Plastic Omnium GmbH** (Germany) Director
Yanfeng Plastic Omnium Automotive Exterior Systems Co. Ltd** (China) Director
Plastic Omnium Holding (Shanghai) Co. Ltd** Director
Plastic Omnium Inergy (Shanghai) Consulting Co. Ltd** (China) Chairman
Plastic Omnium Inc.** (United States of America) Director
Compania Plastic Omnium** (Spain) Director
Plastic Omnium Auto Exteriors Spzoo** (Poland) Manager
Plastic Omnium Auto Spzoo** (Poland) Manager
Plastic Omnium Automotive NV** (Belgium) Chairman and Director
Plastic Omnium Automotive Ltd** (Great Britain) Director
Plastic Omnium Auto Exteriors (India) Pvt Ltd** (India) Director
DSK Plastic Omnium BV** (The Netherlands) Chairman and Director
Plastic Omnium Environment BV** (The Netherlands) Member of the Supervisory Board since March 20, 2015
B-Plas Plastic Omnium Otomotiv AS** (Turkey) Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director
Terms of office ended in 2015
Plastic Omnium Environnement SAS Chief Executive Officer and member of the Supervisory Committee through
March 30, 2015
Plastic Omnium International SAS*** Chairman through October 31, 2015
Plastic Omnium Auto Inergy France SAS**(1) Chairman through March 31, 2015
Plastic Omnium Auto Inergy Services SAS**(2) Chairman through March 31, 2015

** Member of the Compagnie Plastic Omnium Group/Burelle.

(1) Ex-Plastic Omnium Management 1 SAS.

(2) Ex-Plastic Omnium Management 2 SAS.

Paul Henry Lemarié

French Age 69 Professional address: Plastic Omnium 1, Allée Pierre Burelle – 92300 Levallois-Perret

Paul Henry Lemarié holds a doctorate in physics from University of Paris-Orsay and a post-graduate degree (DEA) in Management and Finance from University of Paris-Dauphine.

Term of office ends in 2018

Chief Operating Officer since May 15, 2001 Director since June 26, 1987 Holds 190,900 Plastic Omnium's shares

After completing a doctorate in physics at CEA, he began his career in the Finance Department of Paribas bank in 1973. He then joined Sofresid, an engineering group (steel, mining, offshore), before moving to Plastic Omnium Group in 1980 as Head of the 3P (Performance Plastics Products) Division. In 1985, he became Chairman of the Automotive Division. He was appointed Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Compagnie Plastic Omnium in 1987 and Chief Executive Officer in 1988. Appointed Chief Executive Officer of Burelle SA in April 1989, he became Chief Operating Officer of Burelle SA and Compagnie Plastic Omnium on May 15, 2001.

French companies
Burelle SA/* Chief Operating Officer and Director
Burelle Participations SA ** Chief Operating Officer and Director
Sofiparc SAS ** Member of the Supervisory Committee
International companies
Compania Plastic Omnium** (Spain) Director
Terms of office ended in 2015
Plastic Omnium Environnement SAS Member of the Supervisory Committee through March 30, 2015

* Listed company.

** Member of the Compagnie Plastic Omnium Group/Burelle.

Éliane Lemarié

French Age 70 Professional address: Burelle SA 1, rue François Ier – 75008 Paris

After earning a master's degree in English from the University of Paris-Sorbonne and graduating from Sciences Po, Éliane Lemarié devoted her professional career to the corporate information and communication sector.

Term of office ends in 2018

Permanent representative of Burelle SA Director since April 28, 2009 Member of the Appointments Committee since July 22, 2014 Holds 395,996 Plastic Omnium's shares

She began her career as a journalist and copy editor in various written press publications as part of the Permanent Assembly of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (APCCI) from 1969 to 1975.

In 1976, she was hired by SOGEC to set up and develop a Public Relations, Media Relations and Publishing Department, a position she held until 1983.

In 1983, she founded and developed Irma Communication, a corporate communications consultancy with a client roster of French and international companies listed in Paris, New York and Mumbai, serving as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer until 2010.

French companies
Sofiparc SA** Member of the Supervisory Committee
Burelle SA/* Director
Union Industrielle Chairman of the Supervisory Committee
International companies
SOGEC 2 SA** (Belgium) Deputy Director

* Listed company.

** Member of the Compagnie Plastic Omnium Group/Burelle.

Jean Burelle

French Age 77 Professional address: Burelle SA 1, rue François Ier – 75008 Paris

Jean Burelle is a graduate of the Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich, and holds an MBA from Harvard Business School. He began his career in 1966 at L'Oréal, before joining Compagnie Plastic Omnium in 1967 as Department Manager. In 1987, he was appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, a position he held until 2001. Since then, he has been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Burelle SA, the majority shareholder of Compagnie Plastic Omnium.

Jean Burelle is Director of Compagnie Plastic Omnium. He is Chairman of Medef International.

Jean Burelle is an Officier de la Légion d'Honneur and an Officier de l'Ordre National du Mérite.

Term of office ends in 2018

Director since January 1, 1970 Honorary Chairman since September 20, 2001 Holds 416,378 Plastic Omnium's shares

French companies
Burelle SA/* Chairman and CEO
Burelle Participations SA** Chairman and CEO
Sofiparc SAS** Member of the Supervisory Committee
Sycovest 1 Permanent representative of Burelle Participations SA, itself Director
Soparexo SCA Member of the Supervisory Committee
Banque Hottinguer SA with Management Board Member of the Supervisory Board
and Compensation Committee
Medef International Chairman
International companies
Compania Plastic Omnium SA** (Spain) Director
SOGEC 2 SA** (Belgium) Chairman of the Board of Directors and Deputy Director
Terms of office ended in 2015
Plastic Omnium Environnement SAS Member of the Supervisory Committee until March 30, 2015

* Listed company.

** Member of the Compagnie Plastic Omnium Group/Burelle.

Anne Asensio

French Age 53 Professional address: Dassault Systèmes 10, rue Marcel Dassault – 78140 Vélizy-Villacoublay

Holder of a master's degree in transport design from the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit, as well as a degree in industrial design

Term of office ends in 2017

Director since April 28, 2011 Member of the Audit Committee since February 26, 2013 Chairman of the Audit Committee since February 24, 2015 Holds 900 Plastic Omnium's shares

from École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Appliqués in Paris, Anne Asensio began her career with Renault in 1987, where she was notably charged with the design of the Twingo, Clio and Mégane (Scenic) ranges. She then held several management positions with General Motors, leading the development of a number of concept cars.

She joined Dassault Systèmes in November 2007 as Vice President for Design, in charge of design and corporate identity.

Anne Asensio is a Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur.

French companies
Vice Chairman of Design Experience
Directors – Member of the Strategic Board
Director
International companies
Member of the Strategic Board
Member of the Global Advisory Council

* Listed company.

Anne-Marie Couderc

French Age 66 Professional address: Presstalis 30, rue Raoul Wallenberg – 75019 Paris

After beginning her professional career in 1973 as an attorney in Paris, Anne-Marie Couderc joined the Hachette Group in 1982 as Deputy Corporate Secretary. She became the Group's Deputy Chief Executive Officer in 1993.

A Paris city councilor then Deputy Mayor and Member of Parliament for Paris, she was appointed Secretary of State for Employment in 1995, then Minister Attached to the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs with responsibility for Employment until 1997.

At the end of 1997, Anne-Marie Couderc was appointed Chief Executive Officer and member of the Editorial Committee of Hachette Filipacchi Medias, and director of several publications.

She became Corporate Secretary of Lagardère Active in 2007, before joining Presstalis as Chief Executive Officer in August 2010, subsequently becoming Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Anne-Marie Couderc is an Officier de la Légion d'Honneur and an Officier de l'Ordre National du Mérite.

Term of office ends in 2018

Director since June 20, 2010 Chairman of the Compensation Committee since December 31, 2013 Member of the Appointments Committee since July 22, 2014 Holds 1,350 Plastic Omnium's shares

Chairman of the Board of Directors
Director and Chairman of the Compensation & Appointments Committee
Director and Chairman of the Compensation Committee and member of
the Audit Committee
Member of the Supervisory Committee
Director
Director

Amélie Oudéa-Castera

French Age 37 Professional address: 313, Terrasses de l'Arche 92727 Nanterre

After a career as a professional tennis player, Amélie Oudéa-Castera opted for academia rather than high-level sport. A graduate of IEP Paris and ESSEC while at the same time obtaining a master's degree in Law, she won a place at ENA, graduating in April 2004 and taking

Term of office ends in 2016

Director and member of the Compensation Committee since January 1, 2014 Holds 900 Plastic Omnium's shares

up a position as auditor with the French Court of Auditors, acting as Legal Counselor and Rapporteur of the public report on the situation and outlook of the public finances.

In 2008, Amélie Oudéa-Castera joined the AXA Group, where she performed cross-cutting assignments for the Group CFO. In 2010, she was appointed Director of Strategic Planning. In 2011, she was named Director of Marketing, Brand and Services at AXA France and in 2012 her scope of responsibility was extended to digital business. In 2015, she was appointed CEO of AXA Particuliers/Professionnels, the retail entity of AXA France, while retaining the responsibility of digital business, brand and partnerships of AXA France.

Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Director of Digital Business, Brand Partnerships
Member of the Executive Committee
Member of the Strategic Board of the Digital Business Division
Director
Legal Counselor

Lucie Maurel Aubert

French Age 53 Professional address: Banque Martin Maurel 17, avenue Hoche – 75008 Paris

After starting her professional career in 1985 as a business attorney in the law firm Gide Loyrette Nouel, Lucie Maurel Aubert joined, in

Term of office ends in 2018

Director since December 15, 2015 Holds 900 Plastic Omnium's shares 2002, the family bank Martin Maurel in which she has been a Director since 1999.

She was appointed as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Compagnie Financière Martin Maurel in 2007, and then as the Vice Chairman and Deputy CEO in 2011. Moreover, she is CEO of the Banque Martin Maurel.

Lucie Maurel Aubert is a Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur.

French companies
Compagnie Financière Martin Maurel Vice Chairperson and Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Banque Martin Maurel Chief Executive Officer
Rotschild & Co. Member of the Supervisory Board
Montupet SA Member of the Supervisory Board
French Bankers' Association Vice Chairperson
Deposit Guarantee Fund Member of the Supervisory Board
St Joseph Hospital Foundation Director
Théâtre du Châtelet Director
Terms of office ended in 2015
Aéroport de Marseille Member of the Supervisory Board

Jérôme Gallot

French Age 56 Professional address: 46, rue du Ranelagh 75016 Paris

Jérôme Gallot graduated from IEP Paris and ENA and was first appointed at the Cour des comptes (Court of Auditors) in 1985, then with the Ministry of Finance, where he was the Managing Director of the Competition, Consumer Affairs and Anti-Fraud Division (1997-2003).

`Term of office ends in 2018

Director since December 15, 2006 Chairman of the Audit Committee until February 24, 2015 Member of the Audit Committee since July 19, 2011 Member of the Appointments Committee since July 22, 2014 Holds 5,400 Plastic Omnium's shares

He then joined the Executive Committee of Caisse des Dépôts, where he was responsible for Pension and Employee Benefit Financing and International Operations, before becoming Executive Chairman of CDC Entreprises, CDC's private equity arm. When France created a Strategic Investment Fund, he was appointed to its Executive Committee.

In February 2011, Jérôme Gallot was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Veolia Transdev and acted as Consultant to the Chairman from January 2013 to February 2014. He is also a Director of Nexans and Caixa Seguros, and a non-voting Director of NRJ Group.

Jérôme Gallot is a Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur.

French companies
JGC Manager
SP 3H Director
Acerde SAS Member of the Supervisory Board
Nexans SA* Director
NRJ Group Non-voting Director
International companies
Caixa Seguros SA (Brazil) Director

* Listed company.

Prof. Dr. Bernd Gottschalk

German Age 72 Professional address: AutoValue GmbH Savignystrasse 34 – 60325 Frankfurt-am-Main

Prof. Dr. Bernd Gottschalk holds a doctorate in economics from the University of Hamburg, and a degree from Stanford University in California. He began his career at Daimler-Benz as Communications Director, before becoming Chairman of the Brazilian subsidiary.

In 1992, he was appointed to the Board of Management of the Daimler-Benz Group, Global Vice President of the Commercial Vehicles Division. In 1997, he was appointed Chairman of the Federation of German Automotive Industry (VDA) and in 2007 created AutoValue GmbH, an automotive consultancy that he has headed since that date.

Term of office ends in 2018

Director since April 28, 2009 Member of the Compensation Committee since December 13, 2013 Holds 900 Plastic Omnium's shares

German companies
Plastic Omnium GmbH** Member of the Advisory Board
Serafin Group, Munich Member of the Advisory Board
AutoValue GmbH Managing Partner
Schaeffler GmbH Director
Jost Group Director
Joh Hay GmbH & Co. KG Chairman of the Board of Directors
Facton GmbH Chairman of the Board of Directors
Woco Group Chairman of the Board

** Member of the Compagnie Plastic Omnium Group/Burelle.

Vincent Labruyère

French Age 65 Professional address: Financière du Centre 70, avenue Édouard Herriot 71009 Mâcon

A graduate of the Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich, Vincent Labruyère began his career in 1976 at Éts Bergeaud Mâcon, a subsidiary of Rexnord Inc., a US-based manufacturer of materials preparation equipment.

In 1981, he became head of Imprimerie Perroux, a printer of checks and bank forms, which he diversified in 1985 by creating DCP Technologies, a subsidiary specializing in credit card manufacture and encoding.

In 1989, he founded the SPEOS Group, specialized in desktop publishing and electronic archiving of management documents and the manufacture of means of payment, which he sold to the Belgian Post Office in 2001.

He then joined Labruyère-Eberlé as Chief Executive Officer and then Chairman of the Management Board. Labruyère-Eberlé is a familyowned company operating vineyards in France and the United States, which also operates supermarkets and invests growth capital in France and abroad.

Vincent Labruyère is a Director of Banque Martin Maurel, Slota, Mathon Développement and Imprimerie Perroux.

Term of office ends in 2017

Director and member of the Audit Committee since May 16, 2002 Holds 10,332 Plastic Omnium's shares

French companies
Société Financière du Centre SAS Chairman
Labruyère-Eberlé SAS Chairman of the Management Board
Société Commercial de Bioux SAS Member of the Management Board
Perroux et fils Director
Martin Maurel Director
Slota SA Director
SNPI SCA Member of the Supervisory Board
Pige SA Permanent representative of Labruyère-Eberlé, itself Director

Dr. Alain Mérieux

French Age 77 Professional address: Institut Mérieux 17, rue Bourgelat – 69002 Lyon

Dr. Alain Mérieux is Chairman of Institut Mérieux, a family-owned holding company for three industrial biology companies dedicated to serving public healthcare worldwide: bioMérieux (in vitro diagnostics), Transgène (immunotherapy to treat cancer and infectious diseases) and Mérieux NutriSciences (food safety, environment, nutrition). Institut Mérieux also comprises: ABL, a research company, Mérieux Développement, an investment company operating in healthcare. Institut Mérieux currently has over 15,000 employees in more than 40 countries worldwide.

Dr. Alain Mérieux is Chairman of the Fondation Mérieux, an independent family foundation registered as a public charity. He is Honorary Chairman and Director of Fondation Christophe et Rodolphe Mérieux, which operates under the aegis of the Institut de France. These two foundations are dedicated to the fight against infectious diseases in developing countries.

He is a Member of the Ordre National du Mérite and a Grand Officier de la Légion d'Honneur.

Term of office ends in 2018

Director since June 23, 1993 Holds 6,318 Plastic Omnium's shares

French companies and foundations

Institut Mérieux Chairman and CEO
Fondation Mérieux Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director
Fondation Christophe et Rodolphe Mérieux – Institut de France Honorary Chairman and Director
Biomérieux SA* Director
Fondation Pierre Fabre Director
Fondation Pierre Vérots Director
CIC Lyonnaise de Banque Director
Transgène SA Director
International companies
BioMérieux Italia SpA (Italy) Director
Mérieux NutriSciences (United States of America) Director

* Listed company.

Jean-Pierre Ergas

French and American Age 76 Professional address: 83, rue Jules Rein 78600 Le Mesnil-le-Roi

A graduate of the Institut d'Études Politiques de Paris and holder of a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Harvard University, Jean-Pierre Ergas had headed up various industrial manufacturing groups in the metallurgy and packaging sectors in Europe and the United States for over thirty years.

Chief Executive Officer of Cebal and then Cégédur Pechiney, Chairman of the Chambre Syndicale de l'Aluminium, he was appointed Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Pechiney Group in 1986. Jean-Pierre Ergas has lived in Chicago (USA) since 1989 and was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of American National Can in 1990. He served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Alcan Europe from 1995 to 2000 and subsequently became Chief Executive Officer of BWAY Corporation (NYSE) in 2000, a company he sold in 2010.

Jean-Pierre Ergas is a Director of Dover Corporation (NYSE), and Managing Partner of Ergas Ventures LLP and Sagre LP.

Jean-Pierre Ergas is a Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur.

Director from July 26, 1990 to December 16, 2015

French companies
FIBI-Aplix SA Director
International companies
Dover Corporation (United States of America) Director
Sagre Group LP (United States of America) Director
Ergas Ventures LLC (United States of America) Director

Procedure for exercise of implementing powers of Senior management

During its meeting held on February 24, 2015, the Board of Directors decided to renew the combining of the duties of Chairman and CEO and re-appointed Laurent Burelle to this position.

This decision was taken in line with the recommendations of the Appointments Committee, in the best interest of the Company. Since its establishment, the General managers of Compagnie Plastic Omnium have had a clear vision of the Group's prospects, based on their perfect knowledge of the Group's activities and its local and international environment. The Company has to be responsive in a highly competitive international environment. Furthermore, this mode of governance is best suited to the specific characteristics of Compagnie Plastic Omnium and the structure of its shareholding, composed primarily of the family group committed to the Group's long-term development.

In its meeting held on December 15, 2015, on the recommendation of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and after the validation of the Appointments Committee, the Board of Directors decided to appoint Jean-Michel Szczerba as Co-CEO. This appointment is intended to guarantee continuity and governance of the Group and pave the way for the succession of the Chairman and CEO.

Organization and work of the Board of Directors

The work of the Board is set out in Article 12 of the bylaws, and its organization is described in Article 1 of the Internal Procedures of the Board of Directors. The Internal Procedures may be amended by the Board of Directors in response to changes in laws and regulations, but also to changes in its own organization.

The Board of Directors meets as often as the interests of the Company require and, pursuant to the Internal Procedures, at least four times per year. Board meetings may be held by any means of videoconferencing or telecommunication allowing the identification of directors and ensuring their effective participation in accordance with the terms and conditions laid down in the Internal Procedures.

The Chairman of the Board of Directors directs the proceedings and ensures compliance with the provisions of the Internal Procedures. He seeks to ensure the quality of discussions and to promote collective decision-making. He also ensures that the Board devotes sufficient time to its discussions, giving each item on the agenda time proportionate to the importance it represents for the Company. The directors collectively ensure that there is a correct balance in the speaking time of each one of them. The Chairman ensures that the questions asked in line with the agenda receive appropriate answers.

The Secretary of the Board of Directors assumes responsibilities of the secretariat of the Board and draws up the minutes of its meetings.

Pursuant to the provisions of Article 11 of the bylaws, each director must own at least nine hundred shares in the Company.

Changes in the terms of office and positions of corporate officers

Renewal of the Directors' terms of office

The Shareholders' Meeting of April 30, 2015 renewed the directorships of Laurent Burelle, Paul Henry Lemarié, Jean-Michel Szczerba, the company Burelle SA represented by Éliane Lemarié, Jean Burelle, Anne-Marie Couderc, Jean-Pierre Ergas, Jérôme Gallot, Bernd Gottschalk and Alain Mérieux for a new three years period.

Resignation of a Director

After being actively involved in the work of the Board of Directors for twenty-five years, Jean-Pierre Ergas resigned from his directorship at the end of the Board meeting of December 15, 2015.

Jean-Pierre Ergas had been appointed as director of Compagnie Plastic Omnium in 1990.

Appointment of a Director

At its meeting of December 15, 2015 and based on the recommendation of the Appointments committee, the Board of directors appointed Lucie Maurel Aubert as director by co-optation for Jean-Pierre Ergas' remaining term of office, i.e. until 2018.

With her experience, Lucie Maurel Aubert seamlessly complements the competence of the Board, specifically in the financial field. Lucie Maurel Aubert serves as an independent director, free of motive, accessible and competent.

The ratification of Lucie Maurel Aubert's appointment as director shall be subject to the approval of the Shareholders' Meeting of April 28, 2016.

Directors' independence

Each director has continuous information and means suited to the performance of his or her mission. The directors have a duty of vigilance and fully independent participation in the work and decisions of the Board of Directors and, where applicable, its Review Committees.

All are subject to compliance with the rules applicable to conflicts of interest.

With regard to the independence criteria mentioned in the AFEP-MEDEF Code, a member of the Board of Directors is independent if he or she does not maintain any relation with the Company, its Group or its Management that might compromise the exercise of his or her freedom of judgment. The criteria laid down in the AFEP-MEDEF Corporate Governance Code are:

  • not to be an employee or executive corporate officer of the Company, or an employee or director of the parent or a consolidated company, and not having been so in the previous five years (criterion No. 1);
  • not to be an executive corporate officer of a company in which the Company directly or indirectly holds a directorship, or in which a directorship is held by an employee, designated as such, or a corporate officer of the Company (currently or within the previous five years) (criterion No. 2);

  • not to be customer, supplier, investment banker, corporate banker of significant importance to the Company or the Group, or for which the Company or its Group represents a significant part of its activity (criterion No. 3);

  • not to have close family ties with a corporate officer (criterion No. 4);
  • not to have been an auditor of the Company during the previous five years (criterion No. 5);
  • not to have been a director of the Company for more than twelve years (criterion No. 6).

The Appointments Committee's meeting of December 10, 2015 and the Board of Directors' meeting of December 15, 2015, reviewed on a case-by-case basis the situation of each of the members concerned with regard to the independence criteria mentioned in the AFEP-MEDEF Code.

Criterion 1 Criterion 2 Criterion 3 Criterion 4 Criterion 5 Criterion 6 Qualification
applied
Anne Asensio yes yes yes yes yes yes Independent
Anne-Marie Couderc yes yes yes yes yes yes Independent
Lucie Maurel Aubert yes yes yes yes yes yes Independent
Amélie Oudéa-Castera yes yes yes yes yes yes Independent
Jérôme Gallot yes yes yes yes yes yes Independent
Bernd Gottschalk yes yes yes yes yes yes Independent

As a result, on December 31, 2015, 6 out of the 13 members of the Board of Directors, i.e. 46.15%, qualified as independent, with the AFEP-MEDEF Code recommending a minimum threshold of 33.33% independent directors for controlled listed companies.

Conflicts of interest

Under the law and as part of the rights and duties of directors defined in the Internal Procedures of the Board of Directors of Compagnie Plastic Omnium and in accordance with the AFEP-MEDEF Code, directors are subject to the rules applicable to the situation of conflict of interests and stock exchange code of ethics.

In this respect, based on each director's declarations, the Board did not identify any conflict of interests.

Information on corporate officers referred to in Annex 1 of European Regulation No. 809/2004

Existing family ties between corporate officers (Article 14.1 of the Annex)

Laurent Burelle, Jean Burelle, Paul Henry Lemarié and Éliane Lemarié are related.

No conviction or incrimination of corporate officers (Article 14.1 of the Annex)

To the Company's knowledge, none of its directors has been convicted of fraud, none has been involved as a corporate officer in a bankruptcy, receivership or liquidation in the past five years, and none has been the subject of any official charges or public sanctions pronounced by a statutory or regulatory authority. None of the members of the Board of Directors has been disqualified by a court from acting as a member of a governing, administrative or supervisory body of an issuer, or from taking part in the management or business of an issuer during the past five years.

Potential conflicts of interests between the duties of the corporate officers vis-à-vis the Compagnie Plastic Omnium and their personal interests and/or other duties (Articles 14.2 and 18.3 of the Annex)

The method for the organization and working of the Board of Directors of the Compagnie Plastic Omnium would enable it, where applicable, to prevent any misuse of control by a shareholder, largely due to the presence of independent directors within the Company.

Information on service contracts with members of the governing bodies (article 16.2 of the Annex)

No corporate officers are bound either to the company or to any of its subsidiaries through service contracts providing benefits of any kind.

Stock exchange code of ethics

The Board of Directors is aware of the rules to be applied to prevent insider misconduct, in particular with regard to the periods during which trading in securities of the Company is prohibited. It has had the opportunity to update the charter for the prevention of insider trading and issue recommendations to Senior Management.

Based on the legal texts, regulations and recommendations in place, this code states that inside information must be transmitted and used only for professional purposes.

This charter requires the exercise of great caution, where the person with inside information is carrying out financial transactions or is having financial transactions carried out on Plastic Omnium's securities in the stock exchange and points out that misconduct in this regard is subject to criminal penalties. Directors with permanent insider status are particularly requested not to carry out transactions on the securities of Plastic Omnium during certain periods if they have insider information. The Internal procedures of the Board of Directors states the Board members' obligation to respect the terms of the charter.

During the meeting of the Board of Directors of December 15, 2015, the directors received the schedule for 2016 with open and closed periods enabling them to trade in Plastic Omnium's shares.

Finally, the executive corporate officers notify the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) of each transaction carried out by them or by their relatives on Plastic Omnium's securities. They are periodically reminded of this obligation by the Company (cf. the summary of transactions carried out by corporate officers in 2015 on the securities of Plastic Omnium see chapter 7.3).

2.1.1.2 Preparation and Organization of the Work of the Board of Directors

General information on the meetings of the Board of Directors and its Committees in 2015

Involved and informed directors

Preparing and holding meetings of the Board of Directors and its Committees require ever greater availability and involvement from each director. In this respect, the directors of the Compagnie Plastic Omnium are regularly informed of all the Company's activities and its performances.

On the agenda, directors may propose in a totally independent manner work for the Board and its committee comprising any topic useful for corporate governance.

Each committee prepares the discussions and proceedings of the Board in its domain.

With their expertise coming from outside and freedom of judgment, the directors jointly ensure the measures adopted contribute to implementing the strategy of the Plastic Omnium Group. The Board debates issues transparently and in detail.

Diligent directors

In 2015, the Board of Directors met four times. The average attendance rate at Board meetings was 93%. The attendance rate at the meetings of Board of Director Committees is specified in the statements on pages 31 to 32.

Details of the distribution of directors' fees is given on page 39. The rules for the distribution of fees allocated for 2015 take on board the recommendations of the AFEP-MEDEF Code into account, with a major variable portion taking account of the diligence of each of the directors at Board meetings and the effective presence at Committee meetings.

Activity of the Board of Directors

General missions of the Board of Directors

The directors monitor the Group's economic and financial management and help define its strategy. They examine and approve the broad lines of action laid down by senior management, which then implements them.

In this context, the Board constantly seeks a working method which, while strictly complying with the Law, is conducive to the conditions of good corporate governance.

The work of the Board of Directors is based on its Internal Procedures, which aim at completing and specifying the legal, regulatory and statutory rules and the industry recommendations that the Board refers to. The Internal Procedures are published on Plastic Omnium's website.

The work of the Board of Directors

In 2015, apart from the regular monitoring of the Group's activity (markets, business, geographical development, competition, quantitative and qualitative objectives), the Board of Directors continued its work on defining the Compagnie Plastic Omnium's strategy and monitoring its implementation.

Continuous dialogue with Management has enabled the Board to prepare strategy, especially by analyzing the strategic interest of acquisition transactions, their impact on the Company's financial structure and long-term development capacities.

Thus, the Board took part in the strategic thinking related to the proposed acquisition of Faurecia's Exterior Systems business.

The Board also focuses on monitoring the acquisitions made in the previous years and requires a statement of operations carried out to be submitted to it, which mainly includes integration within the Group, developed synergies, implementation of the Business plan prepared during the acquisition and value creation for Plastic Omnium.

In order to benefit from the best possible knowledge of Plastic Omnium's businesses, the Board of Directors holds regular meetings at the Group's French or international industrial sites. Thus, in 2015, the Board met on October 23, 2015 in the new α-Alphatech research center of the Auto Inergy Division located in the Oise Region and, during the site visit, various operational heads were able to present the technological developments to the directors.

Board of Director information as to the Company's financial position, cash position and commitments

The Company's financial position and cash position are analyzed at least twice a year during the Board's meeting when approving the financial statements and reviewing the half-yearly financial statements. If required, they may be reviewed at any time.

The Company's commitments are reviewed as part of the annual renewal of the authorizations given to the Chairman and CEO and the delegations that he grants.

2.1.1.3 Activity of Board of Directors' Committees

The Board's discussions and decisions are facilitated by the work of its Review Committees which report to it after each of their meetings. The details of the missions of each Committee are given in the Internal Procedures of the Board of Directors.

In 2015, Board Committees were once again mandated by the Board to prepare its deliberations. The details of the composition of these Committees, their missions and work in 2015 are given below.

Board of Director Committees act strictly within the framework of the missions allocated to them by the Board. They actively prepare its work, put forward proposals, but have no decision-making powers.

Audit Committee

Composition Composition as at December 31, 2015:
• Anne Asensio (Chairman)
• Jérôme Gallot
• Vincent Labruyère
Since February 24, 2015, the Committee has been chaired by Anne Asensio, an independent director
and member of the Committee since February 26, 2013.
In compliance with the AFEP-MEDEF Code recommendations, the number of independent directors is two from three,
i.e. 67%.
The directors who are members of the Audit Committee have the necessary qualification due to their professional
experience and good knowledge of the Group's accounting and financial procedures, which are regularly reported to
them.
The Chairman and CEO is not a member of the Committee.
The Committee had the opportunity to hear the directors in charge of the fields whose activity is reviewed by it, lar
gely as part of the processes related to risk management and control.
The Statutory Auditors attend Committee meetings.
The Committee did not seek advice from external experts.
In 2015, the Audit Committee met three time with an attendance rate of 100%.
Principal missions • Monitoring the basis of preparation for the Group's financial information
• Monitoring the legal audit of the financial statements and consolidated financial statements by the Statutory
Auditors
• Reviewing the Statutory Auditors' audit plans and engagement program and the outcome of their verifications
• Monitoring the independence of the Statutory Auditors
• Monitoring the efficacy of the Internal Control and Risk systems
• Monitoring the Group's major exposures and sensitivity to risks
• Warning role of the Chairman of the Board in the event of detection of a major risk, which, according to him,
has not been treated appropriately
• Reviewing the program and objectives of the Internal Audit Department, as well as the methods and procedures
of the internal control systems used
Principal activities Reviewing the annual results for 2014 and the 1st half of 2015
in 2015 • Reviewing the Statutory Auditors' report
• Reviewing the audit plan and the outcome of the verification carried out, their recommendations as well as the
action taken as part as the statutory audit
• Reviewing the audits carried out by the Statutory Auditors with regard to social, environmental and societal
information
• Proposed renewal of the term of office of the Statutory Auditors
• Monitoring the Internal Audit activity, the Committee having concluded that Internal Audit has carried out a detailed
review of the key processes with exacting criteria.
• Reviewing risk factors and risk mapping, the Committee having concluded that risk management is controlled
and assumed at the operational level and the level of corporate departments
• Monitoring the results of programs raising awareness with regard to risk of fraud and prevention of corruption
• Information on legal risks and potential disputes and major facts that are likely to have a significant impact on the
financial situation of Plastic Omnium

Compensation Committee

Composition as at December 31, 2015:
• Anne-Marie Couderc (Chairman)
• Amélie Oudéa-Castera
• Bernd Gottschalk
Since December 13, 2013, the Committee has been chaired by Anne-Marie Couderc, an independent director and
Committee member since December 13, 2013.
In compliance with the AFEP-MEDEF Code recommendations, the number of independent directors is three, i.e.
100%.
The directors actively participate in Committee meetings, acting in the interests of the shareholders and exercising
their judgment in a completely independent manner.
In 2015, the Compensation Committee met three time with an attendance rate of 100%.
• Drafting proposals for the compensation of the Chairman-CEO and the Chief Operating Officer and for the pension
and insurance plans
• Fixing the budget for the directors' fees to be submitted to the Shareholders' Meeting and the distribution method
• Determining the long-term incentive plan policy, mainly including plans for the allocation of free shares
• Reviewing the components of the fixed salary and bonus of executive corporate officers and recommendations to
the Board
• Analyzing the performance of executive corporate officers in 2014 and recommendation to the Board for an annual
bonus
• Analyzing the performance of executive corporate officers in 2015 and recommendation to the Board for an annual
bonus for 2015
• Say on Pay: preparing the resolutions submitted at the Shareholders' Meeting of April 30, 2015
• Reviewing the stock-option plan set up by the Board of Directors on July 21, 2015 and proposed allocation to
executive corporate officers
• Distribution of directors' fees pursuant to the rules providing a majority variable share

Appointments Committee

Composition Composition as at December 31, 2015:
• Anne-Marie Couderc (Chairman)
• Éliane Lemarié
• Jérôme Gallot
Since July 22, 2014, the Committee has been chaired by Anne-Marie Couderc, an independent director and
Committee member since the same date.
In compliance with the AFEP-MEDEF Code recommendations, the number of independent directors is two from three, i.e.
67%.
The directors actively participate in Committee meetings, acting in the interests of the shareholders and exercising
their judgment in a completely independent manner.
In 2015, the Appointments Committee met once with an attendance rate of 100%.
Principal missions • Consideration and recommendation to the Board regarding procedures for the exercising of powers by Senior
management
• Opinion on the proposal of the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the appointment of Chief Operating Officers
• Recommendation for new directors to the Board
• Examination of the qualification of independent directors, reviewed by the Board of Directors every year
• Verification of the proper application of the Corporate Governance Code referred to by the Company
• Discussion on issues pertaining to the governance related to the working and organization of the Board
• Preparation of succession plans for executive corporate officers in the event of unforeseen vacancies
Principal activities
in 2015
• Reviewing the succession plans of executive corporate officers to ensure continuity of Senior Management
• Reviewing the conditions for the exercising of powers by Senior Management: uniqueness of the responsibilities
of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
• Discussing the composition of the Board: diversity, complementary nature of profiles, competence, gender
balance
• Selecting and meeting with candidates, proposed candidature of Lucie Maurel Aubert as new director
• Reviewing and validating the Chairman's proposal on the renewal of the term of office of Chief Operating Officers
Jean-Michel Szczerba and Paul Henry Lemarié
• Reviewing and validating the Chairman's proposal as to the appointment of Jean-Michel Szczerba as Co-Chief
Executive Officer
• Discussing the composition of Board Committees
• Reviewing the independence of each director with respect to the criteria listed in the AFEP-MEDEF Code

2.1.1.4 Self-assessment of the Board of Directors

Every year, the Board carries out a formal assessment, stipulated by the AFEP-MEDEF Code, of its composition, organization and method of working, largely so as to ensure, under certain conditions, that the agenda of its work covers the extent of its missions, that major issues have been suitably prepared and discussed and so as to to measure the contribution of each member in the Board's work.

This assessment complies with the recommendations of the AMF and those of the AFEP-MEDEF Code referred to by the Company.

The directors once again exercised total freedom of judgment in 2015. This freedom of judgment allowed them to take part with full independence in the work and collective decisions of the Board of Directors, and, for those concerned, the preparatory work and the Board Committee's proposals.

The Board concluded that the quality of its meetings, with regard to what was considered as avenues of progress at the end of the self-assessment in late 2014, continues to improve, mainly with respect to the analysis of the Group's strategic challenges, which are regularly discussed and debated.

This year as well, the strategic approach was reviewed in detail in the Board's work with regard to the development of the countries and markets in which the Group operates.

In 2015, the Board was fully satisfied with the tempo, frequency of the meetings and the format of the information forwarded to it as part of activity in general and the principal events of the Group's life. The availability of documentation prior to Board or Committee meetings, in keeping with the confidentiality requirements and time constraints that the Company is subject to, enhance the quality of discussions.

2.1.1.5 Corporate Governance Code

AFEP-MEDEF Code: the reference code

The Compagnie Plastic Omnium remains committed to the application of rules of corporate governance laid down by AFEP-MEDEF, by referring to the Corporate Governance Code of listed companies, available on the website http://medef.fr.

The table below provides the Company's explanations for the recommendations of the AFEP-MEDEF Code that are not applied.

Recommendations
of the AFEP-MEDEF Code
Compagnie Plastic Omnium practices and justifications
Terms of office of directors must be staggered
so as to prevent reappointment en masse
(Article 14)
The term of office of ten from the thirteen members of the Board of directors expires in 2018,
the terms of office of two Board members expire in 2017 and that of one expires in 2016.
The Company wished to prioritize a frequent appointment principle for directors by stipulating
a statutory three-year term of office.
Adequate time for reviewing the accounts
by the Audit Committee, at least two days
before the Board meeting (Article 16.2.1)
As part of the publication of the annual and interim results, the meeting of the Audit Committee
for reviewing the financial statements is close to that of their presentation to the Board of
Directors. It may be noted that the Board and its Audit Committee have prior useful information
for accomplishing their audit mission, which is sent to them systematically prior to the
meetings.

2.1.2 Procedures of internal control and risk management

Management System Objectives of the Company's internal control and risk management system

Definition and objectives of internal control and risk management

Internal control and risk management are the responsibility of senior management, and require the involvement of all stakeholders in the Company, in accordance with the tasks assigned to them. Compagnie Plastic Omnium's internal control and risk management systems are designed to ensure:

  • compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
  • effective and controlled implementation of guidelines and objectives set by senior management, particularly with regard to risk;

  • the smooth running of Compagnie Plastic Omnium's internal processes, particularly those relating to the safeguarding of the Group's assets in the broadest sense;

  • the reliability of financial information;
  • the commitment of Company employees to shared values and a shared vision of the risks they are helping to control.

Internal control and risk management systems play a critical role in Compagnie Plastic Omnium's management. However, they cannot provide an absolute assurance that the Company's objectives will be achieved or that all risks will be eliminated.

Compagnie Plastic Omnium is actively working to reinforce its internal control and risk management systems as part of a continuous improvement process that relies in large part on the Implementation Guide to the Reference Framework for Risk Management and Internal Control Systems of the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF).

Scope of this report

This report describes the internal control system of Compagnie Plastic Omnium, the parent company of the Plastic Omnium Group. It therefore focuses on the procedures intended to guarantee (i) the reliability of the consolidated financial statements and (ii) the Company's control over entities in which it has a majority interest.

Compagnie Plastic Omnium regularly reviews and assesses the operations of significant investments over which it exercises joint control, and uses all of its influence to ensure that these entities comply with its internal control requirements.

Summary description of the internal control and risk management system

Organization

Compagnie Plastic Omnium is built around two Divisions:

  • Automotive (Auto Exterior and Auto Inergy Divisions);
  • Environment (Environment Division).

Under the supervision and control of Compagnie Plastic Omnium's senior management, these two autonomous divisions are each responsible for implementing the means and resources necessary to achieve the financial targets set in their annual budgets approved by senior management.

Organization of the internal control and risk management system

The internal control and risk management system deployed within the Group is based on the rules and principles of its internal control framework and the implementation of processes aimed at continuously improving the management of the main risks to which it may be exposed.

The organization of the system involves all Company employees. However, its oversight and controls are performed by the following seven key functions:

  • Senior management, the Risk Management Department and the Internal Control Committee, which monitor the system;
  • the operational management teams of each Division, corporate departments and the Internal Audit Department, which represent three distinct levels of control;
  • the Board of Directors.

The senior management of Compagnie Plastic Omnium sets the guidelines for organizing and running the internal control and risk management system.

They are assisted in this task by the Executive Committee, which has management and decision-making powers with regard to the Company's business. It is composed of the Chairman-CEO, Co-CEO and Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Strategy and Development, Director of Finance, General Secretary – Legal Director, Director of Human Resources, Director of Communication and the Executive Directors of various Divisions. It meets once a month to review the Group's business performance and recent developments, and to discuss its outlook. It addresses cross-business issues such as sales and marketing, organization, investment, legal and human resources issues, safety and the environment, research and development, mergers and acquisitions, and financing. Each month, it analyzes the results and balance sheets of all Divisions and subsidiaries, including trends in respect of capital expenditure and working capital compared with the situation of the prior year and monthly budget projections. It also reviews three-month forecasts for the consolidated income statement and balance sheet, and plays a pro-active role in steering the Company's management. It also validates updates of current-year forecasts. Every June, it analyzes the strategic five-year plans for each Division and the Group. These plans are then used in preparing the budget, which is definitively adopted in December each year.

The Internal Control Framework

The cornerstone of Compagnie Plastic Omnium's internal control system is its Internal Control Framework, which sets out the rules and principles applicable to the companies it controls. It comprises a Code of Conduct, Internal Control Rules and Procedures and an Accounting and Financial Procedures Handbook.

• The Code of Conduct: in addition to its economic responsibilities, Compagnie Plastic Omnium attaches great importance to human rights and sustainable development. Compagnie Plastic Omnium is a signatory of the UN Global Compact, a set of principles that stand alongside the Plastic Omnium Code of Conduct to exemplify the spirit of responsibility that has always informed the Group's commitment. Together, these texts highlight the values governing individual and collective conduct that Compagnie Plastic Omnium aims to promote, and which determine the fundamental principles in which the rules and procedures of its internal control system are rooted. In 2010, Compagnie Plastic Omnium adopted a Code of Conduct on practices governed by competition law, which has been circulated throughout the Group as part of a compliance program.

The Code of Conduct applies to Compagnie Plastic Omnium and to all the affiliates in which it holds a majority stake. Plastic Omnium does everything in its power to encourage other affiliates to establish rules of conduct consistent with the provisions of the Code. It is the responsibility of senior management, members of the Executive Committee, divisional CEOs and plant managers to ensure that all employees are aware of the contents of the Code, and that they have sufficient resources to comply with its provisions. In return, the Code requires individual employees to behave in a way that demonstrates a personal and ongoing commitment to complying with the prevailing laws and regulations, and with the ethical rules it lays down.

  • Group Internal Control Rules and Procedures: Compagnie Plastic Omnium has a set of rules that define the roles and responsibilities of the senior management, the corporate departments of Compagnie Plastic Omnium and the operational departments of its divisions and subsidiaries in the following areas:
  • Legal Affairs and Corporate Governance;
  • Human Resources;
  • Treasury (financing and routine transactions);
  • Sales;
  • Purchasing (operations and capital expenditure);
  • Inventory and Supply Chain;
  • Automotive Projects;
  • Accounting and Taxation;
  • Production and Quality;
  • Real Estate;
  • Information Systems;
  • Health, Safety and Environment.

The rules cover routine and non-routine business operations alike. They are a single and comprehensive reference framework designed to ensure that the internal control procedures implemented by the Group are both consistent and appropriate. In a number of cases, they include procedures that describe their application.

• The Accounting and Financial Procedures Handbook: Compagnie Plastic Omnium has an Accounting and Financial Procedures Handbook prepared in accordance with IFRS. These accounting procedures are applicable to all consolidated companies.

As part of a process of continuous improvement in terms of internal control, the Internal Control Framework is subject to additions, and is updated regularly to reflect established practices, as well as changes in organization and the applicable regulations.

Risk management

The main risks to which Compagnie Plastic Omnium is exposed are described in the "Risk Management" section. This section also describes the key measures and processes used to effectively prevent and manage these risks.

The risk management system incorporates, as part of the organizational framework presented in this report, a process of mapping and analyzing the main risks facing the Company, the purpose of which is to verify the pertinence of approaches implemented at Group level and to take action to strengthen or complement existing approaches. At Group level, this process is led by the Risk Management Department in conjunction with the operational management teams and corporate departments.

The system is overseen by senior management.

Control activities

Compagnie Plastic Omnium seeks to combine accountability and independence of judgment at the three levels responsible for controlling its operations and its risk management system: the operational management departments, corporate departments and the Internal Audit Department.

The operational management teams implement the structures and resources necessary for the satisfactory implementation of the rules and principles governing internal control in their respective activities. They are tasked in particular with assessing the pertinence of remedial measures implemented as a result of assignments undertaken by Internal Audit. They are also responsible for identifying the risks inherent to their own activity and for taking reasonable steps to control them.

The corporate departments, namely Human Resources and Sustainable Development, Corporate Finance and Information Systems, and Legal Affairs, have the broadest powers in their areas of expertise, and under the supervision of senior management, to establish rules and procedures applying within Compagnie Plastic Omnium. They are tasked with coordinating and monitoring the activities of their functional networks with a view to protecting the interests of the Group and all its stakeholders.

In the particular area of internal control and risk management, they are responsible for analyzing the risks inherent in their activities and for defining the appropriate structures and systems to ensure their smooth running. They prepare and update the Internal Control Framework and cross-business approaches to risk management. In doing so, they are required to ensure the adequacy of the Internal Control Framework in respect of prevailing standards, regulations and laws, and to implement the appropriate means for relaying the information they produce.

Compagnie Plastic Omnium has a centralized Internal Audit Department that is part of the Corporate Risk Management Department and reports to the Corporate Secretary. It also reports regularly to the Internal Control Committee, which is responsible for overseeing internal control procedures. It conducts assessments of the general system, and ensures the efficiency of its implementation.

The Internal Audit Department conducts audits on a scope covering all subsidiaries, whether or not Compagnie Plastic Omnium exercises control. At the conclusion of each audit, it makes recommendations to the audited units, which respond with appropriate action plans subject to systematic monitoring by divisional management teams. The annual internal audit plan is based on criteria relating to how often audits are performed and to each entity's risk and control environment. None of the audits performed in 2015 revealed any serious weaknesses in the internal control and risk management system.

The Internal Audit Department also oversees annual internal control self-assessment campaigns, launched in 2006. The questionnaire design is based on the Implementation Guide to the AMF Framework. It is both an effective assessment tool and a means of raising the awareness of local organizations. Lastly, it is a useful tool for the Internal Audit Department in preparing its audit work.

Note that the application of international safety, environmental and quality assurance standards, in addition to the audit of our insurance companies and our customers, gives rise to regular specialized audits conducted by independent bodies. As of December 31, 2015, 88% of the eligible facilities that were at least 50%-owned had earned ISO 14001 certification and 85% were OHSAS 18001-certified.

Information and communication

The internal control rules and procedures are available to employees on the home page of the Group's intranet portal. However, the internal control system is deployed largely through formal documents, awareness raising, training programs and reporting processes conducted by the corporate departments. These activities, which include the self-assessment referred to above, allow local management teams to appreciate senior management's profound commitment to internal control processes.

Finally, the relaying of information on the preparation of financial and accounting data is subject to specific processes described later in this report.

Oversight

Senior management, assisted by the Risk Management Department, is responsible for the overall oversight of the Company's internal control and risk management processes.

The Risk Management Department exercises a critical oversight role concerning the internal control system as part of its specific remit. It reports its analysis and recommendations to senior management, to which it reports directly, as well as the Internal Control Committee. It is also responsible for the process of identifying business risks undertaken at Group level, and coordinates the preparation of the ensuing risk management plan.

The Internal Control Committee coordinates the internal control system, and ensures that it runs smoothly. It is chaired by the Compagnie Plastic Omnium Corporate Secretary. Its other members include the Head of Human Resources, the Chief Financial Officer, the Head of Risk Management and Internal Audit, the Chief Executive Officers and the Chief Financial Officers of the Divisions. It is tasked with ensuring the quality and effectiveness of the system. It relays the decisions and recommendations of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, to whom it reports its findings. Its composition gives it the authority to coordinate the efforts of all actors involved in internal control and risk management in each division or corporate function.

Lastly, the Board of Directors reviews all of the major assumptions and strategies laid down for Compagnie Plastic Omnium by senior management. It reviews the broad outlines of the internal control and risk management system and acquires an understanding of the various procedures involved in the preparation and processing of overall and financial information.

Internal control relating to the preparation of financial and accounting information

Basis of preparation of the Group's financial information

The Finance Department is responsible for ensuring that the preparation of the Group's financial information is consistent. As such, it is tasked with:

  • laying down financial and accounting standards for the Group, in accordance with international standards;
  • determining the policy in respect of the preparation of financial information;
  • coordinating information systems used for the preparation of financial and accounting data;
  • reviewing subsidiaries' financial information;
  • preparing financial information for the Group's consolidated financial statements.

The consistency of the Group's financial statements is guaranteed by the use of the same accounting standards and a single chart of accounts by all Group entities. The standards and chart of accounts take into account the specific characteristics of the subsidiaries' various businesses. They are laid down by the Accounting Standards and Principles Department, which is part of the Accounting and Tax Department and is the sole entity with authority to change them.

Consistency is further ensured by the coordinated management of information systems that contribute to the preparation of the financial information of each subsidiary: the use of a single software application guarantees that reporting and consolidation processes are standardized and applied consistently; moreover, based on a software package recommended by the Group, the various divisions have developed integrated management systems and rolled them out across the majority of their plants, thereby helping to ensure that the information used in the preparation of the financial statements is properly controlled.

Consolidated financial information is prepared for the following key processes:

  • weekly cash reporting;
  • monthly reporting;
  • interim and annual consolidated reporting;
  • annual budget.

These four processes apply to all subsidiaries controlled directly and indirectly by Compagnie Plastic Omnium.

Financial reporting and control procedures

Each subsidiary is responsible for producing its own accounts. Firsttier controls and analyses of subsidiaries' financial statements are performed locally. Second-tier controls are performed centrally in each division. Third-tier controls are performed by the Finance Department.

Reporting is done on a monthly basis. It is submitted to senior management one week after the close of the monthly accounts, and is reviewed by the Senior Management and analyzed by the Executive Committee. The reporting package comprises an income statement broken down by function, with an analysis of production costs, overheads, and research and development expenditure. It also includes a full cash flow statement, business forecasts for the subsequent three months and a set of environmental and safety indicators. The information is prepared at Group, division and subsidiary level. It provides comparisons between the various items – monthly actual, year-to-date actual, prior-year actual and current-year budget – together with an analysis of material differences.

The budget process begins in September each year, when the subsidiaries prepare their figures, which are consolidated at division level. Budgets are then submitted to senior management in November and validated in December, before being presented to Compagnie Plastic Omnium's Board of Directors. The budget package comprises an income statement, cash-flow statement and data concerning return on capital employed for each subsidiary and division for the year N+1.

Revised forecasts are regularly produced to allow remedial measures to be made with a view to ensuring that initial budget targets are met. They also allow senior management to report reliably on changes in the situation.

The budget is based on the rolling four-year business plan approved in July of each year by Senior Management, which includes income statement and balance-sheet projections prepared on the basis of the sales, industrial and financial strategies of the Group and the divisions.

Compagnie Plastic Omnium is responsible for managing the mediumterm financing requirements of all the subsidiaries controlled by the Group, while Plastic Omnium Finance covers short-term financing. Through Plastic Omnium Finance, the Group has set up a global cash-pooling and netting system for all Group subsidiaries in all countries where local rules allow this practice. In addition, intragroup receivables and payables are netted monthly. In this way, it manages funding streams and verifies cash positions on a daily basis.

In general, subsidiaries cannot negotiate external financing arrangements without the prior authorization of the Work planned in 2016 Group's Central Treasury.

Plastic Omnium Finance is also responsible for controlling all currency and interest rate hedging transactions.

Cash reports are sent to the senior management on a weekly basis. They provide an analysis of the cash position of each division, and of the Group as a whole, together with comparisons with the prior year and the budget for the current year.

No material incidents or significant changes occurred in 2015 that could have compromised the effectiveness of the internal control system described above.

Work planned in 2016

As part of a process of continuous improvement of its internal control system, Compagnie Plastic Omnium plans to upgrade a number of procedures in order to enhance their pertinence and encourage operational staff to appropriate them. This approach, in which the Risk Management Department is playing an important role, covers internal control procedures, accounting and financial, and risk management procedures.

The Internal Audit Department will conduct 42 audits in 2016, compared with 37 in 2015.

To improve the internal control and risk management system, the Company will continue to apply the procedure for tracking progress on implementing recommendations issued by the Internal Audit Department.

2.2 Compensation of Corporate Officers

In accordance with the provisions of Article L. 225-102-1 of the French Commercial Code and the AFEP-MEDEF Corporate Governance Code, the total compensation and benefits in kind paid to each corporate officer is presented in the tables below.

Gross compensation paid and stock options and performance shares awarded to each executive corporate officer

Laurent Burelle
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Year 2014 Year 2015
Compensation due in respect of the year (see details below) 4,234,744 4,584,864
Value of stock options awarded during the year (see details below) 0 651,000
Total 4,234,744 5,235,864
Jean-Michel Szczerba
Director, Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer
Year 2014 Year 2015
Compensation due in respect of the year (see details below) 1,295,873 1,358,351
Value of stock options awarded during the year (see details below) 0 651,000
Total 1,295,873 2,009,315
Paul Henry Lemarié
Director and Chief Operating Officer
Year 2014 Year 2015
Compensation due in respect of the year (see details below) 2,120,342 2,310,619
Value of stock options awarded during the year (see details below) 0 0

Gross compensation paid to each executive corporate officer

Laurent Burelle Year 2014
Year 2015
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Totals due Totals paid Totals due Totals paid
• fixed salary(1) 86,573 86,573 87,471 87,471
• bonus(1)(2) 3,905,604 3,774,709 4,275,290 4,133,631
• exceptional compensation 0 0 0 0
• directors' fees 242,567 242,567 222,103 222,103
• benefits in kind Company car Company car
Total 4,234,744 4,103,849 4,584,864 4,443,205

Total 2,120,342 2,310,619

Paul Henry Lemarié Year 2014 Year 2015
Director and Chief Operating Officer Totals due Totals paid Totals due Totals paid
• fixed salary(1) 86,573 86,573 87,471 87,471
• bonus(1)(2) 1,952,802 1,887,355 2,137,645 2,066,815
• exceptional compensation 0 0 0 0
• directors' fees 80,967 80,967 85,503 85,503
• benefits in kind Company car Company car
Total 2,120,342 2,054,895 2,310,619 2,239,789

(1) Paid by Burelle SA. This fixed compensation equals 120% of the highest coefficient in the collective bargaining agreement in the Plastics industry (coefficient of 940).

(2) Burelle SA pays gross compensation to executive corporate officers for their management services, which is then billed to Compagnie Plastic Omnium and its subsidiaries, calculated on the basis of the estimated time spent by each director on business relating to the Plastic Omnium Group. Directors' bonuses are paid by Burelle SA, and are determined on the basis of the Burelle Group's consolidated operating cash flow. This calculation is based on consolidated IFRS operating cash flow after tax and interest expense plus the share of operating cash flow of joint ventures (after tax and interest expense and net of dividends paid (see Note 5.1.14, page 120).

Jean-Michel Szczerba Year 2014 Year 2015
Director, Co-Chief Executive Officer
and Chief Operating Officer
Totals due Totals paid Totals due Totals paid
• fixed salary 830,929 830,929 872,464 872,464
• bonus(1) 363,829 363,829 382,020 382,020
• exceptional compensation 0 0 0 0
• directors' fees 101,115 101,115 103,831 103,831
• benefits in kind Company car Company car
Total 1,295,873 1,295,873 1,358,315 1,358,315

(1) Calculated on individual objectives and financial performance (operating margin and debt).

In accordance with Article L. 225-102-1 of the French Commercial Code, the compensation paid by Burelle SA to Compagnie Plastic Omnium's corporate officers in 2015 and the portion billed to Compagnie Plastic Omnium for management services are presented in the table below:

Gross compensation
paid by Burelle SA
in 2015
O/w bonus Amount billed
to the Plastic Omnium
Group in 2015
O/w bonus
Laurent Burelle 4,246,774 4,133,631 3,208,037 3,141,559
Paul Henry Lemarié 2,179,958 2,066,815 1,077,143 1,033,407
Jean Burelle 2,196,659 2,066,815 409,314 392,695
Jean-Michel Szczerba 0 0 0 0

Directors' fees

Paid by Compagnie Plastic Omnium

Members of the Board Directors' fees paid in 2014 Directors' fees paid in 2015
Laurent Burelle 29,715 34,431
Paul Henry Lemarié 24,115 28,831
Jean Burelle 24,115 28,831
Jean-Michel Szczerba 24,115 28,831
Éliane Lemarié 25,415 30,131
Jean-Pierre Ergas 26,715 21,623
Jérôme Gallot 31,715 34,831
Vincent Labruyère 28,015 32,731
Alain Mérieux 12,058 14,415
Bernd Gottschalk 24,115 30,131
Anne-Marie Couderc 28,315 33,031
Anne Asensio 26,715 34,331
Amélie Oudéa-Castera 25,415 30,131
Total 330,538 382,279

At its meeting of December 11, 2014, the Board of Directors allocated directors' fees for 2015 as follows:

  • Chairman:€2,700 per Board meeting;
  • Directors:€1,300 per Board meeting;
  • Committee Chairman:€2,100 per Committee meeting;
  • Committee Member:€1,300 per Committee meeting;
  • Balance allocated proportionately among all Board members in line with actual attendance at meetings.

Total directors' fees paid (by Compagnie Plastic Omnium, other controlled companies and Burelle SA)

Corporate officer Directors' fees paid in 2014 Directors' fees paid in 2015
Laurent Burelle 242,567 222,103
Paul Henry Lemarié 80,967 85,503
Jean Burelle 118,492 102,203
Jean-Michel Szczerba 101,115 103,831
Total 543,141 513,640

Stock options awarded during the year to each executive corporate officer

Name and position
of the corporate officer
Number of options awarded
during the year
Value of options using the method
applied in the consolidated
financial statements
Exercise
price
Exercise
period
Laurent Burelle
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
150,000 €651,000 €24.72 2019-2022
Jean-Michel Szczerba
Director, Co-Chief Executive Officer
and Chief Operating Officer
150,000 €651,000 €24.72 2019-2022
Paul Henry Lemarié
Director and Chief Operating Officer
0

In accordance with the AFEP-MEDEF Code recommendations:

  • the exercise of stock options granted in 2015 is subject to two performance conditions related to the outperformance over the vesting period of the options (2015-2019) in respect of:
  • (i) the share price relative to the SBF 120 index,

(ii) the Company's operating margin compared with its main competitors;

• each director must retain 10% of the shares resulting from the exercise of options in registered form until the end of his or her term of office.

Stock options exercised during the year by each executive corporate officer

Name and position of the corporate officer Plan date Number of options
exercised during the year
Exercise price
Laurent Burelle 2008 plan 54,000 €2.94
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 2010 plan 200,000 €2.84
Jean-Michel Szczerba
Director, Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer
0
Paul Henry Lemarié
Director and Chief Operating Officer
2010 plan 270,000 €2.84

Performance shares awarded to each executive corporate officer

Name and position
of the corporate officer
Performance shares
awarded during the year
to each executive corporate
officer by the issuer or any
Group company
Plan
date
Number of
shares
awarded
during the
year
Value of shares
using the
method applied
in the
consolidated
financial
statements
Vesting
date
End of
vesting
period
Laurent Burelle
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
0
Jean-Michel Szczerba
Director, Co-Chief Executive Officer
and Chief Operating Officer
0
Paul Henry Lemarié
Director – and Chief Operating Officer
0

Performance shares that vested during the year for each executive corporate officer

Name and position
of the corporate officer
Performance shares that
vested during the year for
executive corporate officers
Plan
date
Number of shares
that vested during the year
Vesting
conditions
Laurent Burelle
Chairman and CEO
0
Jean-Michel Szczerba
Director, Co-Chief Executive Officer
and Chief Operating Officer
0
Paul Henry Lemarié
Director and Chief Operating Officer
0

Supplementary pension plans

In 2003, the Board of Directors of Compagnie Plastic Omnium decided to introduce a supplementary pension plan for the Executive Committee members of Compagnie Plastic Omnium. The plan guarantees these employees defined-benefit retirement compensation, provided they are still employed by the Group when they retire at age 65, under the following terms:

Plastic Omnium Plan Recommendations
of the AFEP-MEDEF Code
Required length of service 7 years At least 2 years
Actual length of service Laurent Burelle: 41 years – Paul Henry Lemarié: 36 years – Jean-Michel Szczerba: 31 years The length of service of the three executive corporate officer is:
Average of the average total annual compensation
Reference compensation for the five years prior to retirement Several years
Annual amount paid
(% of the reference compensation)
1% 5% maximum
Ceilings 10 % of the reference compensation
or 8 times the Social Security ceiling
45% of compensation

The Board of Directors of Burelle SA approved a similar plan for corporate officers in 2003. The portion of the annual cost in respect of this plan billed by Burelle SA to Compagnie Plastic Omnium and its controlled companies was €670,769 in 2015. The other pension plans for senior management are the same as those in place for the Group's managerial employees.

Employment contracts – termination benefits

In compliance with AFEP-MEDEF Code recommendations, Laurent Burelle and Paul Henry Lemarié are no longer under an employment contract, Jean-Michel Szczerba's employment contract was suspended.

The Company has no commitment to pay the corporate officers any compensation for loss or change of office or due to a non-competition clause.

2.3 Statutory Auditors' Report

Statutory Auditors' report in accordance with Article L. 225-235 of French Commercial Code (Code de commerce) on the report prepared by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Compagnie Plastic Omnium

Year ended December 31, 2015

To the Shareholders,

As Statutory Auditors of Compagnie Plastic Omnium and in accordance with the Article L. 225-235 of French Commercial Code (Code de commerce), we hereby present our report on the Chairman of the Board of Directors report in compliance with the Article L. 225-37 of French Commercial Code regarding fiscal year ending December 31, 2015.

It is the Chairman's responsibility to establish and submit for the Board of Directors' approval a report on internal control and risk management procedures implemented by the Company and to provide the other information required by Article L. 225-37 of the French Commercial Code (Code de commerce) relating to matters such as corporate governance.

It is our responsibility to:

  • report on any matters as to the information contained in the Chairman's report in respect of the internal control and risk management procedures relating to the preparation and processing of the accounting and financial information; and
  • confirm that the report also includes the other information required by Article L. 225-37 of the French Commercial Code (Code de commerce). It should be noted that our role is not to verify the fairness of this other information.

We conducted our work in accordance with professional standards applicable in France.

Information on internal control and risk management procedures relating to the preparation and processing of accounting and financial information

The professional standards require that we perform the necessary procedures to assess the fairness of the information provided in the Chairman's report in respect of the internal control and risk management procedures relating to the preparation and processing of the accounting and financial information. These procedures consist mainly in:

  • obtaining an understanding of the internal control and risk management procedures relating to the preparation and processing of the accounting and financial information on which the information presented in the Chairman's report is based and of the existing documentation;
  • obtaining an understanding of the work involved in the preparation of this information and of the existing documentation;
  • determining if any material weaknesses in the internal control procedures relating to the preparation and processing of the accounting and financial information that we would have noted in the course of our work are properly disclosed in the Chairman's report.

On the basis of our work, we have no matters to report on the information relating to the Company's internal control and risk management procedures relating to the preparation and processing of the accounting and financial information contained in the report prepared by the Chairman of the Board of Directors in accordance with article L. 225-37 of the French Commercial Code (Code de commerce).

Other information

We confirm that the report prepared by the Chairman of the Board of Directors also contains the other information required by Article L. 225-37 of the French Commercial Code (Code de commerce).

Paris-la Défense, February 24, 2016

The Statutory Auditors

MAZARS ERNST & YOUNG et Autres Jean-Luc Barlet Gilles Rabier

03

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

This chapter presents the non-financial information about the Plastic Omnium Group, set outs the sustainable development issues and how Plastic Omnium addresses them.

3.1 - Issues

  • 3.2 Development of Responsible Products and Services
  • 3.3 Corporate Social Responsibility
  • 3.4 Protection of the Environment
  • 3.5 Societal Commitment
  • 3.6 Methodology
  • 3.7 Cross-reference Table

3.1 Issues

In a global context of the fight against climate change, sustainable mobility issues, challenges raised by global urbanization and increasing population levels are, for Compagnie Plastic Omnium, the opportunity to consolidate its position as leader in the automotive equipment and waste collection sectors by offering innovative solutions and its technological expertise.

At the forefront of sustainable development through its businesses and targeted markets, Plastic Omnium is also committed to a strategy of sustainable development. The Group effectively believes that its innovations, support given to its employees, environmental protection, a societal commitment and ethics are powerful levers of sustainable performance and profitable growth for all its businesses worldwide. Plastic Omnium's joining of the United Nations Global Compact in 2003 is fully in line with this conviction.

Taking into account the social and environmental consequences of its activities and always striving to meet its societal commitments in favor of sustainable development also means anticipating and taking the right decisions at the right time, not only for Plastic Omnium but also for its stakeholders. In receiving the "Gold" recognition level right from its first assessment in 2015 by EcoVadis, the international CSR rating specialist, the Group has received confirmation that it is on the right track. EcoVadis has now invited Compagnie Plastic Omnium to adopt a continuous improvement plan, in particular through a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) approach and relevant indicators to manage the process and measure its performance. The Group has already endowed its Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) policy, fully integrated into the Company's strategy and management, as well as a human resources policy working for development, with dedicated governance systems that are measured and developed using specific collection tools. We have set out the results of our commitments in favor of sustainable development through the indicators and information in this chapter in compliance with Article R.225 of the French Commercial Code and its implementation decree No. 2012-557 of April 24, 2012 on corporate transparency requirements in relation to social and environmental issues.

The Company therefore monitors the key performance indicators below both globally and at the level of operational entities:

2013 2014 2015 3,729 3,661 3,891 Men

Total training hours per employee

Temporary staff

Training hours per year per employee Total training hours per employee

Number of Top Safety visits per employee per year

Absenteeism rate

Women

employees)

Absenteeism rate due to workplace accidents Absenteeism rate due to other causes

Number of OHSAS 18001 sites

12,648 12,737 12,443

Breakdown of workforce by gender (excluding temporary

PLASTIC OMNIUM 2015 REGISTRATION DOCUMENT 44 45

Lost time accident frequency rates Tf1

2013 2014 2015 5.52 8.62 4.80

0.10 0.28 0.10

Number of ISO14001 certified sites

Electricity consumption in kWh per kg of material processed

Gas consumption in kWh per kg of material processed

Greenhouse gas emissions in kg of CO2 per kg of material processed

Water consumption in liters per kg of material processed

Proportion of recycled plastic in the consumption of plastic material

Lost time and non lost time accident frequency rates Tf2

Accident severity rates

3.2 Development of Responsible Products and Services

The increased awareness of the environmental impacts at the global level is reflected in the continuing tightening of domestic, European and international regulations concerning issues such as lower consumption levels and greenhouse gas emissions. In this context, lighter vehicle weights have become a major and priority challenge for carmakers. This has resulted in the increasing use of plastic and composites for body parts. Innovative solutions to make vehicles lighter (plastic tailgates, parts in composite and carbon fiber), improve aerodynamics (light-air bumper) or DINOx-SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) systems to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) – irritant gases that aggravate the greenhouse gas effect – are significantly leveraging the growth of Plastic Omnium's businesses. The SCR solutions proposed by Plastic Omnium enable carmakers to meet the most stringent standards in accordance with state-of-the-art technology. Safety-related regulatory standards such as pedestrian impacts represent other growth opportunities for the Group, for instance through the concept of ultra-compact bumpers.

The regulatory pressure exerted on the automotive sector, in particular with the REACH directive on the elimination of dangerous substances in automotive construction and the End-of-Life Vehicle directive, have made ecodesign a strategic necessity for equipment manufacturers. Plastic Omnium has been involved in ecodesign since 2007, in particular through being one of the seven companies behind the creation of the Cluster CREER (Cluster Research: Excellence in Ecodesign & Recycling), in partnership with SERAM and the MAPIE laboratory of the ENSAM Institute in Chambéry. For the Group, CREER is the opportunity to improve its efficiency in ecodesign and to share and benefit from respective research agendas regarding the environment.

Plastic Omnium is also a member of the Plastipolis competitiveness cluster, and in this connection it participates in projects labeled by the Axelera chemical cluster aimed at stepping up the creation of a world-class industrial and scientific sector in the Rhône Alps region, which will combine the chemical industry and the environment. Plastic Omnium initiated the VALEEE project for the sorting and recovery of plastics obtained from waste from electrical and electronic equipment. It also participated in the Triptic project, aimed at improving the identification of polymers, specifically seen in shredder residue, which are subsequently recovered and developed.

For the Environment Division of Plastic Omnium, a world leader for products and services dedicated to waste management, the challenge consists in meeting the expectations of local communities: improvement of sorting efficiency, budget control and environmental protection. The Company proposes sustainable innovations and smart solutions that enable local communities to reach these targets.

Significant design work coupled with massive investment to recreate molds contributed in dividing the carbon balance of wheeled bins by ten: Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) has made it possible to increase the share of integrated recycled material; the quantity of plastic material needed has been reduced, resulting in lighter bins. These bins are now stackable, enabling the conveyance of increased quantities transported in a single truck, and therefore a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions related to transportation. We have also worked on noise levels from the shutting of bin lids and have now significantly reduced noise pollution for residents.

3.3 Corporate Social Responsibility

Innovation and technology are the major focuses of Plastic Omnium's development, and this is achieved through the commitment and expertise of the Company's people. Our human resources policy is a key component of our growth, and thereby, our responsibility to our stakeholders. It is based on the five pillars of the PO Way – Independence, Investment, Innovation, Internationalization, Integration – which have formed the bedrock of the Group's identity since its inception and structured its operations.

The fifth pillar – Integration – marks more particularly the Group's attachment to sharing its fundamentals, beliefs and values with all employees on all continents, all the while taking specific cultural differences into account.

Several major events contribute each year to shaping a common vision, a sharing of the PO Way values, and fast and efficient learning of its processes, a binding agent for integration within the Company.

For example, the annual meeting of the Compagnie Plastic Omnium ("Top 100") managers is an annual highlight, where the Group's senior management shares the Group strategy, the medium-term vision of challenges and priorities with senior managers, and rallies employees around a shared ambition.

Each Operational Division as well as the main support functions (finance, purchasing, human resources, HSE, R&D, legal and IT) organizes a management convention during the year, focused on its specific challenges and priorities.

The Executive Committee of the Plastic Omnium Group also holds Management Meetings in the major regions where the Company operates. For example, in 2015, all the management teams of the Divisions of each of the key regions shared with the Executive Committee the specific challenges of their activity, an analysis of the competition and the priorities for the coming years. This method ensures a close relationship between the Group's senior management and operational teams. These Management Meetings systematically include visits to the main countries concerned (seven countries during the year). Management Meetings are an integral part of the Group's success. They are a proven and demanding process that requires extensive work, but also provide an opportunity for local teams and the Executive Committee to trade views on corporate culture as well as the regional economic and social context.

The Group's "World Safety Day" was held for the second year running last October and engaged more than 20,000 employees. This event underlines the high level of standards for safety results that Plastic Omnium has set for all its activities in each and every business country.

Integration and development of employee loyalty to boost growth

Workforce trend

Workforce

At the end of 2015, the Group had 20,289 employees, up 5.3% year on year (an additional 1,014 employees), a reflection of Compagnie Plastic Omnium's growth. This is expressed in a change in the scope of sites, in particular with the opening of two sites in Warrington (United Kingdom) and Fairfax (United States) representing 113 additional employees.

The increase in the number of managers (7.5%) is a key indicator testifying to increased business and the expansion of the Group's technological content worldwide. The 16.8% increase in the average number of temporary staff compared with 2014 provides additional evidence of the Group's development and dynamism and reflects the increase in its revenue.

Workforce by type of employment contract

2013 2014 2015
Permanent employment contracts 14,906 14,643 15,081
Fixed-term employment contracts 1,471 1,461 1,547
Registered employees 16,377 16,104 16,628
Temporary staff 3,032 3,171 3,661
Total employees (registered and temporary) 19,409 19,275 20,289

Registered workforce by Socio-Professional Category

2013 2014 2015
Workers 8,898 8,428 8,801
Employees – Technicians and supervisors 4,147 4,251 4,146
Managers & Engineers 3,332 3,425 3,681

Internal and international mobility

These figures reflect the need for a strong and ambitious human resource policy that can draw on modern and efficient resources to anticipate the Group's development and transformation. It must enable the Group to reinforce existing teams and promote internal mobility while aiming at expressing the Group's diversity, cohesion and agility. It must also enable the Group to attract the best talents and guide them in their career development.

Career opportunities offered to Managers & Engineers are constantly on the rise. 13.4% of Managers & Engineers underwent a career move in 2015, compared with 13% in 2014. Internal promotions thus allowed us to fill more than 70% of vacant key positions in 2015. To facilitate internal mobility, we have deployed a career management tool, OPteam, worldwide to enable each employee to indicate their desires in terms of mobility and to complete their internal résumé. It also allows them to consult internal job postings and submit an application. International mobility within Plastic Omnium is a career development lever. The Company has set itself the ambitious target whereby in 2016, 75% of senior management positions will be filled in-house. Our expatriate profile has changed and there are now more than 30% of assignment missions for which one's home country is not France.

Breakdown of workforce by region, contract and category

Permanent
employment
contract
Fixed-term
employment
contract
Total
registered
employees
Temporary
staff
Total
France 4,454 40 4,494 1,039 5,533
Western Europe excluding France 2,911 203 3,114 790 3,904
Eastern Europe 1,736 645 2,381 448 2,829
North America 2,921 534 3,455 569 4,024
South America + Africa 1,076 7 1,083 52 1,135
Asia 1,983 118 2,101 763 2,864
Total 15,081 1,547 16,628 3,661 20,289
Manufacturing
workers
Administrative staff,
technicians and supervisors
Managers Total
France 1,820 1,236 1,438 4,494
Western Europe excluding France 1,606 949 559 3,114
Eastern Europe 1,447 600 334 2,381
North America 2,218 618 619 3,455
South America + Africa 643 294 146 1,083
Asia 1,068 448 585 2,101
Total 8,801 4,146 3,681 16,628

Executive mobility rate

2015
France 11.5%
Western Europe excluding France 9%
Eastern Europe 15.5%
North America 19%
South America + Africa 23%
Asia 17%
Total 13.4%

The Group's appeal

In a dynamic business sector, attracting the best talents from all over the world, in particular engineers and future managers, and supporting them in their development, is a nonstop priority for the Group's Human Resources Division. The development of the employer brand, evolved across the social networks and particularly on LinkedIn, and on our "careers" website, is a strong and defining focal point of the Group's recruitment policy. In 2015, the "careers" website recorded more than 90,000 unique visitors, while the LinkedIn page has more than 19,000 followers. Given its growth outlook, Compagnie Plastic Omnium is planning to hire more than 2,000 managers by 2019. This is more than 500 persons per year with a special focus on electronic and R&D skills, in order to reinforce and develop the Company's innovation and technology capabilities.

Recruitment and integration

Plastic Omnium also pays special attention to the recruitment of young talent, with the objective of hiring between 25% and 30% of newly graduated managers or managers with a first experience each year. To do this, the Company has reinforced its partnerships with prestigious universities and engineering schools in Brazil, China, the United States, France, India, Mexico, Poland, Russia and Thailand. At Group level, a partnership has been set up with École Centrale, through the Raid Centrale event, which in addition to being a rigorous sports competition is also a unique opportunity to bring together students and companies in a non-professional setting. It is also the occasion to present internship offers, VIE (Volunteers for International Experience) or jobs with profiles that the Company is looking for from among the participating schools. For several years now, the Group has set up an active VIE integration program that is an excellent pool for the future recruitment of young talents.

Number of employees hired during the year

2013 2014 2015
Managers & Engineers hired 429 543 611
Non-Managers hired 2,650 2,269 2,958
Total 3,079 2,812 3,569

Number of Managers & Engineers hired during the year per region as at december 2015

Managers & Engineers
France 186
Western Europe excluding France 108
Eastern Europe 68
North America 114
South America + Africa 16
Asia 119
Total 611

After recruitment comes the integration and retention of talents. An orientation seminar enables us to welcome new Managers & Engineers recruited during the year in France and abroad and create genuine cohesion between employees by passing on the Group's values.

Skills management, a major focus of integration and retention

In 2013, Plastic Omnium introduced "My Learning Place", a comprehensive training management tool aimed at strengthening the acquisition and development of knowledge and skills, at defining individual training paths and at diversifying learning paths (e-learning, on-site training, virtual classrooms, mixed learning, etc.). In 2015, 13,286 employees were registered on the training management platform, a 39% increase over 2014. E-learning currently accounts for 10% of the training modules created. For instance, modules for Code of Conduct, Group HSE Policy and Finance for non-financial employees have been introduced since 2013. The Group's training schemes are completed with three corporate universities (one per Division). They are responsible for developing technical skills. For example, in Spain, a diploma course in plastics has been introduced. The 279-hour course which is intended for technical operators enables them to acquire a professional diploma in plastic injection mold techniques.

2013 2014 2015
Training commissions 28 32 38
Number of employees who received training 37,809 86,227* 106,405
Number of training sessions per employee per year 2.31 5.35 6.40
Total training hours 389,861 372,160 424,446
Training hours per year per employee 23.81 23.11 25.53
Total expenditure on external training bodies (in € thousands) 4,130 4,335 4,779

* As from 2014, all training hours, regardless of their duration, are now recorded in the number of trainees.

Talent loyalty development and retention

The Group has implemented new development programs in order to ensure high-quality management and to develop employee leadership skills. Managerial and leadership abilities are essential to guarantee Plastic Omnium's continued growth and profitability.

The Starter program, designed with all Group Divisions, was launched in China and North America at the end of 2014, then rolled out in Central Europe and Western Europe in 2015. This program aims to develop executive leadership skills during the early years of their career as well as to grow their understanding of Plastic Omnium's culture and history through the PO Way. About 100 participants are concerned with this program which benefits from the involvement of members of the Executive Committee. It has helped to instill greater loyalty into these young managers.

Additionally, the Human Resources Department carries out an automatic exit interview for resigning employees through a single online questionnaire deployed across all Compagnie Plastic Omnium entities. Replies are regularly analyzed to identify the main causes of departure and to implement remedial actions such as the improvement of annual appraisal reviews (APR).

Number of departures during the year

2013 2014 2015
Redundancies 384 359 338
Terminations for other reasons 694 676 565
Other departures 758 1,001 1,238
Total 1,836 2,036 2,141

Developing the loyalty of young talents requires an ability to assess them correctly in order to take the best decisions over the support they need. To enable managers to improve annual interviews and better support the Company's performance, the Group's Human Resources Office has developed and organized workshops. This initiative, which has been rolled out worldwide, involved more than 750 managers at the end of 2014 to prepare the 2015 interviews, thereby significantly helping to improve the quality of the teams' performance management. The annual appraisal review is conducted using a global process for managers, based on a form translated into eight languages that can be accessed from the Group intranet. Executive employees are assessed on their general as well as managerial skills. The Group's objective is to integrate all the general and managerial skills into its training programs. Furthermore, under the career management and detection of potential program (people review) and to optimize internal mobility, as many as 1,500 non-managerial staff were also given an annual review supported by the OPteam career management tool: the other employees were given an interview using a local process. In 2015, the Group recorded a global APR rate of 99% for managers.

Compensation

Through its Code of Conduct and membership of the UN Global Compact, Plastic Omnium has undertaken not to practice any form of discrimination whether for hiring employees or during their professional career path. Every year, comparative analyses of compensation for men and women are carried out in each different country. Gender equality agreements have been signed within the perimeter of France.

An analysis of salaries of managerial staff resulting in an action plan is also conducted each year to ensure consistency and internal equity as well as competitiveness with relation to the market. Each country defines social benefits based on local social best practices, and compliance with applicable regulations is a prerequisite. A very large majority of countries have set up collective bonus schemes, such as profit-sharing and incentives in France.

In France, at December 31, 2015, the 1,475 employee members of the Group stock ownership plan held 1,639,959 Compagnie Plastic Omnium shares purchased on the market, representing 1.1% of share capital. Employees do not hold other shares in respect of shareholding as provided for by Articles L. 225-129 and L. 225-138 of the French Commercial Code, nor in respect of Company profit-sharing.

Employee benefit expense

In thousands of euros 2013 2014 2015 Change in
2014/2015
Wages and salaries (576,133) (587,135) (628,169) 7%
Payroll taxes (165,250) (159,115) (170,757) 7%
Non-discretionary profit-sharing (10,753) (11,307) (14,008) 24%
Pension and other post-employment benefit costs (994) (1,077) (800) –26%
Share-based compensation (2,060) (2,354) (3,025) 29%
Other employee benefits expenses (23,485) (29,030) (42,216) 45%
Total employee benefit expenses excluding temporary staff costs (778,675) (790,018) (858,975) 9%
Temporary staff costs (77,453) (95,430) (119,588) 25%
Total employee benefit expenses including temporary staff (856,128) (885,448) (978,563) 11%

Safety management at the heart of our strategy

A commitment upheld by the management and managers

The safety of people at Compagnie Plastic Omnium worldwide, regardless of their activity, has always been at the heart of the Company's concerns. It constitutes a major commitment upheld by Senior management and shared by all managers and all the HSE and Human Resources teams.

The Group's Health, Safety and Environment Division manages the safety of people and property in conjunction with senior management. It ensures that all entities comply with legal requirements and makes sure that each one has adopted a continuous improvement approach relating to the management of health and safety at work to reach the objective of "zero serious accident", a goal set by the General Management with the ambition of achieving the "accident-free" workplace. To reach these objectives, serious accidents must be reported to Senior Management, supported by the software for collecting and managing non-financial information that is used by each of the Group's industrial facilities. Each entity declares every kind of event in real time (safety of people and property, health, environment). Near accidents and dangerous situations concerning Group personnel as well as temporary employees are also recorded. Every month, an analysis of serious accidents carried out by the Health, Safety and Environment Division is presented to Senior Management.

The annual "Top 100" meeting is the occasion to engage managers around the Top Safety program. On this occasion, the Chairman and CEO, Laurent Burelle, presents the Safety Awards. For each Division, a prize is given for the best safety result, another is awarded for the best improvement and there is a third prize for the largest amount of consecutive days without accidents and downtime. The last indicator has been monitored for twelve years now, and there are sites that always meet this criterion. Furthermore, during the 2014 "Top 100" meeting, the HSE Division presented seven booths that demonstrated the main risks faced by the Group's employees in order to increase the awareness of managers and provide them with the resources for prevention and action. These booths were designed as a roadshow for Group entities and the rollout of the managerial awareness campaign. By the end of 2015, nearly 1,000 managers had benefited from this campaign by HSE teams.

The Company's commitment is also reflected in the Compagnie Plastic Omnium Code of Conduct. There is a chapter dedicated to employee Health and Safety, which states that the Company undertakes to create a work environment that protects the health and safety of all. Each employee is invited to become involved in the compliance with procedures and to employ their best efforts to avoid accidents and propose all initiatives that contribute to improving safety, whether for procedures, equipment or facilities. Employees are encouraged to notify their managers or the Group's Human Resources Division in case of situations that create risks for them or for their colleagues.

The building and sharing of the safety culture within the Group is based on the five pillars of the Group's "Top Safety" program: machines and equipment, employees and managers, sites and projects, standards and management, and work conditions. This program is widely deployed in each of the Group's businesses and on all sites, in order to reinforce the collective and individual commitment required for its application. 35,415 Top Safety visits were made across all Compagnie Plastic Omnium sites (the number of visits per employee and per year increased from 1.61 in 2014 to 1.77 in 2015). All Group managers have individual safety objectives. The implementation of the Top Safety program is also based on training sessions provided in Europe, the United States, Mexico, South America and Asia. 156 managers took part in 12 sessions in 2015, which brings the total number of people trained since the launch of the Top Safety program in 2005 to 1,857. 322 technicians also attended the Top Safety Maintenance training course launched specifically for them in 2014. Moreover, awareness was raised among 1,544 people in 2015, which brings the total number of people informed by the Top Safety program since 2005 to 15,151.

Number of employees who have received Top Safety Training

Technicians

"World Safety Day", mobilization of all employees around safety

To complete the system and operationally reflect the Group's global commitment to health and safety, a first "World Safety Day" was held in October 2014. The second edition of this event took place on October 21, 2015 and was inaugurated with live link-ups between four facilities moderated by the Chairman and CEO of Compagnie Plastic Omnium and in the presence of the Executive Committee. The rest of the day, organized in the 17 languages spoken throughout the Company, enabled more than 20,000 employees in 29 countries to experience this event and trade views with the Executive Committee. The agenda included one hour of activities and work in groups around videos illustrating concrete situations. The aim was to have each employee understand the causes of accidents and know how to identify good and bad practices. Several entities took advantage of this day to develop the concept of educational booths, used to concretely explain the risks related to the Company's business. These included risks related to the "6 non-negotiables": pedestrian circulation, wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE), forklifts, suspended loads, lockout-tagout operations and working at heights.

Improvement in working conditions

Compagnie Plastic Omnium's health and safety culture is also expressed in its 79 OHSAS 18001 certified sites. This represents 85% of the scope used for the publication of the non-financial section of this document. Moreover, OHSAS 18001 certification for the Compagnie Plastic Omnium system, that centrally manages the safety of people and property obtained in December 2006, was renewed in December 2015.

Number of sites certified to OHSAS 18001 standards

2013 2014 2015
Sites certified to OHSAS 18001 standards 68 74 79

The "Alphavision" virtual reality room created in the Auto Inergy Division is an illustration of the Group's determination to optimize working conditions for its employees. It is a center for the design and modeling of workstations that contributes to improving production both in terms of workstation ergonomics as well as operator safety, all the while adopting the best possible position of tanks. Wearing a 3D helmet and sensors, an operator reproduces the movements needed to accomplish his future task. The tool generates a workstation ergonomics score, thereby helping to optimize workstation conditions.

At the same time, several preventive and remedial initiatives have been implemented to reduce employees' exposure to noise and odors. A mapping of noise exposure levels was updated in 2014 across all our sites. In the wake of this mapping, the Group carried out actions to reduce noise at source on most of its sites in order to reduce employee exposure. The identified best practices were integrated into the standards for designing new facilities. Ambient air quality studies (fumes and dust) were also conducted by specialized firms in the Compagnie Plastic Omnium's three Divisions. CMR substances (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, Reprotoxic) and SVHCs (substances of very high concern) are being replaced according to criteria that exceed current regulation.

90% of the workstations at the Auto Inergy Division were assessed based on a method for rating physical strain. Similar processes have been implemented in the other two Divisions. The Company has decided to include ergonomists in its permanent teams and conducts ad hoc studies with osteopaths.

In the first quarter of 2016, the health and safety of employees will be addressed in the in-house satisfaction survey that will be circulated on all sites. By renewing the survey conducted in 2013 that enabled the Group to roll out specific local action plans, the Group is aiming, over and above the excellent results obtained, to remain vigilant and take the measures needed to bring the Company in line with a continuous improvement approach that meets its requirements and the expectations of employees.

Fire risk management

The management of fire risk is also at the heart of Plastic Omnium's concerns with respect to the safety of people and property. The Group carried out an overhaul of its fire prevention/protection standards through new procedures available on the Compagnie Plastic Omnium intranet: "New Constructions", "Paint Lines", "Injection Presses", "Protection of IT rooms" and "Air-Conditioning". Ten sites have now been awarded the HPR (Highly Protected Risk) label by the Group's insurers. Thanks to the efforts deployed, a new site obtained this label in 2015. In terms of industrial risk management, a site must meet the most stringent criteria to obtain the HPR label. For a site, it reflects an optimal standard of protection and is an additional token of confidence.

A mature policy

As a result of the effectiveness of the Health, Safety and Environment policy, the number of work-related accidents and their severity have dropped steadily since the measures were introduced. The targets set for 2015 in terms of frequency and severity have been met, in particular the Auto Exterior Division, which recorded an excellent performance with a 23% improvement in frequency compared with 2014 (Tf2)(1), representing 24 fewer accidents.

In one year, the entire Group saw a 8% improvement in the frequency rate of workplace accidents with lost time(2) (temporary staff included), which came to 2.87 compared with 3.11 in 2014, while frequency rate for workplace accidents with and without lost time(1) (temporary staff included) was 4.80, compared with 5.52 in 2014, an improvement of 13%.

With respect to the severity rate(3) (temporary staff included), an improvement in the management of safety conditions and, in particular, the introduction of the "6 non-negotiables" helped keep the figure steady at 0.10 as in 2014.

(1) Tf2 = Number of workplace accidents with and without lost time, including temporary staff × 1,000,000 / Number of hours worked.

(2) Tf1 = Number of workplace accidents with lost time, including temporary staff × 1,000,000 / Number of hours worked.

(3) Tg = Number of days of workplace accident-related lost time x 1000/Number of hours worked.

Safety indicators (including temporary staff)

2013 2014 2015
Number of first aid cases 1,782 1,945 2,186
Number of workplace accidents without lost time 159 91 76
Number of workplace accidents with lost time 161 117 113
Number of days of workplace accident-related lost time 10,524* 3,928 3,803

* Includes 6,000 days of lost time due to a fatal accident at a Group facility in Thailand.

Accident Frequency and Severity Rates (temporary staff included)

2013 2014 2015
Tf1: Frequency rate of workplace accidents with lost time
in number of accidents per million hours worked
4.34 3.11 2.87
Tf2: Frequency rate of workplace accidents with and without lost time
in number of accidents per million hours worked
8.62 5.52 4.80
Tg: Severity rate of workplace accidents
in number of days lost per thousand hours worked
0.28* 0.10 0.10

* Includes 6,000 days of lost time due to a fatal accident at a Group facility in Thailand.

Accident Frequency and Severity Rates (excluding temporary staff)

2013 2014 2015
Tf1: Frequency rate of workplace accidents with lost time
in number of accidents per million hours worked
4.13 3.01 2.95
Tf2: Frequency rate of workplace accidents with and without lost time
in number of accidents per million hours worked
8.54 5.51 4.87
Tg: Severity rate of workplace accidents
in number of days lost per thousand hours worked
0.33* 0.12 0.11

* Includes 6,000 days of lost time due to a fatal accident at a Group facility in Thailand.

Absenteeism related to workplace accidents was also stable compared with 2014, as a result of the continued mild severity of accidents.

2013 2014 2015
Absenteeism rate due to workplace accidents 0.10% 0.10% 0.10%
Absenteeism rate due to other causes 2.78% 2.65% 2.67%
Total absenteeism rate 2.88% 2.76% 2.77%

Occupational illnesses rose compared with 2014. Each illness declared is analyzed according to the 8D method of root cause analysis (an eight-stage collaborative method that solves problems by finding the root causes). Most of these illnesses are linked to musculoskeletal disorders, which the Company aims to reduce through its policy to improve working conditions.

2013 2014 2015
Number of occupational illnesses declared 19 23 34
Number of occupational illnesses recognized 18 26 32

Health and safety over and above the workstation

In France, after a year of consultation, an agreement was signed by all the labor unions that now makes it possible for employees to obtain coverage of medical expenses. This collective Group-wide agreement which establishes a supplemental guarantee of reimbursement of medical expenses, covers 3,200 employees (7,800 persons including beneficiaries), regardless of their professional category.

Respect for people as a founding value

Diversity and the fight against discrimination

The Group's joining of the UN Global Compact has affirmed its founding value: respect for Ethics to which its senior managers are firmly attached. It has also expressed the Group's commitment not to practice any form of discrimination whether for hiring employees or during their professional career path.

Membership of the Global Compact requires compliance with international labor standards as defined by the International Labor Organization International (ILO): respect freedom of association and recognize the right to collective bargaining, contribute to the abolition of all forms of forced or compulsory labor, the effective abolition of child labor and the elimination of all discrimination in employment and trades. The Company's Code of Conduct affirms this commitment: Compagnie Plastic Omnium undertakes to maintain, worldwide, a professional environment where employees are treated with respect. It unambiguously prohibits all forms of discrimination or harassment, whether linked to gender, race, age, color, origin, religion, sexual orientation or disability.

2013 2014 2015
Number of incidents of discrimination(1) 0 0 1(2)
Number of measures taken following incidents of discrimination 0 0 0

(1) The number of incidents of discrimination is reported within the global scope via the non-financial data reporting software application.

(2) The incident of discrimination, which occurred in the United States, is being investigated by the competent authorities.

In France, the fight against discrimination has been reinforced by the signing of an agreement on gender equality that concerns 4,800 employees. Furthermore, since 2012, Plastic Omnium has been a partner of the association "Elles bougent" created to promote female engineer and technician jobs.

2013 2014 2015
Men 12,648 77.2% 12,443 77.3% 12,737 76.6%
Women 3,729 22.8% 3,661 22.7% 3,891 23.4%
2013 2014 2015
Number of women Managers & Engineers at December 31 648 19.4% 695 20.3% 758 20.6%
Number of women Managers & Engineers hired during the year 95 22.1% 114 21.0% 125 20.5%

Breakdown of employees by gender and by age range

PLASTIC OMNIUM 2015 REGISTRATION DOCUMENT 54 55

In 2015, the taking into account of disability translated to the recruitment of 26 persons with disabilities. Many French sites use the services of workshops promoting the occupational integration of people with disabilities for their outsourced work (catering, reprography, etc.). The Bort-les-Orges site (Environment Division) called upon a service provider to further the professional integration of disabled workers.

The French subsidiaries Mixt Composites Reyclables and Plastic Omnium Composites have set an example by employing 26% of employees with disabilities in France, which exceeds the legal 6% target.

2013 2014 2015
Number of disabled workers 284 310 310
Workstations adapted for disabled workers 38 33 31
Number of disabled workers recruited in the year 5 19 26

Open social dialogue

Plastic Omnium has an employee relations policy which aims to develop dialogue and cooperation in all its business countries. For this purpose, 63% of employees around the world are covered under a collective agreement and 120 agreements have been signed this year. As part of the proactive approach toward health, safety and the environment, the Group has signed 15 agreements related to health and safety at work, in addition to the 31 agreements signed in 2014. A Group-wide agreement was signed in 2015. Today, 3,200 employees in France (71% of the French workforce of permanent and fixed-term contracts), Managers & Engineers and non-Managers & Engineers, benefit from the same healthcare coverage.

With respect to dialogue with Personnel Representative Bodies (IRP), the European Consultation Committee has met once a year since 1996. This consultative committee comprises of 31 employees representing eight countries.

The number of labor unions represented within the Group is relatively stable with 31 unions.

Aside from France, the Human Resources Divisions of each country, Division are in charge of labor relations. The Corporate Human Resources Division is involved in the implementation of defining social projects. The objective is, in particular, to ensure maximum uniformity of the decisions and practices implemented on sites within one and the same country.

2013 2014 2015
Existing committees 153 154 165
Of which Works Councils 59 59 62
Other committees (training/ideas) 67 68 74
Number of trade unions represented 30 31 31
Number of Company agreements signed during the year 146 125(1) 120
Agreements on health and safety at work 18 31 15
Percentage of employees covered by a collective agreement 58% 63% 63%

(1) The number of agreements signed during the year decreased due to a clarification of the definition: when an agreement has been signed at the Economic and Social Unit level (a grouping of distinct legal entities), this agreement is recorded at that level and not at each of the sites where it is applicable.

2013 2014 2015
Total contribution to works council employee welfare programs (in € thousands) 1,517 1,439 1,456

Organization of work

Because of its manufacturing business, the organization of Compagnie Plastic Omnium's activity requires shift work and night work.

Total number of employees working in shifts

2013 2014 2015
Employees working in shifts 9,364 9,615 9,873
Of which employees working only nights 987 1,026 1,025
Of which employees working only weekends 121 63 122
Part-time employees 300 290 295

Weekly working hours and the use of overtime to cope with peaks in business activity comply with applicable legislation in each different country. Operations remained strong in 2015, as shown by overtime levels (999 after conversion into full-time equivalents) and the 16.8% increase in the average number of temporary workers compared with 2014.

Overtime

2013 2014 2015
Hours worked per week 35 to 48 hrs 35 to 48 hrs 35 to 48 hrs
Overtime (full-time equivalent) 1,168 1,027 999

3.4 Protection of the Environment

As a global leader of exterior components and modules, emission control systems and plastic fuel systems, as well as a global leader in leader waste management and containerization, Plastic Omnium designs and produces solutions to improve the environmental performance of vehicles together with solutions to optimize waste sorting and recycling. Contributing to reducing the environmental impacts of the sectors it serves lies at the heart of the Group's strategy, research and development and production facility. Environmental protection makes sense for a Company that has been conducting its business in compliance with Ethics for more than sixty years now. The reduction of the impact of its own activities on the environment is consequently a commitment that concerns all Group entities.

Environmental protection is broken down around three focal points:

  • taking on board environmental impacts at Group level;
  • the Top Planet program for responsible management of energy;
  • the management of each site's environmental footprint.

Taking on board environmental impacts at Group level

The taking into account of sustainable development issues is championed by the Senior management and adapted in each of the three Divisions worldwide and at each site, regardless of its business.

This involvement at the highest level of the Company is expressed by the implementation of defining actions for the entire Group.

The Code of Conduct, published for the first time in 2003, dedicates one chapter to the environment. It states that over and above regulatory compliance alone, Plastic Omnium wishes to develop and implement its own rules when there are no legal provisions or when its considers these provisions to be inadequate.

To do this, in 2001 Compagnie Plastic Omnium began the formalization of its environmental management. The Group's environmental management and reporting is based on the involvement of all players through the ISO 14,001 standards, with responsibilities decentralized to each unit. Only the general strategy and the consolidation of raw site data are centralized. Partners and suppliers are gradually being integrated into this comprehensive approach. The active involvement of senior management and the implementation of a safety and environmental management system since 2002 are reflected in sustained improvements of indicators, as seen once again with this year's results. Furthermore, the ISO 14001 certification program was continued in 2015, with 82 out of 93 sites currently certified, representing 88% of the scope of certification, versus 79 out of 87 sites at yearend 2014. The remaining 12% are the sites that joined the Company recently and are currently implementing their environmental management system. The scope of certification covers all production sites in which Compagnie Plastic Omnium holds at least a 50% share. Supply-in-line sequence facilities (SILS) are included in the certification of the production sites to which they belong.

Number of sites certified to OHSAS 14001 standards

2013 2014 2015
ISO 14001 certified sites 76 79 82

Since 2007, Compagnie Plastic Omnium has been pursuing a proactive policy to reduce its energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions with the launch of the Top Planet program. This program was drawn up because the Company wanted to make its contribution to preserving the planet, complying with local and international regulations on sustainable practices, and also to reduce its energy expenditure. Since then, Top Planet has emerged as a priority for the entire Group. It benefits from the commitment of the Group's senior management and aims to optimize the energy performance of all Group sites.

A dedicated operational organization

The Health, Safety and Environmental management organization launched in 2001 is supported by:

  • a Group HSE Department, which implements the HSE strategy defined by the Executive Committee and leads and coordinates action plans related to the Safety management system;
  • an HSE director for each of the three Divisions, who is in charge of a team of between two and four people;
  • an HSE network of 100 dedicated correspondents on the reporting scope.

This agile structure enables regular and effective operational stewardship:

  • the Group HSE directors and the three Division directors meet every month to analyze the indicators reported each month, the deployment of the HSE plan, the implementation of HSE awareness campaigns, the results of audits conducted for the Environmental Management System, etc.;
  • monthly reporting of the main Safety and Environmental indicators, which are discussed, along with financial indicators, at each Group Executive Committee meeting;
  • three Group HSE Committees held per year, with Executive Committee participation.

The deployment of the HSE plan introduced by the Executive Committee in 2012, which reflects Compagnie Plastic Omnium's commitment to developing its HSE strategy in all its activities worldwide (enhancing the safety of people and property and minimizing the environmental impact of its operations), increased by 4% in 2015 (77% of objectives reached in 2015 versus 74% in 2014).

A key success factor in the deployment of the HSE plan and the accounting for environmental impacts on all sites, ISO 14001 certification is based in particular on the raising of employee awareness. The 82 sites with ISO 14001 certification (88% of the reporting scope) must make sure that all employees are aware of the following:

  • the Company's environmental policy;
  • the significant environmental aspects and the real or potential environmental impacts related to their work;
  • the importance of their contribution to the effectiveness of the environmental management system, including the positive effects of the improvement of environmental performance;
  • the repercussions of non-compliance with the requirements of the environmental management system, including non-compliance with the organization's conformity obligations.

The Group also organized Safety & Environment information and awareness-raising sessions during the year under review. 80,061 hours were provided in 2015 (62,476 hours in 2014) to 54,249 participants (covering 100% of board members). 90,786 hours of HSE were provided in 2015 (96,790 hours in 2014) to 35,992 participants.

These sessions also included raising awareness to selective sorting. The Top Planet program aimed at reducing energy consumption consists of six best practices to be implemented. Four new actions will be added in the near future. These best practices are presented in the form of sheets and posters and are regularly sent to all employees.

The Top Planet program for responsible energy management

The commitments made by governments during the Climate Conference (COP21) held in Paris in December 2015 invite all companies worldwide to participate actively in the fight against climate change by reducing their direct impacts and by assisting their clients to follow suit with sustainable products and services. With its position as leader in the automotive and waste sorting and collection sectors, Plastic Omnium contributes to the reduction of the indirect impacts of its clients. The Group decided to act on its direct impacts as far back as 2007, when it fell in with the momentum of the Grenelle Environment Forum by deciding to launch the Top Planet program.

From the raising of employee awareness to the sharing and implementation of best practices, the optimization of the energy performance of all its sites has, over the years, become established as a priority for the Group. Top Planet constitutes the solid foundations of its low carbon strategy and its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas effects for each of its businesses. It enables the Group to work ahead of the Energy Transition Act (Act No. 2015-992 published in the Official Journal of August 18). To do this, the Management has defined four undertakings:

• promote the deployment of the ISO 50001 standard to ensure that sites with a developed energy management system obtain certification;

  • define annual Group targets of reduction in greenhouse gas effects (GHG) and energy use;
  • integrate the concept of energy efficiency into the purchase of services, the design of products, production facilities and infrastructure;
  • assess and control the quality of energy efficiency with the deployment of Top Planet Best Practice sheets.

The Top Planet program is sponsored by the Co-CEO and Chief Operating Officer and deployed by the Corporate HSE Division. A steering committee meets five times a year to monitor and analyze the program's deployment and results.

Promote the deployment of the ISO 50001 standard

The Group's environmental strategy projects that all sites already certified to ISO 14001 will take a step further in this direction by aiming for ISO 50001 certification. To meet regulatory requirements, European sites that are obliged to conduct an energy audit have decided to go the extra mile by setting up an energy management system and aiming for ISO 50001 certification. Accordingly, in 2015 the eight entities certified in 2014 were joined by four sites in France for the Auto Exterior Division: Amiens, Guichen, Langres and Ruitz, and three sites in Germany (Eisenach, Rottenburg and Neu-Isenburg) for the Auto Inergy Division. The certification process will continue in all Divisions in 2016. Furthermore, European sites subject to energy audit regulations have met their obligations by demonstrating good energy management, with relevant avenues of improvement that will be implemented in the very near future.

Define the annual targets for a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and energy use

The Group obligates sites that are not subject to energy audit regulations and are not sufficiently mature to deploy ISO 50001 certification to achieve annual energy efficiency targets (kWh/kg of processed material) set by each of the three Divisions. To help production sites to measure and manage their energy efficiency, the Group has decided to deploy measurement kits (INeco kit) that are used from site to site. Each kit contains 45 sensors that measure the electricity consumption of machines used over several weeks according to the products being manufactured; 10,000 items of consumption data are thus collected every day. At the end of this self-audit period, the sites analyze the data and then decide on the action plan to be implemented. It should be noted that some sites have decided to acquire this measurement kit in order to monitor the consumption of certain machines continuously and so improve their energy efficiency management.

87% of sites have implemented local improvement actions in order to reduce their energy consumption and thereby their greenhouse gas emissions. 3% of sites are now using renewable energies.

Integrate the concept of energy efficiency into the purchase of services, the design of products, production equipment and infrastructure

In 2015, the Divisions worked to define energy consumption targets per kilo of processed material with the aim of setting up Group-wide targets for 2016. They consisted of the following: 1,700 kWh of electricity per kilo of material processed and 0.500 kWh of gas per kilo of processed material. Energy efficiency criteria are therefore added to purchases with an impact on energy consumption such as production and infrastructure facilities. At the same time, as mentioned earlier, products are subjected to a life cycle analysis in order to assist clients in improving their own energy efficiency via lighter or more streamlined vehicles, for example.

Assess and control the quality of energy efficiency with the deployment of Top Planet Best Practice sheets

Energy audits and the deployment of measurement kits have enabled Compagnie Plastic Omnium to identify sources of reductions in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Best practice sheets are drawn up, updated and disseminated to all sites in order to encourage and boost the implementation of the Group's reduced consumption drive. This involves cutting off unused energy, the use of the consumption measurement kit by facilities, the installation of variable frequency drives, the setting up of an ISO 50001 energy management system, the recovery of heat from compressors and the replacement of combustion engines with electric engines.

The Top Planet Awards were created in 2008 to reward sites that have implemented the most effective reductions in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in each Division. Two maturity levels have been defined to encourage emulation among sites: the Silver and Gold Awards. 15 criteria are used on four themes: energy management (including personnel awareness raising) – change in key performance indicators (KPIs) between the present and previous year – compliance with regulations – protection of the planet and initiatives for prevention (including the use of renewable energy). In 2016, the Award attribution criteria will be reviewed to adapt to changes in sites and in their results.

In 2015, 16 sites from the Auto Inergy Division were rewarded for their 2014 results:

  • the Pfastatt, Compiègne, Rottenburg, Herentals, Stavrovo, Togliatti, Vigo Plastics and Yangzhen sites received Gold Awards;
  • the Laval, Brits, Arevalo, Tanger, Delhi, Wuhan, Gyeongju and Rayong sites received a Silver Award.

These showcased sites are the reflection of a global policy, the results of which have steadily improved since 2012.

Energy consumption

Group Electricity Consumption (MWh)

Group Gas Consumption (MWh)

Automotive Business

Automotive Electricity Consumption (MWh)

Automotive Gas Consumption (MWh)

Environmental Business

Ratio of energy consumption in kWh per kg of material processed Group

2013 2014 2015
Electricity 1.658 1.760 1.756
Gas 0.516 0.499 0.510
Total 2.174 2.259 2.266

Automotive business

Electricity/Automotive Ratio (kWh/kg proc. mat) Gas/Automotive Ratio (kWh/kg proc. mat)

Environmental business

Electricity/Environmental Ratio (kWh/kg proc. mat) Gas/Environmental Ratio (kWh/kg proc. mat)

To calculate these ratios, we took into account all the processed raw materials that go into the manufacturing of products and that require energy consumption for implementation: plastics, paint, wood and metals.

When new plants are commissioned, energy consumption begins before production starts: this has a negative impact on the ratio of energy consumption per kilo of processed material. The same applies during the launch of products that use up a lot of energy at the beginning of production to make the necessary settings. The many launches made in 2015 combined with plant openings explain the stability of ratios of energy consumption per kilo of processed material. At the same time, CO2 emissions stem mostly from electricity consumption, the emission factors of which depend on the country's energy mix. In 2015, Compagnie Plastic Omnium expanded for the most part in countries where energy policies include a low proportion of low impact energies. Emission factors and, therefore CO2, emissions were consequently more significant. This, combined with site openings and numerous launches, explains the slight increase in emissions.

Greenhouse gas emissions in metric tons of CO2 equivalent

Automotive business

Environmental business

Ratio of greenhouse gas emissions in kg of CO2 equivalent per kg of material processed

Group

2013 2014 2015
Greenhouse gas emissions
in kg of CO2 eq per kg of processed material 0.775 0.830 0.836

Automotive business

Greenhouse gases (GHG) in 2015

In metric tons of CO2 equivalent 2013 2014 2015
CO2* 348,807 367,175 384,289
N2O 0 0 0
CH4 12 16 5
HFCs 601 273 735
Total GHG (in equivalent metric tons of CO2) 349,420 367,464 385,029

* These figures correspond to CO2 emissions from energy consumed in industrial facilities.

In addition to greenhouse gas emissions related to energy consumption, some sites are likely to discharge VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) into the air. Generated primarily by the use of paints and solvents, these molecules, which are harmful for health, contribute to the formation of lower atmosphere ozone and therefore have an indirect impact on global warming. To limit these discharges, sites that use paints and solvents now have incinerators that destroy VOCs. We also use, whenever possible, water soluble paints which give off fewer VOCs.

Consumption of paint and solvents and VOC emissions

Annual consumption of raw materials (metric tons) 2013 2014 2015
Paint 5,485 5,915 6,070
Solvents 6,166 7,011 7,676
Total 11,651 12,925 13,745
VOC emissions (metric tons) 2013 2014 2015
VOCs 1,714 1,611 1,170

Management of the environmental footprint of sites

The Top Planet program is emblematic in the drive to get sites to account for their environmental footprint. In addition to the control of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, our sites are implementing actions to prevent, reduce and correct local impacts on the ground, biodiversity and water resources, in particular by way of ISO 14001 certification. Complaints from residents are also monitored and processed because they reveal potential local environmental problems or nuisances related to our activity. In 2015, as was the case in 2014, there were no complaints thanks to our sound management of sites.

The management of raw material consumption lies at the heart of the Company's business and is a key theme for the Company's development. Compagnie Plastic Omnium provides sites with resources adapted to their need to harness their environmental footprint and to prevent risks.

Environment- and safety-related spending and investments

  • Safety and Environmental spending: €14.4 million.
  • Specific Safety and Environmental spending: €11.7 million.
  • Environmental risk provision: €9.7 million.

Adaptation to the impacts of climate change

The Risk Management Department, in collaboration with the HSE Department, has mapped the Group's industrial activities in order to establish the environmental challenges facing all its sites and to assess the risks of natural disasters such as typhoons or floods, which are on the rise because of global warming.

In addition to energy consumption, managed by the Top Planet program, the use of raw materials for product manufacturing contributes to the impact of Plastic Omnium's activity on climate change. It carries out actions to take into account and reduce these effects such as the maximization of recycled materials (see the section "Consumption of materials and waste management" on page 63).

Soil use and prevention of discharges into the soil

Sites also use up a lot of floor space. Each site is therefore responsible for the area where it is located. 62% of our sites say they have put in place measures to prevent, reduce, and/or remedy air, water and ground emissions that are harmful to the environment.

Sites have set up storage areas with containment areas for liquid products that can pollute soils or water, such as paints, solvents and oils. The products used are studied in order to replace CMR (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic and Reprotoxic) and SVHC (substance of very high concern) products, which are classified for their risk to health as well as their adverse impact on the environment. Restricting their use and replacing them as far as possible and whenever possible are priority issues. To do this, the Company works closely with a chemical hazard management agency which helps the sites to manage the product database according to CMR or SVCH content. Plastic Omnium has currently chosen to go further than the regulations by deciding to replace all these classified products, even when their use is permitted. As a result, of the 3,500 and more products used by Group entities, now fewer than 50 products remain on the replacement list.

Furthermore, the Company's environmental policy requires compliance with applicable environmental regulations in each business country. It also compels sites to protect natural environments and the quality of life of residents as best as possible, with continuous improvement always an imperative. For example, an impact study is carried out before the construction or purchase of a site. A Phase 2 environmental assessment, also called a preliminary environmental characterization, makes it possible to confirm or refute the presence of contaminants in higher concentrations than the law allows. This information is essential for controlling knowledge of the environmental challenges faced by all our sites.

Preservation of biodiversity

The implementation of an environmental management system means that each ISO 14001 certified site must have identified all direct significant impacts on biodiversity.

We encourage sites to take local initiatives to protect biodiversity. In France, the construction of the α-Alphatech site may be cited as an example: 2,839 trees and shrubs of 32 different species were planted as well as nearly 9,000 strains of grass, ground cover, ferns and wetland plants. In Spain, we can cite the awareness raising campaign on the importance of waste sorting and recycling that was carried out in Marbella, in the city and with 38 schools: efficient sorting enables optimized recycling leading to a drop in the consumption of biodiversity resources and a drop in the impacts of waste in the natural environment. In Mexico, Plastic Omnium is actively involved with other manufacturers in the reforestation project for the Izta-Popo national park. The site ensures the maintenance of 5 hectares (over 12 acres) of forest, has planted 300 Hartweg's pines and takes part in the wildlife inventory of its sphere of influence.

Water resource management

Plastic Omnium also monitors the impact on water resources: it manages water consumption by ascertaining the various sources of withdrawal. None of its sites are located in areas where there is a restriction on water consumption or which were subject to restrictions or water cuts in 2015. The widespread use of closed-loop water circuits for cooling has helped to reduce the use of water and to prevent the discharge of effluents. Only the Saint-Désirat site in France is in open circuits and accounts for 43% of the Group's water consumption. To operate, it withdraws water from the Rhône River to cool facilities and then discharges it back into the river. In agreement with the local authorities, measurements and checks are made regularly, in particular to check the quality and temperature of water when it leaves the plant. The results are compliant with applicable legislation.

On the sites with activities involving paint, the Group has set up paint sludge treatment facilities to eliminate any emissions that could be harmful to water.

Water consumption* 2013 2014 2015
1,636,441
Annual consumption (in m3) 2,071,920 1,898,100 Of which 702,238 m3 at Saint-Désirat
Consumption in l/kg of processed material 4.594 4.285 3.552

* Sources of water supply: of 96% of the water consumed in 2015, 92% came from urban water and 8% from groundwater.

Consumption of materials and waste management

Plastic represents the main material used by all three Divisions. Aware of the need to control its consumption of resources, Compagnie Plastic Omnium is developing innovative technologies to reduce or even replace this component.

The Phoenix approach, conducted by the Environment Division, aims at increasing the proportion of recycled materials in the composition of wheeled bins. Regenerated materials from used products are integrated into the production of new bins, just like recycled material from household packaging. This process, which enables us to divide the carbon balance of a bin by 10, has a considerable impact since 45% of production costs are linked to the material used. With the integration of recycled materials, in 2014, the Division identified its primary source of productivity and wishes to improve this further in 2015. The Environment Division has also worked on the replacement of plastic of mineral origin by 100% vegetal polyethylene. This "green" or biosourced plastic obtained from sugarcane is used in two products: 2-wheeler and 4-wheeler bins.

With respect to the Automotive Divisions, the systematic recycling of faulty components or cuttings removed during the manufacturing of parts reduces the consumption of new feedstock and the production of waste. This internal recycling varies, depending on the parts manufactured, but can be as high as 60% of the weight of parts in the Auto Inergy Division.

Annual consumption of plastics (metric tons)

2013 2014 2015
New plastics 332,968 337,678 343,229
Recycled plastics 43,478 43,627 50,807
Biosourced plastics 467 1,623 1,036
Total plastics 376,913 382,928 395,072

The other raw materials used by the Group are wood, aluminum, and steel. They are primarily used by the Environment Division for the production of playgrounds, metal drums, buried containers and urban furniture.

Consumption of raw materials (metric tons)

2013 2014 2015
Plastics Consumption 376,913 382,928 395,072
Paints/solvent Consumption 11,651 12,925 13,745
Steel/Aluminium Consumption 62,319 47,024 51,835
Wood Consumption 93 72 52

Compagnie Plastic Omnium has harnessed its manufacturing processes and the process of integration of recycled materials, resulting in the control over generated waste.

Waste generated annually per type of waste (metric tons) 2013 2014 2015
Plastic parts 20,029 20,937 29,141
Common industrial waste 10,255 9,938 11,035
Metals 10,209 9,383 8,477
Cardboard 5,422 4,567 4,666
Wood 3,031 2,878 3,456
Plastic packaging 624 992 1,122
Glass 5 0 21
Solvents 3,126 3,764 4,036
Paint sludge 3,090 3,805 3,968
Oils 593 570 908
Other waste* 2,779 4,142 6,008
Waste generated annually per type of waste 59,162 60,978 72,837

* Other waste: washing and maintenance water, sundry special industrial waste

The increase in plastic parts waste in 2015 compared with 2014 is related to the increase in launches, which use up a lot of plastic material during the adjustment phases. However, these parts are recycled in-house, as shown in the increase in recycled waste in 2015 compared with 2014.

Waste generated annually per treatment type (metric tons) 2013 2014 2015
Recycling 40,354 41,167 50,608
Recovery 9,387 11,782 13,461
Incineration or disposal in landfills 9,421 8,029 8,768
Total waste 59,162 60,978 72,837

Waste is reprocessed using several methods. A portion is resold for recovery by participating in the manufacture of new products. Proceeds from resale reached €9,475 million in 2015. Although waste recovery is on the rise, recycling remains the most common type of treatment within the company. Thus, 88% of waste is not disposed of or incinerated without energy recovery.

In 2015, the total cost of waste retreatment was €6,035 million.

3.5 Societal Commitment

Compagnie Plastic Omnium has placed its employees as well as the environment at the heart of its concerns. A key component of a global value chain, the Company also has a responsibility toward its stakeholders, not only locally but also at the Group level. This responsibility translates to a societal commitment that includes the taking into account of the Company's territorial, economic and social impact, the desire to build constructive and responsible relationships with stakeholders, especially suppliers through a responsible purchasing policy, and lastly the placing of ethics at the heart of its modus operandi.

Territorial, economic and social impact of the Company's business on local residents and on employment and regional development

The Company has operations in 30 countries through its 120 plants and 21 R&D centers. The Company's development and the gaining of new markets have led to the creation of dynamic industrial areas where suppliers and clients all contribute to regional economic development and the creation of local jobs. This proximity-based strategy has resulted, on one hand, in the establishment of Plastic Omnium sites at the sites of its clients, in particular for the Automotive Division, and on the other hand the regular creation of new local production sites. Whenever possible, the Group endeavors to have local suppliers benefit from this economic momentum for non-centralized purchasing categories.

The deployment of a new business or the takeover of a site leads not only to the recruitment of local employees, but also to the sharing of skills through our internal mobility policy. With its skills management policy and "people review" process, Compagnie Plastic Omnium aims to develop motivating local career paths and identify local high potential executives for the region.

Parallel to the development of local jobs, the construction and management of new sites always proceed in compliance with applicable local regulations and laws. In particular, environmental impact studies are carried out upfront to ensure that the Group will avoid, reduce or offset impacts on the natural environment. The environmental strategy described in the previous chapter, and particularly the ISO 14001 certification process for all sites, whether acquired or built, attests to this determination to reduce environmental impacts. Local impacts are thus controlled and any complaints from local residents are monitored and taken into account (see page 61).

Interactions with local associations

To contribute to the local development of the regions where it operates, the Company leaves country managers the latitude to engage in sponsorship activities that respond to local issues.

In France at the end of 2015, the Company launched a partnership with the association NQT (formerly Nos Quartiers ont du Talent) to invite employees to volunteer for a skills sponsorship program to assist young people from priority neighborhoods and/or underprivileged backgrounds. In the space of one month, 10 sponsors had registered for the program.

Plastic Omnium is also a partner to the "Fondation de la 2e Chance", which aims at providing human and financial support for people in highly vulnerable and unstable situations who have demonstrated a genuine wish to bounce back and undertake a realistic and sustainable professional project: skills training, creation or takeover of a business.

In France, Compagnie Plastic Omnium also supports exhibitions. In particular in 2014, it sponsored an exhibition at the "Bibliothèque Nationale" on the history of nautical charts.

In the United States, Plastic Omnium works with the association "Focus Hope" which acts in favor of deprived people in the region by providing them with educational projects and managing a food bank. In 2015, Plastic Omnium donated over €100,000 to the NGO to help it accomplish its missions, and has pledged to give a total of €1 million over five years. Each year, the association organizes a solidarity march: in 2015, 240 employees participated and helped us to win the "Corporate Cup" awarded to the Company with the largest number of participants.

At the beginning of 2015, Plastic Omnium's Indian subsidiary went into a partnership with the "Magic Bus foundation". It donated €18,000, which enabled 1,200 young girls to benefit from actions in the field of health and education.

In Spain, the Environment Division took part in awareness raising campaigns concerning the challenges and importance of selective sorting and recycling with children from 38 schools, using an educational kit.

These actions carried out by the Company to assist local populations, in particular through educational projects, represent a part of all the actions carried out locally, at the initiative of countries, sites and employees.

Over and above local populations, Plastic Omnium maintains constructive relationships with all its stakeholders.

Stakeholder relations

As front-running stakeholders, employees are particularly involved in the life of the Company. A collaborative area (TopShare) has been successfully created to promote a high degree of responsiveness in the execution of projects together with constant and meaningful dialogue. There are many actions of internal communication and exchanges, such as the "World Safety Day", the "Top 100 Managers" convention, Management Meetings, the biannual 30-page information magazine and open days for families. Every three years, a satisfaction survey is carried out enabling employees to anonymously express their views on a large range of themes such as working conditions, safety, professional careers, management, recognition and communication. The 2013 survey, which was conducted in 26 countries and received a 91% reply rate from the employees polled (from all professional categories), resulted in the setting up of two to three actions chosen and implemented per site, monitored by the Division's Human Resources Department. In 2015, a total of over 400 actions were carried out at some 100 sites.

Plastic Omnium actively participates in R&D clusters made up of clients, suppliers, federations, certifying bodies, laboratories, and schools (see section 3.1).

The Company also takes part in the work of professional organizations such as Institut de l'Entreprise, Plate-forme de l'Automobile, MEDEF and the AFEP.

As a leader in its sector, the Company is present at many international trade shows such as the Internationale Automobil Ausstellung, the Autoshow Frankfurt or the National Shanghai Center, the world's largest exhibition center. In March 2015, during an international composite trade show organized by JEC Europe (the largest network of composites worldwide), Plastic Omnium won two JEC Europe 2015 Innovation Awards for innovative and exclusive developments in composites for the automotive industry.

In its business, the Company employs the finest specialists who assist with specific themes: Eco Mundo participates in the assessment of chemical hazards through the management of the chemical product database or the database for CMR and SVHC products (see section 3.4); a law firm studies changes in international regulations for high risk substances; insurance companies are included in the fire prevention/protection policy and award the HRP label to new sites each year. Through this collaborative work, sites audited by insurers have an above-average prevention/protection rating.

Plastic Omnium also threads a very close relationship with its suppliers in the aim of creating genuine partnerships based on the long term, dialogue and transparency. For example, in the second half of 2015 the Auto Inergy Division launched a satisfaction survey with 150 in order to identify areas of improvement and organize dedicated information days. In 2015, there were four events in Europe, North America, South America and Asia.

Over and above constructive dialogue with suppliers, Compagnie Plastic Omnium is keen to put in place an advanced responsible purchasing approach built around ethical, social and environmental criteria.

Responsible purchasing approach

Purchases are made primarily from suppliers listed at Group level for business-related components. This listing is based on economic and technical criteria as well as social and environmental factors.

The terms of purchase drawn up by the Plastic Omnium Divisions are an entry point in supplier relationships and comprise clauses related to the supplier's societal responsibility. The Company asks its suppliers to endeavor to comply with international texts that govern labor law such as the ILO conventions pertaining to refusal of forced labor, child labor, concealed work discrimination and respect for human rights. Compagnie Plastic Omnium also includes in its terms of purchase criteria relating to environmental protection (via the setting up of the environmental management system and compliance with ISO 14001) and the health and safety of employees (via compliance with OHSAS 18001). Of its suppliers, 638 have provided proof of their management of environmental impacts through ISO 14001 certification.

The suppliers concerned also undertake to respect the European REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and restriction of CHemicals) regulations and not to use CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic) substances in their products.

Through its purchasing terms, Compagnie Plastic Omnium reserves the right to conduct supplier audits on social and environmental themes. New suppliers are audited when first listed. Follow-up audits can then be conducted to ensure that a continuous improvement process has been established.

In 2015, over 128 audits were carried out, completing the 138 already conducted in 2014. 176 safety-specific audits were also carried out. This was 5% more than in 2014 (167).

Ethics, the foundation of stakeholder relations

In 2003, the Plastic Omnium Group decided to formalize its ethics commitments through a Code of Conduct. This is a key element of corporate culture, which is distributed to all new managers. It governs the conduct of each employee within the Company and toward Company stakeholders. It is the responsibility of each manager to ensure that all employees have access to, understand and apply the guidelines set out in the code. To reach this objective, the Code of Conduct is available in seven languages on the intranet and training sessions are provided, specifically through an e-learning module. In 2015, this course was followed by 1,249 employees. The Internal Audit Department verifies, through site audits, that the Code of Conduct has been given to employees and that employees know and understand it. In 2015, over 37 sites were audited, completing the 36 sites audited in 2014. On average, sites are audited every three years.

Through this Code of Conduct, the Company affirms its commitment to comply with 13 undertakings including the fight against corruption, management of conflicts of interest as well as respect for safety and the environment.

A principle of the United Nations Global Compact of which Compagnie Plastic Omnium is a member, the fight against corruption includes the refusal to receive or give gifts likely to influence business relations, in particular in relations with government authorities, and to propose employment or a financial benefit. This undertaking is implemented through anti-corruption clauses included in the terms of purchase.

The Code of Conduct was rounded off in 2010 by a "competition" Code of Conduct distributed to the employees concerned such as buyers and sales personnel. This code, translated into 13 languages, is also the subject of instructor-led training and e-learning courses, which were followed by 323 employees in 2015.

3.6 Methodology

Compagnie Plastic Omnium, which is listed on NYSE Euronext Paris, is a company with industrial operations and employees.

The CSR indicators are collected separately by the HSE and Human Resources Departments from all sites included in the reporting scope, and are subject to consistency checks during the central data consolidation.

The Plastic Omnium Group's social, environmental and societal reporting approach is based on:

  • the regulatory provisions related to Article R. 225-105-1 of the French Commercial Code;
  • the 10 principles of the UN Global Compact;
  • the HSE policy integrated into the Company's strategy and management.

Scope of the report

The reporting scope aims to represent all the businesses of Compagnie Plastic Omnium. For the 2015 fiscal year therefore, social, environmental and societal reporting covered the entire 2015 consolidated revenue of Compagnie Plastic Omnium.

Only one point of service of the Environment Division is included, as the environmental impact of the other points of service is not considered to be material. The water and energy consumption of the Supplyin-line sequence facilities (SILS) managed by the Auto Exterior Division and the Auto Inergy Division are also taken into account, together with their CO2 emissions.

The Group has 16 environmentally-regulated facilities (ICPE) subject to authorization. These facilities are integrated into the Group's HSE scope with the exception of one site of the Auto Exterior Division (Plastic Omnium Recycling) which is outside the IFRS scope.

  • 1.1 The workforce by type of contract and temporary employees at December 31 includes all the legal entities in the management account scope of consolidation from the time they are consolidated.
  • 1.2 Likewise, registered employees are divided up by men/women, by operators/employees/managers, as well as by age group, and temporary employees are included in all of the legal entities in the scope of consolidation.

Changes in scope of consolidation:

Site acquisitions and creations are included in the scope of HSE data as from the date of start of operations. The Auto Exterior Chattanooga, Auto Inergy Saint Petersbourg, Auto Inergy α-Alphatech, Auto Inergy Fairfax, and Auto Inergy Ningbo sites were therefore consolidated.

For social reporting, the sites are integrated into the reporting scope as from the first recruitment. In 2015, the sites concerned were Auto Exterior Warrington and Auto Inergy Fairfax.

Sites disposed of during the year were not included in the scope.

Indicator calculation methods

Indicators are approved on December 31 2015, except for the following indicators:

  • 2.1 The indicators approved on November 30 2015 and extrapolated to December 31 based on the ratio of employees at December/ employees at November: gender breakdown, breakdown by operators/employees/managers, employees working in shifts or parttime, number of women managers.
  • 2.2 The indicators approved on November 30 2015 and extrapolated to December 31 based on the 12/11 ratio: internal and external training hours, invoices from training organizations, number of interns, number of employees trained since January 1, all environmental data (except for the number of ISO 14001-certified sites, approved on December 31).

  • 2.3 The indicators approved on November 30 2015 and considered as valid for the entire year: hours worked per week, percentage of employees covered under a collective agreement, number of disabled workers, workstations adapted for disabled workers, expenses and investments related to the environment and safety.

  • 2.4 The indicators approved on October 31 2015 and considered as valid for the entire year: number of discrimination incidents, number of measures taken following incidents of discrimination, committees, other commissions, number of labor unions represented, agreements on health and safety at work.

All the indicators for 2013 and 2014 where recalculated on the IFRS scope to enable comparability with 2015 data, calculated over the same scope.

External procedures and controls

A specific reporting protocol for the HSE and Human Resources Departments was developed and provides information about the collection and validation procedure as well as definitions for the indicators identified, in a single document. This protocol is sent to all contributors and validators of non-financial data. The data is collected into a non-financial reporting software application, Enablon.

The CSR procedure and the consolidated results of the CSR data are reviewed by senior management.

For 2015, the non-financial indicator reporting procedures were checked externally by an independent third party, Mazars. In this context, audits were held based on a selection of social, environmental and societal indicators on 10 sites representative of Plastic Omnium's activities in order to validate the quality and overall credibility of the reporting system:

Sites audited in 2015 (AI: Auto Inergy, AE: Auto Exterior):

  • Poland: AE Gliwice, AE Tulipan, AI Lublin;
  • Slovakia: AE Lozorno plant + Technical Centre, AI Lozorno;
  • Germany: AI Rottenburg;
  • United Kingdom: AE Measham plant + Technical Centre;
  • United States: AI Adrian, AE Anderson;
  • France: AE Saint-Désirat

The nature of the audits and the related conclusions are presented in a specific certification at the end of this chapter.

The glossary of indicators may be obtained upon request from the Group Human Resources and HSE divisions.

3.7 Cross-reference Table

Categories
of Article 225
(Grenelle Act)
Information Pages Correspondence
between
Article 225
and GRI G4
Correspondence
with the UN
Global Compact
General reporting principles
Comparability The information published is presented so as to enable
a comparison of data (Law of July 7, 2010). The report from the
Board of Directors or the Management Board presents the data
observed during the year under review, and if necessary the
previous year, to enable data comparison (decree of April 24, 2012)
66, 67 G4-22 ; G4-23
Comply or
explain
The report presents, among the information listed
by the implementation decree, which disclosures cannot be
produced or do not appear to be relevant, given the nature
of the Company's activities or organization, and provides all the
explanations stating why this is so (Decree of April 24, 2012).
68, 69, 70
Voluntary
compliance with
a standard
Where a company complies voluntarily with a national
or international social or environmental standard, the report may
mention this by giving the recommendations of this standard
that were chosen and how this standard may be consulted
(decree of April 24, 2012)
44 G4-15
Disclosure
scope
When a company draws up the consolidated financial statements,
the information provided is consolidated and concerns
the Company itself together with all its subsidiaries
or the companies that it controls (Act of July 12, 2010)
66, 67 G4-17 ; G4-18
Verification by an
independent
third party
The social and environmental information presented or that must
be presented under legal and regulatory obligations is verified
by an independent third party […]. This verification is confirmed
by an opinion submitted to the shareholders' meeting at the same
time as the report from the Board of Directors or Management
Board (Act of July 12, 2010).
The independent third party is appointed for a term that may not
exceed six years. It is subject to incompatibilities provided for under
Article L. 882-11 of the French Commercial Code (Auditors may not
provide consultancy services to the companies whose accounts
they certify, or their subsidiaries) (Decree of April 24, 2012)
72 G4-33
Categories
of Article 225
(Grenelle Act)
Information Pages Correspondence
between
Article 225
and GRI G4
Correspondence
with the UN
Global Compact
I. Social information
I. a) Employment Total workforce and breakdown of the workforce by gender, age
and region
48, 49, 55 G4-9; G4-10;
LA1 partially, LA12
New hires and terminations 50, 51 EC6; LA1
Compensation and changes in compensation 51 G4-51 partially;
G4-52; LA2
I. b) Organization Organization of working hours 56 G4-10
of working hours Absenteeism 54 LA6
I. c) Labor
relations
Organization of industrial dialogue, procedures for informing
and consulting employees and negotiating with them
56 3. Companies are
invited to uphold
Review of collective agreements 56 G4-11 freedom of
association and to
recognize the right
to collective
bargaining
I. d) Health Conditions of occupational health and safety 52 to 54
and safety Review of agreements signed with labor union organizations
or employee representatives regarding occupational health
and safety
56
Occupational accidents, in particular their frequency and severity,
as well as occupational illnesses
54 LA6; LA7
I. e) Training Training policies 50, 51 LA10; LA11
Total number of training hours 50, 66 LA9; HR2
I. f) Equal
treatment
Measures taken in favor of gender equality 51, 55 LA12 (see also
Section 2.1.1
Composition and
independence of
the Board of
Directors)
2. Companies are
asked to ensure
that their own
entities do not
become party to
violations of human
Measures taken to promote the employment and inclusion
of persons with disabilities
55, 56 LA12 rights
4. Elimination of all
Anti-Discrimination Policy 51, 55, 65 LA12; HR3 forms of forced
or compulsory labor
I. g) Promotion
and enforcement
• to the upholding of freedom of association and the right
to collective bargaining
55, 56 HR4 partially 5. The effective
abolition of child
of the provisions
of the core
• to the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment
and occupation
51, 56 HR3 labor
6. Elimination
conventions of
the International
• to the elimination of forced or compulsory labor 55, 65 HR6 partially of discrimination
in respect of
Labour
Organization (ILO)
relating
• to the effective abolition of child labor 55, 65 HR5 partially employment
and occupation
Categories
of Article 225
(Grenelle Act)
Information Pages Correspondence
between
Article 225
and GRI G4
Correspondence
with the UN
Global Compact
II. Environmental information
II. a) General
environmental
policy
Organization by the Company to take environmental issues
into account and, where appropriate, take into consideration
assessment or certification processes concerning the
environment
44,
57 to 59
G4-1 partially;
G4-44
7. Companies are
invited to apply
a precautionary
approach to
Training and information of employees conducted on the subject
of environmental protection
58 G4-43 partially environmental issues
8. To take initiatives
Resources devoted to the prevention of environmental risks
and pollution
61 & 62 EN31 partially that will promote
greater environmental
responsibility
Amount of provisions and guarantees for environmental risks,
provided that such information is not likely to cause serious
damage to the Company in an ongoing dispute
62 EN29; EN34
II. b) Pollution
and waste
Measures for the prevention, reduction or compensation for air,
water and soil emissions seriously affecting the environment
47, 58, 61
& 62
EN10 partially;
EN20; EN21; EN27
7. Companies are
invited to apply
management Measures for prevention, recycling and disposal of waste 63 & 64 EN23; EN25 a precautionary
Accounting for noise pollution and other forms of pollution arising
from a specific activity
47, 53, 61
& 62
EN27 approach to
environmental issues
9. To favor the
development and
dissemination of
environmentally
friendly technologies
II. c) Sustainable
use of resources
Water consumption and water supply according to local
constraints
62 EN8 7. Companies are
invited to apply
Consumption of raw materials and measures to improve
efficiency in their use
61,
63 & 64
EN1; EN2 a precautionary
approach to
Energy consumption, measures to improve energy efficiency
and use of renewable energy
58 to 60 EN3; EN5; EN6 environmental issues.
9. To favor the
development and
Land use 62 dissemination of
environmentally
friendly technologies
II. d) Climate
change
Greenhouse gas emissions 61 EN15; EN16;
EN18; EN19
Adaptation to the impacts of climate change 62
II. e) Protection
of biodiversity
Measures taken to preserve or develop biodiversity 62 EN13 partially
Categories of Article 225
(Grenelle Act)
Information Pages Correspondence
between
Article 225
and GRI G4
Correspondence with
the UN Global Compact
III. Information relating to societal commitments to sustainable development
III. a) Regional, economic
and social impact of the
With respect to employment
and regional development
64 & 65
Company's activity On local or neighboring populations 64 & 65
III. b) 1 Relationships
with persons or organizations
Conditions for dialogue with these
people or organizations
65 G4-24; G4-26;
G4-27
with an interest in the Plastic
Omnium Group's businesses,
in particular vocational
integration associations,
educational institutions,
environmental protection
associations, consumer
associations and local
residents
Partnership or sponsorship actions 64 & 65
III. c) Outsourcing
and suppliers
Taking social and environmental
challenges into account in the
purchasing policy
65 EN33; LA15;
HR11; SO10
1. Companies are invited to
promote and protect international
law relating to human rights within
Importance of outsourcing and taking
the social and environmental
responsibility of suppliers and
subcontractors into account
65 EN32; LA14;
HR10; SO9
their sphere of influence
2. They must ensure that their
own entities do not become party
to infringements of human rights
III. d) Fair practices Measures taken in favor of consumer
health and safety
47
Actions undertaken to prevent
corruption
66 G4-56; G4-58;
SO3; SO4; SO5
1. Companies are invited to
promote and protect international
III. e) Other actions carried out
in favor of human rights
54 to 56,
65 & 66
G4-56; G4-57;
HR2; HR9
law relating to human rights within
their sphere of influence
2. They must ensure that their
own entities do not become party
to infringements of human rights
4. Elimination of all forms of
forced or compulsory labor
5. The effective abolition of child
labor
10. Companies are invited to act
against corruption in all its forms,
including extortion and bribery

3.8 Independent Third-Party Report on the Consolidated Social, Environmental and Societal Information Published in the Management Report

Financial year ended December 31, 2015

To the Shareholders,

As the independent third-party (members of the Mazars' network), Statutory Auditors of Plastic Omnium, whose accreditation was accepted by Cofrac under number 3-1058(1), we hereby present our report on the consolidated social, environmental and societal information provided in the management report prepared for the year ended December 31, 2015, (hereinafter referred to as the "CSR information"), pursuant to article L. 225-102-1 of the French Commercial Code (Code de commerce).

Responsibility of the Company

The Board of Directors is responsible for preparing a management report including the CSR information required under article R. 225-105-1 of the French Commercial Code, in accordance with the CSR reporting protocol used by the Company (hereinafter the "Reporting Criteria"), a summary of which is given in the management report and is available on request from the Company's head office.

Independence and quality control

Our independence is defined by regulatory texts, the profession's Code of Ethics and by the provisions of article L. 822-11 of the French Commercial Code. Furthermore, we have set up a quality control system that includes documented policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with deontological rules, professional standards and applicable legal texts and regulations.

Responsibility of the independent third-party

Based on our work, our role is to:

  • attest that the required CSR information is disclosed in the management report or that an explanation has been provided, if any information has been omitted, in accordance with the third paragraph of article R. 225-105 of the French Commercial Code (Attestation of completeness of the CSR information);
  • provide limited assurance that, on the whole, the CSR information is fairly presented, in all material respects, in accordance with the adopted Reporting Criteria (Fairness report regarding CSR information).

Our work was carried out by a team of six people during a nine-week period between October 2015 and February 2016.

We conducted the work described below in accordance with the professional standards applicable in France and the legal order dated May 13, 2013 determining the methodology according to which the independent third-party body conducts its mission and, on the reasoned opinion, in accordance with ISAE 3000(2).

I – Attestation of completeness of the CSR Information

We got acquainted with the direction that the Group is taking, in terms of sustainability, with regard to the social and environmental consequences of the Company's business and its societal commitments and, where appropriate, the actions or programs that stemmed from it.

We compared the CSR Information presented in the management report to the list set forth in article R. 225-105-1 of the French Commercial Code.

In the event of omission of some consolidated information, we checked that explanations were provided in accordance with the third paragraph of the article R. 225-105 of the French Commercial Code.

We checked that the CSR information covers the consolidated scope, which includes the Company and its subsidiaries within the meaning of article L. 233-1 of the French Commercial Code and the companies that it controls within the meaning of article L. 233-3 of the French Commercial Code, subject to the limits set forth in the methodological Note presented in the Registration Document (Chapter 3 "Sustainable Development"), which includes the management report.

Based on our work, and taking into account the limitations mentioned above, we attest that the required CSR information has been disclosed in the management report.

(1) The scope of which is available on the website www.cofrac.fr.

(2) ISAE 3000 – Assurance engagements other than audits or reviews of historical information.

II – Fairness report with respect to CSR Information

Nature and scope of procedures

We conducted 20 or so interviews with those responsible for the preparation of CSR information from the departments in charge of the processed of gathering information and, where appropriate, those responsible for internal control and risk management to:

  • assess the appropriateness of the Reporting Criteria in terms of relevance, completeness, neutrality, clarity and reliability, by taking into consideration, when relevant, the sector's best practices;
  • verify the set-up within the Group of a process to collect, compile, process and check the CSR information with regard to its completeness and consistency. We familiarized ourselves with the internal control and risk management procedures relating to the compilation of the CSR information.

We determined the nature and extent of tests and controls depending on the nature and importance of CSR information in relation to the characteristics of the Company, the social and environmental issues of its operations, its strategic priorities in relation to sustainable development, and the industry best practices.

Concerning the CSR information that we considered to be most significant(3):

  • at Group level (Human Resources Development and HSE Departments), we consulted source documents and conducted interviews to corroborate the qualitative information (organization, policies, actions); we used analytical procedures and sampling techniques for the quantitative information and verified the calculations and consolidation of the information, as well as its consistency and correspondence with the other information contained in the management report;
  • at the level of a representative sample of sites and departments selected(4) based on their activity, their contribution to consolidated indicators, their location and a risk analysis, we conducted interviews to verify the proper application of procedures and conducted substantive tests, using sampling techniques, to verify the calculations performed and reconcile the data with the supporting documentation.

The selected sites contribution to Group data equals to 24% of headcount and between 15% to 55% of the quantitative environmental information tested.

Regarding the other CSR consolidated information, we assessed its fairness and consistency based on our knowledge of the Group.

Finally, we assessed the relevance of the explanations relating to, where necessary, the omission of certain information.

We deem that the sampling methods and sample sizes we have learned by exercising our professional judgment allow us to formulate a conclusion providing limited assurance; a higher level of assurance would have required more extensive work. Because of the use of sampling techniques, and because of other limits inherent to any information and internal control systems, the risk of not detecting a material misstatement in the CSR information cannot be completely eliminated.

Conclusion

Based on our work, we did not identify any material misstatements that would lead us to believe that the CSR information, taken as a whole, has not been fairly presented, in all material respects, in accordance with the Reporting Criteria.

Done in Paris-la Défense, on February 24, 2016 The Independent third-party,

MAZARS

Jean-Luc Barlet Emmanuelle Rigaudias Partner CSR & Sustainable Development Partner

(3) Social information: Workforce by type of employment contract, status, gender, age and region, training hours, absenteeism rate, workplace accident frequency rate with and without lost time, number of employees who have received Top Safety Training.

Environmental information: electricity consumption, gas consumption, water consumption, recycled and recovered waste, greenhouse gases (GHG).

Societal information: number of supplier CSR audits, number of people trained in the Code of Conduct.

(4) For all selected social and environmental data cited above: AE Gliwice AE Tulipan, AI Lublin, AE Lozorno, AI Lozorno, AI Rottenburg, AE Measham.

For the societal information: centrally from the AI and AE Human Resources and Supplier Quality Departments.

In addition, for information on electricity consumption, gas consumption, recycled and recovered waste, greenhouse gases (GHG): AI Adrian.

In addition, for social information: AE Anderson.

In addition, for information on the workforce (by type of employment contract, status, gender, age and region), training hours, absenteeism rate (by reason), water consumption and electricity consumption: AE Saint-Désirat.

04

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL POSITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

4.1 Significant events in 2015

Record financial results

The year of 2015 was a record year. All of the Group's financial aggregates posted double-digit growth to reach historical highs. Revenue, operating margin and net income have all nearly doubled in the space of five years.

The year also saw strong sales growth as was evidenced by the unprecedented number of orders placed with Compagnie Plastic Omnium, thus cementing its business leadership, validating its technologies and giving the Group a clear view of future growth.

A reinforced industrial presence in dynamic markets

The Plastic Omnium Group is committed to supporting carmakers worldwide and to developing its industrial capacity in high-growth regions for auto production. It continues to strengthen its footprint in these regions.

In China, four new plants became operational in 2015: the Wuhan Jiangxia, Hangzhou and Changsha sites for exterior body parts and the Beijing plant for front-end modules. In 2015, the Group had 25 plants in China, the leading automotive manufacturer worldwide.

In South Korea, the Pyeongtaek plant began the production of frontend modules for SsangYong. This brings the number of plants in South Korea to six (five for front-end modules and one for the Auto Inergy Division).

In Germany, the Regensburg plant began the production of front-end modules for BMW. This brings the number of Automotive plants in Germany to six (four for front-end modules and two for the Auto Inergy Division).

In the United States, two new plants became operational in 2015: the Chattanooga plant for exterior body parts for Volkswagen and the Fairfax plant for fuel systems for General Motors. This brings the number of plants in the United States to eight (four for the Auto Exterior Division and four for the Auto Inergy Division).

In Russia, the Saint Petersburg plant began the production of fuel systems for Nissan, Ford and Toyota. This brings the number of plants in Russia to three.

Three new plants will become operational in 2016: two in Mexico (one for the Auto Inergy Division and one for front-end modules) and one in the United Kingdom for the Auto Exterior Division.

Continuing investment in R&D

With capital expenditure in high-growth regions, innovation is the Group's other driver of growth. Compagnie Plastic Omnium is continuing to pour significant resources into Research & Development.

Technological innovations contribute greatly to the Group's growth: they are supported by legislation which is becoming increasingly stringent worldwide in terms of polluting emissions (CO2 and nitrogen oxide/NOx). Plastic Omnium is developing solutions to reduce these emissions through two main levers: making vehicles lighter and more aerodynamic, and emission control systems.

With regard to making vehicles lighter, in 2015 Compagnie Plastic Omnium won contracts for 10 different tailgate and spoiler programs for 6 carmakers.

Emissions control systems are based on the SCR system, which enables diesel vehicles to eliminate 95% of their NOx emissions and up to 8% of their CO2 emissions. The Auto Inergy Division secured orders for this system in 2015 from six new customers (American, European and Japanese), bringing the total number of customers having opted for Plastic Omnium technology to 13.

Confirmation of the success of the SCR offer

The SCR (selective catalytic reduction) system for pollution reduction in diesel engines, patented by Plastic Omnium, is based on the injection of an aqueous solution of urea in the exhaust and reduces emissions of nitrogen oxides from diesel engines by up to 95%.

Plastic Omnium today ranks as one of the leaders in SCR, a market that is growing strongly due to the tightening of environmental standards for NOx reduction (Euro 6 applicable in Europe since September 2014 and Tier 2 Bin 5 applicable in North America since 2007/2009). For this equipment, Plastic Omnium provides the urea tank and the pump which feeds urea into the the injector that reduces NOx and meets the environmental standards in force in each country.

Today, this system has been adopted by 13 automakers including Audi, Fiat/Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Nissan, Porsche and Toyota.

Plastic Omnium's production volumes, which rose to 600,000 units in 2015, should grow to 2.7 million systems in 2019, for a global market share of 33%.

Strategic development of Plastic Omnium in Automobile External Systems

On December 14, 2015 Compagnie Plastic Omnium signed an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the Faurecia group to acquire its External Systems business (bumper and front end modules) for a enterprise value of €665 million.

In 2014, Faurecia's External Systems business produced sales of €2 billion (¾ of which for production of bumpers and ¼ for front end modules) for an operating margin of EUR 69 million. It employs 7,700 persons in 22 industrial sites in Germany, France, Spain, Slovakia and North and South America. Half of the revenue comes from Germany where Plastic Omnium has no production site for this activity.

With this French global business, Plastic Omnium is giving rise to a global player with revenue of over €8 billion, among the leading 25 global automotive suppliers in a tried-and-tested approach of financial and industrial independence.

By its size, it significantly strengthens the offer and technological potential of Plastic Omnium faced with the environmental challenges of relief and reduction of emissions from motor vehicles. The Group's R&D budget will be increased by 100 million annually from about €300 million to about €400 million.

The transaction has to be submitted to the relevant competition authorities and to procedures in connection with staff representation bodies in the countries concerned. It could be finalized during 2016. The objective will be to double the profitability of this activity in three years.

This operation will be financed from the undertaking's own resources (cash and use of existing credit lines).

4.2 Comments on the Consolidated Financial Statements

4.2.1 Comments on the consolidated financial statements

In 2015, Compagnie Plastic Omnium's revenue was €5,983 million, up by 13.9% from 2014 (up by 6.6% at constant scope and exchange rates) on the back of a strong second half of the year (up by 10.4% at constant scope and exchange rate from the second half of 2014).

The over €700 million increase in revenue was driven in equal parts by Europe (around €300 million) and North America (around €300 million), while Asia for the first time crossed the €1 billion revenue threshold.

There was a positive currency effect of €405 million. There was a

Share buy-back

In 2015, Compagnie Plastic Omnium repurchased 800,000 of its own shares (0.52% of share capital) for €20.3 million at an average price of €25.34 per share. At December 31, 2015, it held 3.6% of its own shares.

positive consolidation scope effect of €21 million following the dispo
sal of the Group's 50% stake in Signal AG's Environment Division.
In €m, by business segment 2014 2015 % change At constant scope and
exchange rates
Automotive 4,840 5,597 +15.6% +7.3%
Environment 410 386 –6.0% –1.6%
Revenue(1) 5,251 5,982 +13.9% +6.6%
Consolidated revenue(2) 4,437 5,010 +12.9% +5.0%
In €m and as a % of revenue, by region 2014 2015 % change At constant scope and
exchange rates
Europe/Africa 2,836 3,136 +10.6% +10.2%
54% 52%
North America 1,401 1,683 +20.2% +1.3%
27% 28%
South America 179 162 –9.3% –2.8%
3% 3%
Asia 835 1,001 +19.9% +5.6%
16% 17%
Revenue(1) 5,251 5,982 +13.9% +6.6%
100% 100%
Consolidated revenue(2) 4,437 5,010 +12.9% +5.0%

(1) Economic sales correspond to the consolidated sales of the Group and its joint ventures up to their percentage stake. BPO, HBPO and YFPO for Plastic Omnium Automotive. The figure reflects the operational and managerial realities of the Group.

(2) In accordance with IFRS 10-11-12, consolidated sales do not include the share of the joint ventures, consolidated under the equity method.

Revenue for Plastic Omnium Automotive was up by 15.6% to €5,597 million (an increase of 7.3% at constant exchange rates). With global automotive production up by 1.5%, the Group outperformed the market by nearly 6% with a particularly strong performance in the second half of the year.

This strong growth was the result of investment in new plants in the most dynamic regions and innovation through products such as SCR systems for reducing diesel vehicle emissions and lighter tailgates:

  • Europe grew by 12.4% at constant exchange rates and benefited from the 51 new programs launched in 2015. Business was particularly good in France (Renault Espace), the United Kingdom (Jaguar XJ and XE) and Germany (SCR Audi);
  • Asia grew by 5.4% at constant exchange rates driven by China, South Korea, Japan and India. Automotive revenue in China amounted to €491 million in 2015, or 8% of the Group's total revenue;
  • North America grew by 1.2% at constant exchange rates in the year and by 9% at constant exchange rates in the second half of the year, confirming it as the main growth region for the Group going forward. The region benefited from the coming into operation of two new plants for Volkswagen and General Motors in the United States in the second half of the year. Three additional plants will be built in Mexico by 2017.

Volkswagen remains the Group's leading customer with 17% of Automotive revenue ahead of General Motors with 16% and PSA Peugeot Citroën with 12%.

In 2015, German carmakers remained the top contributors to Automotive revenue with 31% of the business (similar to 2014) ahead of American auto-makers with 28% (versus 27% in 2014), Asian manufacturers with 20% (versus 19% in 2014) and French manufacturers with 19% (versus 20% in 2014).

Revenue for Plastic Omnium Environment was down by 1.6% to €386 million at constant scope and exchange rates due to budget restrictions on the part of French local authorities.

Consolidated gross profit was €837 million, versus €732 million in 2014. It represented 16.7% of consolidated revenue, up from 16.5% in 2014.

Gross Research & Development spend was up 15% to €295 million versus €257 million in 2014. Net R&D spend, after deduction of capitalized development costs and amounts re-invoiced to customers, was €108 million (2.2% of consolidated revenue), versus €104 million (2.3% of consolidated revenue) in 2014.

Selling costs were €62 million (1.2% of consolidated revenue) versus €57 million (1.3% of consolidated revenue) in 2014.

Administrative expenses rose from €199 million in 2014 to €213 million in 2015 (from 4.5% of consolidated revenue in 2014 to 4.3% in 2015).

Amortization of intangible assets acquired in business combinations amounted to an expense of €19 million in 2015, versus €18 million in 2014.

The share of profit/(loss) of associates and joint ventures amounted to €35 million in 2015, versus €39 million in 2014.

Operating margin after amortization of intangible assets acquired in business combinations and after share of profit of associates and joint ventures was up by 19.6% to €470 million. It represented a record 9.4% of revenue.

Operating income for the Automotive Division amounted to €447 million in 2015 (9.7% of revenue), versus €364 million in 2014 (9% of revenue). The Automotive Division benefited from a high utilization rate of its production capacity worldwide. The improved operating income was also supported by the operational excellence of the 132 new programs launched during the year together with strict cost control.

Operating income for the Environment Division amounted to €23 million in 2015 (6% of revenue, versus 7.3% in 2014) helped by an efficient industrial network and streamlined structures.

Consolidated revenue 2014 2015
and operating margin by business
Aggregates expressed in € millions
Revenue Operating
margin
% Revenue Operating
margin
%
Plastic Omnium Automotive 4,048 364 9.0% 4,624 447 9.7%
Plastic Omnium Environment 389 28 7.3% 386 23 6.0%
Total 4,437 393 8.8% 5,010 470 9.4%

Other operating income and expense resulted in a net expense of €75 million in 2015 versus net income of €35 million in 2014. In 2015, Plastic Omnium intensified its efforts focusing on industrial efficiency and organization.

Net finance costs amounted to €56 million, versus €64 million in 2014. These costs account for 1.2% of revenue.

In 2015, the Group recorded income tax expense of €75 million, versus €64 million in 2014, an effective tax rate of 24.8%, (25.2% in 2014).

Net profit, Group share rose by 15% to €258 million, versus €225 million in 2014. It accounted for 5.2% of revenue.

Earnings per share amounted to €1.75, versus €1.52 in 2014 (+15.1%).

Cash flow and capital

Group EBITDA was up by 13.4% to €691 million (13.8% of revenue) and cash flow from operations was up by 9.2% to €606 million (12.1% of revenue) in 2015.

The year 2015 saw substantial investments amounting to €323 million (6.4% of consolidated revenue), versus €326 million in 2014 (the 2014 figure includes the Lyon Gerland rental investment of €47 million, versus €7 million in 2015). Nine new plants came into operation in the year (four in China, two in the USA, one in Germany, one in South Korea and one in Russia) and 132 automotive programs were launched.

Free cash flow amounted to €202 million, up strongly from the €83 million figure for 2014. It significantly reduced debt to €268 million (versus €390 million as at end-2014) after €75 million in dividends and share buy-backs.

Group net debt/equity was 21% and net debt/EBITDA was 0.4 (versus 36% and 0.6 respectively in 2014).

4.2.2 Investments in 2014–2018

The €1.7 billion five-year investment program announced in December 2014 is intended to strengthen the Group's presence in high-growth regions and to speed up innovation with new product lines. It will be carried out as follows:

  • €900 million invested into 20 new plants of which 12 in Asia (8 in China), 5 in North America and 3 in Europe and for which orders have already been confirmed;
  • €200 million for the maintenance of existing plants;
  • €600 million for R&D.

In January 2016, at the Detroit International Show, which Plastic Omnium attended for the first time, the Group set out its high growth potential in the North American market, borne by a sustained investment plan.

Over the 2015-2019 period, North America is the first region contributing to Plastic Omnium's total growth. Revenue is expected to grow by nearly \$1 billion to \$2.8 billion in 2019, an increase of more than 50%.

This strong growth is based on a sustained investment plan totalling \$650 million to increase the industrial fabric, diversify the client portfolio and develop innovative offerings.

4.3 Comments on the Company Financial Statements

Balance Sheet

The main changes in the balance sheet were as follows.

  • The 33,000 sq.m. office block built in Lyon Gerland was accepted and put into service by Compagnie Plastic Omnium during the year. The total investment excluding land amounted to €80,563 thousand as at December 31, 2015. A third-party tenant occupies over 80% of the building.
  • Compagnie Plastic Omnium simplified the holding structure of entities in the Environment Division. The Company absorbed its subsidiary Plastic Omnium Environnement SAS by universal transfer of assets and liabilities and subscribed to the share capital increase of its subsidiary Plastic Omnium Environment BV, thus enabling the latter to directly or indirectly acquire entities of the division. Entities in the Environment Division are now held by Plastic Omnium Environment BV.

As at December 31, 2015, Compagnie Plastic Omnium ended the year with net cash of €150.4 million, versus €174.6 million as at December 31, 2014.

These changes were mainly as a result of:

  • dividends received from subsidiaries of €199.6 million, versus €176.7 million in 2014;
  • payment of a €54.8 million dividend, versus €48.7 million in 2014;
  • the subscription to the share capital increase of its subsidiary Plastic Omnium Environment BV for €123 million;
  • the completion of the office building in Lyon Gerland.

Earnings Performance

Compagnie Plastic Omnium posted operating revenue of €38.4 million in 2015, versus €40.5 million the previous year. This revenue can be broken down as follows:

  • €25.8 million in trademark license fees from subsidiaries;
  • €23.7 million in rents and fitting-out from tenants;
  • €13.8 million worth of changes in production held as inventory for the fitting-out.

Net operating loss came to €5.1 million in 2015, compared with a profit of €0.1 million in 2014, mainly due to fees incurred as part of the planned acquisition of the Exterior Systems business of Faurecia Group.

Net financial income for Compagnie Plastic Omnium was €220.8 million, versus €182.9 million in 2014. The change was largely due to:

  • dividends from subsidiaries of €199.6 million, versus €176.7 million in 2014;
  • a net surplus of €18.7 million following the universal transfer of assets and liabilities of the subsidiary Plastic Omnium Environment SAS;
  • net interest gain of €4.8 million in 2015, versus net interest gain of €7.3 million in 2014;
  • net provisions of €2.5 million in 2015, versus €0.8 million in 2014.

After factoring in €0.2 million in non-operating expense, income before tax amounted to €215.5 million, versus €185.8 million in 2014.

A net income tax profit of €7.4 million was recorded in 2015 compared with a tax charge of €1.5 million the previous year.

As a result, net income for 2015 was €222.9 million, compared with €184.3 million in 2014.

No non-deductible overhead expenses were added back to taxable income during 2015, in application of articles 223 quater and 223 quinquies of the French General Tax Code.

4.4 Outlook and Postbalance Sheet Events

Following a robust 2015, Plastic Omnium will continue on its path of profitable and cash-generating growth in 2016. In an expected global automotive market with growth of between 2% and 3% in 2016, the Group will:

  • maintain its high operating performance;
  • put three new plants (one in the UK and two in Mexico) into service;
  • start building three new plants (one in Mexico, China and India) to come into operation in 2017 and 2018;
  • launch 155 new automotive programs of which 37 on new product lines.

The Group is confirming its ability to outperform global automotive production by virtue of:

  • a record number of orders in 2015;
  • the growing success of SCR systems for reducing diesel vehicle emissions.

Furthermore, the planned acquisition of Faurecia's Exterior Systems business is proceeding. Employee representative bodies are being informed of developments according to schedule. Once these bodies are fully informed, the transaction must be submitted to the relevant competition authorities. It could be completed in the course of 2016.

During its meeting of February 24, 2016, and in accordance with the delegation of authority granted by the Shareholders' Meeting of April 30, 2014, the Board of Directors of Compagnie Plastic Omnium decided to cancel 1,100,000 treasury shares, i.e. 0.72% of the share capital. This operation was carried out on March 21, 2016.

Following this capital reduction through the cancellation of treasury shares, the share capital of Compagnie Plastic Omnium was reduced from 153,576,720 shares to 152,476,720 with a nominal value of €0.06, which corresponds to €9,148,603.20.

This operation increased the stake held by the controlling holding company, Burelle SA from 56.6% to 57.01% of the share capital.

No event likely to have a material impact on the Group's business, financial position, earnings or assets and liabilities as at December 31, 2015 has occurred since the closing date.

PREAMBLE TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Financial Indicators

In the context of its financial communication, the Group uses financial indicators based on consolidated data from the consolidated financial statements issued in accordance with IFRS as adopted within the European Union.

As indicated in Note 3.1 to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2015 relating to segment information, for operational management purposes the Group uses the concept of economic sales, which corresponds to the consolidated sales of the Group and its joint ventures up to the Group's percentage stake: HBPO, a German company and world leader in front-end modules, Yanfeng Plastic Omnium, the Chinese leader in exterior body parts, BPO, a major player in the Turkish market for exterior equipment, and Plastic Recycling, a specialist company in plastics recycling.

Reconciliation between economic sales and consolidated sales:

In thousands of euros 2015 2014
Economic sales 5,982,499 5,250,775
Including Sales from joint ventures at the Group's percentage stake 972,604 813,570
Consolidated sales 5,009,895 4,437,205

05

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2015

5.1 Balance Sheet - Consolidated Financial Statements

Assets

In thousands of euros Notes December 31,
2015
December 31,
2014
Goodwill 3.1.2 – 3.2 – 5.1.1 – 5.1.2 287,496 284,570
Other intangible assets 3.1.2 – 3.2 – 5.1.2 381,164 351,718
Property, plant and equipment 3.1.2 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 5.1.3 – 5.1.4 1,149,215 1,008,470
Investment property 3.1.2 – 3.2 – 5.1.5 93,263 88,825
Investments in associates and joint ventures 5.1.6 159,073 144,793
Available-for-sale financial assets(1)(2) 5.1.7 – 5.2.7.5 – 6.4.2 – 6.7 1,528 1,841
Other non current financial assets(1) 5.1.8 – 5.2.7.5 – 6.7 64,740 45,147
Deferred tax assets 5.1.12 87,310 78,067
Total non current assets 2,223,789 2,003,431
Inventories 3.1.2 – 5.1.9 347,413 313,476
Finance receivables(1) 5.1.10 – 5.2.7.5 – 6.7 18,833 31,213
Trade receivables 3.1.2 – 5.1.11.2 – 5.1.11.4 – 6.3.1 – 6.4.2 – 6.7 577,855 501,602
Other 3.1.2 – 5.1.11.3 – 5.1.11.4 225,689 194,281
Other financial assets and financial receivables(1) 5.1.10 – 5.2.7.5 – 6.4.2 – 6.7 27,010 8,104
Hedging instruments(1) 3.1.2 – 5.2.7.5 – 5.2.8 – 6.4.2 – 6.7 1,558 374
Cash and cash equivalents(1) 3.1.2 – 5.1.13.1 – 5.1.13.2 – 5.2.7.5 – 6.4.2 – 6.7 663,156 535,412
Total current assets 1,861,514 1,584,462
Assets held for sale 5.1.16 5,780
Total assets 4,091,083 3,587,893

Equity and liabilities

In thousands of euros Notes December 31,
2015
December 31,
2014
Capital 5.2.1.1 9,215 9,215
Treasury stock (52,502) (33,948)
Additional paid-in capital 38,637 38,637
Consolidated reserves 1,012,773 815,782
Net income for the period 258,374 224,553
Equity attributable to owners of the parent 1,266,497 1,054,239
Attributable to non-controlling interests 20,822 17,749
Total equity 1,287,319 1,071,988
Current borrowings(1) 3.1.2 – 5.2.7.5 – 6.7 921,148 901,649
Provisions for pensions and other post-employment benefits 5.2.5 – 5.2.6.5 101,991 93,165
Provisions for liabilities and charges 5.2.5 34,498 24,451
Current grants 5.2.4 13,875 11,287
Deferred tax liabilities 5.1.12 59,704 47,778
Total non current liabilities 1,131,216 1,078,330
Bank overdrafts(1) 3.1.2 – 5.1.13.2 – 5.2.7.5 – 6.4.2 – 6.7 15,891 4,148
Current borrowings(1) 3.1.2 – 5.2.7.5 – 6.7 94,188 88,688
Current debt(1) 3.1.2 – 5.2.7.5 – 6.4.2 – 6.7 4 17
Hedging instruments(1) 3.1.2 – 5.2.7.5 – 5.2.8 – 6.4.2 – 6.7 12,757 16,658
Provisions for liabilities and charges 5.2.5 35,019 49,395
Current grants 5.2.4 281 273
Trade payables 5.2.9.1 – 5.2.9.3 – 6.4.2 – 6.7 1,010,431 803,993
Other operating liabilities 5.2.9.2 – 5.2.9.3 503,977 474,403
Total current liabilities 1,672,548 1,437,575
Liabilities related to assets held for sale 5.1.16
Total equity and liabilities 4,091,083 3,587,893

(1) Components of net debt. Net debt stood at €267.5 million at December 31, 2015 compared with €389.5 million at December 31, 2014 (see Note 5.2.7.5).

(2) Of which €1,172 thousand at December 31, 2015 and €1,372 thousand at December 31, 2014, respectively, are included in the calculation of net debt (see Notes 5.1.7 and 5.2.7.5).

5.2 Income Statement - Consolidated Financial Statements

In thousands of euros Notes 2015 % 2014 %
Consolidated sales (Revenue) 3.1.1 – 3.1.4.1 – 3.1.4.2 5,009,895 100.0% 4,437,205 100.0%
Cost of goods and services sold 4.2 (4,172,415) –83,3% (3,705,041) –83.5%
Gross profit 837,480 16.7% 732,164 16.5%
Net research and development costs 4.1 – 4.2 (108,079) –2.2% (104,035) –2.3%
Selling costs 4.2 (62,215) –1.2% (57,297) –1.3%
Administrative expenses 4.2 (213,423) –4.3% (199,276) –4.5%
Operating margin before amortization
of intangible assets acquired in business
combinations and before share of profit
of associates and joint ventures
3.1.1 453,763 9.1% 371,557 8.4%
Amortization of intangible assets acquired
in business combinations(1)
3.1.1 – 4.4 (18,795) –0.4% (18,297) –0.4%
Share of profit/loss of associates and joint
ventures
3.1.1 – 4.5 34,749 0.7% 39,321 0.9%
Operating margin(2) 3.1.1 469,717 9.4% 392,581 8.8%
Other operating income 3.1.1 – 4.6 20,943 0.4% 3,373 0.1%
Other operating expenses 3.1.1 – 4.6 (96,441) –1.9% (38,010) –0.9%
Finance costs, net 3.1.1 – 4.7 (53,646) –1.1% (51,244) –1.2%
Other financial income and expenses, net 3.1.1 – 4.7 (2,532) –0.1% (13,050) –0.3%
Profit from continuing operations
before income tax and after share of profits
of associates and joint ventures
3.1.1 338,041 6.7% 293,650 6.6%
Income tax 3.1.1 – 4.8 (75,200) –1.5% (64,168) –1.4%
Net income 3.1.1 262,841 5.2% 229,482 5.2%
Net profit attributable to non-controlling
interests
4.9 4,467 0.1% 4,929 0.1%
Net profit attributable to owners of the Parent
Company
258,374 5,2% 224,553 5.1%
Earnings per share attributable to owners
of the Parent Company
4.10
• Basic earnings per share (in euros)(3) 1.75 1.52
• Diluted earnings per share (in euros)(4) 1.72 1.49

(1) Intangible assets acquired in business combinations.

(2) Basic earnings per share are calculated using the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding, less the average number of shares held in treasury stock.

(3) Diluted earnings per share takes into consideration the average number of treasury shares deducted from equity and shares which might be issued under stock option programs.

(4) Operating margin after amortization of intangible assets acquired in business combinations and after share of profit of associates and joint ventures: The Group has changed the way the share of profit/(loss) of associates and joint ventures is now shown at the operating level in the income statement; it is now shown at the operating margin level.

5.3 Statement of Comprehensive Income - Consolidated Financial Statements

In thousands of euros 2015 2014
Total Gross Tax Total Gross Tax
Net profit for the period – Group share(1) 258,374 332,453 (74,079) 224,553 287,804 (63,251)
Reclassified to the income statement 25,858 27,404 (1,546) 37,015 37,962 (947)
Reclassified in the period 1,626 2,620 (994) 3,233 4,816 (1,583)
Exchange differences on translating foreign operations –
reclassified to the income statement
642 642
Cash flow hedges – Interest rate instruments reclassified
to the income statement
1,626 2,620 (994) 2,591 4,174 (1,583)
Reclassified at a later date 24,232 24,784 (552) 33,782 33,146 636
Exchange differences on translating foreign operations 23,374 23,374 33,682 33,682
Cash flow hedges 858 1,410 (552) 100 (536) 636
Gains/(losses) for the period – Interest rate instruments 858 1,410 (552) 568 218 350
Gains/losses for the period – Currency instruments (468) (754) 286
Cannot be reclassified to the income statement at a later date (2,455) (1,745) (710) (14,750) (20,264) 5,514
Actuarial gains/(losses) recognized in equity (2,455) (1,745) (710) (16,180) (22,570) 6,390
Fair value adjustments to property, plant and equipment 1,430 2,306 (876)
Other comprehensive income 23,403 25,659 (2,256) 22,265 17,698 4,567
Comprehensive income – Group share(2) 281,777 358,112 (76,335) 246,818 305,502 (58,684)
Net profit for the period attributable to non-controlling interests 4,467 5,588 (1,121) 4,929 5,845 (916)
Reclassified to the income statement 409 409 (679) (679)
Reclassified at a later date 409 409 (679) (679)
Exchange differences on translating foreign operations 409 409 (679) (679)
Cannot be reclassified to the income statement at a later date (5) (5) (119) (119)
Actuarial gains/(losses) recognized in equity (5) (5) (119) (119)
Other comprehensive income 404 404 (798) (798)
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests 4,871 5,992 (1,121) 4,132 5,048 (916)
Total comprehensive income 286,648 364,104 (77,456) 250,949 310,550 (59,600)

(1) Net profit for the period amounted to €151,691 thousand at December 31, 2015 compared with €132,082 thousand at December 31, 2014.

(2) Total net profit attributable to owners of the parent amounted to €165,431 thousand at December 31, 2015 compared with €145,178 thousand at December 31, 2014.

5.4 Change in Equity - Consolidated Financial Statements

In thousands of euros Number of Capital Additional Treasury Other Translation Net profit Shareholders' equity Total equity
In thousand units for the number of shares shares paid-in
capital
stock reserves (1) adjustment for the
period
Attributable to
owners of the
parent
Attributable to
non-controlling
interests
Equity at December 31, 2013 154,977 9,299 65,913 (44,348) 675,275 (1) (28,991) 193,211 870,358 15,570 885,928
Appropriation of net profit at December 2013 193,211 (193,211)
Net profit at December 31, 2014 224,553 224,553 4,929 229,482
Other comprehensive income (12,686) 34,951 22,265 (798) 21,467
Exchange differences on translating foreign
operations
(627) 34,951 34,324 (679) 33,645
Actuarial gains/(losses) recognized in equity (16,180) (16,180) (119) (16,299)
Cash flow hedges – Interest rate instruments 3,159 3,159 3,159
Cash flow hedges – currency instruments (468) (468) (468)
Fair value adjustments to property, plant and
equipment
1,430 1,430 1,430
Comprehensive income 180,525 34,951 31,342 246,818 4,132 250,949
Treasury stock transactions (16,960) 3,038 (13,922) (13,922)
Capital reduction (cancellation of treasury stock)(1) (1,400) (84) (27,276) 27,360
Tax effect of treasury stock transactions (1,154) (1,154) (1,154)
Change in scope of consolidation and reserves(2) (221) (1,248) (1,469) (1,469)
Dividends paid by Compagnie Plastic Omnium (48,746) (48,746) (48,746)
Dividends paid by other Group companies (1,953) (1,953)
Stock option costs 2,354 2,354 2,354
Equity at December 31, 2014 153,577 9,215 38,637 (33,948) 811,071 (1) 4,712 224,553 1,054,239 17,749 1,071,988
Appropriation of net profit at December 2014 224,553 (224,553)
Net profit at December 31, 2015 258,374 258,374 4,467 262,841
Other comprehensive income (39) 23,442 23,403 404 23,807
Exchange differences on translating foreign
operations
(68) 23,442 23,374 409 23,783
Actuarial gains/(losses) recognized in equity (2,455) (2,455) (5) (2,460)
Cash flow hedges – Interest rate instruments 2,484 2,484 2,484
Comprehensive income - - - - 224,514 23,442 33,821 281,777 4,871 286,648
Treasury stock transactions (18,554) 1,278 (17,276) (17,276)
Change in scope of consolidation and reserves(2) (435) (435) 797 362
Dividends paid by Compagnie Plastic Omnium (54,833) (54,833) (54,833)
Dividends paid by other Group companies (2,595) (2,595)
Stock option costs 3,025 3,025 3,025
Equity at December 31, 2015 153,577 9,215 38,637 (52,502) 984,620 (1) 28,154 258,374 1,266,497 20,822 1,287,319

(1) See Note 5.2.1.2 for details of "Other reserves and retained earnings".

(2) See Note 5.2.1.3 for details of "Changes in scope of consolidation and reserves".

The dividend per share distributed in 2015 by Compagnie Plastic Omnium in respect of the 2014 fiscal year was €0.37 compared with €0.33 in 2014 in respect of the 2013 fiscal year (see Note 5.2.2 on dividends voted and paid).

5.5 Statement of Cash Flows - Consolidated Financial Statements

In thousands of euros Notes 2015 2014
I – Cash flows from operating activities
Net income 3.1.1 262,841 229,482
Dividends received from associates and joint ventures 24,887 22,685
Non-cash items 318,389 302,589
Share of profit/(loss) of associates and joint ventures 4.5 (34,749) (39,321)
Stock option plan expense 3,025 2,354
Other adjustments (1,715) 10,420
Depreciation and provisions for impairment of fixed assets 3.1.3 – 5.1.3 144,809 122,343
Depreciation and provisions for impairment of intangible assets 3.1.3 – 5.1.2 80,852 78,138
Changes in provisions 2,384 16,411
Net (gains)/losses on disposals of non current assets 4.6 a 887 1,058
Proceeds from operating grants recognized in the income statement (2,388) (1,392)
Current and deferred taxes 4.8.1 75,200 64,168
Interest expense 50,084 48,410
Net operating cash generated by operations before impact of financial
expenses and income tax cash payments (A)
606,117 554,756
Change in inventories and work-in-progress – net (24,649) (37,253)
Change in trade receivables – net (81,644) 22,576
Change in trade payables 133,961 22,155
Change in other operating assets and liabilities – net 5,958 (24,447)
Change in working capital requirements (B) 33,626 (16,969)
Taxes paid (C) (65,262) (80,990)
Interest paid (52,465) (53,411)
Interest received 2,625 5,871
Net financial interest paid (D) (49,840) (47,540)
Net cash generated by operating activities (A + B + C + D) 524,641 409,257
II – Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment 3.1.3 – 3.2 – 5.1.3 (269,311) (253,736)
Acquisitions of intangible assets 3.1.3 – 5.1.2 (108,891) (92,697)
Disposals of property, plant and equipment 4.6 a 4,625 8,519
Disposals of intangible assets 4.6 a 7,973 3,559
Net change in advances to suppliers of fixed assets 38,034 7,905
Government grants received 4,916 643
Net cash used in operations-related investing activities (E) (322,654) (325,807)
Free cash flow (A + B + C + D + E)(1) 201,987 83,450
Acquisitions of shares in subsidiaries and associates, investments in associates
and joint ventures and related investments
5.1.14.1 101 (208)
Proceeds from disposals of shares in subsidiaries and associates 4.6 a – 5.1.14.2 4 16,610
Impact of changes in scope of consolidation – Cash and cash equivalents
contributed by companies entering the scope of consolidation
5.2.1.3 797
Net cash from financial investing activities (F) 901 16,402
Net cash from investing activities (E + F) (321,753) (309,405)
In thousands of euros Notes 2015 2014
III – Cash flows from financing activities
(Purchases)/sales of treasury stock, net (17,276) (13,922)
Dividends paid to Burelle SA(2) (32,161) (28,684)
Dividends paid to other shareholders(3) (25,267) (22,015)
Increase in financial debt 41,561 68,394
Repayment of borrowings (52,950) (60,311)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (G) (86,094) (56,538)
Effect of exchange rate changes (H) (793) 5,119
Net change in cash and cash equivalents (A + B + C + D + E + F + G + H) 116,001 48,433
Net cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 5.1.13.2 531,264 482,831
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 5.1.13.2 647,265 531,264

(1) "Free Cash Flow" is an important concept for the Plastic Omnium Group. It is used in all of the Group's external financial communication (press releases) and, in particular, for annual and interim results presentations.

(2) Compagnie Plastic Omnium paid the dividend to Burelle SA in full over the two periods.

(3) In 2015, the dividend paid to other shareholders amounting to €22,672 thousand (compared with €20,062 thousand in 2014) was paid by Compagnie Plastic Omnium, bringing the total dividends paid by Compagnie Plastic Omnium to €54,833 thousand (compared with €48,746 thousand in 2014). See Note 5.2.2 "Dividends voted and paid by Compagnie Plastic Omnium".

5.6 Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

The consolidated financial statements of the Plastic Omnium Group for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 were approved by the Board of Directors of February 24, 2016. They will be submitted to the Combined Shareholders' Meeting of April 28, 2016 for approval.

Group Overview

Compagnie Plastic Omnium, a company governed by French law, was set up in 1946. The bylaws set its duration until April 24, 2112. The Company is registered in the Lyon Trade and Companies Register under number 955 512 611 and its registered office is at 19, boulevard Jules-Carteret, 69007 Lyon, France.

The terms "Compagnie Plastic Omnium", "the Group" and "the Plastic Omnium Group" all refer to the group of companies comprising Compagnie Plastic Omnium and its consolidated subsidiaries.

The Plastic Omnium Group is a world leader in the transformation of plastic materials for the automotive market (body component modules, fuel storage and distribution systems) representing 92.3% of its consolidated sales (93.6% of its economic sales) and for local authorities (waste collection containers and highway signage) for the remainder of its sales revenue.

Plastic Omnium Group shares have been traded on the Paris Stock Exchange since 1965. Listed on Eurolist in compartment A since January 17, 2013, the Group is part of the SBF 120 and the CAC Mid 60 indices. The Group's main shareholder is Burelle SA, which owned 56.60% of the Group's shares (58.71% excluding treasury stock) at December 31, 2015.

The unit of measurement used in the Notes to the consolidated financial statements is thousands of euros, unless otherwise indicated.

1. Accounting policies, accounting rules and principles

1.1. Basis of preparation

The accounting policies used to prepare the consolidated financial statements are those applied by the Group at December 31, 2014. They comply with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) standards and interpretations adopted for use in the European Union at December 31, 2015 and are available on the website: http:// ec.europa.eu/internal_market/accounting/ias_fr.htm#adopted-commission. IFRS includes the International Accounting Standards (IAS), International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and interpretations published by the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC). These principles are not materially different from the mandatory standards and interpretations published by the IASB and applicable with effect from December 31, 2015.

The accounting policies applied by the Group are described in Note 1 "Basis of Preparation" to the 2014 consolidated financial statements, except for those affected by the new standards and amendments mandatory from January 1, 2015. In fact, the Group applied IFRIC 21 which specifies the accounting rules for various taxes, duties and other levies falling within the scope of IAS 37 "Provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets" as well as other standards mandatory from January 1, 2015 ("Annual improvements" – 2011-2013 cycle), without any material impact on the Group's 2015 financial statements.

Furthermore, the Group has changed the way the share of profit of associates and joint ventures is shown in the consolidated income statement in order to provide more relevant information; because these companies' operations impact the continuing business activity of the Group, the share of their profits is now shown at the operating margin level.

Standards, interpretations and amendments applicable after January 1, 2016:

The impact of IFRS 9 "Financial Instruments" and IFRS 15 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers", published in 2015 by the IASB with an application date of January 1, 2018 but not yet adopted by the European Union, is currently being analyzed by the Group. At this stage, the analyses have not revealed any material impact.

1.1.1. Consolidation principles

Entities in which the Group owns more than 50% of the voting rights are fully consolidated. Entities in which the Group owns less than 50% but that are controlled in substance are also fully consolidated.

The companies over which the Group exercises joint control with other shareholders, regardless of the shareholding percentage, treated as "joint ventures" insofar as the Group does not have joint operations, in addition to the companies over which the Group exercises significant influence, and treated as "Investments in associates" (significant influence is assumed when the Group holds more than 20% of the voting rights in a company) are recognized using the equity method.

1.1.2. Attributable to non-controlling interests

Non-controlling interests correspond to the share of the Group's interest attributable to outside shareholders. They are presented as a separate item in the income statement and under equity in the consolidated balance sheet, separately from profit and equity attributable to owners of the parent.

Non-controlling interests may be measured either at fair value at the acquisition date (i.e. including a share of goodwill) or at their proportionate share of the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired. The option is available on a transaction-by-transaction basis.

Changes in a parent's ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in a loss of control are recognized as equity transactions. Accordingly, when the Group's interest in a controlled entity is increased (or reduced), without control being acquired (or lost), the difference between the acquisition price (or disposal value) and the carrying amount of the share of the net assets acquired (sold) share is recorded in equity.

1.1.3. Segment information

Segment information is presented on the basis of the segments identified in the Group's internal reporting and notified to the management in order to decide on the allocation of resources and for performance analysis.

The Group is managed on the basis of two operational segments:

  • "Automotive", which covers activities from design and manufacture to sales of body components and modules, and fuel storage and distribution systems;
  • "Environment", which covers activities for local authorities, i.e. pre-collection products and services and waste management activities, and "Signature" for road and highway signage.

1.1.4. Business combinations

Business combinations are recognized by applying the acquisition method. Under this method, assets, liabilities and identifiable contingent liabilities acquired are recognized at their fair value on the acquisition date.

Goodwill is recognized as the excess of (i) the consideration transferred to the vendor plus (ii) the amount of any non-controlling interest in the company acquired over (iii) the net balance of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired.

In a business combination carried out in stages, the consideration also includes the acquisition-date fair value of the acquirer's previously held equity interest in the acquired company. The previously held equity interest is measured at fair value through profit or loss.

Acquisition-related costs are recorded as expenses.

The fair value adjustments of assets and liabilities acquired are offset against goodwill adjustments for a period of twelve months after the acquisition date. After that date, any changes in value are recognized in profit or loss, including any changes in tax assets.

1.1.5. Translation of foreign subsidiaries' financial statements

Plastic Omnium Group uses the euro as its presentation currency in the consolidated financial statements. Financial statements of foreign subsidiaries are prepared in their functional currency i.e. the currency of the economic environment in which an entity operates; it is usually the local currency, except for certain subsidiaries that carry out the majority of their transactions in another currency. These accounts are translated into the Group's presentation currency, as follows:

• balance sheet items, other than equity, are translated at the exchange rate on the balance sheet date;

  • income statement items are translated at the average exchange rate for the period;
  • differences arising from translation are recognized in consolidated equity under "Translation reserves".

Goodwill arising from business combinations with foreign entities is recognized in the functional currency of the acquired entity. They are then translated into the Group's presentation currency at the closing rate, with the translation difference recorded in equity. On disposal of the entire interest in a foreign operation, the related translation differences initially recognized in equity, are reclassified in profit or loss.

1.1.6. Translation of transactions in foreign currencies

Transactions in foreign currencies are initially recorded in the functional currency at the exchange rate in force on the transaction date. When the accounts are being drawn up, foreign currency monetary items are translated using the rate at the balance sheet date.

The resulting translation difference is recognized in the income statement under "Other operating income and expense" for transactions related to operating activities, and under "Other financial income and expenses" for financial transactions.

Borrowings in foreign currencies obtained from the Group by a subsidiary, for which repayment is neither planned nor likely in the foreseeable future, are considered as part of the net investment of the Plastic Omnium Group in this foreign business. The corresponding translation adjustments are recorded under equity.

1.1.7. Sales/Revenue

Revenue is recognized when control and the risks and rewards of ownership are transferred, and it is likely that future economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the Group and the amount of this revenue can be reliably measured. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, net of any trade discounts and volume rebates as well as any other sales taxes or customs duties.

Sales of goods

Revenue from the sale of goods and from wholesale transactions is recognized when the material risks and rewards of ownership of the goods are transferred to the buyer, generally on delivery.

Sales of services and tooling

Automotive Division

Revenue generated during the project phase of automotive contracts (development work and production of tooling) is recognized when the main risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the customer. A determining factor in the Group's analysis is whether or not the customer has formally agreed to the price.

When a contractual agreement has been signed with the customer concerning the sale price of the tooling, the tooling is considered as having been sold and the related revenue is recognized on the basis of the stage of completion validated by the customer and, at the latest, on the first day of series production of the model concerned. Similarly, when the Group has a contractual agreement with customers, development revenue billed on a time-spent basis is gradually recognized using the stage of completion method.

Where there is no such agreement with the customer (e.g.: where the customer finances the project by "development unit" with no volume guarantee), the Group does not believe the material risks and rewards are transferred to the client; the tooling and/or development time expenses are then recognized in the Group's property, plant and equipment and/or intangible assets, and amortized over the life of the series. Where necessary, income from the customer is recognized in revenue over the lifetime of the series.

Environment

Most lease-maintenance contracts are operating leases. Revenue from lease-maintenance contracts classified as operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Services provided under contracts classified as finance leases are recognized as a sale, for an amount corresponding to the sum of the survey and equipment installation costs and the estimated sale price of the equipment made available.

1.1.8. Receivables

Receivables are initially recognized at fair value. Fair value generally represents the nominal amount of the receivable when the corresponding sale is subject to routine payment terms. Provisions for doubtful accounts are recorded when there is objective evidence that the receivables are impaired. Their amount is determined separately for each customer.

Finance receivables mainly correspond to lease-financing sales in the Environment business, and development and tooling sales for which the Group has signed an agreement enabling customers to pay in installments (for example: "development unit" prices contractually agreed by customers.) These latter receivables are originally due in more than one year and may be interest-bearing in the framework of an asset financing agreement with the customer. The corresponding finance income is recognized in revenue. Finance receivables are deducted from the calculation of net debt.

Sold receivables, which are removed from the balance sheet, meet the following criteria:

  • the contractual rights to the receivable are transferred to the buyer;
  • substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are transferred to the buyer.

The risks taken into account are:

  • credit risk;
  • risks related to payment delay both for the amount and duration;
  • interest rate risk, which is transferred in full to the buyer.

1.1.9. Operating margin

Operating margin corresponds to profit from fully consolidated companies, before other operating income and expenses which consist mainly of:

  • gains from disposals of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets;
  • impairment losses on non current assets (property, plant and equipment and intangible assets) including any impairment of goodwill;
  • translation differences, corresponding to the difference between the exchange rates used to account for operating receivables and payables and the rates used to account for the related settlements;
  • income and expenses that are unusual in nature, frequency or amount, such as profits and losses related to changes in scope, start-up costs of new plants, restructuring costs and downsizing costs.

Amortization of contractual customer relationships acquired in business combinations is recognized as a separate component of operating margin.

Since the 2015 fiscal year, a share of profit of associates and joint ventures has also been shown in the operating margin as a separate line item (see Note 1.1).

Consequently, the Group shows an operating margin prior to taking into account amortization of intangible assets from acquisitions within the framework of business combinations and the share of profit of associates and joint ventures, and an operating margin after taking these factors into account.

The operating margin, after taking these factors into account, is the main performance indicator used by the Group.

1.1.10. Research tax credit

Certain research expenditure by Group subsidiaries qualifies for French tax credits. These credits are included under operating margin as a deduction from "Net research and development costs", see Notes 4.1 "Analysis of research and development costs" and 4.2 "Cost of sales, development, selling and administrative costs".

1.1.11. Intangible assets

1.1.11.1 Research and development costs

Material development costs are recognized as an intangible asset when the entity can demonstrate in particular:

  • its intention is to complete the project and the availability of adequate technical and financial resources to do so;
  • that the development costs will generate probable future economic benefits;
  • the ability to reliably value the cost of the assets.

Automotive Division development costs

Development hours devoted to an Automotive Division project subject to a customer contractual payment agreement are considered as sold and expensed on the basis of the stage of completion. The revenue recognition policy is described in Note 1.1.7 "Sales/Revenue".

Costs incurred on orders for specific tooling and molds subject to a customer contractual payment agreement are considered as sold and recognized in inventories. Related income is recognized in "Revenue" based on the percentage of the total cost incurred on the date of technical acceptance, or, at the latest, on the first day of series production. Amounts received prior to these dates are recorded under "Customer prepayments".

Development hours financed by the customer under "development unit" pricing and not covered by a customer contractual volume undertaking or payment guarantee are recognized under intangible assets in progress during the development phase.

These capitalized development amounts are amortized when daily output reaches 30% of estimated production and, at the latest, three months after the first day of series production. Amortization is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated period of series production, which averages three years for body parts and five years for fuel systems.

Other research and development costs

Other research and development costs are recognized under expenses for the period in which they are incurred.

1.1.11.2 Other intangible assets

Other intangible assets are measured at cost less accumulated amortization and impairment losses. They are amortized on a straightline basis over their estimated useful lives.

They mainly include "Plastic Omnium Auto Inergy" and "Ford-Milan" customer contractual relationships.

These assets are tested for impairment whenever there is objective evidence that they are impaired.

1.1.12. Start-up costs

Costs corresponding to start-up phases, including organization costs, are included in expenses in accordance with the pace at which they are incurred. They correspond to the use of new production capacities or techniques. As indicated in Note 1.1.9. pre-start-up costs for new plants are recognized under other operating expenses.

1.1.13. Goodwill and impairment tests

Plastic Omnium Group goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment at least once a year, at the year end, and on the interim balance sheet date if there is objective evidence of impairment.

Impairment tests are carried out at the level of each cash generating unit (CGU) or groups of units generating cash and cash equivalents, namely:

  • "Automotive";
  • "Environment" excluding "Signature";
  • "Signature".

The Group presents its segment information in two "reportable segments", Automotive and Environment (see Note 3 "Segment information"), and information on Goodwill is presented on the same basis (see Note 5.1.1 "Goodwill").

The carrying amount of each CGU's assets (including goodwill) is compared with its recoverable amount. Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less the costs to sell and value in use, determined by the discounted cash flow method.

Future cash flows are estimated based on the Group's four-year business plan, revised where necessary to take into account the most recent market conditions. The terminal value is calculated by capitalizing projected cash flows for the last year covered by the business plan, using a long-term growth rate that reflects the outlook for the market concerned. The cash flow projections are then discounted.

The assumptions used to determine the discount rates take into account:

  • an industry risk premium;
  • an industry financing "spread" to value the cost of debt;
  • the rates used by comparable companies in each segment concerned.

Sensitivity tests of a 0.5% increase in the discount rate or a reduction of 0.5% on the long-term growth rate or a reduction of 0.5% in the operating margin rate are regularly carried out.

Negative goodwill (badwill) is recorded in the income statement during the year of acquisition.

Goodwill is measured annually at cost, less any accumulated impairment losses. Impairment losses recognized on goodwill are irreversible.

1.1.14. Property, plant and equipment

Gross

Property, plant and equipment are initially recorded at acquisition cost, or production cost for assets manufactured by the Group (or by a subcontractor) for its own use, or at fair value in the case of assets acquired without consideration.

Gains and losses on intra-group sales or acquisitions of property, plant and equipment are eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.

Property, plant and equipment are subsequently recognized at their cost less accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment losses.

After initial recognition, property and industrial buildings are measured at depreciated cost. Maintenance and repair costs to restore or maintain the future economic benefits expected based on the asset's estimated level of performance at the time of acquisition are recognized as an expense as incurred.

Assets acquired under finance leases are recognized in property, plant and equipment at the lower of their fair value and the present value of future minimum lease payments. They are depreciated at the same rate as assets that are owned outright. Contracts classified as finance leases primarily concern industrial buildings, major functional assemblies such as paint lines and presses, and containers leased by Plastic Omnium Environment.

Depreciation

Property, plant and equipment are depreciated by the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

Buildings and fixtures 20-40 years
Presses, blow molding and transformation 7-12 years
Machining, finishing and other equipment 3-7 years
Containers (Plastic Omnium Environment) 8 years

Each significant part of a property asset or major functional assembly, such as a paint line, press or blow molding machine, is depreciated separately over its specific estimated useful life.

Impairment of property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are tested for impairment when the decision is made to cease production, to withdraw a product manufactured using the assets concerned or to close a facility.

1.1.15. Investment property

The elements in the "Investment property" section of the assets on the Group's balance sheet are not included in ordinary operations. These assets, which belong to the Group, correspond to real estate as follows:

  • properties that are not occupied on the balance sheet date and whose use has yet to be decided;
  • or properties held by the Group for their long-term appreciation, which are leased to third parties under operating leases.

The Group may select to use all or part of a property whose use has yet to be decided (in which case the relevant part is reclassified as owner-occupied property) or to lease it under one or more operating leases.

Investment property is measured at fair value at the balance sheet date, with changes in fair value recognized in profit or loss. The same accounting treatment is applied to the land on which the property is constructed. The land and buildings are valued at regular intervals as part of the year-end closing process by an independent valuer. Between two valuations, the Group is kept informed of any material changes in the real estate market. The fair value determined by the valuer is calculated by direct reference to observable prices in an active market (fair value level 2).

Properties or parts of properties previously classified under investment property and reclassified as operating property when the Group decides to use them for its own occupation are recognized at their carrying amount on the transfer date.

When properties are moved from the "Property, plant and equipment" category to the "Investment property" category, any difference between their carrying amount and their fair value on that date is accounted for as a revaluation.

1.1.16. Inventories and goods in process

1.1.16.1 Raw materials inventories and other supplies

Raw materials and supplies are measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value.

A provision for impairment is recorded when the estimated selling price of the related finished products in the ordinary course of business, less the estimated costs of completion and the estimated costs necessary to make the sale, is less than the carrying amount of the raw materials or supplies.

1.1.16.2 Finished and semi-finished product inventories

Finished and semi-finished products are measured at standard production cost, adjusted annually. Cost includes raw materials and direct and indirect production costs. It does not include any administrative overheads or IT costs that are unrelated to production or any research and development or distribution costs. In addition, it does not include the cost of any below normal capacity utilization.

At each balance sheet date, the gross value of finished and semi-finished products is compared to their net realizable value, determined as explained above, and a provision for impairment is recorded when necessary.

1.1.17. Long-term borrowings

Current and non current debt are valued using the amortized cost method and the effective interest rate.

1.1.18. Provisions for liabilities and charges

Provisions for contingencies and charges are recorded when the Group has obligations to third parties involving a likely outflow of resources in favor of these third parties, and no equivalent benefit is expected to be received by the Group. Losses identified on onerous contracts, i.e. contracts where the unavoidable costs of meeting the obligations under the contract exceed the expected economic gains from said contracts, are recognized under provisions. These provisions for contingencies and charges are recognized in current or non current liabilities according to whether they are short- or medium-long term in nature.

The cost of downsizing plans is recognized in the period in which a detailed plan is drawn up and announced to the employees concerned or their representatives.

1.1.19. Provisions for pensions and other postemployment benefits

All Group employees are covered by pension and other long-term post-employment benefit plans. Pension plans comprise both defined contribution and defined benefit plans.

1.1.19.1 Defined contribution plans

The cost of defined contribution plans, corresponding to salary-based contributions to government-sponsored pension and death/disability insurance plans made in accordance with local laws and practices in each country is recognized in operating expense. The Group has no legal or constructive obligation to pay any additional contributions or any future benefits. Consequently, no benefit obligation is recognized in respect of these defined contribution plans.

1.1.19.2 Defined benefit plans

The Group's defined benefit plans are mainly post-employment benefit plans, consisting of length-of-service awards payable to employees of the French companies in the Group and:

  • other pension and supplementary pension plans, mainly in the United States and France;
  • plans for health insurance coverage in the United States.

Provisions for employee defined benefit plans are calculated on an actuarial basis by independent actuaries using the projected unit credit method.

The calculations take into account:

  • retirement age assumptions based on legislation and, in particular for French employees, voluntary retirement when full benefit rights have been acquired;
  • mortality assumptions;
  • the probability of active employees leaving the Group before retirement age;
  • estimated salary increases up to retirement;
  • discount rate and inflation rate assumptions.

In the case of funded defined benefit plans, the obligations are deducted from the fair value of plan assets at the reporting date. This valuation builds in long-term profitability assumptions of invested assets calculated on the basis of the discount rate used to value Company commitments.

Changes in provisions for defined benefit obligations are recognized over the benefit vesting period, under "Operating expenses" in the income statement, except for:

  • the effect of discounting the commitments, which is recognized in financial expense;
  • actuarial gains and losses on post-employment benefit obligations, which are recognized in equity.

1.1.19.3 Other long-term benefits

Other long-term benefits mainly correspond to long-service awards payable to employees of French companies in the Group.

Actuarial gains and losses on "Other long-term benefit plans" (mainly long-service awards) are recognized immediately in profit or loss.

1.1.20. Current government grants

Government grants are recognized as a liability in the balance sheet and correspond to grants to finance investments in new facilities, production equipment or research and development programs.

They are reclassified in gross profit over the periods and in the proportions in which the acquired assets are depreciated.

1.1.21. Treasury stock

Treasury stock is recorded as a deduction from equity, regardless of the purpose for which the shares are being held.

Proceeds from sales of treasury stock are recorded directly as an increase in the Group's equity and gains or losses on the sales therefore have no impact on profit for the year.

1.1.22. Share purchase plans

Options allocated under stock option plans are measured at their fair value at the date of grant by the Board of Directors, using the Black & Scholes option pricing model.

The fair value is recognized in "Employee benefits expense" on a straight-line basis over the option vesting period, with a corresponding adjustment to reserves.

When options are exercised, the cash amount received by the Group for the exercise price is recorded in cash and cash equivalents with a corresponding adjustment to consolidated reserves.

1.1.23. Financial assets (other than derivatives)

Financial assets include equity interests in companies that are not consolidated because they are not controlled by the Group (either alone or jointly with a partner) or because the Group does not exercise significant influence over their management, as well as loans and securities.

Financial assets are classified as non current assets, except for assets maturing within twelve months of the balance sheet date which are recorded under current assets or cash equivalents, as appropriate.

1.1.23.1 Available-for-sale financial assets

Equity interests in companies over which the Group does not exercise control or significant influence are classified as available-for-sale financial assets. They are measured at their fair value at the closing date. Changes in fair value are directly recorded in equity. An impairment is recorded in the income statement when there is objective evidence that these securities have lost value. A significant or prolonged drop in the fair value with reference to the acquisition value is objective evidence of a loss in value. This impairment cannot be written back.

1.1.23.2 Other financial assets

Other financial assets comprise loans, security deposits and surety bonds. They are measured at amortized cost. Whenever there is any objective evidence of impairment – i.e. the carrying amount is lower than the recoverable amount – an impairment provision is recognized through profit or loss. These provisions may be reversed if the recoverable amount subsequently increases.

1.1.24. Derivative instruments and hedge accounting

In order to manage its interest rate risk, the Group uses over the counter derivatives. These hedging instruments are recognized and measured in the balance sheet at fair value.

Changes in the fair value of instruments described as "Cash flow hedges" are recorded under "Other comprehensive income" (equity) for the efficient parts and under "Net financial income" for the inefficient parts.

Changes in the fair value of instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are recognized directly in profit or loss.

1.1.25. Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents presented in the statement of cash flows are short-term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into known amounts of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value. Cash comprises cash at bank and in hand, shortterm deposits and bank balances in credit, except for funds used to cover short- or medium-term cash needs arising in the ordinary course of business. The latter are considered to represent sources of financing and, as such, are excluded from cash and cash equivalents. Cash equivalents correspond to the temporary investment of surplus cash in instruments with short maturities (money market mutual funds, negotiable debt securities, etc.). Changes in their fair value are recognized in profit or loss.

1.1.26. Assets held for sale and discontinued operations

The following items are classified as "Assets held for sale" on the balance sheet, as soon as the assets or groups of assets are available for sale in their current state and the sale is highly probable:

  • the value of non current assets that are being held pending their sale;
  • the value of a group of assets that is being held pending its sale rather than for continuing use (disposal groups); and
  • the value of businesses and entities acquired with a view to their subsequent sale.

Liabilities related to these assets, groups of assets, activities or entities held for sale are also presented as a separate item under liabilities in the balance sheet: "Liabilities directly related to assets held for sale".

Assets (or disposal groups) classified as held for sale are no longer depreciated. They are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and selling price, less costs to sell. Any impairment losses are recognized by the Group in "Other operating expense".

In the balance sheet, data related to "Assets held for sale and discontinued operations" shown separately in the financial statements do not give rise to a restatement of prior years in terms of presentation.

In the income statement, the profit/loss (from the period and from sale) of business operations or entities that meet the definition of a discontinued operation are reported as a separate line item entitled "Net income from discontinued operations" in each of the fiscal years presented.

1.1.27. Income tax

Deferred taxes related to temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities on the balance sheet and their tax base are recognized by the Plastic Omnium Group without discounting.

Deferred taxes are calculated using the liability method based on the most recent enacted tax rate (or the rate substantively enacted) at the balance sheet date that is applicable to the period in which the temporary differences reverse.

Tax credits and deferred tax assets on tax loss carryforwards and other temporary differences are only recognized when it is probable in the relative near term that sufficient taxable earnings will be generated to permit their utilization.

1.2. Use of estimates

In order to prepare its financial statements, the Plastic Omnium Group uses estimates and assumptions to value certain assets, liabilities, income, expenses and commitments. These estimates and assumptions are reviewed by senior management at regular intervals. The amounts shown in the future financial statements of the Group may reflect changes in these estimates or assumptions in consideration of experience or changes in circumstances or economic conditions.

As a general rule, estimates and assumptions used during the fiscal year are based on the latest available information on the balance sheet date. Estimates may be revised depending on developments in the underlying assumptions. The assumptions used mainly concern:

Deferred taxes

The recognition of deferred tax assets depends on the probability of sufficient taxable earnings being generated to permit their utilization. The Group makes regular estimates of future taxable earnings, mainly in its medium-term business plans. These estimates take account of the recurring or non-recurring nature of certain losses and expenses.

Provisions for pensions and other post-employment benefits

The Group, assisted by independent actuaries, adopts assumptions for actuarial valuations in respect of its defined benefit pension plans (see Notes 1.1.19 and 5.2.6 "Provisions for pensions and other post-employment benefits") concerning:

  • discount rates for pension and other long-term benefit plans,
  • rates of growth in healthcare costs for the United States;
  • expected employee turnover and future salary increases.

Asset impairment tests

Asset impairment tests are conducted notably on goodwill and on development costs for automotive projects recognized as intangible assets. Within the framework of these tests, in order to determine the recoverable value, the concepts of fair value net of disposal costs and value in use obtained by the discounted cash flow method are used. These tests are based on assumptions concerning future flows of operational cash and cash equivalents and the discount rate. Assumptions that could significantly impact the financial statements concern in particular the discount rate and growth rates.

2. Significant events of the period

2.1. Proposed acquisition of the "Exterior Systems" business of the Faurecia Group

On December 14, 2015, Compagnie Plastic Omnium signed an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the Faurecia Group to acquire its Exterior Systems business (bumpers and front-end modules) for an enterprise value of €665 million.

This consolidation of the French automotive sector creates a global leader in automotive equipment.

The Exterior Systems business of Faurecia Group has €2 billion in sales and employs 7,700 people at 22 industrial sites in Germany, France, Spain, Slovakia and North and South America. Half of the sales come from Germany where Plastic Omnium has no production sites for this business.

The transaction will firstly be reviewed by employee representative bodies in the countries concerned and then be submitted to the Competition Authorities for approval. The transaction should be completed in the second half of 2016.

The impact of the transaction on the 2015 consolidated financial statements only affects consultancy fees. They are recognized under other operating expenses (see Note 4.6).

2.2. Delivery and official opening of the Lyon Gerland real estate project

The official opening of the Lyon Gerland site took place on March 30, 2015. The project consisted of the construction of 33,000 sq.m. of office buildings by the Group (including 3,000 sq.m. of service buildings) for the rental market.

Total investment stands at €80.6 million (excluding the land value) since the start of the project, including:

  • €7.0 million in 2015;
  • €46.8 million in fiscal year 2014;
  • and €26.8 million in fiscal year 2013.

The site is currently more than 80% occupied by a third-party tenant. The Plastic Omnium Group uses around 900 sq.m.

This property is classified as investment property. See Note 5.1.5 "Investment Property".

2.3. Investments in production capacity

Plant in Chattanooga, United States

Construction of the plant in Chattanooga in the state of Tennessee, United States, was completed in spring 2015. Part of the Auto Exterior Division of the Automotive Division, it produces exterior body parts for Volkswagen and should ultimately accommodate nearly 180 employees. Investment stands at €46.2 million (US\$54.5 million) of which:

  • €31.5 million (US\$35.0 million) in 2015;
  • €14.7 million (US\$19.5 million) in 2014.

Plant in Fairfax, United States

The construction of the General Motors plant in Fairfax in the state of Kansas, United States, was completed in the fall of 2015. Part of the Inergy Division of Automotive Division, it produces fuel systems for the General Motors assembly plant. The site should ultimately employ nearly 50 people.

The investment has been financed by the customer, General Motors, except for the industrial equipment.

To this end, the Group:

  • invested €1.9 million (US\$2.1 million) in 2015;
  • and had invested €1.7 million (US\$2.3 million) in 2014.

Plant in Warrington in the United Kingdom

The Group started construction on a plant in Warrington in the United Kingdom in the first half of 2015, which should be completed in 2016. It is part of the Auto Exterior Division of the Automotive Division and will produce exterior body parts for the carmaker Jaguar Land-Rover.

Investments amounted to €60.9 million (£44.9 million), of which:

  • €52.8 million (£38.3 million) in 2015;
  • €8.1 million (£6.6 million) in 2014.

3. Segment information

3.1. Information by operating segment

The Group is divided into two operating segments: Automotive and Environment.

For operational management purposes the Group uses the concept of economic sales, which corresponds to the consolidated sales of the Group and its joint ventures up to the Group's percentage stake: HBPO, a German company and world leader in front-end modules, Yanfeng Plastic Omnium, the Chinese leader in exterior body parts, BPO, a major player in the Turkish market for exterior equipment and Plastic Recycling, a specialist company in plastics recycling.

The columns in the tables below show the amounts for each segment. The "Unallocated items" column groups together inter-segment eliminations and amounts that are not allocated to a specific segment (e.g. holding company activities) so as to reconcile segment information to the Group's financial statements. Financial results, taxes and the share of profit/(loss) of associates are monitored by the Group and not allocated to the segments. Inter-segment transactions are carried out on an arm's length basis.

3.1.1. Consolidated income statement by operating

segment

In thousands of euros 2015
Automotive Environment Unallocated
items(3)
Total
Economic sales(1) 5,596,732 385,767 5,982,499
Including Sales from joint ventures at the Group's percentage stake 972,604 972,604
Sales to third parties 4,624,217 385,828 (150) 5,009,895
Sales between segments (89) (61) 150
Consolidated revenue 4,624,128 385,767 5,009,895
% of segment revenue – Total 92.3% 7.7% 100.0%
Operating margin before amortization of intangible assets
acquired in business combinations and before share of profit
of associates and joint ventures
430,774 22,989 453,763
% of segment revenue 9.3% 6.0% 9.1%
Amortization of intangible assets acquired in business
combinations
(18,795) (18,795)
Share of profit/(loss) of associates and joint ventures 34,749 34,749
Operating margin(2) 446,728 22,989 469,717
% of segment revenue 9.7% 6.0% 9.4%
Other operating income 19,551 1,392 20,943
Other operating expenses (89,936) (6,505) (96,441)
% of segment revenue –1.5% –1.3% –1.5%
Finance costs, net (53,646)
Other financial income and expenses, net (2,532)
Profit from continuing operations before income tax
and after share in associates and joint ventures
338,041
Income tax (75,200)
Net income 262,841

(1) Economic sales correspond to the consolidated sales of the Group and of its joint ventures up to the Group's percentage stake.

(2) Operating margin after amortization of intangible assets acquired in business combinations and after share of profit of associates and joint ventures: the Group has changed the way the share of profit of associates and joint ventures is shown in the consolidated income statement; it is now shown at the operating margin level.

(3) "Unallocated items" correspond to inter-segment eliminations and amounts that are not allocated to a specific segment (for example, holding company activities). This column is included to enable segment information to be reconciled to the Group's financial statements.

In thousands of euros 2014
Automotive Environment Unallocated
items(3)
Total
Economic sales(1) 4,840,342 410,432 5,250,775
Including Sales from joint ventures at the Group's percentage stake 792,278 21,292 813,570
Sales to third parties 4,048,150 389,397 (342) 4,437,205
Sales between segments (86) (256) 342
Consolidated revenue 4,048,064 389,141 4,437,205
% of segment revenue – Total 91.2% 8.8% 100.0%
Operating margin before amortization of intangible assets
acquired in business combinations and before share of profit
of associates and joint ventures
344,363 27,194 371,557
% of segment revenue 8.5% 7.0% 8.4%
Amortization of intangible assets acquired
in business combinations
(18,297) (18,297)
Share of profit/(loss) of associates and joint ventures 38,163 1,158 39,321
Operating margin(2) 364,229 28,352 392,581
% of segment revenue 9.0% 7.3% 8.8%
Other operating income 2,804 569 3,373
Other operating expenses (28,956) (9,054) (38,010)
% of segment revenue –0.6% –2.2% –0.8%
Finance costs, net (51,244)
Other financial income and expenses, net (13,050)
Profit from continuing operations before income tax
and after share in associates and joint ventures
293,650
Income tax (64,168)
Net income 229,482

(1) Economic sales correspond to the consolidated sales of the Group and of its joint ventures up to the Group's percentage stake.

(2) Operating margin after amortization of intangible assets acquired in business combinations and after share of profit of associates and joint ventures: the Group has changed the way the share of profit of associates and joint ventures is shown in the consolidated income statement; it is now shown at the operating margin level.

(3) "Unallocated items" correspond to inter-segment eliminations and amounts that are not allocated to a specific segment (for example, holding company activities). This column is included to enable segment information to be reconciled to the Group's financial statements.

3.1.2. Consolidated balance sheet data by operating segment
-- -- -- -- -- -------------------------------------------------------------
In thousands of euros
Net amounts
Automotive Environment Unallocated
items
Total
December 31, 2015
Goodwill 168,225 119,271 287,496
Intangible assets 355,491 15,943 9,730 381,164
Property, plant and equipment 1,035,158 63,783 50,274 1,149,215
Investment property 93,263 93,263
Inventories 305,564 41,849 347,413
Trade receivables 522,801 46,778 8,276 577,855
Other 175,748 10,955 38,986 225,689
Finance receivables(1) (C) 51,439 4,091 55,530
Current accounts and other financial assets (D) (270,706) (17,395) 343,154 55,053
Available-for-sale financial assets – FMEA 2 (F) 1,172 1,172
Hedging instruments (E) 253 1,305 1,558
Net cash and cash equivalents(2) (A) 115,245 6,071 525,949 647,265
Total segment assets 2,459,218 291,346 1,072,109 3,822,673
Borrowings (B) 101,907 3,695 922,495 1,028,097
Segment liabilities 101,907 3,695 922,495 1,028,097
Segment net debt = (B – A – C – D – E – F)(3) 205,676 10,928 50,915 267,519
December 31, 2014
Goodwill 165,378 119,192 284,570
Intangible assets 323,543 17,319 10,856 351,718
Property, plant and equipment 892,763 68,327 47,380 1,008,470
Investment property 88,825 88,825
Inventories 257,796 41,850 13,830 313,476
Trade receivables 443,221 43,365 15,016 501,602
Other receivables 151,873 9,126 33,282 194,281
Finance receivables(1) (C) 56,034 5,619 61,653
Current accounts and other financial assets (D) (326,310) 636 348,486 22,811
Available-for-sale financial assets – FMEA 2 (F) 1,372 1,372
Hedging instruments (E) 374 374
Net cash and cash equivalents(2) (A) 132,915 6,536 391,813 531,264
Total segment assets 2,097,213 311,970 951,234 3,360,417
Borrowings (B) 86,706 6,450 913,856 1,007,012
Segment liabilities 86,706 6,450 913,856 1,007,012
Segment net debt = (B – A – C – D – E – F)(3) 224,067 (6,341) 171,811 389,537

(1) At December 31, 2015, "Finance receivables" included €36,697 thousand reported in the balance sheet under "Other non current financial assets" against €30,440 thousand at December 31, 2014, and €18,833 thousand reported under "Finance receivables – current portion" against €31,213 thousand at December 31, 2014.

(2) Net cash and cash equivalents as reported in the statement of cash flows. See also Note 5.1.13.2 "Net cash and cash equivalents at end of period".

(3) See Note 5.2.7.1 "Net debt indicator used by the Group" and Note 5.2.7.5 "Reconciliation of gross and net debt".

3.1.3. Other consolidated information by operating segment

2015
In thousands of euros
Automotive Environment Unallocated
items
Total
Acquisitions of intangible assets 106,961 740 1,190 108,891
Capital expenditure including acquisitions of investment
property
242,613 14,034 12,664 269,311
Depreciation and amortization expense(1) (201,882) (16,091) (7,688) (225,661)
2014
In thousands of euros
Automotive Environment Unallocated
items
Total
Acquisitions of intangible assets 90,620 671 1,406 92,697
Capital expenditure including acquisitions of investment
property
191,291 13,184 49,261 253,736
Depreciation and amortization expense(1) (177,898) (16,454) (6,129) (200,481)

(1) This item corresponds to depreciation, amortization and impairments of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, including the amortization of intangible assets (brands and client contracts) acquired in business combinations.

3.1.4. Revenue – Information by geographic region and by country of sales

The following table shows revenue generated by the Group's subsidiaries in the regions or market countries indicated below:

3.1.4.1 Information by sales region

2015 2014
In thousands of euros Totals % In thousands of euros Totals %
France 746,508 12.5% France 666,901 12.7%
North America 1,683,288 28.1% North America 1,400,946 26.7%
Europe excluding France 2,333,553 39.0% Europe excluding France 2,115,459 40.3%
South America 162,317 2.7% South America 178,880 3.4%
Africa 55,497 0.9% Africa 53,368 1.0%
Asia 1,001,336 16.7% Asia 835,221 15.9%
Economic sales 5,982,499 100% Economic sales 5,250,775 100%
Including Sales from joint ventures
at the Group's percentage stake
972,604 Including Sales from joint ventures
at the Group's percentage stake
813,570
Consolidated revenue 5,009,895 Consolidated revenue 4,437,205

3.1.4.2 Revenue for the first ten contributing countries

2015 2014
In thousands of euros Totals % In thousands of euros Totals %
United States 1,161,243 19.4% United States 947,803 18.1%
Germany 748,501 12.5% Germany 694,025 13.2%
France 746,508 12.5% France 666,901 12.7%
China 510,958 8.5% China 428,904 8.2%
Mexico 472,154 7.9% Mexico 380,933 7.3%
United Kingdom 427,310 7.1% Spain 369,364 7.0%
Spain 384,507 6.4% United Kingdom 351,288 6.7%
South Korea 244,124 4.1% Slovakia 207,329 3.9%
Slovakia 233,974 3.9% South Korea 200,115 3.8%
Hungary 129,430 2.2% Brazil 106,060 2.0%
Others 923,790 15.4% Other 898,053 17.1%
Economic sales 5,982,499 100% Economic sales 5,250,775 100%
Including Sales from joint ventures
at the Group's percentage stake
972,604 Including Sales from joint ventures
at the Group's percentage stake
813,570
Consolidated revenue 5,009,895 Consolidated revenue 4,437,205

3.1.4.3 Information by automotive manufacturer

2015 2014
Automotive manufacturers Automotive manufacturers
In thousands of euros Totals % of total
Automotive
revenue
In thousands of euros Totals % of total
Automotive
revenue
Volkswagen – Porsche 954,310 17.1% Volkswagen – Porsche 787,975 16.3%
General Motors 886,897 15.8% General Motors 747,506 15.4%
PSA Peugeot Citroën 651,540 11.6% PSA Peugeot Citroën 601,729 12.4%
Renault/Nissan 555,357 9.9% Renault/Nissan 471,580 9.7%
BMW 508,216 9.1% BMW 491,368 10.2%
Total – main manufacturers 3,556,320 63.5% Total – main manufacturers 3,100,158 64.0%
Other automotive manufacturers 2,040,412 36.5% Other automotive manufacturers 1,740,184 36.0%
Total Automotive Segment –
Economic sales
5,596,732 100% Total Automotive Sector – Economic
sales
4,840,342 100%
Including Sales from joint ventures
at the Group's percentage stake
Sub-total Automotive Segment
972,604 Including Sales from joint ventures
at the Group's percentage stake
Sub-total Automotive Segment
792,278
Total Automotive Segment –
Consolidated revenue
4,624,128 Total Automotive Segment –
Consolidated revenue
4,048,064

3.2. Non-current assets by country

In thousands of euros France Europe
excluding
France
North
America
Asia South
America
Other(1) Total
December 31, 2015
Goodwill 149,951 109,785 27,496 264 287,496
Intangible assets 82,258 145,249 108,296 39,244 3,062 3,055 381,164
Property, plant and equipment, of which 233,297 363,320 339,547 183,620 22,079 7,352 1,149,215
Capital expenditure for the year 31,050 102,399 94,363 33,493 573 495 262,373
Investment property, of which 93,263 93,263
Investment property 6,938 6,938
Total non current fixed assets 558,769 618,354 475,339 223,128 25,141 10,407 1,911,138
In thousands of euros France Europe
excluding
France
North
America
Asia South
America
Other(1) Total
December 31, 2014
Goodwill 149,951 109,707 24,664 248 284,570
Intangible assets 108,918 127,006 75,552 34,355 4,188 1,699 351,718
Property, plant and equipment, of which 252,805 301,924 247,730 164,530 32,673 8,808 1,008,470
Capital expenditure for the year 73,282 55,566 46,186 25,904 5,492 534 206,964
Investment property, of which 88,825 88,825
Investment property 46,772 46,772
Total non current fixed assets 600,499 538,637 347,946 199,133 36,861 10,507 1,733,583

(1) "Others" includes South Africa and Morocco.

3.3. Property, plant and equipment (excluding investment property) by operating segment

In thousands of euros Automotive Environment Unallocated
items
Total
December 31, 2015
Property, plant and equipment owned outright –
carrying amount
1,024,088 46,610 50,274 1,120,972
Property, plant and equipment owned outright and under
operating leases where the Group is lessor – carrying amount(1)
14,005 14,005
Property, plant and equipment leased under finance leases
where the Group is lessee – carrying amount(2)
11,070 11,070
Property, plant and equipment leased under finance leases
where the Group is lessee that has been sub-let to third parties
under operating leases where the Group is lessor – carrying
amount(1)(2)
3,168 3,168
Total Property, plant and equipment (excluding Investment
property)
1,035,158 63,783 50,274 1,149,215
In thousands of euros Automotive Environment Unallocated
items
Total
December 31, 2014
Property, plant and equipment owned outright –
carrying amount
877,995 49,455 47,380 974,830
Property, plant and equipment owned outright and under
operating leases where the Group is lessor – carrying amount(1)
13,241 13,241
Property, plant and equipment leased under finance leases
where the Group is lessee – carrying amount(2)
14,768 14,768
Property, plant and equipment leased under finance leases
where the Group is lessee that has been sub-let to third parties
under operating leases where the Group is lessor – carrying
amount(1)(2)
5,632 5,632
Total Property, plant and equipment (excluding Investment
property)
892,763 68,327 47,380 1,008,470

(1) The sum of "Owned property, plant and equipment leased under operating leases where the Group is lessor" and "Property, plant and equipment leased under finance leases where the Group is lessee that has been sub-let to third parties under operating leases where the Group is lessor" corresponds to the value of "Property, plant and equipment leased under operating leases where the Group is lessor" (see corresponding sub-section of Note 5.1.3).

(2) See sub-section "Property, plant and equipment leased under finance leases where the Group is lessee" in Note 5.1.3.

4. Notes to the income statement

4.1. Analysis of research and development costs

The percentage of research and development costs is expressed in relation to revenue.

In thousands of euros 2015 % 2014 %
Research and development costs (295,404) -5.9% (256,763) -5.8%
Of which capitalized development costs and research
and development costs billed to customers
187,325 3.7% 152,728 3.4%
Net research and development costs (108,079) -2.2% (104,035) -2.4%

4.2. Cost of sales, development, selling and administrative costs

In thousands of euros 2015 2014
Cost of sales includes:
Raw materials (purchases and changes in inventory)(1) (3,109,711) (2,747,510)
Direct production outsourcing (13,389) (10,899)
Utilities and fluids (79,395) (78,781)
Employee benefits expense (502,094) (452,607)
Other production costs (337,006) (282,890)
Proceeds from the sale of waste containers leased to customers under operating leases(2) 2,095 998
Carrying amount of waste containers leased to customers under operating leases(2) (1,586) (732)
Depreciation (122,181) (115,983)
Provisions for liabilities and charges (9,148) (16,637)
Total (4,172,415) (3,705,041)
Research and development costs include:
Employee benefits expense (136,216) (125,391)
Amortization of capitalized development costs (59,968) (56,013)
Other 88,105 77,369
Total (108,079) (104,035)
Selling costs include:
Employee benefits expense (40,414) (36,976)
Depreciation, amortization and provisions (175) (274)
Other (21,626) (20,047)
Total (62,215) (57,297)
Administrative costs include:
Employee benefits expense (120,863) (110,286)
Other administrative expenses (84,720) (79,579)
Depreciation (9,949) (8,806)
Provisions for liabilities and charges 2,109 (605)
Total (213,423) (199,276)

(1) Of which charges, reversals and provisions for impairment on inventories amounting to:

• -€2,174 thousand in 2015;

• -€1,078 thousand in 2014.

(2) See "Gains/(losses) on disposals of non current assets" in Note 4.6 "Other operating income and expenses".

4.3. Employee benefits expense

In thousands of euros 2015 2014
Wages and salaries (585,620) (536,711)
Payroll taxes(1) (160,296) (149,722)
Non-discretionary profit-sharing (12,418) (10,052)
Share-based compensation (3,025) (2,354)
Pension and other post-employment benefit costs (798) (661)
Other employee benefits expenses (37,432) (25,759)
Total employee benefits expense excluding temporary staff costs (799,589) (725,259)
Temporary staff costs (109,540) (87,231)
Total employee benefits expenses (909,129) (812,490)

(1) This item combines payroll taxes on stock purchase and option plans in the amount of:

• -€1,811 thousand (including -€592 thousand for executive corporate officers) in 2015;

• no new stock purchase and option plans were granted in 2014.

4.4. Amortization of intangible assets acquired in business combinations

This item refers to recurring effects related to the recognition of the acquisition cost of 50% of Inergy Automotive Systems (acquired in 2010) and Ford's fuel tank business in the United States (acquired in 2011).

In thousands of euros 2015 2014
Brands (350) (350)
Contractual customer relationships (18,445) (17,947)
Total amortization of intangible assets acquired in business combinations (18,795) (18,297)

4.5. Share of profit/(loss) of associates and joint ventures

In thousands of euros % Interest 2015 2014
JV HBPO GmbH and its subsidiaries and sub-subsidiaries 33.33% 12,731 10,999
JV Yanfeng Plastic Omnium and its subsidiaries 49.95% 12,668 17,398
B.P.O. AS 49.98% 9,543 10,030
Signal AG 50.00% 1,158
JV Valeo Plastic Omnium (SNC and SL) 50.00% (4) (8)
Plastic Recycling SAS 50.00% (189) (256)
Total share of profit/(loss) of associates and joint ventures 34,749 39,321

4.6. Other operating income and expenses

(623)
(9,928) (22,418)
(14,498) (1,322)
(4,268) (1,525)
(613) 64
(13,585) (6,695)
(7,654) 46
(3,345) (839)
(1,396) (1,325)
(75,498) (34,637)
20,943 3,373
(38,010)
(20,211)
(96,441)

For the 2015 Fiscal Year

(1) Pre-start-up costs at plants:

In the 2015 fiscal year, the Group opened three new plants in Russia and North America (see Notes 2.3 "Investments in manufacturing capacity" and 5.1.3 "Property, plant and equipment excluding investment property"). Pre-start-up costs concern the Automotive sector and are broken down as follows:

  • 91% for the Auto Exteriors Division;
  • and the remainder for the Fuel Systems Division.

(2) Costs of employee downsizing plans:

These primarily involve:

  • the continued reorganization of the Automotive Division's Compiègne-Laval site in France;
  • the restructuring of the Automotive Division's "Composite" business in China;
  • the restructuring of the Environment Division's Neustadt sites in Germany;

• and the unreplaced start-up costs for a French subsidiary of the Environment Division.

(3) Impairment of non-current assets:

This essentially covers depreciation of the property, plant and equipment of the Division's Composites business Automotive in France and China.

(4) Provisions for charges:

Provisions for charges cover the risk of customer returns under warranty for the Automotive Division in Europe and Asia.

(5) Foreign exchange gains and losses on operating activities:

In fiscal year 2015, foreign exchange gains on transactions concerned:

  • the "Auto Exteriors" Division of the Automotive segment 34.5%;
  • and the "Fuel Systems" Division of the Automotive segment 62.4%.
  • The sharp variations were due to the fall in some currencies, mainly in South America.

(6) Impacts of acquisitions: related fees and expenses:

The Group embarked upon several acquisitions (see Notes 2.1 "Proposed acquisition of the Exterior Systems business of the Faurecia Group" and 7.6 "Subsequent events", etc.). The costs recognized reflect the expenses incurred.

(7) Other:

It includes various non-material amounts.

For the 2014 Fiscal Year

(2) Costs of employee downsizing plans:

These primarily involve:

  • the Automotive Division with respect to the Compiègne-Laval site in France, whose reorganization begun last year is ongoing;
  • and the Environment Division with respect to the Neustadt site in Germany.

(7) Other:

They include various non-material amounts.

(a) Gains/losses on disposals of non-current assets:

The detail on disposals of non current assets shown below explains the impact on non current operating income of transactions in non current assets and reconciles them with changes in the statement of cash flows:

  • proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets in the statement of cash flows include proceeds from disposals of assets reported under "Other operating income and expenses" and proceeds from waste containers leased to customers under operating leases reported under "Cost of sales" (see Note 4.2);
  • and net (gains)/losses on disposals of non current assets in the statement of cash flows include gains and losses from disposals of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets reported under "Other operating income and expenses" and gains and losses from waste containers leased to customers under operating leases (see Note 4.2). Details below:
In thousands of euros 2015 2014
Disposal
proceeds
Gain/loss Disposal
proceeds
Gain/loss
Sales of waste containers included in operating margin 2,095 509 998 266
Total amount of waste containers included
in operating margin (see Note 4.2)
2,095 509 998 266
Disposals of intangible assets 7,973 (195) 3,559 (113)
Disposals of property, plant and equipment 2,530 (1,197) 7,521 (425)
Total from disposals of non-current assets excluding
non current financial assets (see table above)
10,503 (1,392) 11,080 (538)
Disposals of non current financial assets 4 (4) 16,610 (786)
Total proceeds from disposal of non-current financial
assets (see table above)(1)
4 (4) 16,610 (786)
Total 12,602 (887) 28,688 (1,058)

2014:

(1) The entire income from the disposal of non current financial assets corresponded to the proceeds from the disposal of the 50% stake in Signal AG.

4.7. Net financial income

In thousands of euros 2015 2014
Finance costs (43,037) (39,252)
Interest cost of post-employment benefit obligations(1) (2,505) (2,429)
Financing fees and commissions (8,104) (9,563)
Finance costs, net (53,646) (51,244)
Exchange gains or losses on financing activities (1,150) 3,074
Gains or losses on interest rate and currency hedges(2) (2,502) (15,062)
Other 1,120 (1,062)
Other financial income and expenses, net (2,532) (13,050)
Total (56,178) (64,294)

(1) See Notes 5.2.6.5 on the "Changes in net balance sheet amounts".

(2) See Notes 5.2.8.1.3 on the "Impact of hedging on the Income statement" and 5.2.8.2.2 on the "Impact of non-unwound currency hedging on profit or loss".

4.8. Income tax

4.8.1. Income tax recorded in the income statement

Income tax expense breaks down as follows:

In thousands of euros 2015 2014
Current taxes (78,683) (80,390)
Current income tax (expense)/benefit (83,682) (74,802)
Tax (expense)/benefit on non-recurring items 4,999 (5,588)
Deferred taxes 3,483 16,222
Deferred tax (expense)/benefits on timing differences arising or reversing during the period 5,965 15,950
Effect of changes in tax rates or the introduction of new taxes (2,482) 272
Income tax recorded in the consolidated income statement (75,200) (64,168)

4.8.2. Analysis of income tax expense – Tax proof

The analysis of the income tax expense reveals the following factors:

Income tax analysis 2015 2014
Consolidated profit before tax and share of profit/(loss)
of associates and joint ventures (A)
(in thousands of euros) 303,292 254,328
Actual income tax expense reported in the income statement (B) (in thousands of euros) (75,200) (64,168)
Effective tax rate (C) = (B) / (A) (in %) 24.8% 25.2%
French standard tax rate (D) (in %) 38% 38%
Theoretical cost of income tax (E) = (A) x (D) (in thousands of euros) (115,251) (96,645)
Difference (F)
Net actual cost of income tax (B) – Theoretical cost of income tax (E)
(in thousands of euros) 40,051 32,477
Analysis of the difference between actual
and theoretical income tax expense (F)
Totals % Totals %
Tax credits and other tax savings 28,435 9.4% 22,636 8.9%
Permanent differences between recorded profits and taxable profits (4,653) -1.5% (4,651) -1.8%
Recognition and/or utilization of tax loss carryforwards and other deferred taxes
(change in unrecognized deferred taxes)
(230) -0.1% (6,046) -2.4%
Impact on opening deferred taxes of a tax rate change (2,482) -0.8% 272 0.1%
Impact of differences in foreign tax rates 22,481 7.4% 18,407 7.2%
Other (3,500) -1.2% 1,859 0.7%
Total difference (F) 40,051 13.2% 32,477 12.8%

The effective tax rate levied on the Group for 2015 was 24.8% (against 25.2% for 2014). The factors determining this tax rate have remained relatively stable.

At December 31, 2015, the actual income tax expense was €75 million (versus €64 million in 2014) compared with a theoretical tax expense of €115 million (versus €97 million in 2014) based on a tax rate of 38% in 2015 (unchanged from 2014).

The difference between actual income tax expense and theoretical income tax expense is accounted for by:

  • €22 million (€18 million in 2014) due to the impact of lower foreign tax rates, particularly in Europe (Spain, the United Kingdom, Slovakia and Poland) and Asia (China, Thailand);
  • 4.9. Net profit attributable to non-controlling interests

The net profit attributable to non-controlling interests corresponds to that share of minority interests in the profit/loss of fully consolidated entities controlled by the Group. It breaks down as follows:

In thousands of euros 2015 2014
Inergy Automotive Systems Manufacturing (Beijing) Co. Ltd 3,987 4,175
Inergy Automotive Systems Manufacturing India Pvt Ltd 846 559
RMS Rotherm Maschinenbau GmbH (10) 195
DSK Plastic Omnium Inergy (215) 86
DSK Plastic Omnium BV (141) (86)
Total attributable to non-controlling interests 4,467 4,929
  • €28 million (€23 million in 2014) to the use of specific tax reductions or credits, mainly in the United States, Asia and France;
  • and for -€2 million due to the impact of the change in the tax rate on company deferred taxes (French companies essentially, bringing the tax rate down from 38% to 34.4%).

4.10. Earnings per share and diluted earnings per share

Net profit attributable to owners of the parent 2015 2014
Basic earnings per share (in euros) 1.75 1.52
Diluted earnings per share (in euros) 1.72 1.49
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding 153,576,720 154,731,489
Treasury stock (5,592,866) (7,158,328)
Weighted average number of ordinary shares, undiluted 147,983,854 147,573,161
Impact of dilutive instruments (stock options) 2,534,828 3,092,705
Weighted average number of ordinary shares, diluted 150,518,682 150,665,866
Weighted average price of the Plastic Omnium share during the period
Weighted average share price 25.06 21.52

5. Notes to the balance sheet

5.1. Assets

5.1.1. Goodwill

For 2015, the following assumptions were used for impairment tests (see Note 1.1.13) conducted on cash generating units (CGU) or groups of cash generating units (business segments):

  • Automotive: a 1.5% perpetual growth rate and a 9.0% after-tax discount rate;
  • Environment: a 1.5% perpetual growth rate and a 7.5% after-tax discount rate.

These assumptions are unchanged from 2014.

At December 31, 2015, the tests conducted did not lead to the recording of any impairment in respect of the Group's goodwill. A 0.5% increase in the discount rate or a reduction of 0.5% in the long-term growth rate or a reduction of 0.5% in the operating margin rate would not have any impact on the test results.

Concerning the Automotive and Environment CGUs, only unreasonable assumptions might jeopardize the test results. Unreasonable assumptions means a negative long-term growth rate combined with a discount rate increased by more than two points. For the Signature CGU, an increase of one point in the discount rate combined with a 0.5 point drop in the long-term growth rate could result in an impairment of approximately €1 million.

Goodwill
In thousands of euros
Cost Impairment Carrying
amount
Value at January 1, 2014 301,521 (20,000) 281,521
Allocation of prior impairment losses (20,000) 20,000
Translation adjustment 3,049 3,049
Value at December 31, 2014 284,570 284,570
Translation adjustment 2,926 2,926
Value at December 31, 2015 287,496 287,496
Goodwill by reporting segment
In thousands of euros
Cost Impairment Carrying
amount
Automotive 168,225 168,225
Environment 119,271 119,271
Value at December 31, 2015 287,496 287,496
Automotive 165,377 165,377
Environment 119,193 119,193
Value at December 31, 2014 284,570 284,570

5.1.2. Goodwill and intangible assets

In thousands of euros Goodwill Patents
and
licenses
Software Development
costs
Contractual
customer
relationships
Other Total
Carrying amount at January 1, 2015 284,570 26,154 16,989 251,210 56,063 1,302 636,288
Acquisitions 518 6,925 101,354 94 108,891
Disposals – net (19) (172) (7,976) (8,167)
Reclassifications 929 (3,956) (7,506) 2,054 (567)
Depreciation for the period (1,845) (9,281) (50,586) (18,451) (569) (80,732)
Impairments recognized and reversed (120) (120)
Translation adjustment 2,926 (19) 53 8,193 1,660 254 13,067
Carrying amount at December 31, 2015 287,496 25,598 18,470 294,689 39,272 3,135 668,660
In thousands of euros Goodwill Patents
and
licenses
Software Development
costs
Contractual
customer
relationships
Other Total
Carrying amount at January 1, 2014 281,521 26,774 17,623 212,625 72,132 1,117 611,792
Acquisitions 71 5,353 86,639 634 92,697
Disposals – net 487 (4,250) (3,763)
Reclassifications 1,203 1,679 (4,184) 119 (1,183)
Depreciation for the period (1,767) (8,252) (49,269) (17,947) (783) (78,018)
Impairments recognized and reversed (120) (120)
Translation adjustment 3,049 (7) 99 9,649 1,878 215 14,883
Carrying amount at December 31, 2014 284,570 26,154 16,989 251,210 56,063 1,302 636,288

The significant changes under the sub-section "Goodwill and intangible assets" during the two periods 2015 and 2014 correspond essentially to increased Automotive Division development assets.

In thousands of euros Goodwill Patents
and
licenses
Software Development
costs
Contractual
customer
relationships
Other Total
Analysis of carrying amount
at January 1, 2015
Cost 284,570 39,677 100,409 519,839 132,799 6,772 1,084,066
Accumulated amortization (13,158) (83,420) (268,629) (76,736) (5,470) (447,413)
Accumulated impairment (losses) (365) (365)
Carrying amount at January 1, 2015 284,570 26,154 16,989 251,210 56,063 1,302 636,288
Analysis of carrying amount
at December 31, 2015
Cost 287,496 41,081 113,972 613,288 135,655 6,794 1,198,286
Accumulated amortization (14,998) (95,502) (318,287) (96,383) (3,659) (528,829)
Accumulated impairment (losses) (485) (312) (797)
Carrying amount at December 31, 2015 287,496 25,598 18,470 294,689 39,272 3,135 668,660
In thousands of euros Goodwill Patents
and
licenses
Software Development
costs
Contractual
customer
relationships
Other Total
Analysis of carrying amount
at January 1, 2014
Cost 301,521 38,410 93,935 444,419 129,832 6,837 1,014,954
Accumulated amortization (11,391) (76,312) (231,794) (57,700) (5,720) (382,917)
Accumulated impairment (losses) (20,000) (245) (20,245)
Carrying amount at January 1, 2014 281,521 26,774 17,623 212,625 72,132 1,117 611,792
Analysis of carrying amount
at December 31, 2014
Cost 284,570 39,677 100,409 519,839 132,799 6,772 1,084,066
Accumulated amortization (13,158) (83,420) (268,629) (76,736) (5,470) (447,413)
Accumulated impairment (losses) (365) (365)
Carrying amount at December 31, 2014 284,570 26,154 16,989 251,210 56,063 1,302 636,288

5.1.3. Property, plant and equipment excluding investment property

Property, plant and equipment owned or leased by the Group mainly pertain to plants and research and development centers.

These plants and development centers break down as follows by number and region:

Number of plants and research and development centers
In units
December 31,
2015
December 31,
2014
Western Europe 53 52
Eastern Europe 16 15
North America 19 17
Asia 44 39
South America 7 7
Africa 2 2
Total 141 132
of which total plants managed under joint ventures 39 33

Asset breakdowns over the two periods are such that no factory site represents a material portion of the total property, plant and equipment over each period.

In thousands of euros Land Buildings Revalued Tech. eq. Assets under construction Other Total
buildings & tools Transferred to
"Investment
property"
Transferred to
"Operating assets"
Carrying amount at January 1, 2015 77,117 330,476 14,736 324,383 154,178 107,580 1,008,470
Acquisitions(1) 1,079 40,056 45,275 145,051 30,912 262,373
Disposals (13) (14) (1,891) (1) (3,396) (5,315)
Reclassifications(2) 3,303(3) 43,857 (14,736)(4) 58,660 (121,125) 27,328 (2,713)(5)
Impairments recognized and reversed (2,874) (7,064) (2,099) (12,037)
Depreciation for the period (1,061) (21,380) (72,211) (38,120) (132,772)
Translation adjustment 1,866 8,569 10,901 7,926 1,947 31,209
Carrying amount at December 31, 2015 82,291 398,690 358,053 186,029 124,152 1,149,215
In thousands of euros Land Buildings Revalued Tech. eq. Assets under construction Other Total
buildings & tools Transferred to
"Investment
property"
Transferred to
"Operating assets"
Carrying amount at January 1, 2014 68,068 245,908 13,745 304,879 (996) 149,692 109,846 891,142
Acquisitions(1) 697 50,722 26,456 110,133 18,956 206,964
Disposals (167) (3,700) (4,720) (8,587)
Reclassifications 8,195 38,247 2,496 48,796 996 (113,199) 15,652 1,183(5)
Revaluations 2,306 2,306
Impairments recognized and reversed 34 18 52
Depreciation for the period (820) (17,876) (1,505) (67,062) (35,132) (122,395)
Translation adjustment 977 11,336 14,980 7,552 2,960 37,805
Carrying amount at December 31, 2014 77,117 330,476 14,736 324,383 154,178 107,580 1,008,470

"Tech. eq. & tool": technical equipment and tooling.

"Assets": non-current assets.

(1) At December 31, 2015, property, plant and equipment reported in the "Statement of cash flows" corresponded to acquisitions of property, plant and equipment excluding investment property for €262,373 thousand, against €206,964 thousand at December 31, 2014.

(2) At December 31, 2015, practically all depreciation of buildings, technical equipment, tooling and other property, plant and equipment concerned the assets of the Automotive Division's Composites business in France and in China.

(3) From now on, the Group uses the Nanterre site, which was previously classed as "investment property" for a value of €2.5 million, as the Environment Division's exhibition center (see Note 5.1.5). At December 31, 2015, this land was reclassified as "Operating buildings".

(4) After reclassifying the Nanterre land to "Operating buildings", the entire Nanterre site, reclassified as an operating site, was switched to "Land" and "Buildings" at December 31, 2015. (5) At December 31, 2015, the net balance of -€2,713 thousand is due to the following reclassifications:

• -€5,780 thousand in "Assets held for sale" (see Note 5.1.16);

• €2,500 thousand in "Investment property" (see Note 5.1.5);

• and €567 thousand in "Intangible assets".

At December 31, 2014, the net balance of an amount of €1,183 thousand is due to reclassifications under "Intangible assets".

In thousands of euros Land Buildings Tech. eq. &
tools
Assets
under
construction
Other Total
Analysis of carrying amount at January 1, 2015
Cost 84,369 557,961 1,223,536 154,178 411,705 2,431,749
Depreciation (7,245) (212,749) (899,065) (304,102) (1,423,161)
Accumulated impairment (losses) (7) (88) (23) (118)
Carrying amount at January 1, 2015 77,117 345,212 324,383 154,178 107,580 1,008,470
Analysis of carrying amount at December 31, 2015
Cost 90,727 635,223 1,331,283 186,029 436,425 2,679,687
Depreciation (8,428) (233,659) (966,082) (310,489) (1,518,658)
Accumulated impairment (losses) (8) (2,874) (7,148) (1,784) (11,814)
Carrying amount at December 31, 2015 82,291 398,690 358,053 186,029 124,152 1,149,215
In thousands of euros Land Buildings Tech. eq. &
tools
Assets
under
construction
Other Total
Analysis of carrying amount at January 1, 2014
Cost 74,445 438,312 1,128,789 148,696 396,135 2,186,377
Depreciation (6,371) (178,659) (823,788) (286,249) (1,295,067)
Accumulated impairment (losses) (6) (122) (40) (168)
Carrying amount at January 1, 2014 68,068 259,653 304,879 148,696 109,846 891,142
Analysis of carrying amount at December 31, 2014
Cost 84,369 557,961 1,223,536 154,178 411,705 2,431,749
Depreciation (7,245) (212,749) (899,065) (304,102) (1,423,161)
Accumulated impairment (losses) (7) (88) (23) (118)
Carrying amount at December 31, 2014 77,117 345,212 324,383 154,178 107,580 1,008,470

"Tech. eq. & tool": technical equipment and tooling.

"Assets": non-current assets.

Property, plant and equipment leased under operating leases where the Group is lessor

In thousands of euros December 31,
2015
December 31,
2014
Cost 60,742 64,205
Accumulated depreciation (43,565) (45,312)
Accumulated impairment (5) (20)
Of which depreciation for the year (4,844) (4,666)
Of which provisions for the year 15 20
Accumulated net depreciation and impairment 17,173 18,873

The above figures correspond to waste containers leased to customers by the Environment Division under contracts that do not qualify as finance leases.

Minimum lease payments receivable under non-cancelable operating leases and/or lease-maintenance contracts

In thousands of euros December 31,
2015
December 31,
2014
Due within one year 44,847 56,772
Due in one to five years 93,674 115,722
Due beyond five years 42,895 69,290
Total 181,416 241,784

Property, plant and equipment under finance leases where the Group is lessee

These assets, which are included in the tables above on property, plant and equipment, correspond to plants, research and development centers and production equipment.

Changes in capital assets under finance leases where the Group is lessee

In thousands of euros Land and Buildings Technical equipment
and tooling
Total
Gross value at December 31, 2015 27,059 12,280 39,339
Accumulated depreciation and provisions at December 31, 2015 (20,302) (4,799) (25,101)
Carrying amount at December 31, 2015(1) 6,757 7,481 14,238
Gross value at December 31, 2014 36,412 14,880 51,292
Accumulated depreciation and impairment and provisions
at December 31, 2014
(24,513) (6,379) (30,892)
Carrying amount at December 31, 2014(1) 11,899 8,501 20,400

(1) See Note 3.3. "Property, plant and equipment (excluding Investment property) by operating segment".

Changes in payments and discounted value relating to assets under finance leases where the Group is lessee

In thousands of euros Minimum payments at
December 31, 2015
Discounted value at
December 31, 2015
Due within one year 2,463 2,503
Due in one to five years 4,718 4,137
Carrying amount at December 31, 2015(1) 7,181 6,640
In thousands of euros Minimum payments at
December 31, 2014
Discounted value at
December 31, 2014
Due within one year 3,039 3,191
Due in one to five years 5,333 5,490
Carrying amount at December 31, 2014(1) 8,372 8,681

(1) See Note 5.2.7.5 "Reconciliation of gross and net debt".

5.1.4. Property, plant and equipment (excluding Investment property) by category

Property, plant and equipment by category
In thousands of euros
Cost Depreciation Impairment Total
At december 31, 2015
Property, plant and equipment owned outright 2,587,051 (1,454,270) (11,808) 1,120,972
Owned property, plant and equipment leased
under operating leases where the Group is lessor(1)
53,298 (39,289) (5) 14,005
Property, plant and equipment leased under finance leases
where the Group is lessee(2)
31,895 (20,825) 11,070
Property, plant and equipment leased under finance leases
where the Group is lessee that has been sub-let to third parties
under operating leases where the Group is lessor(1)(2)
7,444 (4,276) 3,168
Total Property, plant and equipment (excluding Investment property) 2,679,688 (1,518,660) (11,813) 1,149,215
Property, plant and equipment by category Cost Depreciation Impairment Total
In thousands of euros
At december 31, 2014
Property, plant and equipment owned outright 2,327,212 (1,352,285) (101) 974,830
Owned property, plant and equipment leased
under operating leases where the Group is lessor(1)
53,248 (39,987) (20) 13,241
Property, plant and equipment leased under finance leases
where the Group is lessee(2)
40,335 (25,566) 14,768
Property, plant and equipment leased under finance leases
where the Group is lessee that has been sub-let to third parties
under operating leases where the Group is lessor(1)(2)
10,957 (5,325) 5,632
Total Property, plant and equipment (excluding Investment property) 2,431,749 (1,423,160) (118) 1,008,470

(1) The sum of "Property, plant and equipment owned outright and leased under operating leases where the Group is lessor" and "Property, plant and equipment leased under finance leases where the Group is lessee that has been sub-let to third parties under operating leases where the Group is lessor" corresponds to the value of "Property, plant and equipment leased under operating leases where the Group is lessor".

(2) See sub-section "Property, plant and equipment leased under finance leases where the Group is lessee".

5.1.5. Investment property

The item "Investment property" saw the following movements over the two periods:

In thousands of euros Land Buildings Total
Fair value at December 31, 2014 15,200 73,625 88,825
Lyon Gerland building 6,938 6,938
Nanterre building – reclassification as operating building(1) (2,500) (2,500)
Fair value at December 31, 2015 12,700 80,563 93,263
In thousands of euros Land Buildings Total
Fair value at December 31, 2013 15,200 26,853 42,053
Buildings under construction in Lyon Gerland 46,772 46,772
Fair value at December 31, 2014 15,200 73,625 88,825

(1) See reclassification of non current assets in Note 5.1.3 "Property, plant and equipment excluding investment property".

These cumulative movements break down as follows:

In financial years 2014 and 2015

In thousands of euros Land Buildings Total
Lyon Gerland complex 12,700 80,563 93,263
Fair value at December 31, 2015(1) 12,700 80,563 93,263
In thousands of euros Land Buildings Total
Nanterre site in Île-de-France in Hauts-de-Seine 2,500 2,500
Lyon Gerland complex 12,700 73,625 86,325
Fair value at December 31, 2014(1) 15,200 73,625 88,825

(1) See Note 2.2 "Delivery and inauguration of the Lyon Gerland building project".

At December 31, 2015, the balance of investment property covered the following components:

• Lyon Gerland construction project: the Lyon Gerland real estate project for the construction of 33,000 sq.m. of office buildings (including 3,000 sq.m. of service buildings) for the rental market was delivered and inaugurated on March 30, 2015. Total investment (including the value of the land) was €93.3 million, €7.0 million of which was spent in 2015.

The primary tenant took occupancy of two-thirds of the offices (18,977 sq.m.) on April 1, 2015 as initially planned in the contract on a twelve year lease. On October 1, 2015, the same tenant signed an additional lease for a firm term of six years (5,684 sq.m.), increasing its occupancy rate to 82%. The Plastic Omnium Group uses around 900 sq.m.

The entire building complex is classified under investment property. The portion used by the Group for its own occupation is 3%, and deemed to be immaterial.

• Land attached to the Nanterre site in île-de-France in Hauts-de-Seine: the land in Nanterre, which was classified as an investment property at December 31, 2014 was reclassified as operating property at December 31, 2015. It is now used by the Group as an exhibition center for the Environment Division's exterior fittings products.

5.1.6. Investments in associates and joint ventures

Investments in associates and joint ventures correspond to investments by the Group in the following companies:

In thousands of euros % interest December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
JV HBPO GmbH and its subsidiaries and sub-subsidiaries 33.33% 33,100 30,446
JV Yanfeng Plastic Omnium and its subsidiaries 49.95% 105,121 93,995
B.P.O. AS 49.98% 20,983 20,292
JV Valeo Plastic Omnium (SNC and SL) 50.00% (34) (30)
Plastic Recycling SAS 50.00% (97) 90
Total investments in associates and joint ventures 159,073 144,793

Investments in these entities include goodwill by segment in the following amounts:

In thousands of euros December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Goodwill in associates and joint ventures – Automotive 21,333 21,044
Total goodwill in associates and joint ventures 21,333 21,044

The tables below provide summary balance sheet and income statement data for all of the associates and joint ventures.

The associates Chengdu Faway YFPO, Dongfeng Plastic Omnium AE and Hicom HBPO are included in the YFPO and HBPO joint ventures respectively.

The following presentation covers 100% of the data from the consolidated balance sheet and income statement before elimination of internal operations:

In thousands of euros December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Non-current assets 478,157 406,940
Current assets 1,200,402 999,619
Total assets 1,678,559 1,406,559
Shareholders' equity 515,202 464,981
Non-current liabilities 6,472 6,300
Current liabilities 1,156,885 935,278
Total equity and liabilities 1,678,559 1,406,559
Revenue 3,195,096 2,631,984
Net income 210,106 162,242

5.1.7. Available-for-sale financial assets

In thousands of euros December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Shell companies and dormant companies 356 469
Contribution to the "FMEA 2" fund(1) 1,172 1,372
Available-for-sale financial assets 1,528 1,841

(1) Contributions to the "FMEA 2" fund are listed with long-term financial receivables in Note 5.2.7.5 "Reconciliation of gross and net debt".

5.1.8. Other non-current financial assets

In thousands of euros December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Loans 220 228
Negotiable debt securities(1) 5,000
Deposits and bonds 22,775 14,436
Other 48 43
Other non-current assets and financial receivables (see Note 5.2.7.5) 28,043 14,707
Finance receivables related to Environment finance leases (see Note 6.4.1) 2,620 4,064
Finance receivables related to Automotive contracts (see Note 6.4.1) 34,077 26,376
Non-current financial receivables (see Note 5.2.7.5) 36,697 30,440
Total 64,740 45,147

(1) See Note 5.2.7.3 "Loans, Negotiable debt securities and Other financial assets".

Deposits and bonds correspond mainly to guarantee deposits on leased offices and sold receivables sales programs.

Finance receivables mainly concern work in progress on automotive projects for which the Group has received a firm commitment on the selling price of developments and/or tooling. These receivables are discounted.

5.1.9. Inventories and goods in process

In thousands of euros December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Raw materials and supplies
At cost 115,743 103,953
Net realizable value 107,481 96,788
Molds, tooling and engineering
At cost 128,648 102,933
Net realizable value 128,583 102,844
Other work in progress
At cost 63 13,940
Net realizable value 63 13,847
Maintenance inventories
At cost 41,381 36,144
Net realizable value 33,617 29,168
Goods
At cost 8,010 9,104
Net realizable value 7,072 8,335
Semi-finished products
At cost 33,019 30,468
Net realizable value 31,008 28,910
Finished products
At cost 42,758 36,286
Net realizable value 39,589 33,584
Total, net 347,413 313,476

5.1.10. Current financial receivables

In thousands of euros December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Undiscounted
values
Carrying
amount
Undiscounted
values
Carrying
amount
Current financial receivables (see Note 5.2.7.5) 19,205 18,833 31,456 31,213
Of which Environment Division finance lease receivables 1,653 1,471 1,791 1,555
Of which Automotive Division finance receivables 17,552 17,362 29,665 29,658
Other current financial assets and financial receivables (see Note 5.2.7.5) 27,010 27,010 8,194 8,104
Of which "Current accounts" 1,852 1,852 1,934 1,934
Of which "Negotiable debt securities"(1) 19,030 19,030
Of which "Other" 6,128 6,128 6,260 6,170
Total current financial receivables 46,215 45,843 39,650 39,317

(1) See Note 5.2.7.3 "Loans, Negotiable debt securities and Other financial assets".

5.1.11. Trade and other receivables

5.1.11.1 Sales of receivables

Compagnie Plastic Omnium and some of its European and North American subsidiaries have set up several receivables sales programs with French banks. These programs are due within more than two years on average.

Nearly all of these non-recourse programs transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the buyer, with only the non-material dilution risk retained by the Group, and the sold receivables are therefore derecognized.

Receivables sold under these programs, and which are therefore no longer included on the balance sheet, totaled €260 million at December 31, 2015, against €235 million at December 31, 2014.

5.1.11.2 Trade receivables – Cost, impairment and carrying amounts

In thousands of euros December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Cost Impairment Carrying
amount
Cost Impairment Carrying
amount
Trade receivables 582,264 (4,409) 577,855 506,713 (5,111) 501,602

The Group has not identified material customer risk that has not been given an accounting provision in the two periods.

5.1.11.3 Other

In thousands of euros December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Sundry receivables 54,293 53,656
Prepayments to suppliers of tooling and prepaid development costs 36,536 12,890
Prepaid and recoverable income taxes 61,591 60,656
Other prepaid and recoverable taxes 68,046 60,470
Employee advances 951 3,369
Prepayments to suppliers of non current assets 4,272 3,240
Other 225,689 194,281

5.1.11.4 Trade and other receivables by currency

In thousands of currency units Receivables at December 31, 2015 Receivables at December 31, 2014
Local
currency
Euro % Local
currency
Euro %
EUR Euro 395,988 395,988 49% 373,648 373,648 54%
USD US dollar 200,324 184,003 23% 187,162 154,157 22%
CNY Chinese yuan 568,412 80,502 10% 441,297 58,560 8%
GBP Pound sterling 41,282 56,246 7% 24,145 30,999 4%
Other Other currencies 86,805 11% 78,519 11%
Total 803,544 100% 695,883 100%
Of which:
• Trade receivables 577,855 72% 501,602 72%
• Other receivables 225,689 28% 194,281 28%

Sensitivity tests on exchange rate movements for "Trade and other receivables" give the following results:

In thousands
of currency units
Sensitivity tests on Receivables at December 31, 2015 Sensitivity tests on Receivables at December 31, 2014
Base Increase – all
currencies
Decrease – all
currencies
Base Increase –
all currencies
Decrease –
all currencies
+10% +20% –10% –20% +20% –10% –20%
Local
currency
Translation
rate
% % % % Local
currency
Translation
rate
% % % %
EUR Euro 395,988 1.00000 47% 45% 52% 55% 373,648 1.00000 51% 49% 56% 59%
USD US dollar 200,324 0.91853 24% 25% 22% 20% 187,162 0.82366 23% 24% 21% 20%
CNY Chinese yuan 568,412 0.14163 10% 11% 9% 9% 441,297 1.28386 9% 9% 8% 7%
GBP Pound sterling 41,282 1.36249 7% 8% 7% 6% 24,145 0.13270 5% 5% 4% 4%
Other Other currencies 12% 11% 10% 10% 12% 13% 11% 10%
Total in euros 803,544 844,300 885,056 762,788 722,033 695,883 728,107 760,330 663,660 631,436
Of which:
Trade receivables 577,855 607,164 636,473 548,547 519,238 501,602 524,830 548,057 478,375 455,148
Other receivables 225,689 237,136 248,583 214,241 202,795 194,281 203,277 212,273 185,285 176,288

Currency sensitivity tests on "Trade and other receivables" and "Trade payables and other operating liabilities" (see Note 5.2.9.3) give practically the same net exposure for the Group by currency as the exposure calculated based on actual data in 2015.

5.1.12. Deferred taxes

As explained in Note 1.1.27 to the accounting rules and methods above, deferred tax assets corresponding to tax loss carryforwards, deductible temporary differences and tax credits are measured based on the probability of sufficient taxable earnings being generated to permit their utilization. To this end, new estimates were made for the year-end closing of accounts, leading to the recognition of assets based on probable use within a relatively short period. This reflects a prudent approach given the current economic context.

Recognized deferred taxes relate to the following items:

In thousands of euros December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Property, plant and equipment (46,150) (42,697)
Post-employment benefit obligations 33,704 31,435
Provisions for liabilities and charges 42,916 31,192
Financial instruments 4,790 7,311
Tax loss carryforwards and tax credits 91,639 91,199
Other (18,164) (11,843)
Impairment of deferred tax assets (81,129) (76,308)
Total 27,606 30,289
of which:
Deferred tax assets 87,310 78,067
Deferred tax liabilities 59,704 47,778

Unrecognized deferred tax assets on tax loss carryforwards amounted to €55 million at December 31, 2015 against €58 million at December 31, 2014, as follows:

In thousands of euros December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Evergreen tax loss carryforwards 45,743 50,115
Tax loss carryforwards available for more than 5 years 2,281 3,290
Tax loss carryforwards available for up to 5 years 3,165 2,613
Tax loss carryforwards available for up to 4 years 1,865 1,240
Tax loss carryforwards available for up to 3 years 1,115 605
Tax loss carryforwards available for less than 3 years 1,156
Total 55,325 57,863

The change during the year stems essentially from changes in France and Germany.

5.1.13. Cash and cash equivalents

5.1.13.1 Gross cash and cash equivalents

In thousands of euros December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Cash at bank and in hand 212,968 182,972
Short-term deposits 450,188 352,440
Total cash and cash equivalents on the balance sheet 663,156 535,412

Group cash and cash equivalents breaks down as follows:

In thousands of euros December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Cash and cash equivalents of the Group's captive reinsurance company 51,189 45,613
Cash and cash equivalents in countries with exchange controls on remittances
and transfers(1)
70,100 85,225
Cash equivalents 541,867 404,574
Total cash and cash equivalents on the balance sheet 663,156 535,412

(1) The "countries with exchange controls on remittances and transfers" include Brazil, China, India, Chile and Argentina.

The above amounts are presented in the balance sheet as current assets as they are not subject to any general restrictions.

5.1.13.2 Net cash and cash equivalents at end of period

In thousands of euros December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Cash and cash equivalents 663,156 535,412
Short-term bank loans and overdrafts (15,891) (4,148)
Net cash and cash equivalents at end of period in the statement of cash flows 647,265 531,264

5.1.14. Statement of cash flows – Acquisitions and disposals of non current financial assets and non-controlling interests

5.1.14.1 Acquisitions of shares in subsidiaries and associates and non-controlling interests

Financial acquisitions made by the Group are broken down into the following two categories:

Acquisitions of shares in subsidiaries and associates, investments leading to a change in control, equity investments in associates, joint ventures and related investments

These are recorded under "Cash flows from investments" in the Consolidated statement of cash flows.

At December 31, 2015, the -€101 thousand under "Acquisitions of interests in non-consolidated companies" relates to the repatriation of amounts set aside in prior years for the creation of non-consolidated shell companies.

At December 31, 2014, the total was €208 thousand for transactions, which, taken individually, were not significant.

5.1.14.2 Disposals of shares in subsidiaries and associates and non-controlling interests

Disposals of shares in subsidiaries and associates

The proceeds from disposals of shares in subsidiaries and associates are recorded under "Cash flows from investments" in the consolidated statement of cash flows.

2015

In 2015, the Group disposed of €4 thousand in non-Group securities belonging to Compania Plastic Omnium SA.

2014

In 2014, the Group had disposed of its 50% interest in Signal AG for €16,610 thousand (see Note 2.4 of the 2014 Consolidated Financial Statements on the "Disposal of the Group's stake in Signal AG").

5.1.15. Consolidated funds from operations and proportionate share of funds from operations of associates and joint ventures, after taxes and interest paid, net of dividends paid

Consolidated funds from operations and proportionate share of funds from operations of associates and joint ventures, after taxes and interest paid, net of dividends paid, break down as follows:

In thousands of euros 2015 2014
Consolidated financial statements
Funds from operations 606,117 554,756
Tax paid (65,262) (80,990)
Interest paid (49,840) (47,540)
Funds from operations after payment of taxes and interest 491,015 426,226
Associates and joint ventures
Share of funds from operations 58,408 75,253
Share of tax paid (7,958) (13,302)
Share of interest received/paid 1,255 1,927
Elimination of dividends paid (24,887) (22,685)
Share of funds from operations after payment of taxes and interest received, net of dividends paid 26,818 41,193
Total 517,833 467,419

5.1.16. Assets and liabilities held for sale

After opening its new α-Alphatech Research and Development Center for fuel systems on September 1, 2014, the Group put its old technical center in the Oise department up for sale, as well as the one in Laval in the Mayenne department (see Note 2.1 "Investments in the Research and Development Center" of the Consolidated Financial Statements at December 31, 2014).

In addition, the Group put the assets of its Environment Division's former Neustadt (Germany) site up for sale. The plant produced metal drums and has been shut down since May 2015, following the transfer of activities to the Herford plant in Germany.

The breakdown by site of assets reclassified to "Assets and liabilities held for sale" is given below:

In thousands of euros December 31, 2015
Total
Compiègne technical center in the Oise department 846
of which Land 167
of which Buildings, equipment, building improvements, fixtures and fittings 679
Laval technical center in the Mayenne department 1,893
of which Land 178
of which Buildings, equipment, building improvements, fixtures and fittings 1,715
Environment division's Neustadt site in Germany 3,041
of which, Land 2,780
of which Buildings, equipment, building improvements, fixtures and fittings 261
Net assets held for sale 5,780

5.2. Equity and liabilities

5.2.1. Equity attributable to owners of the parent

5.2.1.1 Share capital of Compagnie Plastic Omnium

In euros December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Share capital at January 1 9,214,603 9,298,621
Capital reduction during the year (84,018)
Share capital at end of period (ordinary shares with a par value of €0.06) 9,214,603 9,214,603
Treasury stock 331,350 347,417
Total share capital net of treasury stock 8,883,254 8,867,186

Shares registered in the name of the same holder for at least two years carry double voting rights.

Structure of capital at December 31, 2015

At December 31, 2015, Compagnie Plastic Omnium held 5,522,492 treasury shares, i.e. 3.60% of the share capital, against 5,790,280 or 3.77% of share capital at December 31, 2014.

Structure of capital at December 31, 2014

The Board of Directors' meeting of October 24, 2014 had decided to reduce the share capital of Compagnie Plastic Omnium by €84,018.06, as authorized by the twelfth resolution of the Combined Shareholders' meeting of April 30, 2014. The capital reduction was done by cancelling 1,400,301 shares with a par value of €0.06, thus reducing the capital to €9,214,603.20 for 153,576,720 shares, versus €9,298,621.26 for 154,977,021 shares before the transaction.

5.2.1.2 Details of "Other reserves and retained earnings" in the consolidated statement of changes in equity

In thousands of euros Actuarial
gains/
(losses)
recognized
in equity
Cash flow
hedges –
interest rate
instruments
Cash flow
hedges –
currency
instruments
Fair value
adjustments to
property, plant
and equipment
Retained
earnings and
other reserves
Attributable
to owners of
the parent
December 31, 2013 (22,764) (7,303) 419 16,726 688,197 675,275
Movements for 2014 (16,180) 3,159 (468) 1,430 147,855 135,796
At December 31, 2014 (38,944) (4,144) (49) 18,156 836,052 811,071
Movements for 2015 (2,455) 2,484 173,520 173,549
At December 31, 2015 (41,399) (1,660) (49) 18,156 1,009,572 984,620

5.2.1.3 Details of "Changes in scope of consolidation and reserves" in the consolidated statement of changes in equity

In thousands of euros Shareholders' equity Total equity
Attributable to
owners of the
parent
Attributable to
non-controlling
interests
Adjustment of opening balance sheet for Ford's United States' fuel tank business (1,469) (1,469)
Other changes in scope of consolidation at December 31, 2014 (1,469) (1,469)
Impact IFRIC 21(1) (435) (435)
Partner's subscription to the DSK Plastic Omnium BV capital increase 797 797
Other changes in scope of consolidation at December 31, 2015 (435) 797 362

(1) See Note 1.1. "Basis of preparation" on IFRIC 21.

5.2.2. Dividends voted and paid by Compagnie Plastic Omnium

Dividend per share in euros December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
In thousands of euros
Number of shares, in units
Number of
shares in
2014
Dividend Number of
shares in
2013
Dividend
Dividend per share (in euros) 0.37(1) 0.33(1)
Total number of shares outstanding at the end of the previous year 153,576,720 154,977,021
Total number of shares held in treasury on the ex-dividend date 5,379,571(2) 7,262,537(2)
Total number of shares held in treasury at the year end
(for information)
5,790,280(2) 8,528,162(2)
Dividends on ordinary shares 56,823 51,142
Dividends on treasury stock (unpaid) (1,990)(2) (2,396)(2)
Total net dividend 54,833 48,746

(1) In 2015, Compagnie Plastic Omnium paid a dividend of €0.37 per share on profits from 2014.

In 2014, Compagnie Plastic Omnium paid a dividend of €0.33 per share on profits from 2013.

(2) December 31, 2015: the number of treasury shares taken into account for the determination of the provisional total dividend was 5,790,280 at December 31, 2014. On the 2015 ex-dividend date, there were only 5,379,571 shares in treasury and the dividends attached to treasury shares therefore fell from €2,142 thousand to €1,990 thousand. December 31, 2014: the number of treasury shares taken into account for the determination of the provisional total dividend was 8,528,162 at December 31, 2013. On the 2014 ex-dividend date, there were only 7,262,537 shares in treasury, reducing the dividends attached to those shares from €2,814 thousand to €2,396 thousand.

The recommended dividend in respect of 2015 to be proposed to the Combined Shareholders' Meeting of April 28, 2016, amounts to €0.41 per share, representing a total payout of €62,966 thousand based on the 153,576,720 shares outstanding at December 31, 2015 before deducting treasury stock.

5.2.3. Share-based payments

On July 21, 2015, the Board of Directors allocated share purchase options (see minutes of the Shareholders' Meeting of April 25, 2013) with effect as from August 6, 2015 and exercisable as from August 7, 2019 for a three-year period. The exercise of the stock options granted to corporate officers is subject to market and performance conditions, details of which are given in Note 7.3.1 "Compensation paid to Senior Executives and Corporate Officers".

This plan has been assessed according to the method described in Note 1.1.22. The main assumptions used for this assessment are as follows:

Other information August 6, 2015 plan
Plastic Omnium share price at the plan grant date 26.33
Exercise price 24.72
Zero-coupon interest rate 0.92%
Expected volatility 39.00%
Expected dividend rate 1.75%
Maturity August 7, 2019
Total number of recipients 172
subject to the achievement of certain market performance criteria 10
not subject to the achievement of certain market performance criteria 162

On this basis, the plan was valued at €8,510,740. The cost will be amortized on a straight-line basis over the four-year vesting period.

The social contributions amounting to €1,810,846 relating to the implementation of this new plan were recognized in full as expenses in 2015. They were calculated on the basis of 25% of the share price on the stock option allocation date and represent 30% of the total value of the stock options allocated to French beneficiaries (917 thousand stock options).

Valuation of the August 6, 2015 plan
In euros
Stock options of the August 6, 2015
plan
Total
In units for the number of options Subject to market
conditions
Not subject to
market conditions
Average value of one stock option 4.34 8.68 6.79
Number of options 545,000 708,000 1,253,000
Accounting expense (with adjustment to reserves) 2,365,300 6,145,440 8,510,740

Outstanding stock option plans

Grant date Options
exercisable
for
Grantees Vesting
conditions
Maximum
number of
options
available
under the
plan
Multiplier
following
the division
by three of
the par
value of the
share on
May 10,
2011
Maximum
number of
options
available
under the
plan as
adjusted for
the stock
split(1)
Multiplier
following the
division by
three of the
share par value
on
September 10,
2014
Maximum
number of
options
available
under the
plan as
adjusted for
the stock
split(2)
July 22, 2008 Stock options 39 Employment 350,000 3 1,050,000 3 3,150,000
April 1, 2010 Stock options 124 contract in 375,000 3 1,125,000 3 3,375,000
March 21,
2012
Stock options 208 force on the
option
exercise
N/A N/A 889,500 3 2,668,500
August 7,
2013
Stock options 184 date, except
in the case
N/A N/A 424,000 3 1,272,000
August 6,
2015
Stock options 172 of transfer by
the employer,
early
retirement or
retirement
N/A N/A N/A N/A 1,253,000

(1) On April 28, 2011, the Extraordinary Shareholders' Meeting of Compagnie Plastic Omnium voted to divide the par value of its shares by three, with effect from May 10, 2011. The share price went from €0.50 to €0.17. Since all the plans outstanding at December 31, 2011 preceded that decision, the number of options granted to each employee in each plan as of that date, was multiplied by three and the exercise price divided by three.

(2) On April 25, 2013, the Combined Shareholders' Meeting of Compagnie Plastic Omnium voted to divide the par value of its shares by three, with effect from September 10, 2013. The share price went from €0.17 to €0.06. The number of stock options for every employee in every plan preceding that decision was multiplied by three and the exercise price divided by three.

Successive effects of the three-to-one split
of the Plastic Omnium share
Plan of
July 22,
2008
Plan of
April 1,
2010
Plan of
March 21,
2012
Plan of
August 7,
2013
Effects of division by three of the par value of the share
Voted by the Extraordinary Shareholders' Meeting of April 28, 2011:
Effective as from May 10, 2011:
Number of stock options at January 1, 2011 before division by three
of the par value of the share
340,800 371,500 N/A N/A
Number of stock options at May 10, 2011 after division by three
of the par value of the share
1,022,400 1,114,500 N/A N/A
Effects of division by three of the par value of the share
Voted by the Shareholders' Meeting of April 25, 2013:
Effective as from September 10, 2013 following the Meeting of the Board
of Directors on July 23, 2013:
Number of stock options before division by three of the par value
of the share in 2013
773,422 1,030,500 842,000 424,000
Number of stock options at September 10, 2013 after three-to-one split
of the par value of the share(1)
2,320,266 3,091,500 2,526,000 1,272,000

(1) The number of share purchase options was multiplied by three following the division by three of the par value of the Plastic Omnium share on September 10, 2013.

Outstanding options at the year-end and cost for the period related to the stock option plans

The vesting period for each plan is four years.

Outstanding options
In euros
In units for the number
of options
Options
outstanding
at January 1,
2015
Revaluations/
adjustments
Increases Decreases Cost
for the
period
Options outstanding at
December 31, 2015
Options
granted
during
the period
Options
forfeited
during
the period
Options
that
expired
during
the
period
Options
exercised
during the
period
Total Of which,
options
exercisable at
December 31,
2015
July 22, 2008 plan
Number of options 144,000 72,000 (216,000)
Share price at the grant date 1.99 1.99
Exercise price 2.95 2.95
Term 7 years 7 years
Unrecognized cost
at period-end
Remaining life
Outstanding options
In euros
In units for the number
of options
Options
outstanding
at January 1,
2015
Revaluations/
adjustments
Increases Decreases Cost
for the
period
Options outstanding at
December 31, 2015
Options
granted
during
the period
Options
forfeited
during
the period
Options
that
expired
during
the
period
Options
exercised
during the
period
Total Of which,
options
exercisable at
December 31,
2015
April 1, 2010 plan
Number of options 1,511,000 (18,000) (867,000) 626,000 626,000
Share price at the grant date 3.2 3.2
Exercise price 2.84 2.84
Term 7 years 7 years
Unrecognized cost
at period-end
Remaining life 2.5 years 1.5 years
Outstanding options
In euros
In units for the number
of options
Options
outstanding
at
January 1,
2015
Revaluations/
adjustments
Increases Decreases Cost for
the period
Options outstanding at
December 31, 2015
Options
granted
during the
period
Options
forfeited
during the
period
Options
that
expired
during
the
period
Options
exercised
during
the period
Total Of which,
options
exercisable
at
December 31,
2015
March 21, 2012 plan
Number of options 2,401,500 (63,000) 2,338,500 None
Share price
at the grant date
7.3 7.3
Exercise price 7.38 7.38
Term 7 years 7 years
Unrecognized cost
at period-end
1,151,355 (127,787) (837,673) 185,895
Remaining life 4.25 years 3.25 years
Outstanding options
In euros
In units for the number
of options
Options
outstanding
at
January 1,
Revaluations/
adjustments
Increases Decreases Cost for
the period
Options outstanding at
December 31, 2015
2015 Options
granted
during the
Options
forfeited
during the
Options
that
expired
Options
exercised
during
Total Of which,
options
exercisable
period period during
the
the period at
December 31,
period 2015
August 7, 2013 plan
Number of options 1,233,000 (33,000) 1,200,000 None
Share price
at the grant date
17.71 17.71
Exercise price 16.17 16.17
Term 7 years 7 years
Unrecognized cost
at period-end
3,674,990 (210,419) (1,331,125) 2,133,446
Remaining life 5.6 years 4.6 years
Outstanding options
In euros
In units for the number
Options
outstanding
at
Revaluations/
adjustments
Increases Decreases Cost for
the period
Options outstanding at
December 31, 2015
of options January 1,
2015
Options
granted
during the
period
Options
forfeited
during the
period
Options
that
expired
during
the
period
Options
exercised
during
the period
Total Of which,
options
exercisable
at
December 31,
2015
August 6, 2015 plan
Number of options 1,253,000 1,253,000 None
Share price
at the grant date
Exercise price
26.33
24.72
26.33
24.72

Term 7 years 7 years Unrecognized cost at period-end 8,510,740 (855,731) 7,655,009 Remaining life 7 years 6.6 years Total cost for the year (3,024,529)

At December 31, 2015, the shares intended for grant but not yet allocated amounted to 303,000 shares, against 189,000 shares at December 31, 2014.

5.2.4. Government grants

In thousands of euros December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Grants recognized in non current liabilities 13,875 11,287
Grants recognized in current liabilities 281 273
Total grants recognized as liabilities 14,156 11,560

5.2.5. Provisions for liabilities and charges

In thousands of euros December 31,
2014
Charges Utilizations Releases of
surplus
provisions
Reclassifications Actuarial
gains/
(losses)
Translation
adjustment
December 31,
2015
Customer warranties 7,840 10,564 (4,755) (383) 4,057 (27) 17,296
Reorganization plans(1) 17,153 644 (13,879) (828) 46 (120) 3,017
Taxes and tax risks 6,117 222 (2,985) 7 3,362
Contract risks(2) 33,241 23,208 (10,049) (4,681) (4,860) 6 36,865
Claims and litigation(3) 4,708 592 (1,044) (1,541) (58) 2,657
Other(4) 4,787 4,208 (2,908) (530) 757 7 6,321
Provisions for liabilities
and charges
73,846 39,438 (35,619) (7,963) (185) 69,517
Provisions for pensions
and other post-employment
benefits(5)
93,165 7,010 (3,413) 1,751 3,478 101,991
Total 167,011 46,448 (39,032) (7,963) - 1,751 3,293 171,508

(1) See 2014 Note reference. This refers to the ongoing reorganization plans for the Compiègne-Laval and Saint-Désirat sites.

(2) These are impacts of onerous contracts and losses on completion of development contracts and various risks contracts in the Automotive Division referred to as of 2014.

(3) Charge/reversal for the period mainly concerns ongoing litigation in the Automotive Division.

(4) The sub-section "Other" is made up of non-material individual amounts.

(5) The actuarial gains/losses refer to the lower rates in the Eurozone and the American. Outsourcing of the North American retirement plan (see Note 5.2.6.2) had no impact on changes in retirement provisions for the period, since the reduction in the amount was offset by the reduction in hedging assets.

In thousands of euros December 31,
2013
Charges Utilizations Releases of
surplus
provisions
Reclassifications Actuarial
gains/
(losses)
Translation
adjustment
December 31,
2014
Customer warranties 8,714 9,869 (7,512) (1,950) (1,302) 21 7,840
Reorganization plans(1) 16,201 12,660 (11,389) (299) (20) 17,153
Taxes and tax risks 6,465 1,856 (2,161) (32) (11) 6,117
Contract risks(2) 14,325 33,118 (6,661) (9,094) 1,536 17 33,241
Claims and litigation 5,117 507 (913) (167) 164 4,708
Other(3) 6,305 2,383 (3,003) (711) (234) 47 4,787
Provisions for liabilities
and charges
57,127 60,393 (31,639) (12,253) 218 73,846
Provisions for pensions
and other post employment
benefits(4)
65,347 5,147 (3,311) 22,685 3,297 93,165
Total 122,474 65,540 (34,950) (12,253) 22,685 3,515 167,011

(1) Charges/reversals for the period mainly concerned the Automotive Division for the Compiègne-Laval site in France, which were still undergoing the reorganization started in prior years, and the Saint-Désirat site in France.

(2) Charges/reversals for the period mainly concerned the risks related to onerous contracts, losses on completion of development contracts and various contract risks on Automotive Division contracts.

(3) The sub-section "Other" was made up of non-material individual amounts.

(4) The actuarial loss corresponds to the fall in interest rates in the Eurozone and the United States, as well as changes to the mortality table in the United States.

5.2.6. Provisions for pensions and other post-employment benefits

Post-employment benefit plans

The generic term "post-employment benefits" is used to refer to both pension benefits and other employee benefits.

Provisions for pensions

Provisions for pensions mainly cover:

  • benefits payable to employees on retirement;
  • supplementary pension plans; and
  • plans for the payment of healthcare costs of retired employees.

In France, supplementary pension plans only concern executive corporate officers and consist of termination benefits. In other countries, any supplementary pension plans concern all employees.

Plans for the payment of healthcare costs of retired employees mainly concern the North America region (United States).

Other long-term benefit plans

Other long-term benefits concern other length-of-service awards.

Post-employment benefit plans are set up in accordance with the regulations applicable in each of the Group's host countries. Consequently, the costs recorded in the accounts are not a function of the number of employees in each country.

The regions identified and presented are those for which the regulations are consistent, allowing data to be aggregated. Where no such aggregation is possible, no reference actuarial rates are provided as the differences in parameters are too great to allow an average rate to be calculated. Similarly, sensitivity tests are performed on country data that can be reliably aggregated.

5.2.6.1 Actuarial assumptions

The main actuarial assumptions used to measure post-employment and other long-term benefit obligations are as follows:

December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
France United
States
France United
States
Managers and
non-managers
Managers and
non-managers
Minimum age for receiving a full pension 60 to 62 years 65 years 60 to 62 years 65 years
Age from which no reduction applies 65 to 67 years 65 to 67 years
Discount rate – post-employment benefits 2.00% 4.50% 1.75% 4.30%
Discount rate – length-of-service awards 1.50% 1.60%
Inflation rate 1.70% 1.70%
Rate of future salary increases 1.70% to 4.70% 3.25% 1.70% to 4.70% 3.25%
Rate of growth in healthcare costs(1) 7.50% 8.00%
Expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets 2.00% 4.50% 1.75% 4.30%

(1) In the United States, rates are expected to decline by 0.5% per year to reach 5% in 2019.

Discount rates – post-employment benefits

The Group uses as a reference the bond rates issued by good quality (AA) industrial and commercial companies with maturity equal to the estimated commitment.

Inflation rates

In France, benefits are indexed to inflation.

In the United States, the impact of inflation is not material.

Average rate of future salary increases

The average rates of future salary increases are weighted between "managers" and "other employees" and depending on employees' ages.

Estimated long-term return on pension plan assets

These rates are based on long-term market forecasts and take account of each plan's asset allocation.

For other foreign subsidiaries, rate differentials are determined based on local conditions.

5.2.6.2 Changes in balance sheet commitments and benefit costs corresponding to the defined benefit plans

The amounts reported in the balance sheet for defined benefit plans are as follows:

In thousands of euros Post-employment
benefit plans
Other long-term
benefits
Total
December 31 December 31, December 31,
2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013
Projected benefit obligation at January 1 125,733 86,910 89,593 6,989 7,056 7,241 132,722 93,966 96,834
Service cost 8,300 6,212 6,337 371 316 309 8,671 6,529 6,646
Interest cost 4,068 3,700 3,457 99 169 150 4,167 3,869 3,607
Curtailments, settlements and other (6,652) (244) 488 (1,299) (82) 110 (7,951) (326) 598
Actuarial gains and losses 6,307 25,152 (7,999) (20) (205) (434) 6,287 24,948 (8,433)
of which, experience adjustments 1,676 221 374 (37) (180) (413) 1,639 41 (39)
Benefits paid from plan assets (13) 8 (256) 17 6 6 4 14 (250)
Benefits paid by the Company (9,529) (2,903) (2,429) (574) (342) (300) (10,103) (3,246) (2,729)
Translation adjustment 6,910 6,898 (2,282) 95 71 (25) 7,005 6,968 (2,307)
Projected benefit obligation at December 31 135,123 125,733 86,910 5,678 6,989 7,056 140,802 132,722 93,966
Change in projected benefit obligation 9,390 38,823 (2,683) (1,311) (68) (185) 8,080 38,756 (2,868)
Fair value of plan assets at January 1 39,557 28,619 21,439 39,557 28,619 21,439
Return on plan assets 1,663 1,440 901 1,663 1,440 901
Employer contributions 4,757 4,005 5,209 4,757 4,005 5,209
Actuarial gains and losses 4,556 2,406 2,933 4,556 2,406 2,933
Benefit payments funded by plan assets (7,091) 77 (260) (7,091) 77 (260)
Curtailments, settlements and other (8,158) (660) (581) (8,158) (660) (581)
Translation adjustment 3,527 3,670 (1,022) 3,527 3,670 (1,022)
Fair value of plan assets at December 31 38,811 39,557 28,619 38,811 39,557 28,619
Change in fair value of plan assets (746) 10,937 7,180 (746) 10,937 7,180
Excess of projected benefit obligation
over plan assets = provision recorded
in the balance sheet
96,312 86,176 58,290 5,679 6,989 7,056 101,991 93,165 65,347
• of which France 49,185 44,860 36,603 4,226 4,162 3,815 53,411 49,022 40,418
• of which Europe excluding France
and Switzerland
11,105 9,998 5,054 916 445 887 12,021 10,442 5,941
• of which United States 28,142 26,742 14,203 537 383 474 28,679 27,125 14,677
• of which other regions 7,880 4,576 2,431 1,999 1,879 7,880 6,575 4,310

The present value of partially funded obligations was €80,801 thousand at December 31, 2015, including €9,216 thousand for French plans and €54,942 thousand for US plans. The present value of partially funded obligations was €74,092 thousand at December 31, 2014, including €8,068 thousand for French plans and €59,326 thousand for American plans.

For the United States

The American retirement plan was affected by two events that resulted in the outsourcing of all entitlements of retirees and deferred retirees (persons who are no longer employed by the American company, but have not yet reached the age for liquidating their entitlements):

  • deferred members were able to opt for the payment of their entitlements in cash;
  • entitlements of retirees and deferred members who had not opted for the first scheme were outsourced with an insurer, in return for a cash payment.

The obligation recognized for entitlements of retirees and deferred members is \$15.3 million; the two events described above resulted in a reduction of the obligation and a proportional reversal of the corresponding provision. Hedging assets were used to fund these two events. A \$0.2 million charge was recognized in the 2015 income statement under "Other operating expenses".

The remaining obligation under this plan concerns employees who joined the company before January 1, 2015, since this plan has been closed since that date.

For Europe excluding France

The Group also carried out a valuation of the defined contribution plans for which the employer's obligation does not end after the premiums have been paid. This is because some defined contribution plans fall within the scope of the definition of defined benefit plans under IAS 19 R due to the existence of legal minimum yields. The impact is a €4 million increase in net obligations in respect of the plans of two Belgian subsidiaries.

5.2.6.3 Breakdown of net obligations by region

The following table shows the net projected benefit obligation by country:

In thousands of euros December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
France Europe
excluding
France
United
States
Other France Europe
excluding
France
United
States
Other
Post-employment benefit plans
Length-of-service awards payable on retirement 47,217 354 7,880 43,985 6,775 2,951 4,575
Supplementary pension plans 1,968 10,751 24,576 875 3,223 23,315
Healthcare plans 3,566 476
Total post-employment benefit obligations 49,185 11,105 28,142 7,880 44,860 9,998 26,742 4,575
Other long-term benefits 4,226 916 537 4,162 445 383 1,999
Total other post-employment benefit obligations 4,226 916 537 4,162 445 383 1,999
Net obligations recognized in the balance sheet 53,411 12,021 28,679 7,880 49,022 10,442 27,125 6,575
December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
France United
States
France United
States
Average maturity of obligations (in years) 13 20 13 21
Amount of obligations (in thousands of euros) 57,200 54,942 53,150 58,444
of which:
Pension obligations 1,677 4,851
Deferred obligations 200 8,357
Asset obligations 57,200 53,065 53,150 45,236

5.2.6.4 Sensitivity tests – retirement obligations

For retirement obligations, the results of sensitivity tests on the main external variable – discount rates – in 2015 and 2014 were as follows:

In thousands of euros December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Basis Increase Decrease Basis Increase Decrease
+0.25% –0.25% +0.25% –0.25%
Amount % Amount % Amount % Amount %
France
Effect on service cost
and interest cost
4,616 4,597 -0.42% 4,634 0.39% 5,096 5,083 -0.27% 5,109 0.23%
Effect on projected benefit
obligation
57,200 55,408 -3.12% 59,059 3.26% 58,442 56,791 -2.83% 60,159 2.94%
United States
Effect on service cost
and interest cost
6,302 6,137 -2.62% 6,469 2.65% 5,699 5,550 -2.61% 5,848 2.61%
Effect on projected benefit
obligation
54,942 52,317 -4.78% 57,705 5.03% 59,324 56,268 -5.15% 62,330 5.07%

5.2.6.5 Changes in net balance sheet amounts

Changes in net balance sheet amounts for defined benefit plans are as follows:

In thousands of euros Post-employment
Other long-term
benefit plans
benefits
Total
December 31, December 31, December 31,
2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013
Net projected benefit obligation
at January 1
86,176 58,290 68,151 6,989 7,056 7,241 93,165 65,347 75,394
Expense/income for the year
Service cost 8,300 6,210 6,337 371 317 309 8,671 6,527 6,646
Curtailments, settlements and other 1,504 420 1,070 (1,300) (76) 110 204 344 1,180
Benefits paid by the Company (9,529) (2,904) (2,429) (574) (342) (299) (10,103) (3,246) (2,728)
Actuarial gains and losses (20) (143) (434) (20) (143) (434)
Benefit payments funded by plan assets 7,078 (69) 4 17 6 7,096 (69) 10
Employer contributions (4,757) (4,005) (5,209) (4,757) (4,005) (5,209)
Net non-recurring post-employment
benefit plan costs recorded in operating
expense(2)
2,596 (347) (227) (1,505) (245) (308) 1,091 (593) (535)
Interest cost 4,068 3,700 3,454 100 169 150 4,168 3,869 3,604
Expected return on plan assets (1,663) (1,440) (901) (1,663) (1,440) (901)
Interest costs of post-employment
benefit obligations(1)
2,405 2,259 2,552 100 169 150 2,505 2,429 2,702
Balance sheet impact
Actuarial gains and losses 1,751 22,746 (10,932) (61) 1,751 22,685 (10,932)
Translation adjustment 3,383 3,227 (1,257) 95 71 (26) 3,478 3,297 (1,283)
Balance sheet impact 5,135 25,972 (12,188) 95 9 (26) 5,230 25,982 (12,214)
Net projected benefit obligation
at December 31
96,312 86,176 58,290 5,679 6,989 7,056 101,991 93,165 65,347

(1) See "Interest cost – post-employment benefit obligations" in Note 4.7 on "Net financial income".

(2) Including -€293 thousand recorded as other operating income and expenses for 2015 versus €1,254 thousand for 2014.

5.2.6.6 Healthcare cost sensitivity tests in the United States

The following table shows the impact of a 1-point change in the healthcare cost trend rate in the United States:

In thousands of euros December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Increase Decrease Increase Decrease
Effect on provisions for post-employment benefit obligations 520 (655) 448 (569)

5.2.6.7 Breakdown of plan assets by investment category

The funded plan assets at fair value – mainly in the United States – broke down as follows by investment category:

In thousands of euros December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Equities 24,713 26,146
Bonds 4,998 9,794
Real estate 194 206
Other 8,905 3,412
Total 38,811 39,557

5.2.6.8 Contributions paid in respect of defined contribution plans

Contributions paid in respect of defined contribution plans amounted to €4,681 thousand in 2014, compared with €3,960 thousand in 2013.

5.2.7. Current and non-current debt

5.2.7.1 Net debt indicator used by the Group

Net debt is an important indicator for day-to-day cash management purposes. It is used to determine the Group's debit or credit position outside of the operating cycle. Net debt is defined as:

  • long-term borrowings:
  • drawdowns on lines of credit,
  • private placement notes,
  • bonds;

5.2.7.2 Borrowings: private placement notes and bonds

The history of the Group's private placement notes and bonds is as follows:

Bond issue of €500 million in 2013

On May 21, 2013, the Group issued bonds to the value of €500 million on the European market, without covenants or ratings, as described below:

Bond issue Issued in 2013
Issue – fixed rate (in euros) 500,000,000
Maturity May 29, 2020
Interest rate 2.875%
Listed Euronext Paris

€250 million "EuroPP" private placement bond issue

"EuroPP" private bond placement of €250 million without financial "covenant" or "rating" with French banks, as described below:

Private placement notes Euro PP
Issue – fixed rate (in euros) 250,000,000
Maturity December 12, 2018
Interest rate 3.875%
Listed Euronext Paris

"Schuldschein" private placement for €119 million

A €119 million "Schuldschein" private placement notes issue placed mainly with foreign private investors (Asian, German, Canadian and Belgian) but also with French investors, with the following characteristics:

Private placement – Schuldschein Amount Interest rate
Issue – fixed rate (in euros) 45,000,000 3.72%
6-month Euribor
+
Issue – variable rate (in euros) 74,000,000 240 bps
Maturity June 27, 2017

5.2.7.3 Loans, Negotiable debt securities and Other financial assets

Other financial assets mainly comprise loans, security deposits and surety bonds and negotiable debt securities. They are measured at amortized cost. Whenever there is any objective evidence of impairment – i.e. the carrying amount is lower than the recoverable amount – an impairment provision is recognized through profit or loss. These provisions may be reversed if the recoverable amount subsequently increases.

Other financial assets also include short-term investment securities that do not meet the criteria to be classified as cash equivalents. They are measured at their fair value at the closing date, with changes in fair value recognized in net financial income.

In 2015, the Group subscribed to four negotiable medium-term bank notes with a credit institution.

  • less loans, negotiable debt securities and other non-current financial assets (see Note 5.2.7.3 "Loans, Negotiable debt securities and Other financial assets");
  • plus short-term debt;
  • plus overdraft facilities;
  • less cash and cash equivalents.
Negotiable medium-term notes (non-current portion)(1)
Subscription date February 24, 2015
Nominal in euros 5,000,000
Maturity (not available for 8 quarters following the subscription date) February 24, 2020
Quaterly coupon Sets the first eight quarters
following the issue
3-month Euribor + spread
as of the ninth quarter

(1) See Note 5.1.8 "Other non current financial assets".

Negotiable medium-term notes (current portion)(2)
Subscription date February 24, 2015 July 11, 2014(3) July 13, 2015
Nominal 5,000,000 10,000,000 4,000,000
Maturity (not available for 4 quarters following
the subscription date)
February 25, 2019 July 11, 2018 July 15, 2019
Quarterly coupon Sets the first
four quarters
after the issue
3-month Euribor +
spread as of the fifth
quarter
Sets the first
four quarters
after the issue
3-month Euribor +
spread as of the fifth
quarter
Sets the first
four quarters
after the issue
3-month Euribor +
spread as of the fifth
quarter

(2) See Note 5.1.10 "Current financial receivables".

(3) On July 13, 2015, the Group subscribed, on a secondary market, to this investment for which the first issue date was July 11, 2014.

5.2.7.4 Utilization of medium-term credit lines

At December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Plastic Omnium Group had access to several confirmed bank lines of credit with an average maturity of more than four years.

These confirmed bank lines of credit exceeded the Group's requirements. At December 31, 2015, they amounted to €1,269 million, against €1,197 million at December 31, 2014.

5.2.7.5 Reconciliation of gross and net debt

In thousands of euros December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Total Income
before
non
operating
items
Non
current
portion
Total Income
before
non
operating
items
Non
current
portion
Finance lease liabilities 6,640 2,503 4,137 8,681 3,191 5,490
Bonds and bank loans 1,008,696 91,685 917,011 981,656 85,497 896,159
of which bond issue in 2013 504,103 8,507 495,596
503,187 8,507 494,680
of which EuroPP private placement notes issue 248,811 504 248,307 248,281 504 247,777
of which Schuldschein private placement notes issue 119,000 119,000 119,000 119,000
of which bank lines of credit 136,782 82,674 54,108 111,188 76,486 34,702
Non current and current borrowings (+) 1,015,336 94,188 921,148 990,337 88,688 901,649
Other current debt (+) 4 4 17 17
Hedging instruments – liabilities (+)(1) 12,757 12,757 16,658 16,658
Total borrowings (B) 1,028,097 106,949 921,148 1,007,012 105,363 901,649
Available-for-sale financial assets – FMEA 2 fund (–)(2) (1,172) (1,172) (1,372) (1,372)
Other financial assets (–) (83,573) (18,833) (64,740) (76,360) (31,213) (45,147)
of which non current financial receivables(3) (23,043) (23,043) (14,707) (14,707)
of which negotiable debt securities(3) (5,000) (5,000)
of which finance receivables(3) (55,530) (18,833) (36,697) (61,653) (31,213) (30,440)
Other current financial assets and financial receivables (–) (27,010) (27,010) (8,104) (8,104)
of which negotiable debt securities (19,030) (19,030)
Hedging instruments, assets (–)(1) (1,558) (1,558) (374) (374)
Total financial receivables (C) (113,313) (47,401) (65,912) (86,210) (39,691) (46,519)
Gross debt (D) = (B) + (C) 914,784 59,548 855,236 920,801 65,672 855,129
Cash and cash equivalents (–)(4) 663,156 663,156 535,412 535,412
Short-term bank loans and overdrafts (+) (15,891) (15,891) (4,148) (4,148)
Net cash and cash equivalents as recorded in the statement
of cash flows (A)**
(647,265) (647,265) (531,264) (531,264)
Net debt (E) = (D) + (A)(5) 267,519 (587,717) 855,236 389,537 (465,592) 855,129

(1) See Note 5.2.8 "Interest rate and foreign exchange hedges".

(2) See Note 5.1.7 "Available-for-sale financial assets".

(3) See Note 5.1.8 "Other non current financial assets".

(4) See Note 5.1.13.1 "Cash and cash equivalents – gross".

(5) See Note 5.1.13.2 "Net cash and cash equivalents at close".

5.2.7.6 Analysis of debt by currency

As a % of total debt December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Euro 88% 89%
US dollar 5% 4%
Chinese yuan 4% 3%
Pound sterling 1% 2%
Brazilian real 1% 1%
Other currencies(1) 1% 1%
Total 100% 100%

(1) "Other currencies" concerns various currencies, which, taken individually, account for less than 1% of total financial debt over the two periods.

5.2.7.7 Analysis of debt by type of interest rate

As a % of total debt December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Hedged variable rates 12% 18%
Unhedged variable rates 8% 0%
Fixed rates 80% 82%
Total 100% 100%

5.2.8. Interest rate and currency hedges

In thousands of euros December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Assets Liabilities and
Shareholders' Equity
Assets Liabilities And
Shareholders' Equity
Interest rate derivatives (8,145) 10 (11,911)
Foreign exchange derivatives 1,558 (4,612) 364 (4,747)
Total balance sheet 1,558 (12,757) 374 (16,658)

5.2.8.1 Interest rate hedges

Interest rate hedges used in first-half 2013 included swaps and caps. Their purpose is to hedge variable rate debt against increases in interest rates.

The total notional amount of derivative instruments used to manage interest rate risks was €255 million at December 31, 2015 (€355 million at December 31, 2014).

At December 31, 2015, the nominal value of cash-flow hedges as per IAS 39 amounted to €60 million (€135 million at December 31, 2014). In 2015, €100 million of interest rate swaps reached maturity and no interest rate derivatives were set up, settled or restructured.

Non-hedging instruments nonetheless form part of the Group's interest rate hedging strategy, as it obtains financing at variable rates of interest, in particular under the framework of its sales of receivables.

The derivatives are recognized in the balance sheet at fair value under "Hedging instruments" in assets or in liabilities.

For derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting under IFRS:

  • the effective portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument is recognized in equity (in "Other comprehensive income");
  • it is reclassified to the income statement in the same period as the hedged cash flows (i.e. interest payments) affect profit;
  • the time value of options is excluded from the hedging relationship. Changes in the time value of options and the ineffective portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument are recognized in profit or loss.

Changes in fair value of instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are recognized directly in profit or loss.

5.2.8.1.1 Derivative portfolio

In thousands of euros December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Fair value of
hedging
instruments
Recorded
in assets
Recorded
in
liabilities
Fair value of
hedging
instruments
Recorded
in assets
Recorded
in
liabilities
Interest rate derivatives (fair value) (8,145) (8,145) (11,901) 10 (11,911)
Outstanding premiums (1,035) (1,035) (1,717) (1,717)
Total fair value and outstanding premiums (9,180) 10 (13,628)
Composition of interest rate derivatives portfolio:
----------------------------------------------------- --
In thousands December 31, 2015
of euros Fair
value
Recorded
in assets
Recorded
in
liabilities
Effective
portion
included in
OCI(1)
Nominal Maturity Reference
interest
rate
Outstanding
premiums(2)
Nature of
derivative
Caps 60,000 May 2017 2-month
Euribor
CFH(3)
Caps 90,000 June 2017 1-month
Euribor
Not
considered
Swaps (8,145) (8,145) 105,000 February 2019 1-month
Euribor
N/A Not
considered
Total (8,145) (8,145) 255,000

(1) OCI: Other comprehensive income.

(2) Cap premiums are paid out in installments over the duration of the instruments. Outstanding premium amounts are classified under liabilities and shareholders' equity in the consolidated balance sheet under "Non-current debt" and "Current debt".

(3) CFH: Cash flow hedges.

In thousands December 31, 2014
of euros Fair
value
Recorded
in assets
Recorded
in
liabilities
Effective
portion
included in
OCI(1)
Nominal Maturity Reference
interest
rate
Outstanding
premiums(2)
Nature of
derivative
Caps 7 7 60,000 May 2017 2-month
Euribor
(715) CFH(3)
Caps 3 3 90,000 June 2017 1-month
Euribor
(1,002) Not
considered
Swaps (1,414) (1,414) (1,414) 75,000 June 2015 6-month
Euribor
N/A CFH(3)
Swaps (261) (261) 25,000 August 2015 1-month
Euribor
N/A Not
considered
Swaps (10,236) (10,236) 105,000 February 2019 1-month
Euribor
N/A Not
considered
Total (11,901) 10 (11,911) (1,414) 355,000 (1,717)

(1) OCI: Other comprehensive income.

(2) Cap premiums are paid out in installments over the duration of the instruments. Outstanding premium amounts are classified under liabilities and shareholders' equity in the consolidated balance sheet under "Non-current debt" and "Current debt".

(3) CFH: Cash flow hedges.

5.2.8.1.2 Amounts recognized in equity under "Other comprehensive income"

The following amounts are expressed as gross values before tax.

In thousands of euros Balance before
tax recorded
in OCI(1) at
December 31,
2014
Transactions
in the period
Change in
fair value of
derivatives
Fair value
adjustments
reclassified
in profit or
loss
Balance before
tax recorded in
OCI(1) at
December 31,
2015
Effective portion of gains and losses on derivatives
in the portfolio
(1,414) 1,414
Effect of August 2010 and February 2012 restructuring
of the derivatives portfolio(2)
3,303 (676) 2,627
Effect of June 2013 restructuring of the derivatives portfolio (8,453) 3,296 (5,157)
Total (6,564) 1,414 2,620 (2,530)
In thousands of euros Balance before
tax recorded in
OCI(1) at
December 31,
2013
Transactions
in the period
Change in
fair value of
derivatives
Fair value
adjustments
reclassified
in profit or
loss
Balance before
tax recorded in
OCI(1) at
December 31,
2014
Effective portion of gains and losses on derivatives
in the portfolio
(1,630) 216 (1,414)
Effect of August 2010 and February 2012 restructuring
of the derivatives portfolio(2)
3,258 45 3,303
Effect of June 2013 restructuring of the derivatives portfolio (12,582) 4,129 (8,453)
Total (10,954) 216 4,174 (6,564)

(1) OCI: Other comprehensive income.

(2) Restructuring of derivatives portfolio with no impact on cash flow, so as to extend maturity of hedging instruments.

5.2.8.1.3 Impact of hedging on the Income statement

In thousands of euros December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Effective component of hedging instruments related to derivatives portfolio
(hedging of interest rates accruing over the period)
(4,217) (4,643)
Reclassification in profit or loss of accumulated gains and losses following
past restructurings(1)
(2,620) (4,174)
Time value of caps 674 256
Changes in fair value of instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting 2,332 (2,118)
Total(2) (3,831) (10,679)

(1) See Note 5.2.8.1.2 "Reclassified in profit or loss".

(2) See "Gains or losses on interest rate and currency hedges" in Note 4.7 "Net financial income". See also the impact of currency hedges in Note 5.2.8.2.

5.2.8.2 Currency hedges

The Group uses derivatives to hedge its exposure to currency risks. Changes in the fair value of financial instruments are recorded in profit or loss since January 1, 2014.

5.2.8.2.1 Portfolio of currency hedges:

December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Fair value
in
thousands
of euros
Notional
amount in
thousands
of currency
units
Medium
term
exchange
rate
Exchange
rate at
December 31,
2015
Fair value
in
thousands
of euros
Notional
amount in
thousands
of currency
units
Medium
term
exchange
rate
Exchange
rate at
December 31,
2014
Currency/
Euro
Currency/Euro Currency/
Euro
Currency/
Euro
Net sell position
(net buy position if <0)
USD – Forward exchange
contract
+221 (31,891) 1.1024 1.0887 (147) (6,347) 1.2557 1.2141
GBP – Forward exchange contract +510 (30,561) 0.7280 0.7340
HUF – Forward exchange contract +1 (59,396) 313.5869 315.9800 +5 (54,035) 306.6140 315.5400
CNY – Forward exchange contract +253 (48,000) 7.0550 7.0608
MYR – Forward exchange contract (1,060) 4.6942 4.6959
PLN – Forward exchange contract +15 +12,000 4.3074 4.2732
USD – Forward currency swap (4,596) (191,950) 1.1200 1.0887 (4,776) (180,000) 1.2553 1.2141
GBP – Forward currency swap (62) (11,617) 0.7368 0.7340 +19 +7,800 0.7804 0.7789
CZK – Forward currency swap +834 26.9350 27.0230 +15 (71,531) 27.5830 27.7350
PLN – Forward currency swap +14 (4,112) 4.2493 4.2732
RUB – Forward currency swap +619 (900,000) 76.7620 80.6736 +471 (700,000) 72.2350 72.337
SEK – Forward currency swap +1 +436 9.4435 9.3930
Total (3,054) (4,383)

5.2.8.2.2 Impact of unsettled foreign exchange hedges on income

In thousands of euros December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Value of unsettled currency hedges 1,329 (4,383)
Total(1) 1,329 (4,383)

(1) See "Gains or losses on interest rate and currency hedges" in Note 4.7 "Net financial income". See also Note 5.2.8.1.3 "Impact of interest rate hedging on the Income statement".

5.2.9. Operating and other liabilities

5.2.9.1 Trade payables and other operating liabilities

In thousands of euros December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Trade payables 897,404 734,023
Due to suppliers of fixed assets 113,027 69,970
Total 1,010,431 803,993

5.2.9.2 Other operating liabilities

In thousands of euros December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Accrued employee benefits expense 119,769 111,941
Accrued income taxes 30,877 25,167
Other accrued taxes 67,090 53,290
Other payables 141,497 125,890
Customer prepayments 144,744 158,115
Total 503,977 474,403
In thousands of currency units Liabilities at December 31, 2015 Liabilities at December 31, 2014
Local
currency
Euro % Local
currency
Euro %
EUR Euro 689,143 689,143 46% 629,548 629,548 49%
USD US dollar 426,623 391,865 26% 374,742 308,658 24%
GBP Pound sterling 109,647 149,393 10% 72,839 93,515 7%
CNY Chinese yuan 720,017 101,974 7% 643,506 85,393 7%
BRL Brazilian real 62,169 14,419 1% 90,831 28,202 2%
Other Other currencies 167,614 10% 133,080 11%
Total 1,514,408 100% 1,278,396 100%
Of which:
• Trade payables 1,010,431 67% 803,993 63%
• Other operating liabilities 503,977 33% 474,403 37%

5.2.9.3 Trade payables and other operating liabilities by currency

Sensitivity tests on exchange rate movements for "Trade payables and other liabilities" give the following results:

In thousands of currency units Sensitivity tests on liabilities
at December 31, 2015
Sensitivity tests on liabilities
at December 31, 2014
Base Increase –
all currencies
Decrease –
all currencies
Base Increase –
all currencies
Decrease –
all currencies
+10% +20% –10% –20% +10% +20% –10% –20%
Local
currency
Translation
rate
% % % % Local
currency
Translation
rate
% % % %
EUR Euro 689,143 1.00000 43% 41% 48% 51% 629,548 1.00000 49% 47% 45% 52%
USD US dollar 426,623 0.91853 27% 28% 25% 23% 374,742 0.82366 24% 25% 26% 23%
GBP Pound sterling 109,647 1.36249 10% 11% 9% 9% 72,839 1.28386 7% 8% 8% 7%
CNY Chinese yuan 720,017 0.14163 7% 7% 6% 6% 643,506 0.13270 7% 7% 7% 6%
BRL Brazilian real 62,169 0.23193 1% 1% 1% 1% 90,831 0.31049 2% 2% 2% 2%
Other Other currencies 12% 12% 11% 10% 11% 11% 12% 10%
Total in euros 1,514,408 1,596,935 1,679,462 1,431,882 1,349,355 1,278,396 1,343,281 1,408,166 1,213,511 1,148,627
Of which:
• Trade payables 1,010,431 1,065,493 1,120,556 955,368 900,305 803,993 844,800 885,606 763,187 722,380
• Other operating liabilities 503,977 531,442 558,906 476,514 449,050 474,403 498,481 522,560 450,324 426,247

Currency sensitivity tests on "Trade payables and other operating liabilities" and "Trade and other receivables" (see Note 5.1.11) gives practically the same net exposure for the Group by currency as the exposure calculated based on actual data in 2014.

6. Capital management and market risks

Compagnie Plastic Omnium has set up a global cash management system with its subsidiary Plastic Omnium Finance, which manages liquidity, currency and interest rate risks on behalf of all subsidiaries. The market risks strategy, which may involve entering into balance sheet and off-balance sheet commitments, is approved every quarter by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

6.1. Capital management

Plastic Omnium raises equity and debt capital on the markets to meet its objective of maintaining ready access to sufficient financial resources to carry out its business operations, fund the investments required to drive growth and respond to exceptional circumstances.

It seeks funding from the capital markets, leading to capital and financial liabilities management.

Under its capital management, the Group pays dividends to its shareholders and may adjust its strategy in line with changes in economic conditions.

The capital structure may also be adjusted by paying ordinary or special dividends, buying back and canceling Company shares, returning a portion of the share capital to shareholders or issuing new shares and/or securities carrying rights to shares.

The Group uses the gearing ratio – corresponding to the ratio of consolidated net debt to equity – as an indicator of its financial condition. Net debt includes all of the Group's interest-bearing financial liabilities (other than operating payables) less cash and cash equivalents and other financial assets (other than operating receivables), such as loans and marketable securities. At December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the gearing ratio stood at:

In thousands of euros December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Net debt(1) 267,519 389,537
Equity (including non current government grants) 1,301,194 1,083,275
Gearing ratio 20.56% 35.96%

(1) See Note 5.2.7.5 "Reconciliation of gross and net debt".

None of the Group's bank loans or financial liabilities contains acceleration clauses based on compliance with financial ratios.

As part of its capital management strategy, the Group has made the following changes to its liquidity contract with financial institutions:

Compagnie Plastic Omnium ended the liquidity agreement signed with CM-CIC Securities.

It signed a new liquidity agreement (0 share and €3,000 thousand in cash) on January 2, 2015 with Kepler Capital Markets SA, with a one-year term, renewable automatically. The agreement is compliant with the Code of Ethics drawn up by AMAFI (French Association of Financial Markets) and approved by the AMF (decision of March 21, 2011) and relates to Compagnie Plastic Omnium ordinary shares. The liquidity account shows the following positions:

  • at December 31, 2015:
  • 15,712 shares;
  • and €2,902,327 in cash;
  • at December 31, 2014 just before the new liquidity contract was signed:
  • 0 share;
  • and €1,393,432 in cash.

6.2. Commodities risk – Exposure to plastics risk

Plastic Omnium's operations use large quantities of plastic, steel, paint and other raw materials which are subject to price changes that could have an impact on its operating margin.

To limit the risks of price fluctuations, the Group has negotiated price indexation clauses with most of its automotive customers or, failing that, regularly renegotiates selling prices.

The Environment Division, as part of its proactive sustainability policy, manufactures its products using over 50% recycled plastic, which by nature is scarcely affected by price swings. For the remainder, the Division negotiates annual price contracts with its suppliers. Lastly, inventories are managed to reduce the price impact as much as possible.

Taking these measures together, the Group considers that raw material price changes do not have a material impact on its operating margin.

6.3. Credit risk

Credit risk covers customer credit risk and bank counterparty risk.

6.3.1. Customer credit risk

At December 31, 2015, 8.6% of the Group's Trade receivables were past due, against 8% at December 31, 2014. Trade receivables break down as follows:

Ageing analysis of receivables

December 31, 2015
In thousands of euros
Total
outstanding
Not yet
due
Due and
past
due
Less
than 1
month
1-2
months
2-4
months
4-6
months
6-12
months
More
than 12
months
Automotive 522,799 484,679 38,120 19,621 9,980 2,083 618 2,754 3,064
Environment 46,780 35,394 11,386 6,377 779 1,078 596 576 1,980
Unallocated items 8,276 8,261 15 15(1)
Total 577,855 528,334 49,521 25,998 10,759 3,161 1,214 3,330 5,059
December 31, 2014
In thousands of euros
Total
outstanding
Not yet
due
Due and
past
due
Less
than 1
month
1-2
months
2-4
months
4-6
months
6-12
months
More
than 12
months
Automotive 443,221 413,546 29,675 15,418 2,611 3,797 366 6,175 1,308
Environment 43,365 32,641 10,724 5,362 1,521 712 267 367 2,495
Unallocated items 15,016 14,886 130 108 22(1)
Total 501,602 461,073 40,529 20,888 4,132 4,509 633 6,542 3,825

(1) This item corresponds to receivables regarding disposed entities and definitively recognized as receivables with regard to external third parties.

The risk of non-recovery is low and involves only a non-material amount of receivables more than twelve months past due.

6.3.2. Bank counterparty risk

The Group invests its cash surplus with first class banks and/or in senior securities.

6.4. Liquidity risk

The Group needs access, at all times, to adequate financial resources not only to finance operations and the investments required to support its growth, but also to withstand the effects of any exceptional events.

This requirement is met primarily through medium-term bank lines of credit, but also through short-term bank facilities.

The cash position of each division and the Group position are reviewed on a daily basis and a cash report is submitted to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Operating Officers every week.

6.4.1. Other long-term financial receivables – Carrying amounts and undiscounted values

Undiscounted values can be reconciled to the information listed in the table in Note 6.4.2 on "Liquidity risk by maturity".

In thousands of euros December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Undiscounted
finance
receivables
Carrying
amount
Undiscounted
finance
receivables
Carrying
amount
Due in one to five years 37,979 36,530 31,406 30,107
Other receivables (see Note 5.1.8) 48 48 19 19
Finance receivables related to Environment finance leases
(see Note 5.1.8)
2,625 2,405 4,119 3,712
Automotive Division finance receivables (see Note 5.1.8) 35,306 34,077 27,268 26,376
Due beyond five years 249 215 445 376
Other receivables (see Note 5.1.8) 24 24
Finance receivables related to Environment finance leases
(see Note 5.1.8)
249 215 421 352
Total 38,228 36,745 31,851 30,483

6.4.2. Liquidity risk by maturity

Liquidity risk by maturity is calculated on the basis of the undiscounted contractual cash flows of financial liabilities. An analysis of liquidity risk yields the following:

At December 31, 2015

In thousands of euros December 31, 2015 Less
than 1 year
1 to 5
years
More than
5 years
Financial assets
Available-for-sale financial assets 1,528 1,528
Other financial assets – Non-current 28,043 28.043
Finance receivables – Current portion(1) 57,385 19,205 37,931 249
Trade receivables(2) 577,855 572,796 5,059
Other financial assets and financial receivables – Current 27,010 27,010
Hedging instruments 1,558 1,558
Cash and cash equivalents 663,156 663,156
Total financial assets 1,356,535 1,283,725 72,561 249
Financial liabilities
Non current debt(3) 1,037,995 28,546 1,005,728 3,721
Bank overdrafts 15,891 15,891
Current debt(4) 97,890 97,890
Other current debt 4 4
Hedging instruments 12,757 12,757
Trade payables 1,010,431 1,010,431
Total financial liabilities 2,174,969 1,165,520 1,005,728 3,721
Financial assets and financial liabilities – net(5) (818,434) 118,205 (933,167) (3,472)

At December 31, 2014

In thousands of euros December 31, 2014 Less
than 1 year
1 to 5
years
More than
5 years
Financial assets
Available-for-sale financial assets 1,841 1,841
Other financial assets – Non-current 14,707 14,683 24
Finance receivables – Current portion(1) 63,264 31,456 31,387 421
Trade receivables(2) 501,602 497,777 3,825
Other financial assets and financial receivables - Current 8,194 8,194
Hedging instruments 374 374
Cash and cash equivalents 535,412 535,412
Total financial assets 1,125,394 1,073,213 51,736 445
Financial liabilities
Non current debt(3) 1,045,442 27,667 505,659 512,115
Bank overdrafts 4,148 4,148
Current debt(4) 92,215 92,215
Other current debt 17 17
Hedging instruments 16,658 16,658
Trade payables 803,993 803,993
Total financial liabilities 1,962,473 944,699 505,659 512,115
Financial assets and financial liabilities – net(5) (837,079) 128,514 (453,923) (511,670)

(1) Undiscounted amounts (see Notes 5.1.10 "Current financial receivables" and 6.4.1 "Other long-term financial receivables").

(2) "Trade receivables" includes €49,521 thousand past due at December 31, 2015, against €40,529 thousand at December 31, 2014. See Note 6.3.1 on "Customer credit risk".

(3) Non-current borrowings include the amounts reported in the balance sheet and interest payable over the remaining life of the debt.

(4) Current borrowings include the amounts reported in the balance sheet and interest due within one year.

(5) See Note 5.2.7.4 on confirmed medium-term credit lines and drawdowns: in 2015 and 2014, confirmed and undrawn bank lines of credit comfortably covered the Group's medium-term cumulative financing needs.

6.5. Currency risk

Plastic Omnium's activities are based for the most part on local plants: By producing locally what is sold locally, the Group has little exposure to currency fluctuations, aside from currency translation adjustments for the financial statements.

The Company's policy is to minimize the currency risk on transactions involving a future inflow or outflow of funds. Nonetheless, if a transaction does give rise to a material currency risk, it is hedged by a forward currency contract. The subsidiary involved places this hedge with the central treasury or, with the latter's approval, locally.

6.6. Interest rate risk

Interest rate risk relates to the effect of possible increases in variable rates on variable rate debt, which would have a negative impact on net financial income. Interest rate risk on debt is managed by the Group with the prime objective of keeping debt financing costs relatively low so as not to threaten profits.

At December 31, 2015, as at December 31, 2014, most of the Group's financing was at fixed rates (see Note 5.2.7.7 "Analysis of debt by type of interest rate" and Note 5.2.8.1 "Interest rate hedges").

Financial transactions, particularly interest rate hedges, are carried out with a number of leading financial institutions. A competitive bidding process is used for all material transactions, one of the selection criteria being satisfactory resource and counterparty diversification.

Sensitivity to interest rate changes

At December 31, 2015, an increase of 1% in the rate of interest charged on the variable-rate debt would result in a net increase of €0.3 million in interest expense, after taking into account the impact of hedging instruments, compared with an increase of €1.5 million (in interest expense, after the impact of hedging instruments, for a 1% increase in the rate charged on variable-rate debt) at December 31, 2014.

At December 31, 2015, a 1% reduction in the interest rate charged on the variable-rate debt would result in a net decrease of €0.1 million in interest expense, after taking into account the impact of hedging instruments, compared with a decrease of €0.04 million (in interest expense, after the impact of hedging instruments, for a 1% reduction in the rate charged on floating-rate debt) at December 31, 2014.

6.7. Additional information about financial assets and liabilities

Most of the derivatives are traded over-the-counter on which there are no listed prices. Accordingly, they are valued based on models commonly used by traders to evaluate financial instruments (future discounted cash flow models or option valuation models).

Financial assets and liabilities by category and fair value break down as follows:

In thousands of euros
Assets 2015
At At fair value Total Valued Instrument Valuations Valuations
amortized
cost
Through
the
income
statement
Through
shareholders'
equity
(AFS)(2)
Through
shareholders'
equity (CFH
hedge)(3)
Carrying
amount
at cost listed on an
active
market
(level 1)
based on
observable
market data
(level 2)
based on
unobservable
market data
(level 3)
Available-for-sale financial assets 1,528 1,528 1,528
Other non-current financial assets 64,740 64,740
Finance receivables –
current portion
18,833 18,833
Trade receivables 577,855 – 577,855
Other current financial assets
and financial receivables
27,010 27,010
Hedging instruments 1,558 1,558 1,558
Cash and cash equivalents 663,156 – 663,156 444,614 218,542
In thousands of euros
Liabilities At At fair value Total Valued Instrument Valuations Valuations
amortized
cost
Through
the income
statement
Through
shareholders'
equity (AFS)(2)
Through
shareholders'
equity (CFH
hedge)(3)
Carrying
amount
at cost listed on an
active market
(level 1)
based on
observable
market data
(level 2)
based on
unobservable
market data
(level 3)
Non-current borrowings(1) 921,148 921,148
Bank overdrafts 15,891 15,891
Current debt 94,188 94,188
Other current debt 4 4
Hedging instruments 12,757 12,757 12,757
Trade payables 1,010,431 1,010,431
In thousands of euros
Assets 2014
At At fair value Total Valued Instrument Valuations Valuations
amortized
cost
Through
the
income
statement
Through
shareholders'
equity
(AFS)(2)
Through
shareholders'
equity (CFH
hedge)(3)
Carrying
amount
at cost listed on an
active
market
(level 1)
based on
observable
market data
(level 2)
based on
unobservable
market data
(level 3)
Available-for-sale financial assets 1,841 1,841 1,841 –-
Other non-current financial assets 45,147 45,147
Finance receivables –
current portion
31,213 31,213
Trade receivables 501,602 – 501,602
Other current financial assets
and financial receivables
8,104 8,104
Hedging instruments 374 374 374
Cash and cash equivalents 535,412 – 535,412 310,977 224,435
In thousands of euros
Liabilities At At fair value Total Valued Instrument Valuations Valuations
amortized
Through
Through
Through
cost
the
shareholders'
shareholders'
income
equity (AFS) (2)
equity (CFH
statement
hedge)(3)
Carrying
amount
at cost listed on an
active
market
(level 1)
based on
observable
market data
(level 2)
based on
unobservable
market data
(level 3)
Non-current borrowings(1) 901,649 – 901,649
Bank overdrafts 4,148 4,148
Current debt 88,688 88,688
Other current debt 17 17
Hedging instruments 16,658 16,658 16,658
Trade payables 803,993 – 803,993

(1) See Note 5.2.7.5 "Reconciliation of gross and net debt". This includes "Finance lease liabilities" and "Bonds and bank loans".

(2) AFS: "Available for sale".

(3) CFH: "Cash Flow Hedge".

There were no transfers between fair value levels in 2015, as in 2014.

The fair value of financial assets and liabilities at amortized cost was close to the carrying amount, except for current and non-current debt.

In thousands of euros Balance sheet values
at December 31, 2015
Fair value
at December 31, 2015
Total Income
before non
operating
items
Non-current
portion
Total Income
before non
operating
items
Non-current
portion
Bonds and bank loans(1) 1,008,696 91,685 917,011 1,055,535 92,098 963,437
In thousands of euros Balance sheet values
at December 31, 2014
Fair value
at December 31, 2014
Total Income
before non
operating
items
Non-current
portion
Total Income
before non
operating
items
Non-current
portion
Bonds and bank loans 981,656 85,497 896,159 997,126 85,354 911,773

(1) See Note 5.2.7.5 "Reconciliation of gross and net debt".

Means of measuring fair value

  • The fair value of listed bonds is determined on the basis of listed prices (level 1). The fair value of other borrowings is determined in each case by discounting future cash flows at a rate corresponding to the Euribor yield curve at year-end, corrected for the Group's credit risk (level 2).
  • The fair value of monetary and non-monetary UCITS is measured according to their last known liquidity value (level 1). The fair value of interest rate products (certificates of deposits, time-deposit accounts, negotiable medium term notes, etc.) is based on discounted future cash flows (nominal and interest) for the remaining

duration of the product at year end (level 2). The discount rate used is the market rate matching the product's maturity and characteristics.

  • Other non-current financial assets and finance receivables: items consisting mainly of finance receivables recorded based on a discounted value when their maturity is more than one year.
  • Most of the derivatives are traded over-the-counter on which there are no listed prices. Accordingly, they are valued based on models commonly used by traders to evaluate financial instruments using future discounted cash flow models or option valuation models (level 2).

7. Additional information

7.1. Number of employees at year-end

December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Excluding
temporary staff
Temporary
staff
Total Excluding
temporary staff
Temporary
staff
Total Change
over total
France 4,494 1,039 5,533 4,500 723 5,223 6%
% 27.0% 28.4% 27.3% 27.9% 22.8% 27.1%
Europe excluding France 5,495 1,238 6,733 5,109 1,215 6,324 6%
% 33.0% 33.8% 33.2% 31.7% 38.4% 32.8%
North America 3,455 569 4,024 3,161 526 3,687 9%
% 20.8% 15.5% 19.8% 19.6% 16.6% 19.1%
Asia and South America(1) 3,184 815 3,999 3,334 704 4,038 -1%
% 19.1% 22.3% 19.7% 20.7% 22.2% 21.0%
Total 16,628 3,661 20,289 16,104 3,168 19,272 5%

(1) The "Asia and South America" region includes Turkey, South Africa and Morocco.

7.2. Off-balance sheet commitments

7.2.1. Commitments given and received

At December 31, 2015

In thousands of euros Total Intangible
assets
Property, plant
and equipment
Financial
assets and
liabilities
Other non
financial current
assets/liabilities
Surety bonds given (14,719) (810) (1,788) (12,121)
Commitments to purchase assets(1) (84,506) (84,506)
Debt collateral (mortgages) (4,151) (4,151)
Other off-balance sheet commitments(2) (10,085) (5,200) (4,885)
Total commitments given (113,461) (85,316) (11,139) (17,006)
Surety bonds received 2,298 799 781 718
Other commitments received
Total commitments received 2,298 799 781 718
Total commitments – net (111,163) (84,517) (10,358) (16,288)

At December 31, 2014

In thousands of euros Total Intangible
assets
Property, plant
and equipment
Financial
assets and
liabilities
Other non
financial current
assets/liabilities
Surety bonds given (17,526) (865) (5,695) (10,966)
Commitments to purchase assets(3) (59,633) (59,633)
Debt collateral (mortgages) (4,589) (4,589)
Other off-balance sheet commitments (2,284) (1,000) (1,284)
Total commitments given (84,032) (65,087) (6,695) (12,250)
Surety bonds received 1,359 1,097 262
Other commitments received 310 310
Total commitments received 1,669 1,407 262
Total commitments – net (82,363) (63,680) (6,695) (11,988)

(1) At December 31, 2015, the increase in commitments given on the acquisition of assets was mainly related to the investments made:

• in Mexico at the Ramos, Puebla and Léon plants (€15 million);

• and in China, at Guangzhou (€5 million).

(2) The increase in other off-balance sheet commitments given on assets and liabilities relates to a €4.7 million counter-guarantee (for an ARS60 million loan) to BNP Argentina in favor of the Automotive division's subsidiary Plastic Omnium SA.

(3) At December 31, 2014, the increase in commitments given on the acquisition of assets was mainly related to the investments made:

• in the United States for the Anderson and Huron sites in particular (€7 million); and

• in the United Kingdom for the Warrington site (€22 million).

7.2.2. Operating leases where the Group is lessee

In thousands of euros December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Minimum lease payments under non cancelable operating leases
Due within one year 37,151 33,510
Due in one to five years 83,135 76,715
Due beyond five years 32,076 8,987
Total 152,362 119,212

7.3. Related party transactions

7.3.1. Compensation paid to senior executives and corporate officers

Senior managers are the "persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities" of Compagnie Plastic Omnium and its subsidiaries, as defined in IAS 24.

On July 21, 2015, the Board of Directors decided to allocate a share purchase option plan according to the terms set by the Combined Shareholders' meeting of April 25, 2013 on the basis of 300,000 share purchase options for Executive Corporate Officers according to cumulative criteria relative to the SBF 120 index and to the main automotive equipment manufacturers. This plan took effect on August 7, 2015. The share purchase options may be exercised as from August 7, 2019 for a three-year period. The exercise of the options granted is subject to market conditions and performance.

The total amount of compensation paid to members of the Board of Directors and Senior managers is presented in the table below:

In thousands of euros Paid or payable by… 2015 2014
Directors' fees Paid by Compagnie Plastic Omnium 121 102
Directors' fees Paid by companies controlled by Compagnie Plastic Omnium
(excl. Compagnie Plastic Omnium) and by Burelle SA
395 543
Gross compensation Payable by the Plastic Omnium Group 6,089 5,620
Supplementary pension plans Payable by the Plastic Omnium Group 886 886
Cost of stock option plans Payable by the Plastic Omnium Group 1,476 718
Cost spread over the vesting period 884 718
Social contributions related to the new plan over the period 592
Total compensation 8,966 7,869

Analysis of the social contributions for the plan allocated on August 6, 2015

The rate of social contributions for the stock option plan of August 6, 2015 is 30%. The Group did not grant any new stock option plans in 2014. The share of contributions related to the stock options of Executive Corporate Officers is presented in the table below and concerns only 2015:

In thousands of euros
In units for the number of options
August 6 2015 plan
Rate of contribution of payroll taxes on stock option plans 30.00%
Total number of options forming part of the basis on which contributions are calculated 545,000
Total contributions subject to performance conditions (in thousands of euros)(1) 1,076
Number of share options of Executive Corporate Officers 300,000
Social contributions on stock options of Executive Corporate Officers (in thousands of euros) 592

(1) All stock options granted to Senior Executives and Corporate Officers are subject to performance conditions. Contributions for all stock options subject to performance conditions were €1,076 thousand, and €735 thousand for the others.

7.3.2. Transactions with Sofiparc SAS, Burelle SA and Burelle Participations SA

At December 31, 2015

In thousands of euros Direct
and
indirect
costs
Royalties and
management
fees
Financial
income
and
expenses
Current
accounts
Deposits Trade
payables
Trade
receivables
Other
receivables
Long-term
borrowings
Sofiparc SAS 862 (4,462) 10 1 1,059 25 2
Burelle SA (8,206) 16 13 3,446 7 18
Burelle Participations SA 6 6

At December 31, 2014

In thousands of euros Direct
and
indirect
costs
Royalties and
management
fees
Financial
income
and
expenses
Current
accounts
Deposits Trade
payables
Trade
receivables
Other
receivables
Long-term
borrowings
Sofiparc SAS (549) (4,705) 10 2 1,058 48 2
Burelle SA (7,794) 7 6 1,930 6 18
Burelle Participations SA 6

7.4. Fees paid to the Statutory Auditors

In thousands of euros 2015
Mazars Ernst & Young Total
Audit services (1,774) (2,018) (3,792)
Of which:
Compagnie Plastic Omnium (384) (357) (741)
Subsidiaries (1,390) (1,661) (3,051)
Other fees and services related directly to the duties of the Statutory Auditor (177) (35) (212)
of which:
Compagnie Plastic Omnium (51) 12 (39)
Subsidiaries (126) (47) (173)
Total (1,951) (2,053) (4,004)
In thousands of euros 2014
Mazars Ernst & Young Total
Audit services (1,629) (1,695) (3,324)
Of which:
Compagnie Plastic Omnium (384) (357) (741)
Subsidiaries (1,245) (1,338) (2,583)
Other fees and services related directly to the duties of the Statutory Auditor (213) (183) (396)
of which:
Compagnie Plastic Omnium (81) (10) (91)
Subsidiaries (132) (173) (305)
Total (1,842) (1,878) (3,720)

7.5. Consolidating entity

Burelle SA holds 58.71% of Compagnie Plastic Omnium after the impact of cancellation of Compagnie Plastic Omnium's treasury stock (56.60% prior to cancelation of treasury stock) and fully consolidates the Company.

Burelle SA – 19, boulevard Jules-Carteret

69342 Lyon Cedex 07

7.6. Subsequent events

Closure of the Laval fuel systems production site

On January 8, 2016, the Group announced its intention to close the fuel systems production site in Laval (Mayenne, France) during 2016. The site is part of the Automotive division and employs 93 people.

Business at the Laval site declined by 60% in the period 2011 to 2015, falling from an annual rate of production of 880,000 fuel systems to 350,000, with no recovery in sight.

The plan for the closure presented by Plastic Omnium provides for the transfer of fuel system production to two other sites in France, Pfastatt (Haut-Rhin) and Compiègne (Oise), and the takeover of part of the valves production activity by a local business.

All 93 employees will be offered redeployment support.

Acquisition of the minority stake in the German company RMS Rotherm Maschinenbau GmbH

In a €3.3 million deal, on January 27, 2016 the Group acquired the 30% stake in the German-based RMS Rotherm Maschinenbau GmbH from its partners, brothers Egbert and Andreas Rotherm. Under the terms of the transaction, ownership is transferred immediately giving the Group 100% of the company.

Since the company was already controlled by the Group, the method of consolidation remains unchanged.

The impact of the acquisition of minority interests on 2016 consolidated equity – Group share will be –€1,812 thousand.

No event likely to have a material impact on the Group's business, financial position, earnings or assets and liabilities at December 31, 2015 has occurred since the closing date.

List of consolidated companies at December 31, 2015

Legal name Reportable segments December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Automotive Environment Not
assigned
Consolidation
method
% voting
rights
%
interest
Consolidation
method
% voting
rights
%
interest
Tax
group
France
COMPAGNIE PLASTIC
OMNIUM SA
* Parent company Parent company 1 – a
PLASTIC OMNIUM
SYSTÈMES
URBAINS SAS
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100 1 – b
METROPLAST SAS * FC 100 100 FC 100 100 1 – b
LA RÉUNION VILLES
PROPRES SAS
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100 1 – b
PLASTIC OMNIUM
CARAÏBES SAS
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100 1 – b
INERGY AUTOMOTIVE
SYSTEMS FRANCE SAS
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100 1 – a
PLASTIC
RECYCLING SAS
* EM_IFRS_2014 50 50 EM_IFRS_2014 50 50
PLASTIC OMNIUM AUTO
EXTÉRIEUR SA
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100 1 – a
PLASTIC OMNIUM AUTO
EXTÉRIEUR
SERVICES SAS
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100 1 – a
PLASTIC OMNIUM
GESTION SNC
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100 1 – a
PLASTIC OMNIUM
FINANCE SNC
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100 1 – a
LUDOPARC SAS * FC 100 100 FC 100 100 1 – b
PLASTIC OMNIUM
ENVIRONNEMENT SAS
d2015 * FC 100 100 FC 100 100 1 – a
PLASTIC OMNIUM AUTO
EXTERIORS SAS
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100 1 – a
PLASTIC OMNIUM AUTO
INERGY SAS
x2015a
*
FC 100 100 FC 100 100 1 – a
PLASTIC OMNIUM AUTO
INERGY
MANAGEMENT SAS
x2015b
*
FC 100 100 FC 100 100 1 – a
VALEO PLASTIC
OMNIUM SNC
* EM_IFRS_2014 50 50 EM_IFRS_2014 50 50
BEAUVAIS
DIFFUSION SAS
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100 1 – b
PLASTIC OMNIUM
VERNON SAS
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100 1 – a
TECHNIQUES ET
MATÉRIELS DE
COLLECTE
– " TEMACO " SAS
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100 1 – b
PLASTIC OMNIUM
COMPOSITES SA
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100 1 – a
MIXT COMPOSITES
RECYCLABLES
– MCR SAS
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100 1 – a
PLASTIC OMNIUM
ENVIRONNEMENT
HOLDING SAS
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100 1 – b
SIGNALISATION
FRANCE SA
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100 1 – b
SULO FRANCE SAS * FC 100 100 FC 100 100 1 – b
PLASTIC OMNIUM AUTO
EXTERIORS
INDUSTRIES SAS
d2015
*
FC 100 100 FC 100 100
PLASTIC OMNIUM
INTERNATIONAL SAS
d2015
*
FC 100 100 FC 100 100
INERGY AUTOMOTIVE
SYTEMS
INDUSTRIES SAS
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100 1 – a

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements Consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2015

Legal name Reportable segments December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Automotive Environment Not
assigned
Consolidation
method
% voting
rights
%
interest
Consolidation
method
% voting
rights
%
interest
Tax
group
PLASTIC OMNIUM AUTO
INERGY SERVICES SAS
a2015 * FC 100 100
PLASTIC OMNIUM AUTO
INERGY FRANCE SAS
a2015 * FC 100 100
South Africa
PLASTIC OMNIUM AUTO
INERGY SOUTH AFRICA
(PROPRIETARY) LTD
x2015c * FC 100 100 FC 100 100
Germany
PLASTIC OMNIUM GmbH
PLASTIC OMNIUM AUTO
* * FC
FC
100
100
100
100
FC
FC
100
100
100
100
2 – b
2 – b
COMPONENTS GmbH
PLASTIC OMNIUM
ENTSORGUNGSTECHNIK
GmbH
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100 2 – c
PLASTIC OMNIUM AUTO
INERGY GERMANY
GmbH
x2015d * FC 100 100 FC 100 100 2 – b
HBPO BETEILIGUNG
SGESELLSCHAFT GmbH
* EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33 EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33
HBPO RASTATT GmbH * EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33 EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33
HBPO GERMANY GmbH * EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33 EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33
HBPO GmbH * EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33 EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33
PLASTIC OMNIUM
ENVIRONNEMENT GmbH
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100 2 – c
ENVICOMP
SYSTEMLOGISTIK GmbH
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100 2 – a
WESTFALIA INTRALOG
GmbH
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100 2 – a
SULO EISENWERK
STREUBER & LOHMANN
GmbH
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100 2 – c
SULO UMWELTTECHNIK
GmbH
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100 2 – c
SULO UMWELTTECHNIK
BETEILIGUNGS GmbH
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100
SULO EMBALLAGEN
GmbH
a2015 * FC 100 100 2 – b
PLASTIC OMNIUM
URBAN SYSTEMS GmbH
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100 2 – a
PLASTIC OMNIUM
COMPOSITES GmbH
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100 2 – b
RMS ROTHERM
MASCHINENBAU GmbH
* FC 70 70 FC 70 70
HBPO INGOLSTADT
GmbH
* EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33 EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33
HBPO REGENSBURG
GmbH
* EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33 EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33
SULO EA GmbH * FC 100 100 FC 100 100 2 – c
Argentina
PLASTIC OMNIUM AUTO
INERGY ARGENTINA SA
x2015e * FC 100 100 FC 100 100
PLASTIC OMNIUM SA * FC 100 100 FC 100 100
Belgium
PLASTIC OMNIUM
AUTOMOTIVE NV
e2015 * FC 100 100 FC 100 100
PLASTIC OMNIUM NV * FC 100 100 FC 100 100
PLASTIC OMNIUM
ADVANCED INNOVATION
AND RESEARCH NV
x2015f * FC 100 100 FC 100 100
PLASTIC OMNIUM AUTO
INERGY BELGIUM SA
x2015g * FC 100 100 FC 100 100
Legal name Reportable segments
December 31, 2015
December 31, 2014
Automotive Environment Not
assigned
Consolidation
method
% voting
rights
%
interest
Consolidation
method
% voting
rights
%
interest
Tax
group
Brazil
INERGY AUTOMOTIVE
SYSTEMS DO BRAZIL
LDA
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100
PLASTIC OMNIUM DO
BRASIL Ltda
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100
Canada
INERGY AUTOMOTIVE
SYSTEMS CANADA INC.
e2014 * FC 100 100
HBPO CANADA INC. * EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33 EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33
Chile
PLASTIC OMNIUM SA * FC 100 100 FC 100 100
China
PLASTIC OMNIUM
COMPOSITES (JIANGSU)
Co Ltd
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100
WUHAN PLASTIC
OMNIUM AUTO INERGY
Co Ltd
x2015r * FC 100 100 FC 100 100
YANFENG PLASTIC
OMNIUM AUTOMOTIVE
EXTERIOR SYSTEMS Co.
Ltd
* EM_IFRS_2014 49.95 49.95 EM_IFRS_2014 49.95 49.95
PLASTIC OMNIUM
INERGY (SHANGHAI)
CONSULTING Co. Ltd
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100
INERGY AUTOMOTIVE
SYSTEMS CONSULTING
(BEIJING) Co. Ltd
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100
INERGY AUTOMOTIVE
SYSTEMS
MANUFACTURING
(BEIJING) Co. Ltd
* FC 60 60 FC 60 60
CHONGQING YANFENG
PLASTIC OMNIUM
AUTOMOTIVE EXTERIOR
FAWAY Co. Ltd
* EM_IFRS_2014 49.95 25.47 EM_IFRS_2014 49.95 25.47
GUANGZHOU ZHONGXIN
YANFENG PLASTIC
OMNIUM AUTOMOTIVE
EXTERIOR TRIM Co. Ltd
* EM_IFRS_2014 49.95 25.47 EM_IFRS_2014 49.95 25.47
CHENGDU FAWAY
YANFENG PLASTIC
OMNIUM Co. Ltd
* EM 24.48 24.48 EM 24.48 24.48
HBPO CHINA Co Ltd * EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33 EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33
YANFENG PLASTIC
OMNIUM (SHANGHAI)
AUTOMOTIVE EXTERIOR
SYSTEMS Co. Ltd
* EM_IFRS_2014 49.95 49.95 EM_IFRS_2014 49.95 49.95
DONGFENG PLASTIC
OMNIUM AUTOMOTIVE
EXTERIOR SYSTEMS Co.
Ltd
g2014 * EM 24.98 24.98 EM 24.98 24.98
GUANGZHOU PLASTIC
OMNIUM AUTO INERGY
Co. Ltd
x2015s * FC 100 100 FC 100 100
SHENYANG PLASTIC
OMNIUM AUTO INERGY
Co. Ltd
x2015t * FC 100 100 FC 100 100
YANFENG PLASTIC
OMNIUM YIZHENG
AUTOMOTIVE EXTERIOR
SYSTEM Co. Ltd
* EM_IFRS_2014 49.95 49.95 EM_IFRS_2014 49.95 49.95
PLASTIC OMNIUM
HOLDING (SHANGHAI)
Co. Ltd
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements Consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2015

Legal name Reportable segments
December 31, 2015
December 31, 2014
Automotive Environment Not
assigned
Consolidation
method
% voting
rights
%
interest
Consolidation
method
% voting
rights
%
interest
Tax
group
YANFENG PLASTIC
OMNIUM (SHENYANG)
AUTOMOTIVE EXTERIOR
SYSTEMS Co. Ltd
* EM_IFRS_2014 49.95 49.95 EM_IFRS_2014 49.95 49.95
YANFENG PLASTIC
OMNIUM NINGBO
AUTOMOTIVE EXTERIOR
SYSTEMS Co. Ltd
* EM_IFRS_2014 49.95 49.95 EM_IFRS_2014 49.95 49.95
YANFENG PLASTIC
OMNIUM WUHAN
AUTOMOTIVE EXTERIOR
SYSTEMS Co. Ltd
* EM_IFRS_2014 49.95 49.95 EM_IFRS_2014 49.95 49.95
(NINGBO) PLASTIC
OMNIUM AUTO INERGY
Co. Ltd
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100
HBPO CHINA BEIJING Co.
Ltd
a2014 * EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33 EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33
YANFENG PLASTIC
OMNIM HARBIN
AUTOMOTIVE EXTERIOR
SYSTEMS Co. Ltd
a2015 * EM_IFRS_2014 49.95 49.95
(CHONGQING) PLASTIC
OMNIUM AUTO INERGY
Co. Ltd
a2015 * FC 100 100
South Korea
SHB AUTOMOTIVE
MODULES
* EM_IFRS_2014 16.67 16.67 EM_IFRS_2014 16.67 16.67
HBPO KOREA Ltd * EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33 EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33
PLASTIC OMNIUM Co.
Ltd
x2015h * FC 100 100 FC 100 100
HBPO PYEONGTAEK Ltd * EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33 EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33
HBPO ASIA HQ Ltd a2014 * EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33 EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33
Spain
COMPAÑIA PLASTIC
OMNIUM SA
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100 3
PLASTIC OMNIUM
EQUIPAMIENTOS
EXTERIORES SA
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100 3
PLASTIC OMNIUM
SISTEMAS URBANOS SA
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100 3
INERGY AUTOMOTIVE
SYSTEMS VALLADOLID
SL
e2014 * FC 100 100
PLASTIC OMNIUM AUTO
INERGY SPAIN SA
x2015i * FC 100 100 FC 100 100 3
VALEO PLASTIC
OMNIUM SL
e2014 * – EM_IFRS_2014 50 50
PLASTIC OMNIUM
COMPOSITES
ESPANA SA
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100 3
HBPO IBERIA SL d2015 * EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33 EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33
SIGNATURE
SENALIZACION SA
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100 3
HBPO AUTOMOTIVE
SPAIN SL
* EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33 EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33
PLASTIC OMNIUM
COMPONENTES
EXTERIORES SL
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100 3
United States
PLASTIC OMNIUM AUTO
EXTERIORS LLC
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100 4
PLASTIC OMNIUM Inc. * FC 100 100 FC 100 100 4
PLASTIC OMNIUM
INDUSTRIES Inc.
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100 4
Legal name Reportable segments
December 31, 2015
December 31, 2014
Automotive Environment Not
assigned
Consolidation
method
% voting
rights
%
interest
Consolidation
method
% voting
rights
%
interest
Tax
group
PLASTIC OMNIUM AUTO
INERGY (USA) LLC
x2015u * FC 100 100 FC 100 100 4
PLASTIC OMNIUM
AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES
Inc.
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100 4
HBPO NORTH AMERICA
Inc.
* EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33 EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33
INERGY AUTOMOTIVE
SYSTEMS HOLDING Inc.
d2014 * FC 100 100
Hungary
HBPO MANUFACTURING
HUNGARY Kft
* EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33 EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33
HBPO AUTOMOTIVE
HUNGARIA Kft
* EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33 EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33
India
PLASTIC OMNIUM AUTO
EXTERIORS (INDIA) PVT
Ltd
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100
PLASTIC OMNIUM AUTO
INERGY INDIA PVT Ltd
x2015v * FC 100 100 FC 100 100
PLASTIC OMNIUM AUTO
INERGY
MANUFACTURING INDIA
PVT Ltd
x2015w * FC 55 55 FC 55 55
Japan
PLASTIC OMNIUM KK x2015j * FC 100 100 FC 100 100
HBPO JAPAN KK a2014 * EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33 EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33
Malaysia
HICOM HBPO SDN BHD * EM 13.33 13.33 EM 13.33 13.33
Morocco
INERGY AUTOMOTIVE
SYSTEMS
(MOROCCO) SARL
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100
Mexico
PLASTIC OMNIUM
AUTOMOVIL SA DE CV
* FC 100 100
PLASTIC OMNIUM AUTO
EXTERIORES SA DE CV
d2014* * FC 100 100
PLASTIC OMNIUM
INDUSTRIAL AUTO
EXTERIORES RAMOS
ARIZPE SA DE CV
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100
PLASTIC OMNIUM DEL
BAJIO SA DE CV
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100
PLASTIC OMNIUM AUTO
INERGY MEXICO SA DE
CV
x2015k * FC 100 100 FC 100 100
PLASTIC OMNIUM AUTO
INERGY INDUSTRIAL
MEXICO SA DE CV
x2015l * FC 100 100 FC 100 100
INOPLAST
COMPOSITES SA DE CV
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100
INOPLASTIC OMNIUM
INDUSTRIAL SA DE CV
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100
PLASTIC OMNIUM
SISTEMAS URBANOS SA
DE CV
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100
HBPO MEXICO SA DE CV * EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33 EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33
PLASTIC OMNIUM
MEDIO AMBIENTE SA DE
CV
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100
PLASTIC OMNIUM
TOLUCA SA DE CV
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements Consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2015

Legal name Reportable segments December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Automotive Environment Not Consolidation % voting % Consolidation % voting % Tax
assigned method rights interest method rights interest group
PLASTIC OMNIUM AUTO
INDUSTRIAL SRL DE CV
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100
PLASTIC OMNIUM AUTO
INERGY INDUSTRIAL SA
DE CV
x2015m * FC 100 100 FC 100 100
Netherlands
PLASTIC OMNIUM BV xd2014 * FC 100 100 FC 100 100 5
PLASTIC OMNIUM
ENVIRONMENT BV
x2015n * FC 100 100 FC 100 100 5
SULO BV xd2014 * FC 100 100 FC 100 100 5
DSK PLASTIC OMNIUM
BV
* FC 51 51 FC 51 51
Poland
PLASTIC OMNIUM AUTO
INERGY POLAND Sp
Z.O.O
x2015o * FC 100 100 FC 100 100
PLASTIC OMNIUM AUTO
EXTERIORS Sp Z.O.O
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100
SULO Sp Z.O.O * FC 100 100 FC 100 100
PLASTIC OMNIUM AUTO
Sp Z.O.O
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100
Czech Republic
HBPO CZECH S.R.O. * EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33 EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33
SULO S.R.O. * FC 100 100 FC 100 100
Romania
PLASTIC OMNIUM AUTO
INERGY ROMANIA SRL
x2015p * FC 100 100 FC 100 100
United Kingdom
PLASTIC OMNIUM
AUTOMOTIVE Ltd
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100 6
PLASTIC OMNIUM
URBAN SYSTEMS Ltd
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100 6
SIGNATURE Ltd * FC 100 100 FC 100 100 6
SULO MGB Ltd * FC 100 100 FC 100 100
HBPO UK Ltd * EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33 EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33
Russia
OOO STRAVROVO
AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100
DSK PLASTIC OMNIUM
INERGY
* FC 51 51 FC 51 51
Singapore
SULO ENVIRONMENTAL
SYSTEMS PTE Ltd
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100
Slovakia
PLASTIC OMNIUM AUTO
EXTERIORS S.R.O.
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100
PLASTIC OMNIUM AUTO
INERGY SLOVAKIA
S.R.O.
x2015q * FC 100 100 FC 100 100
HBPO SLOVAKIA S.R.O. * EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33 EM_IFRS_2014 33.33 33.33
Sweden
PLASTIC OMNIUM AB * FC 100 100 FC 100 100
Switzerland
PLASTIC OMNIUM AG * FC 100 100 FC 100 100
PLASTIC OMNIUM RE AG * FC 100 100 FC 100 100
SIGNAL AG c2014 * MEE_
IFRS_2014
50 50
Thailand
PLASTIC OMNIUM AUTO
INERGY THAILAND Co
LTD
x2015x * FC 100 100 FC 100 100
Legal name Reportable segments December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Automotive Environment Not
assigned
Consolidation
method
% voting
rights
%
interest
Consolidation
method
% voting
rights
%
interest
Tax
group
PLASTIC OMNIUM
AUTOMOTIVE Co Ltd
* FC 100 100 FC 100 100
Turkey
B.P.O. AS * MEE_Ifrs_2014 50 49,98 EM_IFRS_2014 50 49.98
FC:
EM:
EM_IFRS_2014:
Consolidation method and notes:
Fully consolidated.
Entities that were already consolidated by the equity method before the application of the new consolidation standards on January 1, 2014.
Companies consolidated by the equity method since the application of the new consolidation standards as of January 1, 2014.
Movements during the period:
a2014
a2015
c2014
Creation of entities:
Companies newly-formed and/or in start-up phase in 2014.
Companies newly-formed and/or in start-up phase in 2015.
Disposal of entities:
Companies divested in 2014.
d2014
d2015
d2014*
xd2014
Merging of entities:
Companies merged in 2014.
Companies merged in 2015.
Company legally absorbed by Inoplast Composites SA de CV in 2010 and recognized as such on the financial statements in June 2014.
"Sulo BV" absorbed "Plastic Omnium BV" and took over the "Plastic Omnium BV" company name.
e2014
e2015
g2014
Liquidation of entities:
Companies liquidated in 2014.
Companies liquidated in 2015.
Change in the percentage of Plastic Omnium ownership:
Capital increase for "Dongfeng Plastic Omnium Automotive Exterior Systems Co. Ltd" fully subscribed by Plastic Omnium.
Change in company name:
x2015
Companies whose name was changed in 2015.
x2015a "Plastic Omnium Auto Inergy SAS" is the new name of "Inergy Automotive Systems SAS".
x2015b "Plastic Omnium Auto Inergy Management SAS" is the new name of "Inergy Automotive Systems Management SAS".
x2015c "Plastic Omnium Auto Inergy South Africa (Proprietary) Ltd" is the new name of "Inergy Automotive Systems South Africa Ltd".
x2015d
x2015e
"Plastic Omnium Auto Inergy Germany GmbH" is the new name of "Inergy Automotive Systems Germany GmbH".
"Plastic Omnium Auto Inergy Argentina SA" is the new name of "Inergy Automotive Systems Argentina SA".
x2015f "Plastic Omnium Advanced Innovation and Research NV" is the new name of "Inergy Automotive Systems Research NV".
x2015g "Plastic Omnium Auto Inergy Belgium SA" is the new name of "Inergy Automotive Systems Belgium SA".
x2015h "Plastic Omnium Co. Ltd" is the new name of "Inergy Automotive Systems Co. Ltd".
x2015i "Plastic Omnium Auto Inergy Spain SA" is the new name of "Inergy Automotive Systems Spain SA".
x2015j "Plastic Omnium K.K" is the new name of "Inergy Automotive Systems K.K.".
x2015k "Plastic Omnium Auto Inergy Mexico SA de CV" is the new name of "Inergy Automotive Systems Mexico SA de CV".
x2015l
x2015m
"Plastic Omnium Auto Inergy Industrial Mexico SA de CV " is the new name of "Inergy Automotive Systems Industrial Mexico SA de CV".
"Plastic Omnium Auto Inergy Industrial SA de CV" is the new name of "Inergy Automotive Industrial SA de CV".
x2015n "Plastic Omnium Environment BV" is the new name of "Plastic Omnium International BV".
x2015o "Plastic Omnium Auto Inergy Poland Sp Z.O.O." is the new name of "Inergy Automotive Systems Poland Sp Z.O.O.".
x2015p "Plastic Omnium Auto Inergy Romania SRL" is the new name of "Inergy Automotive Systems Romania SRL".
x2015q "Plastic Omnium Auto Inergy Slovakia S.R.O." is the new name of "Inergy Automotive Systems Slovakia S.R.O.".
x2015r "Wuhan Plastic Omnium Auto Inergy Co Ltd" is the new name of "Inergy Automotive Systems (Wuhan) Co Ltd".
x2015s
x2015t
"Guangzhou Plastic Omnium Auto Inergy Co Ltd" is the new name of "Inergy Automotive Systems Guangzhou Co Ltd".
"Shenyang Plastic Omnium Auto Inergy Co Ltd" is the new name of "Inergy Automotive Systems Shenyang Co Ltd".
x2015u "Plastic Omnium Auto Inergy (USA) LLC" is the new name of "Inergy Automotive Systems (USA)".
x2015v "Plastic Omnium Auto Inergy India Pvt Ltd" is the new name of "Inergy Automotive Systems India Pvt Ltd".
x2015w "Plastic Omnium Auto Inergy Manufacturing India Pvt Ltd" is the new name of "Inergy Automotive Systems Manufacturing India Pvt Ltd".
x2015x "Plastic Omnium Auto Inergy Thailand Co Ltd" is the new name of "Inergy Automotive Systems (Thailand) Ltd".
Tax group:
1 – a Plastic Omnium France.
1 – b France Plastic Omnium Environnement Holding.
2 – a Germany Systèmes Urbains.
2 – b
2 – c
Germany Plastic Omnium GmbH.
Germany Plastic Omnium Environnement.
3 Spain.
4 United States.
5 Netherlands.
6 United Kingdom.

5.7 Statutory Auditors' Report on the Consolidated Financial Statements

Year ended December 31, 2015

To the Shareholders,

In compliance with the assignment entrusted to us by your Shareholders' Meeting, we hereby report to you, for the year ended December 31, 2015 on:

  • the audit of the accompanying/consolidated financial statements of Compagnie Plastic Omnium;
  • the justification of our assessments;
  • the specific verification required by law.

These consolidated financial statements have been approved by the Board of Directors. Our role is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

I. Opinion on the consolidated financial statements

We conducted our audit in accordance with professional standards applicable in France; those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit involves performing procedures, using sampling techniques or other methods of selection, to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made, as well as the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view of the assets and liabilities and of the financial position of the Group as at December 31, 2013 and of the results of its operations for the year then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union.

Without qualifying our opinion, we draw your attention to the following point stated in Note 1.1 to the consolidated financial statements which indicate the change in the presentation of the share of profit/(loss) of associates and joint ventures in the consolidated income statement.

II. Justification of our assessments

Pursuant to the provisions of Article L. 823-9 of the French Commercial Code (Code de commerce) relating to the justification of our assessments, we draw your attention to the following matters:

  • Goodwill has been submitted to impairment tests under rules described in Note 1.1.13 of the financial statements. These tests are based on medium-term plans of the Group. We reviewed implementation methods of these impairment tests, hypothesis used and cash flow forecast retained and checked appropriateness of the information given in the Notes of the financial statements.
  • Note 1.1.11 to the consolidated financial statements explains the accounting method of incurred costs at the demand of automotive manufacturers for the development of new car models equipment. These costs are accounted for depending on the financing terms with the customer and the profitability perspectives of the concerned projects. We assessed the adopted approach by the Company for the valuation of the profitability perspectives of these projects on the basis of evidence available to date.
  • Note 1.2 to the consolidated financial statements specifies that the recognition of deferred tax assets depends on the probability of sufficient taxable earnings being generated to permit their utilization. We assessed the adopted approach by the Company for the valuation of the recoverable aspect of these tax assets on the basis of the evidence available to date and, we tested by sampling methods their correct application.

• Regarding risks, litigation and contingent liabilities, we examined the processes put in place by the Group in order to inventory them, evaluate them and enforce their accounting translation. We made sure the main litigations identified are described on an appropriate basis, especially in Note 5.2.5 to the consolidated financial statements.

These assessments were made as part of our audit of the consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, and therefore contributed to the opinion we formed which is expressed in the first part of this report.

III. Specific verification

We have also performed, in accordance with professional standards applicable in France, the specific verifications required by French law of information pertaining to the Group, given in the management report.

Except for the impact of the facts stated in the first part of this report, we have no comments to make as to its fair presentation and consistency with the consolidated financial statements.

Paris-la Défense, February 24, 2016 The Statutory Auditors

MAZARS ERNST & YOUNG et Autres Jean-Luc Barlet Gilles Rabier 06

COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

6.1 Income Statement

In thousands of euros Notes 2015 2014
Net sales(1) K 26,408 2,954
Production held as inventory (13,829) 13,829
Provision reversals and expense transfers 6 1,102
Other operating revenue(1) 25,810 22,657
Total operating revenue K 38,395 40,542
Purchases and other external charges L (36,982) (36,050)
Taxes other than on income (164) (226)
Payroll taxes (77) (51)
Depreciation, amortization and provisions M (3,437) (997)
Other expenses (2,876) (3,078)
Net operating income (loss) (5,141) 140
Net financial income N 220,846 182,902
Income before non-operating items 215,705 183,042
Non-operating items O (165) 2,734
Income before tax 215,540 185,776
Corporate income tax P 7,353 (1,452)
Net income 222,893 184,324
(1) Net sales and other operating revenue 52,218 25,611

6.2 Balance Sheet

Assets

In thousands of euros Notes 2015 2014
Gross Depreciation,
amortization
and provisions
Net Net
Non-current assets
Intangible assets A 8,857 905 7,952 7,921
Property, plant and equipment B 95,127 6,385 88,742 80,258
Investments C 1,703,197 20,036 1,683,161 1,530,637
Total non-current assets 1,807,181 27,326 1,779,855 1,618,816
Current assets
Inventories and goods in process D 0 0 0 13,829
Prepayments to suppliers E 1,680 0 1,680 151
Trade receivables E 7,566 0 7,566 10,553
Other receivables E 60,575 4,668 55,907 54,450
Cash and cash equivalents F 532,874 0 532,874 352,048
Total current assets 602,695 4,668 598,027 431,031
Prepaid expenses G 846 0 846 630
Deferred charges (debt issuance costs) G 2,671 0 2,671 3,313
Bond redemption premiums G 3,425 0 3,425 4,230
Translation loss on FX payables and receivables G 1,213 0 1,213 905
Total 2,418,031 31,994 2,386,037 2,058,925

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

In thousands of euros Notes 2015 2014
Shareholders' equity
Share capital H 9,215 9,215
Additional paid-in capital H 38,637 38,637
Other reserves and retained earnings H 979,608 850,117
Net income for the year 222,893 184,324
Tax-regulated provisions H 605 561
Total equity H 1,250,958 1,082,854
Provisions for contingencies and charges I 38,259 33,851
Liabilities
Bonds 759,011 759,011
Bank borrowings 33,409 23,479
Other borrowings 243,585 70,051
Customer prepayments 0 15,781
Trade payables 14,548 23,285
Accrued taxes and payroll costs 4,781 5,200
Other liabilities 36,337 41,164
Total liabilities J 1,091,671 937,971
Translation adjustment on FX payables and receivables 5,149 4,249
Total 2,386,037 2,058,925

Note: Net cash and cash equivalents of Compagnie Plastic Omnium of €150.4 million in 2015 (including medium- and long-term loans) versus €174.6 million of net cash and cash equivalents in 2014.

6.3 Notes to the Company Financial Statements

In thousands of euros 2014 2015
Financial position
Capital 9,215 9,215
Shareholders' equity 1,082,854 1,250,958
Net financial liabilities 174,641 150,422
Net non-current assets 1,618,816 1,779,855
Total assets 2,058,925 2,386,037
Results of operations
Operating revenue 40,542 38,395
Net operating income (loss) 140 (5,141)
Income before non-operating items 185,776 215,705
Non-operating items 2,734 (165)
Net income 184,324 222,893
Earnings per share (in euros) 1.20 1.45

Significant events of the year

Delivery and official opening of the Lyon Gerland real estate project

The Lyon Gerland site was officially opened on March 30, 2015. Compagnie Plastic Omnium built 33,000 sq.m. of office buildings (including 3,000 sq.m. of service buildings) for the rental market.

As at December 31, 2015, total investment since the start of the project stood at €80.6 million (excluding the land value) as follows:

  • €7 million in 2015;
  • €46.8 million in 2014;
  • €26.8 million in 2013.

The site is currently more than 80% occupied by a third-party tenant. The Plastic Omnium Group is using around 900 sq.m. of the total area.

Organizational chart

In the course of the year the Plastic Omnium Group simplified the holding structure of entities in the Environment Division, following the universal transfer of assets and liabilities of the subsidiary Plastic Omnium Environnement. All of the subsidiaries in this division are now held by Plastic Omnium Environment BV, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Compagnie Plastic Omnium.

Planned acquisition of the Exterior Systems business of the Faurecia Group

On December 14, 2015, Compagnie Plastic Omnium signed an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the Faurecia Group to acquire its Exterior Systems business (bumpers and front-end modules) for a corporate value of €665 million.

This consolidation of the French automotive sector creates a global leader in automotive equipment.

Faurecia's Exterior Systems business has €2 billion in revenue and 7,700 employees at 22 plants in Germany, France, Spain, Slovakia and North and South America. Half of its revenue comes from Germany where Plastic Omnium has no exterior systems production sites.

The transaction has to be reviewed by personnel representative bodies in the countries concerned and will then be submitted to the anti-trust & fair trade authorities for clearance. It should be completed in the second half of 2016.

The impact of the transaction on the 2015 Company financial statements was due to consultancy fees only.

Accounting policies

The financial statements of Compagnie Plastic Omnium have been prepared in accordance with French generally accepted accounting policies (ANC Regulation No. 2014-03 of June 5, 2014).

The accounting policies used to prepare the 2015 financial statements are the same as those used in the previous year. The significant accounting policies applied are described below:

Intangible assets

Intangible assets mainly comprise trademarks that are not amortized.

However, patent filing fees are recognized as costs in the income statement as incurred.

Property, plant and equipment

Nanterre office complex

Compagnie Plastic Omnium owns a multipurpose office complex in Nanterre, France. The Company decided to use this complex for its own operations from January 1, 2013. It was previously let.

Property, plant and equipment are initially recognized at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, as follows:

  • Buildings 20-40 years
  • Fixtures and fittings 10 years
  • Office equipment and furniture 5-10 years

Lyon Gerland office complex

The office complex was accepted on March 30, 2015 and will mostly be rented out.

Property, plant and equipment are initially recognized at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, as follows:

• Buildings 20-40 years
• Fixtures and fittings 10 years
• Office equipment and furniture 5-10 years

Investments

Investments in subsidiaries and affiliates are initially recognized at cost or transfer value. Where applicable, impairment provisions are taken when the value in use is lower than the carrying amount.

Value in use is based on a proportional share of equity and profit outlook in view of current market conditions as set out in the subsidiaries' medium-term business plans.

Treasury stock

The Company has been authorized by shareholders to purchase its own shares to (i) maintain a liquid market for its shares under a liquidity contract with an investment firm, (ii) reduce the share capital by canceling shares, (iii) cover current or future stock option or stock grant plans for employees and officers of the Group, or (iv) hold in treasury for subsequent delivery in exchange or payment for acquisitions.

The accounting classification of treasury stock depends on its final purpose:

  • treasury shares held to pay for external growth acquisitions, reduce share capital or maintain stock liquidity are classified as investments;
  • treasury shares held for the exercising of current stock option plans or for future plans still pending allocation are classified as short-term investment securities.

Treasury shares are measured in line with their accounting classification (investments, stock option plans, acquired under liquidity contract) using a FIFO (first in, first out) method.

They are initially recognized at cost and impairment is recorded where the carrying amount is higher than the market value. For shares allocated to covering stock option plans, market value is the lower of the exercise price of the options granted and the stock market price.

For shares otherwise classified, market value is determined on the basis of the average quoted stock market price during the month before the balance sheet date.

Short-term investment securities

The short-term investment securities are valued by securities category (shares held to maintain stock liquidity, unallocated treasury stock, other short-term investment securities), using a FIFO (first in, first out) method.

Receivables

Receivables are valued at their nominal value. Depreciation is recorded where the inventory value is less than the carrying amount. Receivables are depreciated through provisions that take into account possible recovery problems.

Foreign currency transactions

Unhedged foreign currency payables and receivables are recorded at the transaction date exchange rate and remeasured on the balance sheet date at the applicable year-end rate of exchange.

Resulting gains and losses are recognized as translation losses/gains on FX payables and receivables. Provisions are recorded for unrealized translation losses.

Hedged foreign currency payables and receivables are recorded at the transaction date exchange rate. Gains and losses on foreign exchange derivatives are offset by gains or losses resulting from the revaluation of hedged foreign currency payables and receivables at closing rate, except for derivative swaps, which are spread in financial income/ expense over the hedging term.

Long-term borrowings

Issuance costs and redemption premiums incurred at the time of borrowing are spread over the life of the bond using the compound interest rate method.

Inventories and goods in process

Inventories and leases are entered at their acquisition cost. Related income and costs are entered according to the percentage-of-completion method.

Notes to the balance sheet

A – Intangible assets

In thousands of euros 2014 + 2015
Patents, trademarks and licenses 8,818 39 8,857
Total, gross 8,818 39 0 8,857
Accumulated amortization 897 8 905
Total, net 7,921 31 0 7,952

B – Property, plant and equipment

In thousands of euros 2014 + 2015
Land 2,287 2,287
Buildings 5,169 80,563 85,732
Fixtures and fittings 2,182 1,633 3,815
Office equipment and furniture 266 3,021 3,287
Property, plant and equipment in progress 69,951 13,515 83,460 6
Prepayments to suppliers of non-current assets 4,000 4,000 0
Total, gross 83,855 98,732 87,460 95,127
Accumulated amortization 3,597 2,788 0 6,385
Total, net 80,258 95,944 87,460 88,742

The €80,563,000 increase in the item "Buildings" corresponds to the acceptance of the office building of 33,000 sq.m. built in Lyon Gerland that will be rented out and put into service gradually over the year (see "Significant events of the year").

The capitalized €4 million advance entered at December 31, 2014 corresponded to the payment made to the construction company responsible for the project.

C – Investments

In thousands of euros 2014 + 2015
Shares in subsidiaries and affiliates 866,968 170,642 21,235 1,016,375
Other long-term investments 9,867 20,721 320 30,268
Loans 672,500 61,010 76,956 656,554
Total, gross 1,549,335 252,373 98,511 1,703,197
Provisions for impairment 18,698 1,338 20,036
Total, net 1,530,637 251,035 98,511 1,683,161

Changes in shares in subsidiaries and affiliates came about as a result of the transactions carried out under the legal restructuring mentioned in the section "Significant events of the year":

  • the subscription in full to the share capital increase of Plastic Omnium International BV to finance the acquisition of the entities in the Environment Division;
  • the universal transfer of the assets and liabilities of Plastic Omnium Environment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Compagnie Plastic Omnium, leading in the main to the holding by Compagnie Plastic Omnium of shares in Plastic Omnium International BV, the cancellation of Plastic Omnium Environment's shares in subsidiaries and affiliates, and a net gain of €18.7 million (see Section N).

Other long-term investments include 1,127,492 treasury shares carried at €26,374,000 allocated to external growth acquisitions and €445,000 allocated to market making.

Loans only have to do with medium- and long-term financing provided to entities of Plastic Omnium Group.

As at December 31, 2015, provisions for impairment of shares in subsidiaries and affiliates amounted to €20 million following a provision for the additional impairment of shares acquired in Plastic Omnium Recycling.

D – Inventories and goods in process

In thousands of euros 2014 + 2015
Inventories and goods in process 13,829 0 13,829 0
Total, net 13,829 0 13,829 0

The work requested by the future tenant of the Lyon Gerland building, recognized in inventories at December 31, 2014 for an amount of €13.8 million, was fully recognized as income in 2015.

E – Receivables

In thousands of euros 2015 Maturity date
Less than 1
year
Maturity date
More than
1 year
Prepayments to suppliers 1,680 1,680 0
Trade receivables 7,566 7,566 0
Tax receivables 35,398 12,405 22,993
Short-term loans – Current accounts 1,992 1,992 0
Other 18,517 18,517 0
Total, net 65,153 42,160 22,993

Prepayments to suppliers amounting to €1.7 million included the €1.5 million progress payment to the construction company responsible for the Lyon Gerland project. The balance will be paid once the final account is agreed in 2016.

Trade receivables mainly consisted of €6.8 million accrued income of which €5.6 million in royalties and €800,000 in patent protection costs.

Tax receivables included €28.5 million in research tax credits, €5 million in deductible VAT and €1.6 million in deductible withholding tax.

Other receivables represent :

  • an additional payment of €6 million following the disposal of the 3P – Performance Plastic Products business in 2008;
  • tax current accounts totaling €12.1 million owed by various companies belonging to the tax group headed by Compagnie Plastic Omnium.

F – Cash and cash equivalents

In thousands of euros 2014 + 2015
Short-term investment securities 27,849 2,167 25,682
Other short-term investment securities 310,926 1,583,909 1,426,225 468,610
Bank accounts 13,273 25,309 38,582
Total, gross 352,048 1,609,218 1,428,392 532,874
Impairment provisions 0 0
Total, net 352,048 1,609,218 1,428,392 532,874

Short-term investment securities includes 4,395,000 treasury shares allocated to various stock option plans or intended to cover future plans but not yet allocated. These two categories are valued at €23,169,000 and €2,513,000 respectively.

As at December 31, 2015, Compagnie Plastic Omnium granted the following stock options:

  • 626,000 stock options voted by the Board of Directors on March 16, 2010 acting on authorization granted at the Extraordinary Shareholders' Meeting of April 28, 2009;
  • 2,338,500 stock options voted by the Board of Directors on March 6, 2012 acting on authorization granted at the Extraordinary Shareholders' Meeting of April 28, 2011;
  • 1,200,000 stock options voted by the Board of Directors on July 23, 2013 acting on authorization granted at the Extraordinary Shareholders' Meeting of April 25, 2013;
  • 1,253,000 stock options voted by the Board of Directors on July 21, 2015 acting on authorization granted at the Extraordinary Shareholders' Meeting of April 25, 2013.

The item "Other short-term investment securities" totaling €468 million consists of €429 million in money market funds, €24 million in negotiable medium-term notes and €15 million in short-term investments.

The item "Cash and cash equivalents" totaling €38.6 million consists mainly of interest-bearing bank accounts.

G – Prepaid expenses and accrued income

In thousands of euros 2014 2015
Prepaid expenses 630 846
Deferred charges (debt issuance costs) 3,313 2,671
Bond redemption premiums 4,230 3,425
Translation loss on FX payables and receivables 905 1,213
Total, net 9,078 8,155

Issuance costs and the redemption premium on the Euro Bond and Euro PP bonds are spread over the life of the bonds using the compound interest rate method.

Prepaid expenses mainly consist of commitment and other fees on unused credit lines.

H – Change in Equity

In thousands of euros 2014 + 2015
Capital 9,215 9,215
Additional paid-in capital 38,637 38,637
Revaluation reserve 245 245
Legal reserve 1,501 1,501
Other reserves 41,166 41,166
Retained earnings 807,205 184,324 54,833 936,696
Net income for the year 184,324 222,893 184,324 222,893
Tax-regulated provisions 561 44 605
Total 1,082,854 407,261 239,157 1,250,958

As at December 31, 2015, share capital amounted to €9,214,603.20 consisting of 153,576,720 shares of €0.06 each.

The number of shares held as treasury shares totals 5,522,492 and represents 3.60% of the Company's capital.

I – Provisions for contingencies and charges

Provisions for contingencies and
charges
2014 + Utilized Surplus 2015
Provisions for foreign exchange losses 903 1,213 903 1,213
Provisions for other contingencies 150 461 51 560
Provisions for taxes (see Note R) 32,798 3,688 36,486
Total 33,851 5,362 51 903 38,259

During the year, Compagnie Plastic Omnium recorded a €3.7 million provision for taxes to reflect use by the tax group of subsidiaries' tax losses that the subsidiaries themselves may use in the future, taking the amount of this provision to €36.5 million as at December 31, 2015.

J – Liabilities

In thousands of euros 2015 Maturity date
Less than 1
year
Maturity date
1 to 5 years
Maturity date
More than
5 years
Bonds 759,011 9,011 750,000 0
Bank borrowings 33,409 927 32,482 0
Other borrowings 243,585 242,033 1,552 0
Total net financial liabilities 1,036,005 251,971 784,034
Trade payables 14,548 14,548 0 0
Accrued taxes and payroll costs 4,781 4,781 0 0
Other liabilities 36,337 14,808 21,529 0
Total 1,091,671 286,108 805,563 0

Net financial liabilities

Bonds

The key features of bonds issued are as follows:

Bond issue of May 21, 2013

Bond issue Euro Bond
Amount in euros 500,000,000
Maturity May 29, 2020
Annual coupon – Fixed rate 2.875%
Listed Euronext Paris

Bond issue of October 4, 2012

Private bond placement Euro PP
Amount in euros 250,000,000
Maturity December 12, 2018
Annual coupon – Fixed rate 3.875%
Listed Euronext Paris

The accrued interest payable on bonds totaled €9 million at December 31, 2015.

Bank borrowings mainly consisted of foreign currency loans of CNY203 million (€28.8 million as at December 31, 2015) and medium-term loans of €4.1 million.

Other borrowings comprised €242 million in current accounts at Group entities.

Trade payables, tax and other liabilities

The decrease in trade payables was due to the completion of the Gerland project in the first quarter of 2015.

Accrued taxes and payroll costs correspond to the €4.1 million tax liability of the tax group headed by Compagnie Plastic Omnium.

Other liabilities related mainly to current accounts corresponding to tax payable by the Company to other members of the tax group for €29 million (including €28.1 million relating to tax credits).

Notes to the income statement

K – Net sales and other operating revenue

Total operating revenue excluding expense transfers and provision reversals breaks down as follows:

In thousands of euros 2014 2015
By business segment
• rental payments and other expenses re-invoiced 2,954 26,408
• production held as inventory 13,829 (13,829)
• license and service fees 22,657 25,810
Total 39,440 38,389
By region 2014 2015
• France(1) 22,674 18,515
• International 16,766 19,874
Total 39,440 38,389

(1) Of which €13,829,000 of changes in inventory in 2015.

The increase in revenue in the year was due to rent and fittings invoiced to the third-party tenant of the Gerland office complex which was completed in the first quarter of 2015.

  • Other operating revenue for the year, excluding transferred expenses, breaks down as follows:
  • fees from the licensing of Compagnie Plastic Omnium trademarks to operating subsidiaries and affiliates;
  • fees from the provision of services.

L – Purchases and other external charges

In thousands of euros 2014 2015
General management services 1,732 1,853
Overheads and headquarters expenses 3,870 5,590
Professional fees 3,119 11,417
Advertising, print collateral and publication 2,147 1,564
Travel and entertainment 1,809 1,681
Bank charges 6,692 5,430
Other 16,681 9,447
Total 36,050 36,982

The increase in fees was largely due to services provided as part of the planned acquisition of the Exterior Systems business of Faurecia Group mentioned in the section "Significant events of the year".

Changes in other purchases and external charges were due to a €10 million reduction in tenant fittings relating to the Gerland building project.

M – Depreciation, amortization and impairment

Change in depreciation
In thousands of euros
2014 + 2015
Trademarks, patents and software 897 8 905
Land development 169 169
Buildings 1,345 2,385 3,730
Fixtures and fittings 2,179 113 2,292
Office equipment and furniture 73 121 194
Total 4,494 2,796 0 7,290
Changes in provisions 2014 + 2015
On assets
Investments 18,698 1,338 20,036
Other 2,934 1,734 4,668
Total 21,632 3,072 0 24,704
On liabilities
Tax-regulated provisions 561 44 605
Provisions for contingencies and charges (see Note P) 33,851 4,459(1) 51 38,259
Total 34,412 4,503 51 38,864

(1) Of which €460,000 related to the universal transfer of assets and liabilities.

N – Net financial income

In thousands of euros 2014 2015
Dividend income 176,661 199,578
Other financial income and expenses 28 18,741
Interest income and expense 7,349 4,845
Net gain on disposal of short-term investment securities 413 344
Foreign exchange gains and losses (762) (209)
Provision charges and reversals (787) (2,453)
Total 182,902 220,846

Dividend income comprises €119.7 million in dividends from French subsidiaries and €79.9 million from international subsidiaries.

The decrease in interest expense was related to the reduction in loans in the year (see Section C).

Other financial income and expenses largely consisted of a net surplus of €18.7 million relating to the universal transfer of assets and liabilities of Plastic Omnium Environment as part of the legal restructuring of the Environment Division.

The provision for impairment of shares in subsidiaries and affiliates largely accounts for the item "Provision charges and reversals" (see Section C).

O – Non-operating items

In thousands of euros 2015
Income Expenses Net
On revenue transactions 4 (4)
On capital transactions 4,511 2,945 1,566
Provision charges and reversals 51 1,778 (1,727)
Total 4,562 4,727 (165)

This total mainly resulted from the following transactions:

• a net gain of €1,279,000 on the disposal of treasury shares;

• a provision for the impairment of a loan of €1,734,000.

P – Corporate income tax

In thousands of euros 2015 net income
Income before
non-operating items
Non-operating
items
Net
* Income before tax 215,705 (165) 215,540
* Tax adjustments (203,108) 4 (203,104)
= Tax base 12,597 (160) 12,436
Theoretical tax (38%) (4,787) 61 (4,726)
Income after tax at standard rate 210,918 (104) 210,814
Impact of Group relief 18,290
Addition to provisions for taxes (3,688)
Other impacts (7,249)
Total corporate income tax 7,353
Income after tax 222,893

Compagnie Plastic Omnium is the parent company of a tax consolidation group comprising 15 entities.

The tax savings for 2015 due to this tax consolidation group amounted to €15 million.

During the year, Compagnie Plastic Omnium recorded a €3.7 million provision for taxes to reflect the use by the tax group of subsidiaries' tax losses that the subsidiaries themselves may wish to use in the future if they return to profit.

The tax group has tax loss carryforwards totaling €10.6 million, equivalent to future tax savings of €3.6 million.

In 2015, €5.1 million of tax loss carryforwards arising since 2000 were used to offset the consolidated taxable profits for the fiscal year.

Unrecognized deferred tax assets and liabilities, calculated at a tax rate of 38%, broke down as follows at December 31, 2015:

In thousands of euros
Non-deductible provisions and accrued expenses: (261)
Translation gain on FX payables and receivables 2015: 5,149
Share in accounting profit/(loss) SNC Group 2014: (1,170)
Share in taxable profit/(loss) SNC Group 2015: 3,097
Translation loss on FX payables and receivables 2015: (1,213)
Net deferred tax asset 5,602

Other disclosures

Related companies

Balance sheet items Related parties
Assets
Shares in subsidiaries and affiliates 997,043
Loans 656,554
Trade receivables 6,919
Short-term loans – Current accounts 1,992
Other 12,517
Liabilities
Other borrowings – Current accounts 242,244
Trade payables 1,851
Other liabilities 29,025
Income statement items Related parties
Income
Net sales and other operating revenue 29,743
Financial income 250,464
Non-operating income 2,681
Expenses
Operating expenses (13,152)
Interest cost (2,170)
Non-operating expenses (2,366)

Off-balance sheet commitments

Commitments given
In thousands of euros 2015
Guarantee(1) 350,826
Collateral 4,170
Total 354,996

(1) Guarantees given to banks on behalf of subsidiaries.

Information on payment deadlines

In accordance with the provisions of Article L. 441-6-1, paragraph 1 of the French Commercial Code, the balance of trade payables, by maturity, breaks down as follows:

Balance of trade payables
In thousands of euros
at 30 days at 60 days at 90 days at 120 days Accrued
invoices
Total
2014 Fiscal Year 13,231 26 0 170 (1) 9,858 23,285
2015 Fiscal Year 4,855 443 0 656 (1) 8,594 14,548

(1) Retention money for work in progress.

Loans and advances to senior executives

No loans or advances were made to senior executives as defined in Article L. 225-43 of the French Commercial Code.

Management compensation

The total compensation paid to the Board of Directors in 2015 amounted to € 382,277.

Subsequent events

No significant events have occurred since December 31, 2015 that would be likely to have a material impact on the Company's business, financial position, results or assets.

Other

The financial statements of Compagnie Plastic Omnium are consolidated by its parent company Burelle SA – 19, boulevard Jules-Carteret – 69342 Lyon Cedex 07, France.

At December 31, 2015, Burelle SA held 56.60% of the capital of Compagnie Plastic Omnium (58.71% excluding treasury stock).

6.4 Five-year Financial Summary

In thousands of euros 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
1 – Capital at year end
a) Share capital 8,939 8,782 9,299 9,215 9,215
b) Shares outstanding* 157,751,391 154,977,021 154,977,021 153,576,720 153,576,720
c) Convertible bonds outstanding 0 0 0 0 0
2 – Revenue and profit/(loss) for the year
a) Total operating revenue 21,244 24,563 27,605 40,542 38,395
b) Profit before tax, depreciation, amortization and provisions 134,290 249,647 211,614 186,503 223,159
c)
Corporate income tax before provisions
11,046 14,407 11,970 7,595 11,041
d) Net income 134,613 252,587 222,526 184,324 222,893
e) Dividends 36,283(1) 39,261(2) 51,142(3) 56,823(4) 62,996(5)
3 – Per share data*
a) Profit after tax, before depreciation, amortization
and provisions
0.92 1.70 1.44 1.26 1.33
b) Earnings per share 0.85 1.63 1.43 1.20 1.45
c) Dividend per share 0.23 0.25 0.33 0.37 0.41
4 – Employees
a) Number of employees 0 0 0 0 0
b) Total payroll 0 0 0 0 0
c) Social Security and other employee benefits 0 0 0 0 0

* Restated for the three-for-one stock splits in 2011 and 2013.

(1) Including €2,717 thousand in respect of treasury shares that was not paid out as these shares do not carry dividend rights

(2) Before deducting dividends in respect of shares held in treasury at the date of the Shareholders' Meeting, which do not carry dividend rights.

(3) Before deducting dividends in respect of shares held in treasury at the date of the Shareholders' Meeting, which do not carry dividend rights.

(4) Before deducting dividends in respect of shares held in treasury at the date of the Shareholders' Meeting, which do not carry dividend rights.

(5) Before deducting dividends in respect of shares held in treasury at the date of the Shareholders' Meeting, which do not carry dividend rights.

6.5 Subsidiaries and Affiliates

Subsidiaries Share capital % interest
PLASTIC OMNIUM AUTO EXTERIORS SAS 65,367,000 100.0%
19, boulevard Jules Carteret – 69007 Lyon – France EUR
PLASTIC OMNIUM VERNON SAS 150,000 100.0%
19, boulevard Jules Carteret – 69007 Lyon – France EUR
PLASTIC OMNIUM AUTO INERGY SAS 119,796,330 100.0%
19, boulevard Jules Carteret – 69007 Lyon – France EUR
PLASTIC OMNIUM GESTION SNC 2,011,500 100.0%
19, boulevard Jules Carteret – 69007 Lyon – France EUR
PLASTIC OMNIUM FINANCE SNC 247,500 100.0%
19, boulevard Jules Carteret – 69007 Lyon – France EUR
PO MANAGEMENT 4 SAS 37,500 100.0%
19, boulevard Jules Carteret – 69007 Lyon – France EUR
PLASTIC OMNIUM ENVIRONMENT BV 26,415,200 100.0%
Beneluxstraat 4, 6014 CC Ittervoort – Netherlands EUR
PLASTIC OMNIUM GmbH 13,500,000 100.0%
Romanstrasse 35 – 80639 Munich – Germany EUR
COMPAÑIA PLASTIC OMNIUM SA 30,350,500 100.0%
Calle Pouet de Nasio – Parcela No. 5 – Ribarroja del Turia – Valencia – Spain EUR
PLASTIC OMNIUM RE AG 16,167,000 100.0%
Schochenmühlestrasse 2 – 6340 Baar – Switzerland CHF
PLASTIC OMNIUM INC. 60,100 100.0%
1209 Orange Street, Wilmington – Delaware 19801 – USA USD
PLASTIC OMNIUM INERGY (SHANGHAI) CONSULTING CO. LTD 250,000 100.0%
Room 2802, Tower B – New Cao He Jing International Business Building
N° 391 Guiping Road – Xuhui District – 200233 Shanghai – PR China
EUR
PLASTIC OMNIUM HOLDING (Shanghai) CO. LTD 50,000,000 100.0%
RM 3501, F35 Building 2 N° 391 Guiping Road
Shanghai – PR China
EUR
Affiliates
BPO AS 5,000,000 50.0%
Y. Yalova Yolu 8 km, Panayir – Bursa – Turkey TRL
PLASTIC RECYCLING SAS 123,000 50.0%
ZA du Monay – Saint-Eusèbe – 71210 Montchanin – France EUR
In thousands of euros Subsidiaries Affiliates
French International French International
Carrying amount of shares held
• Gross 492,187 517,279 2,753 4,156
• Net 492,187 500,300 400 4,156
Loans and advances granted 270,153 173,022 1,839
Dividends received 119,530 72,741 110 7,197

6.6 Statutory Auditors' Report on the Financial Statements

Year ended December 31, 2015

To the Shareholders,

In compliance with the assignment entrusted to us by your Shareholders' Meeting, we hereby report to you, for the year ended December 31, 2015 on:

  • the audit of the accompanying financial statements of Compagnie Plastic Omnium;
  • the justification of our assessments;
  • the specific verifications and information required by law.

These financial statements have been approved by the Board of Directors. Our role is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

I – Opinion on the financial statements

We conducted our audit in accordance with professional standards applicable in France; those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit involves performing procedures, using sampling techniques or other methods of selection, to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made, as well as the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements give a true and fair view of the assets and liabilities and of the financial position of the Company as at December 31, 2014 and of the results of its operations for the year then ended in accordance with French accounting principles.

II – Justification of our assessments

Pursuant to the requirements of Article L. 823-9 of the French Commercial Code (Code de commerce) relating to the justification of our assessments, we bring to your attention the following matter(s):

• Note I to the financial statements describes the accounting policies and methods used to measure shares in subsidiaries and affiliates, and stock options. We verified the appropriateness of the accounting methods applied and reviewed the assumptions used, as well as the resulting values.

These assessments were made as part of our audit of the financial statements taken as a whole, and therefore contributed to the opinion we formed which is expressed in the first part of this report.

III – Specific verifications and information

We have also performed, in accordance with professional standards applicable in France, the specific verifications required by French law.

We have no matters to report as to the fair presentation and the consistency with the financial statements of the information given in the management report of the Board of Directors and in the documents addressed to shareholders with respect to the financial position and the financial statements.

Concerning the information given pursuant to the requirements of Article L. 225-102-1 of the French Commercial Code relating to remunerations and benefits received by the directors and any other commitments made in their favor, we have verified consistency with the financial statements, or with the underlying information used to prepare these financial statements and, where applicable, with the information obtained by your Company from companies controlling your Company or controlled by it. Based on these investigations, we attest to the accuracy and fair presentation of this information.

Pursuant to legislation, we have verified that the management report contains appropriate disclosures as to the acquisition of shares and controlling interests.

Made this day in Paris-la Défense, February 24, 2016

The Statutory Auditors

6.7 Special Report of the Statutory Auditors on Related party Agreements and Commitments

Shareholders' Meeting's approval of the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015

To the Shareholders,

In our capacity as Statutory Auditors of your Company, we hereby report on certain related party agreements and commitments.

We are required to inform you, on the basis of the information provided to us, of the terms and conditions and the reasons justifying the Company's interest in the agreements and commitments indicated to us, or that we may have identified in the performance of our engagement. We are not required to comment as to whether they are beneficial or appropriate or to ascertain the existence of any such agreements and commitments. It is your responsibility, in accordance with Article R. 225-31 of the French Commercial Code (Code de commerce), to evaluate the benefits resulting from these agreements and commitments prior to their approval.

In addition, we are required, where applicable, to inform you in accordance with Article R. 225-31 of the French Commercial Code (Code de commerce) concerning the implementation, during the year, of the agreements and commitments already approved by the Shareholders' Meeting.

We have performed those procedures which we considered necessary to comply with the professional guidance issued by the French national auditing body (Compagnie Nationale des Commissaires aux Comptes) for this type of engagement. These procedures consisted in verifying that the information provided to us is consistent with the documentation from which it has been extracted.

Agreements and commitments submitted for approval by the Shareholders' meeting

In accordance with Article L. 225-38 of the French Commercial Code (Code de commerce), we hereby inform you that we have not been advised of any related party agreements or commitments authorized in the course of the year and to be submitted to the of Shareholders' Meeting for approval.

Agreements and commitments already approved by the Shareholders' meeting

In accordance with Article R. 225-30 of the French Commercial Code (Code de Commerce), we have been advised that the implementation of the following agreements and commitments which were approved by the General Meeting of Shareholders in prior years continued during the year.

Payments for assignment of trademarks Compagnie Plastic Omnium

Agreement concluded on April 11, 2007 between Compagnie Plastic Omnium and Yanfeng Plastic Omnium Automotive Systems CO. LTD, of which Jean-Michel Szczerba is also a director.

Compagnie Plastic Omnium indirectly holds 49.95% of the share capital of Yanfeng Plastic Omnium Automotive Systems CO. LTD.

Authorization: This agreement was authorized by the Board of Directors on February 26, 2013 and ratified by the Shareholders' Meeting of April 25, 2013.

Purpose: the agreement covers the use of brands belonging to Compagnie Plastic Omnium.

Practical implementation: 0.25% of the beneficiary company's revenue.

Term: the agreement runs for 30 years.

At December 31, 2015, Compagnie Plastic Omnium invoiced €1,488,135 to Yanfeng Plastic Omnium Automotive Systems CO. LTD.

Payments for assignment of trademarks Plastic Omnium Auto Inergy SAS

Agreement concluded on September 10, 2010 between Compagnie Plastic Omnium and Plastic Omnium Auto Inergy SAS, of which Laurent Burelle is also Chairman.

Compagnie Plastic Omnium directly owns all the share capital of Plastic Omnium Auto Inergy SAS.

Authorization: This agreement was authorized by the Board of Directors on March 15, 2011 and ratified by the Shareholders' Meeting of April 28, 2011.

Purpose: Compagnie Plastic Omnium declared its interest in having the portfolio of trademarks owned by Plastic Omnium Auto Inergy SAS and meanwhile, requested to be able to benefit from an assignment, in its favor, of a license for operating the Trademarks for manufacturing or having manufactured, and/or selling and having sold products covered by all the Trademarks.

Practical implementation: 0.1% of the revenue of all Inergy Division entities.

Term: the agreement came into effect on September 1, 2010, and ended on December 31, 2012 at the latest. Unless otherwise requested by the parties, this agreement is renewable automatically every year.

At December 31, 2015, Plastic Omnium Auto Inergy invoiced €2,019,190 to Compagnie Plastic Omnium.

License royalties and technical assistance fees

Agreement concluded on December 21, 2001, between Compagnie Plastic Omnium and BPO-B.Plas-Plastic Omnium Otomotiv Plastik Yan Sanayi A.S, of which Jean-Michel Szczerba is also a director.

Compagnie Plastic Omnium holds 50% of the voting rights in B.Plas-Plastic Omnium Otomotiv Plastik.

Authorization: this agreement was authorized by the Board of Directors on February 26, 2013 and ratified by the Shareholders' Meeting on April 25, 2013.

Purpose: the agreement covers the use of Compagnie Plastic Omnium's designs, models, industrial processes, know-how and related technical assistance services.

Practical implementation: 1.5% of B.Plas-Plastic Omnium Otomotiv Plastik's net sales of licensed products.

Term: the agreement runs for a five-year period, and is renewable automatically from year to year.

At December 31, 2015 Compagnie Plastic Omnium invoiced €515,676 to B.Plas-Plastic Omnium Otomotiv Plastik.

Agreement entered into with Burelle SA concerning management services supplied to the Group

Agreement amended in the second half of 2011 between Compagnie Plastic Omnium and Burelle SA, of which Jean Burelle is Chairman, Laurent Burelle and Paul Henry Lemarié are Chief Operating Officers, and Éliane Lemarié is a director.

Burelle SA directly owns 56.60% of Compagnie Plastic Omnium's share capital.

Purpose: the agreement covers the management and coordination of all Compagnie Plastic Omnium's activities by the Group's senior management.

Practical implementation: Burelle SA invoices Compagnie Plastic Omnium for general management services according to re-invoicing criteria.

Term: the agreement is renewable automatically every year.

At December 31, 2015 Compagnie Plastic Omnium booked a charge in the amount of €1,667,866 for Group general management services.

Supplementary pension plans for Group senior management

Agreement concluded in 2003 between Compagnie Plastic Omnium and Burelle SA, of which Jean Burelle is Chairman and Laurent Burelle, Paul Henry Lemarié and Éliane Lemarié are directors.

Burelle SA directly owns 56.60% of Compagnie Plastic Omnium's share capital.

Authorization: This agreement was authorized by the Board of Directors on December 11, 2003 and ratified by the Shareholders' Meeting of April 22, 2004.

Purpose-Practical implementation: The agreement covers a supplementary pension plan granting corporate officers who are employees of the Company pension benefits representing up to 10% of their current compensation. Part of the related cost paid by Burelle SA is theoretically allocated to Compagnie Plastic Omnium on the basis of the same ratio as that used to calculate its share of management fees.

Term: the agreement is renewable automatically every year.

At December 31, 2015 Compagnie Plastic Omnium booked a charge in the amount of €185,580 for its share of the retirement plan cost.

Done in Courbevoie and Paris-la Défense, on February 24, 2016

The Statutory Auditors

ERNST & YOUNG et Autres MAZARS

Gilles RABIER Jean-Luc BARLET

07

INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANY AND ITS SHARE CAPITAL

7.1 Information about the Company

General information

Company name and registered office

The full company name is Compagnie Plastic Omnium. Its registered office is located at 19, boulevard Jules Carteret, 69007 Lyon, France and its administrative headquarters is at 1, allée Pierre Burelle, 92300 Levallois-Perret, France.

Registration particulars

The Company is registered with the Lyon Trade and Companies Registry under number 955 512 611.

Legal form and governing law

Created in April 1946, Compagnie Plastic Omnium, created in April 1946, is a public limited company under French law (Société Anonyme) with a Board of Directors. It is governed by the French Commercial Code (Code de commerce).

Term

The Company's term ends will run until April 24, 2112.

Accounting period

The Company's accounting period runs for twelve months, from January 1 to December 31.

Corporate purpose

In accordance with Article 3 of the Company's bylaws, the Company's corporate purpose is to:

  • process all forms of plastic, metal and other raw materials in order to manufacture all types of products and articles for all uses, particularly industrial;
  • manage its property and capital assets;
  • acquire, build, lease, develop, improve and exploit any land or buildings;
  • acquire any equity or other interest in any company, enterprise or other entity, in France or abroad, irrespective of its corporate purpose in whatsoever form and in particular by acquiring or subscribing for any form of security, equity interest or other right in such entities;
  • manage its investment portfolio of equity interests and securities;

  • carry out all works and services relating to general administration and building maintenance (other than acting as a building manager); and

  • in general, make any transaction (commercial, industrial, financial or related to property and capital assets) that is linked, directly or indirectly, to the Company's purpose; or that could be relevant to it; or that could make the purpose easier to achieve.

The Company may, both in France and abroad, create, acquire, use or grant licenses to use all trademarks, brands, commercial names, designs, models, patents and manufacturing processes related to the above purpose.

It may act directly or indirectly, on its own behalf or for a third party, in any country. It may do so either alone or with any other persons or companies in a partnership, joint venture, consortium or company, and may make any transaction within the scope of its corporate purpose.

The role of Compagnie Plastic Omnium in relation to its subsidiaries

Compagnie Plastic Omnium is a holding company with the following role:

  • to hold shares in the holding companies for each business line. These holding companies own, directly or indirectly, shares in the operating subsidiaries;
  • to finance Group subsidiaries to provide them with optimal market conditions, either directly or via Plastic Omnium Finance (the Group's central corporate treasury); and
  • to grant Group subsidiaries the right to use the brands it owns. This is subject to a license fee paid by the licensees (see the Statutory Auditors' report on related-party agreements).

Statutory Auditors

The financial statements of Compagnie Plastic Omnium are audited by two sets of Principal Statutory Auditors, in compliance with article L. 225-228 of the French Commercial Code.

Principal Statutory Auditors

Ernst & Young et autres

Represented by Gilles Rabier

Tour First

1, place des Saisons

92037 Paris-la Défense Cedex, France

Mazars

Represented by Jean-Luc Barlet

61, rue Henri Régnault

92075 Paris-la Défense Cedex, France

Alternate Auditors

AUDITEX

Tour First – 1, place des Saisons, 92037 Paris-la Défense Cedex, France.

Gilles Rainaut

61, rue Henri Régnault, 92075 Paris-La Défense Cedex, France

The renewal of the term of office of the Principal and Alternate Auditors for a period of six fiscal years will be put to a vote at the Shareholders' Meeting of April 28, 2016.

The Statutory Auditors are members of the Versailles Auditors' Association (Compagnie régionale de Versailles).

Agreements entered into by the Company which would change or end if control of the Company changed

The bonds issued in October 2012 and May 2013 are subject to a clause allowing the investor to demand redemption or re-purchase if the control of the Company changes. There is a similar clause in most other Group financing contracts.

Agreements which if implemented could either provoke a change in the control of the Company, or could delay, postpone or prevent such a change

There is currently no bylaw, charter, regulation or provision that could delay, postpone or prevent a change in control.

Factors that could have an impact in the event of a public offer

None.

Material contracts

On December 14, 2015, Compagnie Plastic Omnium signed an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the Faurecia Group with a view to acquiring its Exterior Systems business (bumpers and front-end modules) for a corporate value of €665 million. The transaction will be reviewed by personnel representative bodies in the countries concerned and then submitted to the anti-trust & fair trade authorities for clearance. It should be completed in the second half of 2016.

There are no other material contracts apart from those agreed in the normal course of business.

The Company's material financial contracts (contracts related to financing) are described in Note 5.2.7 to the consolidated financial statements page 131.

Dependence

Compagnie Plastic Omnium is not currently dependent on any patents or manufacturing processes owned by third parties or on any special procurement contracts.

In the sector of the automotive industry in which Compagnie Plastic Omnium operates, sub-contractors do not generally define the specifications for sub-contracted parts. When, exceptionally, sub-contractors are capable of doing so, the Group's policy is to define contractually the arrangements for the sub-contractor to transfer the design work, in order that it can then be used with other services.

Shareholders' Meeting (Article 16 of the Articles of Association)

Notice of Meetings

The Shareholders' Meetings are convened, meet and deliberate under conditions set forth by law. The agenda of the Meetings is determined by the author of the notice; however, one or more shareholders may, under conditions set forth by law, require draft resolutions to be written into the agenda.

The Meeting takes place at the registered office, or at any other place indicated in the notice.

The notice of meeting for the General Meeting is published in the French Official Bulletin of Legal Notices ("BALO") under conditions set forth by law and regulations.

Meetings are chaired by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, or in his absence, by a director who is specially authorized for such purpose by the Board of Directors. Otherwise, the Meeting shall itself elect its Chairman.

The duties of the tellers shall be performed by the two members of the Meeting who are present and accept such duty, and who have the greatest number of votes. The officers of the meeting shall appoint a Secretary, who may be chosen from outside of the shareholders.

There shall be an attendance list kept under conditions set forth by law. The minutes of the General Meetings shall be drawn up, and copies thereof shall be delivered and certified under conditions set forth by law.

Participation in the Meetings

Every shareholder has the right to participate in the meetings, provided that all payments due for such shares have been met.

The right to participate in the meetings, or arrange to be represented, is subject to the accounting entry of the shares in the name of the shareholder by the 2nd business day preceding the Meeting at 0:00 hours, Paris time, either in registered share accounts kept by the Company, or in bearer share accounts kept by an authorized intermediary.

The Board of Directors may, if it deems it useful, arrange for the delivery to the shareholders of admission cards with their names, and require the presentation of the same in order to access the General Meeting.

Documents accessible to the public

Documents that must be made available to the public (Company's bylaws, reports from the Statutory Auditors, reports from the Board of Directors and past financial information relating to Compagnie Plastic Omnium and its subsidiaries, including that included in this Financial Report) may be consulted, while they remain valid, at the Registered Office of Compagnie Plastic Omnium and also at its administrative headquarters (1, allée Pierre Burelle, 92300 Levallois-Perret, France). Some of these documents may also be available in electronic format on www.plasticomnium.com.

This document and the Compagnie Plastic Omnium Activity Report are both available in English.

Timetable for financial communication

Publication of the annual results for 2015 February 25, 2016
Publication of revenue for the first quarter of 2016 April 21, 2016
Publication of the interim financial statements for 2016 July 27, 2016
Publication of revenue for the third quarter of 2016 October 20, 2016

Shareholders' timetable

Shareholders' Meeting April 28, 2016
Dividend payment date May 12, 2016

Registrar: BNP Paribas Securities Services (tel.: +33 (0) 826 109 119).

0 800 777 889

7.2 Equity capital

Share capital

Shares in Compagnie Plastic Omnium are listed on Eurolist of Euronext Paris (compartment A). Plastic Omnium shares are included in the SBF 120 and CAC Mid 60 indices.

As at December 31, 2015, Compagnie Plastic Omnium's share capital amounted to €9,214,603.20, divided into 153,576,720 fully paid-up shares with a par value of €0.06 each.

At March 21, 2016, after the capital reduction through the cancellation of 1,100,000 treasury shares representing 0.72 % of the share capital, the share capital amounts to €9,148,603.20 divided into 152,476,720 fully paid-up shares with a par value of €0.06 each.

Voting rights

Shareholders have the right to vote and speak at Shareholders' Meetings. Each shareholder has one vote per fully paid-up share he or she holds.

In accordance with Article 16 of the Company bylaws, all fully paid-up shares held on a registered basis in the name of the same shareholder for at least two years are entitled to a double voting right. For this purpose, the shareholder can has either heritated the shares under intestacy rules or is a spouse or a relative entitled to inherit the shares and who has received them as an inter vivos gift.

If the equity capital is increased by incorporating reserves, profits or share premiums, the double voting right is also attached to the registered bonus shares linked to the shares with double voting rights already held by the shareholder.

A double voting right shall cease for any share which has been the subject of a conversion to bearer form or a transfer.

It may also be cancelled by decision of an Extraordinary Shareholders' Meeting.

As at December 31, 2015, the Company had shares with the same number of voting rights, including 148,054,228 shares with voting rights and excluding treasury shares, including 88.590.203 shares with double voting rights.

Potential equity capital and securities giving rights to equity capital

As at December 31, 2015, there were no securities or rights giving direct or indirect access to the share capital of Compagnie Plastic Omnium.

There were no stock option plans running as at December 31, 2015.

Current authorizations relating to capital and securities carrying rights to the allocation of debt securities – use of authorizations

The Company's shareholders have delegated the following powers and financial authorizations to the Board of Directors:

Authorizations and delegations given to the Board of Directors at the Combined Shareholders' Meeting on April 25, 2013

Resolution no. Type of authorization
and delegated power
Duration and
expiry date
Maximum amount
per authorization or
delegated power
Use of the authorization
or delegation of power
10 Authorization to grant stock
options to corporate officers
and/or employees of the
Company and/or Group
companies
38 months –
through June 24,
2016
Maximum holding: 2.5% of
the equity capital, to be
deducted from the 2.5% in
the eleventh resolution
approved at the
Shareholders' Meeting on
April 25, 2013
424,000 stock options granted
on August 7, 2013 to
184 grantees
1,253,000 stock options granted
on August 6, 2015 to
172 grantees

Authorizations and delegations given to the Board of Directors at the Combined Shareholders' Meeting on April 30, 2014

Resolution no. Type of authorization
and delegated power
Duration and
expiry date
Maximum amount
per authorization or
delegated power
Use of the authorization
or delegation of power
12 To reduce the equity capital by
cancelling treasury shares
26 months –
through June 30,
2016
10% of the share capital per
24-month period
Cancellation of 1,400,301
treasury shares on October 31,
2014
13 Delegation to increase the equity
capital with cancellation of
preferential subscription rights
in favor of members of a
company savings scheme
26 months –
through June 30,
2016
4,649,310 shares i.e.
€278,958.60
None
Resolution no. Type of authorization
and delegated power
Duration and
expiry date
Maximum amount
per authorization
or delegated power
Use of the authorization
or delegation of power
5 To trade in the Company's own
shares
18 months –
through
October 30, 2017
Maximum purchase price:
€60 – Maximum holding: 10%
of share capital –
Accumulated value of
acquisitions:
€921,460,320
As at December 31, 2015,
Compagnie Plastic Omnium held
3.60% of its equity capital
20 Delegation of authority to issue
ordinary shares and/or equity
securities providing access to
other equity securities, or
granting entitlement to the
allocation of debt securities and/
or investment securities providing
access to equity securities to be
issued by the Company, with
preferential subscription rights
26 months –
through June 30,
2017
€100 million for shares –
€50 million for debt securities
None
21 Delegation of authority to issue
ordinary shares and/or equity
securities providing access to
other equity securities or entitling
the allocation of debt securities
and/or investment securities
providing access to equity
securities to be issued by the
Company, without preferential
subscription rights, through a
public offer and/or as
consideration for securities as
part of a public exchange offer
during the delegation
26 months –
through June 30,
2017
€100 million for shares
through a public offer –
€50 million for debt securities
None
22 Delegation of authority to issue
ordinary shares and/or equity
securities providing access to
other equity securities, or
granting entitlement to the
allocation of debt securities and/
or investment securities providing
access to equity securities to be
issued by the Company, without
preferential subscription rights by
way of an offer referred to in
par. II of article L. 411-2 of the
French Monetary and Financial
Code (Code monétaire et
financier)
26 months –
through June 30,
2017
€100 million for shares by
way of an offer referred to in
par. II of article L. 411-2 of
the French Monetary and
Financial Code – €50 million
for debt securities
None
23 Delegation of authority to
increase the number of shares or
securities to be issued when a
share issue with or without
preferential subscription rights is
made under the 20th to 22nd
resolutions up to a maximum of
15% of the initial issue
26 months –
through June 30,
2017
€100 million for shares –
€50 million for debt securities
None
24 Authorization for free allocation
of Company's shares to
corporate officers and/or
employees of the Company and/
or Group companies
38 months –
through June 30,
2018
Maximum holding: 2.5%
of the equity capital, to be
deducted from the 2.5% in
the tenth resolution approved
at the Shareholders' Meeting
on April 30, 2015
None

Authorizations and delegations given to the Board of Directors at the Combined Shareholders' Meeting on April 30, 2015

Changes in the Company's equity capital over the last five years

Year and type of corporate
transaction
Amount of capital increase/
reduction
Share capital
(in euros)
Number of
shares
Par value of
share
Nominal Premium comprising the
equity capital
(in euros)
April 2011
Capital increase resulting from the decision
to round up the par value after the three-for
one share split reducing the par value from
€0.50 to €0.17
176,455.99 8,998,745.49 52,933,797 0.17
November 2011
Reduction in equity capital by cancelling
250,000 treasury shares
59,500 6,490,200 8,939,245.49 52,583,797 0.17
September 2012
Reduction in equity capital by cancelling
924,790 treasury shares
157,214.30 17,055,373.45 8,782,031.19 51,659,007 0.17
September 2013
Capital increase resulting from the decision
to round up the par value after the three-for
one share split reducing the par value from
€0.17 to €0.06
516,590.07 9,298,621.26 154,977,021 0.06
October 2014
Reduction in equity capital by cancelling
1,400,301 treasury shares
84,018.06 27,275,732.44 9,214,603.20 153,576,720 0.06

Purchase of own shares

Percentage of equity capital held directly and indirectly by the Company as at December 31, 2015 including: 3.60%
• backing existing stock option plans 2.66%
• intended for cancellation None
Number of shares cancelled over the past 24 months 1,400,301
Number of securities in the portfolio 5,522,492
Carrying amount of portfolio on December 31, 2015 €52,502,492.82
Market value of portfolio on December 31, 2015 €161,974,690.36

Shares repurchased during the 2015 fiscal year

Aggregate gross movements
Purchases Sales Options exercised
Number of securities 2,517,325 1,701,613 1,083,500
Average transaction price €24.85 €24.78
Average exercise price €2.86
Totals €62,544,246.26 €42,170,750 €3,098,740

Dealing fees of €56 thousand were incurred in buying back shares during the 2015 fiscal year.

The change in the number of outstanding shares between the opening date and the closing date of fiscal year 2015 is as follows:

January 1, 2015 Movements during
fiscal year 2015(*)
December 31, 2015
Number of shares comprising the share capital 153,576,720 153,576,720
Number of treasury shares 5,790,280 -267,788 5,522,492
Number of outstanding shares 147,786 440 267,788 148,054,228

(*) See purchase flows, sales flows, and options exercised, indicated above

The fifth resolution of the Combined Shareholders' Meeting on April 30, 2015 authorized the Company to trade in its own shares, subject to the following conditions:

Maximum purchase price €60 per share
(excluding acquisition costs)
Maximum shares that
may be held
10% of the share capital on the date
of the Combined Shareholders' Meeting
on April 30, 2015
Maximum investment
in the buyback program
€921,460,320

A new liquidity agreement was made with Kepler Capital Markets SA on January 1, 2015. It has a term of one year, renewable automatically, in accordance with the Code of Ethics drawn up by AMAFI and had an initial value of €3 million. The primary purpose of the agreement is to reduce the volatility of the Plastic Omnium share price, and thus the risk perceived by investors.

Information about share repurchases since January 1, 2016

Between January 1 and February 29, 2016, the Company acquired 310,712 shares for a total amount of €8,774,937 (€28.24 per share) under the liquidity agreement. Over the same period, the Company sold 297,000 shares under the liquidity contract for a total amount of €8,473,959 (€28.53 per share).

Between January 1 and February 29, 2016, the Company did not acquire any shares to cover its commitments to those benefiting from options, free shares and company savings schemes.

At February 29, 2016, Compagnie Plastic Omnium held 6,166,225 treasury shares (4.02% of share capital) broken down as follows:

29,424 shares Liquidity agreement AMAFI
4,342,000 shares Shares allocated to employees or corporate
officers of the Company or of Group companies
1,794,801 shares Acquisitions
None Cancellation
None Hedging of securities carrying rights to the
allocation of shares

Description of the share repurchase program submitted for approval to the Combined Shareholders' Meeting on April 28, 2016

Under Articles 241-1 to 241-6 of the AMF General Regulations, this description defines the objectives of the Compagnie Plastic Omnium share repurchase program and how it will be implemented. The program will be submitted for approval to the Combined Shareholders' Meeting convened for April 28, 2016.

Objectives of the share buyback program

Compagnie Plastic Omnium intends to use the share repurchase program to achieve the following objectives:

  • to use an investment service provider to maintain the secondary market or the liquidity of Compagnie Plastic Omnium's shares, via a liquidity agreement complying with the AMAFI Code of Ethics accepted by the AMF;
  • to potentially cancel the shares purchased, in accordance with the authorization conferred by the Shareholders' Meeting on April 28, 2016 in its nineteenth extraordinary resolution;

  • to cover stock option plans and/or free share plans (or similar) for Group employees and/or corporate officers, as well as any allocations of shares for a company or group savings scheme (or similar), in respect of employee profit sharing and/or all other forms of allocation of shares to employees and/or corporate officers of Compagnie Plastic Omnium;

  • to retain the shares purchased and offer them at a later date in exchange or payment for external growth acquisitions, it being specified that shares purchased for this purpose may not exceed 5% of the Company's share capital;
  • to implement all market practices currently accepted or accepted in the future by the market authorities.

Practical implementation

The maximum proportion of the equity capital that may be acquired and the maximum amount payable by Compagnie Plastic Omnium

Compagnie Plastic Omnium is authorized to acquire in total a maximum 10% of its equit y capital on Februar y 29, 2016, 15,357,672 shares, each with a par value of €0.06.

Since the Company held 5,522,492 treasury shares as at December 31, 2015, the maximum number of shares it could purchase under the share buyback program is 9,835,180. In the event that the treasury shares already held are cancelled or used, the maximum that the Company can pay out to acquire the 15,357,672 shares is €921,460,320.

Thus the total value of acquisitions (net of costs) may not exceed €921,460,320, based on the maximum purchase price of €60 provided in the sixth resolution to be proposed to the Combined Shareholders' Meeting on April 28, 2016.

Shares may be purchased, sold or transferred using any method, including by purchasing blocks of shares, on the stock market or over the counter. These methods include the use of any derivatives, traded on a regulated market or over the counter, and the setting up of option operations such as the purchase and sale of call and put options. Transactions may be made at any time.

Term of the share repurchase program

The share repurchase program may continue for a period of eighteen months from the approval of the sixth resolution to be voted by shareholders at the Combined Shareholders' Meeting on April 28, 2016, i.e. until October 27, 2017.

Bonds

Issuer Currency Coupon Initial issue date Maturity date Amount outstanding (in millions of euros) Listing market Compagnie Plastic Omnium EUR 3.875% 10/04/2012 12/12/2018 250 Paris Compagnie Plastic Omnium EUR 2.875% 05/21/2013 05/29/2020 500 Paris

Details of the bonds issued by the Company in circulation on December 31, 2015 are given below:

7.3 Information about shareholders

The Plastic Omnium share

Fact sheet

  • ISIN code: FR0000124570
  • Par value: €0.06
  • Eligible for the Deferred Settlement Service (SRD)

Trading data

Price as at December 31, 2015 €29.33
Average closing price of the last 30 trading sessions in 2015 €27.50
Highest price in 2015 €29.50
on December 30, 2015
Lowest price in 2015 €20.10
on September 29, 2015
Year on year increase as at December 31, 2015
Plastic Omnium +31.7%
SBF 120 +9.4%
CAC Mid 60 +16.2%
Market capitalization as at December 31, 2015 €4,504,405

Shareholder dividends

  • Dividend per share proposed to the Shareholders' Meeting of April 28, 2016: €0.41
  • Change in dividend per share (in €) over five years:

Dividends must be claimed within five years. Unclaimed dividends are paid back to the Caisse des Dépôt et Consignations.

Highest price
(in euros)
Lowest price
(in euros)
Transaction volume
(daily average)
2013(1) 2014 2015 2013(1) 2014 2015 2013(1) 2014 2015
January 9.61 21.005 25.605 7.70 18.71 21.580 28,056 355,925 240,114
February 10.95 25.095 27.205 9.67 18.66 25.055 23,471 371,267 211,298
March 12.33 27.21 27.380 10.33 24.415 24.540 34,286 311,719 258,106
April 12.56 27.91 26.960 10.70 24.025 24.830 24,616 268,292 245,568
May 13.74 24.915 26.645 12.47 22.38 24.180 18,067 286,540 198,070
June 14.01 25.40 25.830 12.26 22.93 22.855 26,747 179,514 235,133
July 17.86 23.04 26.380 13.75 19.955 22.220 46,975 261,310 271,674
August 18.03 21.225 26.455 16.00 18.28 22.490 36,237 309,526 199,236
September 19.93 21.095 26.875 16.96 18.825 20.100 211,323 197,293 288,633
October 21.48 19.005 26.510 18.16 16.32 21.220 251,006 369,563 266,072
November 22.84 21.01 27.710 20.91 18.42 25.455 161,563 203,965 172,779
December 22.48 22.615 29.500 19.39 20.035 25.250 300,472 211,235 200,810

Trends in the price and volume of transactions in Compagnie Plastic Omnium shares

(1) From the closing price adjusted by a three-for-one stock split on September 10, 2013.

Compagnie Plastic Omnium shareholder structure

December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 31, 2013
% equity
capital
% voting
rights
% equity
capital
% voting
rights
% equity
capital
% voting
rights
Burelle SA 56.6 73.4 56.6 73.6 56.1 73.99
Employee shareholders 1.1 1.1 1.2 1.2 1.3 1.3
Held by Company 3.6 3.8 5.5
Public 38.7 25.5 38.4 25.2 37.1 24.71
100 100 100 100 100 100

Equity holdings in Compagnie Plastic Omnium as at December 31, 2015 comprising 153,576,720 shares

As at December 31, 2015, Burelle SA held 56.6% of the equity capital of Compagnie Plastic Omnium. To the Company's knowledge, no other shareholder owns 5% or more of the share capital.

Compagnie Plastic Omnium reviewed identifiable bearer securities as at December 31, 2015 and concluded that 14,662,265 shares were held by individual investors.

The Company has not been informed of any shareholders' agreement.

At December 31, 2015, the 1,475 employee members of the Group stock ownership plan held 1,639,959 Compagnie Plastic Omnium shares purchased on the market, representing 1.1% of share capital.

Following Compagnie Plastic Omnium's capital reduction carried out on March 21, 2016, Burelle SA holds 57.01% of the company's capital to date.

Summary of transactions in 2015 by Executive Corporate Officers involving Plastic Omnium shares

Name and position of officer Transaction Number of securities Total amount
Laurent Burelle Sale of stock from options exercised 200,000 4,716,477.05
Chairman and CEO Options exercised 54,000 158,760.00
Jean-Michel Szczerba
Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer
0 0
Paul Henry Lemarié Sale of stock from options exercised 80,000 1,810,254.73
Chief Operating Officer Options exercised 190,000 539,600.00

Stock option plans

As at December 31, 2015, Compagnie Plastic Omnium had several stock option plans; key information about these plans is given below:

Shareholders'
Meeting
Board of
Directors
Original
option
price
Number of
recipients
Total no. of
options in the
initial plan
Option
price
Number of
options
Total number of
options exercised
or expired at
12/31/2015
04/24/2008 07/22/2008 26.51 39 350,000 2.94 3,150,000 3,150,000
04/28/2009 03/16/2010 25.60 124 375,000 2.84 3,375,000 2,749,500
04/28/2011 03/06/2012 22.13 208 889,500 7.37 2,668,500 330,000
04/25/2013 07/23/2013 48.50 184 424,000 16.17 1,272,000 72,000
04/25/2013 07/21/2015 24.72 172 1,253,000 24.72 1,253,000 0

History of allocation of stock options

Information on stock options Plan 1 Plan 2 Plan 3 Plan 4 Plan 5
Date of Shareholders' Meeting 04/24/2008 04/28/2009 04/28/2011 04/25/2013 04/25/2013
Date of Board meeting 07/22/2008 03/16/2010 03/06/2012 07/23/2013 07/21/2015
Total number of shares offered for purchase 3,150,000 3,375,000 2,668,500 1,272,000 1,253,000
Earliest exercise date 08/04/2012 04/01/2014 03/21/2016 08/07/2017 08/07/2019
Expiry date 08/03/2015 03/31/2017 03/20/2019 08/06/2020 08/06/2022
Purchase price 2.94 2.84 7.37 16.17 24.72
Arrangements for exercise (for plans with several
tranches)
NA NA NA NA NA
Number of share subscriptions at 12/31/2015 3,150,000 885,500 0 0 0
Total number of stock options cancelled or expired 773,300 1,535,500 141,000 72,000 0
Options outstanding at the year end 0 626,000 2,338,500 1,200,000 1,253,000

Executive Corporate Officers

Laurent Burelle
Chairman and CEO
540,000 450,000 360,000 180,000 150,000
Jean-Michel Szczerba
Co-Chief Executive Officer
Chief Operating Officer and Director
360,000 270,000 240,000 120,000 150,000
Paul Henry Lemarié
Chief Operating Officer and Director
270,000 360,000 180,000 60,000 0

Number of stock options allocated to the ten employees (excluding corporate officers) granted most options; number of options exercised by the ten employees who have accordingly bought or subscribed for the highest number of shares

No. of stock options
allocated/no. of
shares subscribed
for or purchased
Weighted
average
exercise price
(in euros)
Exercise
date
Date of
Board
meeting
Number of options allocated during the period by Compagnie Plastic
Omnium and any other company included in the option allocation
scope to the ten employees of the issuer, or any company within
the above scope, allocated the highest number of options
275,000 24,72 08/06/2022 07/21/2015
Number of stock options for Compagnie Plastic Omnium shares or
shares of companies in the abovementioned scope, exercised
during the period by the ten employees of the issuer or qualifying
companies who bought or subscribed for the highest number of
shares
60,000

08

COMBINED SHAREHOLDERS' MEETING

8.1 Agenda

Ordinary resolutions

  • First resolution: Approval of the Company financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015
  • Second resolution: Appropriation of net income and determination of the dividend
  • Third resolution: Statutory Auditors' report on related-party agreements – Previous agreement being continued during the year
  • Fourth resolution: Approval of related-party agreements renewed during the year
  • Fifth resolution: Approval of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015
  • Sixth resolution: Authorization to be granted to the Board of Directors to trade in the Company's shares pursuant to the provisions of Article L. 225-209 of the French Commercial Code, duration of the authorization, purposes, terms, ceiling
  • Seventh resolution: Ratification of the temporary appointment of a Director: Mrs. Lucie Maurel Aubert
  • Eighth resolution: Renewal of Mrs. Amélie Oudéa-Castera's directorship
  • Ninth resolution: Renewal of the term of office of the Principal Statutory Auditors (Mazars)
  • Tenth resolution: Renewal of the term of office of an Alternate Auditor (Mr. Gilles Rainaut)
  • Eleventh resolution: Renewal of the term of office of a Principal Statutory Auditor (Ernst & Young et Autres)
  • Twelfth resolution: Renewal of the term of office of an Alternate Auditor (Auditex)

  • Thirteenth resolution: Amount of directors' fees allocated to members of the Board of Directors

  • Fourteenth resolution: Opinion on the components of the compensation due or allocated to Mr. Laurent Burelle, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, for the year ended December 31, 2015
  • Fifteenth resolution: Opinion on the components of the compensation due or allocated to Mr. Jean-Michel Szczerba, Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, for the year ended December 31, 2015
  • Sixteenth resolution: Opinion on the components of the compensation due or allocated to Mr. Paul Henry Lemarié, Chief Operating Officer, for the year ended December 31, 2015

Extraordinary resolutions

  • Seventeenth resolution: Authorization to be given to the Board of Directors to grant Company stock options to the employees and/or corporate officers of the Company and/or Group companies, duration of the authorization, ceiling, exercise price, maximum duration of the option
  • Eighteenth resolution: Authorization to be given to the Board of Directors to allocate existing free shares in the Company to the employees and/or corporate officers of the Company and/or Group companies, duration of the authorization, ceiling, minimum duration of the vesting period and retention period
  • Nineteenth resolution: Authorization to be given to the Board of Directors to cancel the shares bought back by the Company pursuant to the provisions of Article L. 229-209 of the Commercial Code, duration of the authorization, ceiling
  • Twentieth resolution: Powers for the formalities

8.2 Text of the Resolutions Submitted for Approval by the Combined Shareholders' Meeting on April 28, 2016

Ordinary resolutions

First resolution: Approval of the Company financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015

After having read the Company financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015, the reports of the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board of Directors and the Statutory Auditors' report on the Company financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015, and voting in accordance with the quorum and majority rules applicable to Ordinary Shareholders' Meetings, the shareholders approve the Company financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015 as presented, showing a net profit of €222,893,428, as well as the transactions reflected in the said financial statements or described in the said reports.

Second resolution: Appropriation of net income and determination of the dividend

Noting that the profit for the year ended December 31, 2015 shows a net balance of €222,893,428, that retained earnings totaled €936,695,406 and voting in accordance with the quorum and majority rules applicable to Ordinary Shareholders' Meetings, the shareholders decide to appropriate the net sum of €1,159,588,834 as proposed by the Board of Directors, namely:

• Dividends on 153,576,720 existing shares as of December 31, 2015 €62,966,455
• Retained earnings €1,096,622,379
€1,159,588,834

Consequently, the Shareholders' Meeting sets the dividend for 2015 at €0.41 per share. Individual shareholders resident in France for tax purposes will qualify for the 40% tax relief provided for in Article 158- 3-2. of the French General Tax Code (Code général des impôts) on the total dividend.

The ex-dividend date will be May 10, 2016.

The dividend will be paid on the date set by the Board of Directors, i.e. May 12, 2016.

Compagnie Plastic Omnium shares held in treasury on the dividend payment date will be stripped of dividend rights and the related dividends will be credited to retained earnings.

In accordance with the law, the Shareholders' Meeting notes that, after deducting dividends not paid on treasury stock, dividends for the last three years were as shown in the table below. The information provided below takes account of the three-for-one stock split occurring on September 10, 2013.

Year Number of shares with dividend rights Total dividend
(in euros)
Net dividend
(in euros)
2012* 154,977,021 shares with dividend rights 38,744,255 0.25
2013* 147,714,484 shares with dividend rights 48,745,780 0.33
2014* 148,197,149 shares with dividend rights 54,832,945 0.37

* The dividends for the years ended December 31, 2012, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2014 were eligible for the 40% tax relief for individual shareholders resident in France for tax purposes, as provided for under Article 158-3-2. of the French General Tax Code.

Third resolution: Statutory Auditors' report on related party agreements – Previous agreement being continued during the year

After having read the special report of the Statutory Auditors on related party agreements referred to in Article L. 225-38 of the French Commercial Code, the Shareholders' Meeting notes the information mentioned in this report regarding the continuation, during the current year, of an agreement signed in the course of previous years.

Fourth resolution: Approval of related-party agreements renewed during the year

After having read the special report of the Statutory Auditors on related party agreements referred to in Article L. 225-38 of the French Commercial Code, the Shareholders' Meeting approves the agreements renewed tacitly in 2015 and mentioned in said report.

Fifth resolution: Approval of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015

After having read the reports of the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board of Directors and the Statutory Auditors' report on the consolidated financial statements, and voting in accordance with the quorum and majority rules applicable to Ordinary Shareholders' Meetings, the shareholders approve the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015 as presented, as well as the transactions reflected in the financial statements or summarized in these reports and from which a net Group share profit of €258,374 thousand resulted.

Sixth resolution: Authorization to be granted to the Board of Directors to trade in the Company's shares pursuant to the provisions of Article L. 225-209 of the French Commercial Code

After having read the Board of Directors' report, and voting in accordance with the quorum and majority rules applicable to Ordinary Shareholders' Meetings, the Shareholders' Meeting authorizes the Board of Directors to purchase Company shares under the terms and conditions set forth in the provisions of Article L. 225-209 et seq. of the French Commercial Code (Code de commerce) in order:

  • to use an investment service provider to maintain the secondary market or the liquidity of Plastic Omnium's shares, via a liquidity agreement complying with the AMAFI Code of Ethics accepted by the AMF;
  • to cover stock option and/or bonus share (or similar) plans awarded to Group employees and/or corporate officers and all allocations of shares as part of a Company or Group savings (or similar) plan, or for purposes of Company profit-sharing and/or any other form of allocation of shares to Group employees and/or corporate officers;
  • to retain the shares purchased and offer them at a later date in exchange or payment for any future external growth acquisitions, it being specified that shares purchased for this purpose may not exceed 5% of the Company's equity capital;
  • to cancel the acquired shares, subject to the authorization to be granted by this Shareholders' Meeting in its nineteenth extraordinary resolution;
  • to implement all market practices currently accepted or accepted in the future by the market authorities;

and as per the following terms:

• the maximum number of shares that may be purchased by the Company cannot exceed 10% of the Company's share capital on the date of this decision, i.e. a maximum of 15,357,672 shares as of this date;

• the shares may not be repurchased at a price of more than €60 per share. In the event of a transaction affecting capital, in particular, stock splits or reverse stock splits or free share allocations, the aforementioned amount will be adjusted in the same proportion (coefficient of the ratio between the number of shares comprising the equity capital before the transaction and the number of shares after the transaction).

As of December 31, 2015, the Company held 5,522,492 treasury shares. If these shares were canceled or used, the maximum amount that the Company would be allowed invest in the buyback program would be €921,460,320, for the acquisition of 15,357,672 shares.

Shares may be purchased, sold or transferred using any method, including by purchasing blocks of shares, on the stock market or over the counter. These methods include the use of any derivatives, traded on a regulated market or over the counter, and the setting up of option operations such as the purchase and sale of call and put options. Transactions may be made at any time, except during a public offer period concerning the Company.

This authorization takes effect at the end of this Shareholders' Meeting and is valid for a period of eighteen months from today. It cancels and supersedes the authorization granted by the Combined Shareholders' Meeting of April 30, 2015 in its fifth resolution for the unused portion.

Unless it takes this action itself, the Shareholders' Meeting authorizes the Board of Directors to adjust the aforementioned maximum number of shares and maximum purchase price as necessary to take into account the impact on the share price of any change in the par value of the shares or any capital increase by incorporation of reserves and bonus share issue, any stock split or reverse stock split, any return of capital or any other capital transaction, within the aforementioned limits of 10% of equity capital and €921,460,320.

The shareholders grant full powers to the Board of Directors to use this authorization, to conclude any agreements, carry out any filing and other formalities, notably with the Autorité des Marchés Financiers or any other authority that may replace it, and, more generally, take all necessary action.

Seventh resolution: Ratification of the temporary appointment of a Director: Mrs. Lucie Maurel Aubert

After having read the Board of Directors' report, and voting in accordance with the quorum and majority rules applicable to Ordinary Shareholders' Meetings, the Shareholders' Meeting ratifies the temporary appointment of Mrs. Lucie Maurel Aubert as director, by the Board of Directors during its meeting held on December 15, 2015, replacing Mr. Jean-Pierre Ergas, who resigned as director.

Mrs. Lucie Maurel Aubert shall perform her duties for the remaining term of her predecessor, i.e. until the end of the Shareholders' Meeting held in 2018 which shall approve the accounts for the previous year.

Eighth resolution: Renewal of Mrs. Amélie Oudéa-Castera's directorship

After having read the Board of Directors' report, and voting in accordance with the quorum and majority rules applicable to Ordinary Shareholders' Meetings, the Shareholders' Meeting renews the directorship of Mrs. Amélie Oudéa-Castera for a three-year term. Her term will expire at the close of the Shareholders' Meeting to be held in 2019 to approve the 2018 financial statements.

Ninth resolution: Renewal of the term of office of the Principal Statutory Auditors (Mazars)

After having read the Board of Directors' report, and voting in accordance with the quorum and majority rules applicable to Ordinary Shareholders' Meetings, the Shareholders' Meeting renews the term of the Cabinet Mazars as the Principal Statutory Auditor.

The term of Cabinet Mazars will expire at the close of the Ordinary Shareholders' Meeting which will approve the accounts for 2021.

Tenth resolution: Renewal of the term of office of an Alternate Auditor (Mr. Gilles Rainaut)

After having read the Board of Directors' report, and voting in accordance with the quorum and majority rules applicable to Ordinary Shareholders' Meetings, the Shareholders' Meeting renews the term of Mr. Gilles Rainaut as the Alternate Auditor.

The term of Mr. Gilles Rainaut will expire at the close of the Ordinary Shareholders' Meeting which will approve the accounts for 2021.

Eleventh resolution: Renewal of the term of office of the Principal Statutory Auditors (Ernst & Young et Autres)

After having read the Board of Directors' report, and voting in accordance with the quorum and majority rules applicable to Ordinary Shareholders' Meetings, the Shareholders' Meeting renews the term of the Ernst & Young et Autres, as the Principal Statutory Auditor.

The term of Ernst & Young et Autres will expire at the close of the Ordinary Shareholders' Meeting which will approve the accounts for 2021.

Twelfth resolution: Renewal of the term of office of the Alternate Auditor (Auditex)

After having read the Board of Directors' report, and voting in accordance with the quorum and majority rules applicable to Ordinary Shareholders' Meetings, the Shareholders' Meeting renews the term of Auditex, as the Alternate Auditor.

The term of Auditex will expire at the close of the Ordinary Shareholders' Meeting which will approve the accounts for 2021.

Thirteenth resolution: Amount of directors' fees allocated to members of the Board of Directors

The shareholders resolve to increase the aggregate amount of directors' fees allocated to members of the Board of Directors from €400,000 to €460,000.

This decision applies from the current year until a new amount is set.

Fourteenth resolution: Opinion on the components of the compensation due or allocated to Mr. Laurent Burelle, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, for the year ended December 31, 2015

Pursuant to the recommendation in §24.3 of the AFEP-MEDEF Corporate Governance Code dated November 2015, which serves as the code of reference for Compagnie Plastic Omnium in accordance with Article L. 225-37 of the French Commercial Code (Code de commerce), the Shareholders' Meeting issues a favorable opinion on the components of compensation due or allocated to Mr. Laurent Burelle, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, for the year ended December 31, 2015, as presented in section 2.2 of the document.

Fifteenth resolution: Opinion on the components of the compensation due or allocated to Mr. Jean-Michel Szczerba, Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, for the year ended December 31, 2015

Pursuant to the recommendation in §24.3 of the AFEP-MEDEF Corporate Governance Code dated November 2015, which serves as the code of reference for Compagnie Plastic Omnium in accordance with Article L. 225-37 of the French Commercial Code (Code de Commerce), the Shareholders' Meeting issues a favorable opinion on the components of compensation due or allocated to Mr. Jean-Michel Szczerba, Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer , for the year ended December 31, 2015, as presented in section 2.2 of the document.

Sixteenth resolution: Opinion on the components of the compensation due or allocated to Mr. Paul Henry Lemarié, Chief Operating Officer, for the year ended December 31, 2015

Pursuant to the recommendation in §24.3 of the AFEP-MEDEF Corporate Governance Code dated November 2015, which serves as the code of reference for Compagnie Plastic Omnium in accordance with Article L. 225-37 of the French Commercial Code (Code de commerce), the Shareholders' Meeting issues a favorable opinion on the components of compensation due or allocated to Mr. Paul Henry Lemarié, Chief Operating Officer, for the year ended December 31, 2015, as presented in section 2.2 of the document.

Extraordinary resolutions

Seventeenth resolution: Authorization to be given to the Board of Directors to grant Company stock options to the employees and/or corporate officers of the Company and/or Group companies, duration of the authorization, ceiling, exercise price, maximum duration of the option

After having read the Board of Directors' report and the special report of the Statutory Auditors, and voting in accordance with the quorum and majority rules applicable to Extraordinary Shareholders' Meetings, the Shareholders' Meeting:

    1. authorizes the Board of Directors, with the option to subdelegate under the terms and conditions set forth by law, to grant, in accordance with Articles L. 225-177 et seq. of the French Commercial Code (Code de Commerce), on one or more occasions, stock options of Company's existing shares for employees and corporate officers of the Company or companies or groupings associated with the Company, under the conditions referred to in Article L. 225-180 of the French Commercial Code and within the limits of applicable texts;
    1. sets the validity of this authorization at thirty-eight months from the date of this meeting and supersedes, for the unused portion, the authorization with the same purpose previously granted by the Combined Shareholders' Meeting of April 25, 2013 in its 10th resolution;
    1. resolves that the total number of options granted in accordance with this resolution may not give entitlement to the purchase of more than 1% of the shares from the share capital on the day of this Shareholders' Meeting, it being specified that this ceiling is an overall ceiling for all the allocations likely to be made in accordance with the 17th and 18th resolutions of this Shareholders' Meeting, subject to their adoption by the latter;
    1. resolves that the price of existing shares will be set in accordance with the provisions of Articles L. 225-177 and L. 225-179 of the French Commercial Code, without any discount;
    1. decides no option may be granted:
  • neither within the period of ten trading sessions before and after the date on which the consolidated financial statements are published,
  • nor within the period between the date on which the corporate bodies of the Company are aware of information, which, if it were published, could have a significant impact on the price of the Company's securities, and the date after ten trading sessions from the date on which this information is published,
  • fewer than twenty trading sessions after the ex-dividend date of shares entitling to a dividend or a capital increase;
    1. resolves to grant all powers to the Board of Directors, within the limits set above and within the limits of the statutory provisions, necessary to implement this resolution, and most notably:
  • to determine the dates of each allocation, set the conditions under which the options will be granted, establish the list of

beneficiaries and decide the number of shares that each of them may purchase,

  • to set, where applicable, the temporary suspension periods for the exercise of options imposed by certain financial transactions,
  • to set the conditions for exercising options and specifically the price of existing stock options as well as the periods for exercising the options during the validity thereof, which may not exceed ten years,
  • to potentially prohibit the resale of all or part of the shares resulting from the exercise of options for a period that may not exceed three years from the date of exercise of the option,
  • to set the number of shares to be retained as registered shares by the Company's corporate officers until the end of their appointment,
  • to decide the conditions under which the price and the number of shares to be bought will be adjusted under the conditions required by law,
  • and in general, to do everything that may be necessary;
    1. entrusts the Board of Directors with the responsibility to inform the Ordinary Shareholders' Meeting every year of the transactions carried out by virtue of this authorization in accordance with all applicable legal and regulatory provisions;
    1. grants full powers to the Board of Directors to decide, where applicable, all amendments and adaptations of the conditions relating to the entitlement to stock options that had been allocated prior to this Shareholders' Meeting.

Eighteenth resolution: Authorization to be given to the Board of Directors to allocate existing free shares in the Company to the employees and/or corporate officers of the Company and/or Group companies, duration of the authorization, ceiling, minimum duration of the vesting period and retention period

Having considered the Board of Directors' report and the Statutory Auditors' special report, voting in accordance with the quorum and majority rules applicable to Extraordinary Shareholders' Meetings, and pursuant to Articles L. 225-197-1 et seq. of the French Commercial Code (Code de Commerce), the Shareholders' Meeting:

  1. authorizes the Board of Directors, with the option to subdelegate under the terms and conditions set forth by law, to carry out, on one or more occasions, free allocations of the Company's existing shares for employees or certain categories of them which it shall determine from among employees and/or corporate officers of the Company or companies or consortium associated with the Company within the meaning of Article L. 225-197-2 of the French Commercial Code;

    1. sets the validity of this authorization at thirty-eight months from the date of this meeting and supersedes, for the unused portion, the authorization with the same purpose previously granted by the Combined Shareholders' Meeting of April 30, 2015 in its 24th resolution;
    1. decides that the total number of shares that can be allocated free of charge by virtue of this authorization may not exceed 1% of the number of ordinary shares comprising the Company's share capital on the day of this Shareholders' Meeting; it being specified that this ceiling is an overall ceiling for all the allocations likely to be made in accordance with the 17th and 18th resolutions of this Shareholders' Meeting, subject to their adoption by the latter;
    1. for each decision of allocation, the Board of Directors will determine, in accordance with the law, the period of acquisition, at the end of which the allocation of the shares will become final. The period of acquisition may not be less than one year from the date of allocation of shares;
    1. for each decision of allocation, the Board of Directors will determine, in accordance with the law, the vesting period of the Company's shares, which commences on the date of the final allocation of shares. The vesting period may not be less than one year. However, if the period of acquisition were to be greater than or equal to two years, the Board of Directors may waive the vesting period.

Existing shares, which may be allocated pursuant to this resolution, should be acquired by the Company, either under Article L. 225-208 of the French Commercial Code, or, where applicable, under the share buyback program authorized by the sixth ordinary resolution adopted by this Meeting pursuant to Article L. 225-209 of the French Commercial Code or of any share buyback program applicable before or after the adoption of this resolution;

    1. grants all powers to the Board of Directors to implement this authorization, within the limits set above, notably in order:
  • to determine the identity of the recipients of the allocations,
  • to determine the number of shares granted to each of the recipients,
  • to set the terms and, where applicable, the share allocation criteria, in particular the minimum vesting period and the minimum lock-up period,
  • to provide, if necessary, for the option to defer the definitive share allocation dates and the end of the lock-up period for these shares, for the same duration (in such a way that the date from which it is possible to dispose of the shares is unchanged),
  • proceed with the acquisition of shares necessary under the share buyback program and assign them to the allocation plan,
  • to adjust the share price and the number of shares allocated in the event of Company equity transactions the effect of which is to modify the value of the shares comprising equity capital,
  • to determine the dates and terms of the allocations and vesting conditions under applicable legal and regulatory provisions, and more generally, take all useful measures and make any agreements to successfully complete the planned allocations.

Nineteenth resolution: Authorization to be given to the Board of Directors to cancel the shares bought back by the Company pursuant to the provisions of Article L. 225-209 of the French Commercial Code, duration of authorization, ceiling

Having considered the Board of Directors' report and the Statutory Auditors' report, voting in accordance with the quorum and majority rules applicable to Extraordinary Shareholders' Meetings, and pursuant to the provisions of Article L. 225-209 of the French Commercial Code (Code de Commerce), the Shareholders' Meeting:

  • authorizes the Board of Directors to reduce the share capital, on one or more occasions, in the proportions and at the times that it may decide, through the cancellation of all or part of the shares acquired or that may be acquired by virtue of the authorization granted by the Ordinary General Meeting, the Company itself, by up to 10% of the share capital per 24-month period, it being specified that this limit is applicable to an amount of the share capital that will be, where applicable, adjusted to take into account transactions allocating the share capital after this Shareholders' Meeting;
  • sets the validity of this authorization at twenty-six months from the date of this Shareholder's Meeting and notes that this authorization supersedes, for the unused portion, the authorization with the same purpose previously granted by the Combined Shareholders' Meeting of April 30, 2014 in its 12th resolution;
  • grants full powers to the Board of Directors to carry out the transactions of cancellation and reduction of capital by virtue of this authorization, set the terms thereof, record the completion thereof, apply the difference between the book value of the cancelled shares and their nominal amounts against any reserve and premium account, consequently amend the bylaws and carry out all formalities and generally do what is necessary to implement this resolution.

Twentieth resolution: Powers for the formalities

The Shareholders' Meeting grants full powers to the bearer of an original, a copy or an extract of the minutes of the meeting to carry out any and all legal filings and formalities.

8.3 Board of Directors' Report on the Resolutions Presented to the Combined Shareholders' Meeting on April 28, 2016

Report of the Board of Directors on the resolutions presented at the Ordinary Shareholders' Meeting

Approval of the 2015 parent company financial statements (1st resolution)

The first resolution submits for your approval the parent company financial statements for the financial year ended December 31, 2015, which result in a profit of €222,893,428.

Appropriation of net income and determination of the dividend in respect of 2015 (2nd resolution)

The second resolution concerns the proposed appropriation of net income and determination of the dividend for the year ended December 31, 2015.

In euros
Retained earnings as of December 31, 2015 936,695,406
Net income for the year ended December 31,
2015 222,893,428
Total amount to be appropriated 1,159,588,834

If the Shareholders' Meeting adopts this resolution, the net dividend for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 will amount to €0.41 per share, corresponding to a total distributed dividend of €62,966,455.

Upon payment, the dividend attributable to treasury shares held by the Company will be transferred to "Retained earnings".

Shares will trade ex-dividend from May 10, 2016, and the dividend will be paid on May 12, 2016.

Individual shareholders resident in France for tax purposes will qualify for the 40% tax relief provided for in Article 158-3-2° of the French General Tax Code (Code Général des Impôts).

As a reminder, the following dividends have been distributed over the past three years. The information provided below takes account of the three-for-one stock split occurring on September 10, 2013.

Year Number of shares with dividend rights Total dividend
(in euros)
Net dividend
(in euros)
2012* 154,977,021 shares with dividend rights 38,744,255 0.25
2013* 147,714,484 shares with dividend rights 48,745,780 0.33
2014* 148,197,149 shares with dividend rights 54,832,945 0.37

* The dividends in respect of the years ended December 31, 2012, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2014 were eligible for the 40% tax relief for individual shareholders resident in France for tax purposes, as provided for in Article 158-3-2° of the French General Tax Code.

The Board of Directors recommends that this amount be appropriated as follows:

In euros
Total amount to be appropriated 1,159,588,834
Appropriation
• Net dividend distributed for the 2015
fiscal year 62,966,455
• Carried forward 1,096,622,379
Total appropriated 1,159,588,834

Statutory Auditors' report on related-party agreements pursued during the year (3rd resolution)

The purpose of the 3rd resolution, in compliance with Article L. 225- 38 of the French Commercial Code, is to acknowledge the agreements mentioned in the special report of the Statutory Auditors on related party agreements pursued by Compagnie Plastic Omnium during 2015.

Approval of related-party agreements renewed during the past year (4th resolution)

The purpose of the 4th resolution is to submit the agreements mentioned in the special report of the Statutory Auditors on related-party agreements renewed by Compagnie Plastic Omnium during 2015 to your approval, in compliance with Article L. 225-38 of the French Commercial Code.

Approval of the consolidated financial statements for the financial year 2015 (5th resolution)

The fifth resolution submits for your approval the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, which show a Group share consolidated net profit of €258,374 thousand.

Authorization to the Board of Directors to trade in the Company's shares (6th resolution)

At the Shareholders' Meeting of April 30, 2015, the shareholders authorized the Company to trade in its own shares under the following terms and conditions:

Maximum purchase price €60 per share
Maximum shares that may be held 10% of share capital
Maximum investment in the buyback program €921,460,320

Between May 2, 2015 and February 29, 2016, the Company:

  • acquired 3,055,655 shares for a total value of €79,718,921 or €26.09 per share, 1,572,634 of which were shares designated for the liquidity contract and 1,483,021 were shares outside this contract;
  • disposed of 1,574,510 shares as part of liquidity contract for a total sales value of €39,840,493 or €25.30 per share.

Details of these transactions and a description of the authorization submitted to your vote can be found in the section entitled "Share buyback program" in the management report.

The authorization to trade in the shares of the Company granted by the Shareholders' Meeting on April 30, 2015 expires on October 29, 2016.

You are being asked to grant the Board of Directors a new authorization to trade in the shares of the Company for a further period of eighteen months.

Share buybacks allow an investment service provider to make a market in the Company's shares under a liquidity contract complying with the Code of Ethics issued by the French Association of Financial Markets (AMAFI), while the subsequent cancellation of shares improves our return on equity and earnings per share.

Shares can also be repurchased to support external growth operations, to cover stock option and bonus share plans for employees or corporate officers, or for delivery in connection with financial transactions involving transfers, sales or exchanges, or for any market practice accepted by stock market authorities.

The Board would not be authorized to use this authorization during the course of a takeover bid for the Company's shares.

We are seeking to renew this authorization on the following terms:

Maximum purchase price: €60 per share
Maximum shares that may be held: 10% of share capital
Maximum investment in the buyback program: €921,460,320

Ratification of a Director's appointment (7th resolution)

It is proposed that the Shareholders' Meeting ratify the temporary appointment of Mrs. Lucie Maurel Aubert as director, decided by the Board of Directors Meeting held on December 15, 2015, replacing Mr. Jean-Pierre Ergas, and this for the remaining term of her predecessor, i.e. until the end of the Ordinary Shareholders' Meeting to be held in 2018 to approve the 2017 financial statements.

The biographical details of Mrs. Lucie Maurel Aubert can be found in this document in paragraph 2.1.1.1. – Composition of the Board of Directors. After receiving the opinion of the Appointments Committee, the Board of Directors has deemed that Mrs. Lucie Maurel Aubert can be considered as an independent director as defined in the AFEP-MEDEF Code.

Reappointment of a director (8th resolution)

At the Shareholders' Meeting, shareholders are being asked to renew the directorship of Mrs. Amélie Oudéa-Castera for a statutory term of three years.

Her term will expire at the close of the Shareholders' Meeting to be held in 2019 to approve the 2018 financial statements.

The biographical details of Mrs. Amélie Oudéa-Castera can be found in this document in paragraph 2.1.1.1. – Composition of the Board of Directors. After receiving the opinion of the Appointments Committee, the Board of Directors has deemed that Mrs. Amélie Oudéa-Castera can be considered as an independent director as defined in the AFEP-MEDEF Code.

Renewal of the term of the Statutory Auditors (9th to 12th resolutions)

It is proposed to the Shareholders' Meeting to renew the terms of the Principal Statutory Auditors, audit firms Mazars and Ernst & Young et Autres as well as those of the Alternate Auditors Mr. Gilles Rainaut and audit firm Auditex for the statutory period of six fiscal years.

Their term will expire at the close of the Ordinary Shareholders' Meeting called to approve the accounts for 2021.

Amount of directors' fees (13th resolution)

The 13th resolution asks the Shareholders' Meeting to increase the amount of directors' fees granted to the members of the Board of Directors to €460,000 from 2016.

Opinion on the components of compensation due or allocated in respect of 2015 to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and the Chief Operating Officers (14th to 16th resolutions)

The 14th, 15th and 16th resolutions ask the Shareholders' Meeting to express an opinion on the components of compensation due or allocated in respect of 2015 to Mr. Laurent Burelle, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, to Mr. Jean-Michel Szczerba, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and to Mr. Paul Henry Lemarié, Chief Operating Officer in accordance with the recommendations of the AFEP-MEDEF Code (the "Say on Pay" principle). Details of the proposed compensation can be found as presented in section 2.2 of the document.

Report of the Board of Directors on the extraordinary resolutions presented at the Annual Shareholders' Meeting

Authorization to be given to the Board of Directors to grant Company stock options to the employees and/or corporate officers of the Company and/or Group companies (17th resolution)

Authorization given to the Board of Directors at the Combined Shareholders' Meeting of April 25, 2013 by its 10th resolution for granting stock options to employees and/or corporate officers of the Company and/or Group companies expiring in June 2016.

The purpose of the 17th resolution would be to ask the Shareholders' Meeting to grant authorization to the Board of Directors to allocate stock options for the existing shares held by the Company.

The beneficiaries of the stock-options would be members of the employed staff and some corporate officers of the Company and some companies associated with it. The total number of options that could be granted under this authorization may not give entitlement to the purchase of shares representing more than 1% of the share capital on the day of this Shareholders' Meeting, it being specified that, out of this number of shares likely to be purchased by exercising the stock options would be applied to the number of bonus shares likely to be allocated by virtue of the 18th resolution.

The price for the purchase of the shares by the grantees shall be fixed by the Board of Directors, in accordance with the provisions of Articles L. 225-177 and L. 225-179 of the French Commercial Code. This subscription price would correspond to the average share price quoted in twenty trading sessions preceding the day the options would be granted, without the option to use the legal discount, and may not be less than 80% of the average price of the shares held by the Company pursuant to Articles L. 225-208 and L. 225-209 of the French Commercial Code.

The Board of Directors will have full powers specifically to approve the list of option grantees and to decide the number of shares that each one may acquire, as well as the conditions for the acquisition of shares.

This authorization would be granted for a period of 38 months starting from this Shareholders' Meeting and would consequently supersede any previous authorization with the same purpose starting from this date.

Authorization to be granted to allocate existing bonus shares of the Company to the employees and/or corporate officers of the Company and/or Group companies (18th resolution)

The 18th resolution aims to renew the Board of Directors' authorization granted during the Shareholders' Meeting of April 30, 2015 in its 24th resolution. It aims to grant the Board of Directors a new authorization to allocate free shares to employees and/or corporate officers of the Company as well as of companies related to it, under the terms and conditions set forth by law and in accordance with the provisions of Articles L. 225-197-1 to L. 225-197-3 of the French Commercial Code.

Under this authorization, the number of bonus shares that may be allocated may not represent more than 1% of the share capital on the day of this the Shareholders' Meeting, being hereby specified that the number of shares likely to be purchased by exercising the stock options would be applied to the number of bonus shares likely to be allocated pursuant to the 17th resolution.

The allocation of bonus shares to their grantees would become final:

  • either at the end of a minimum one-year vesting legal period, it being specified that the beneficiaries should then retain these shares for a minimum legal period of one years starting from the final allocation;
  • or at the end of a minimum two-year vesting period and in this case, they would not have a minimum lock-up period.

In every case, the Board of Directors will have the option to set a longer vesting or lock-up period than these minimum periods.

If the Shareholders' Meeting votes this resolution, the possible allocation of bonus shares will be decided on the basis of the proposals of the General Management reviewed by the Compensation Committee.

The Board of Directors will determine the identity of the beneficiaries, the number of shares allocated to each of them and, where applicable, the criteria for allocating these shares.

It may use this authorization one or several times.

In compliance with Article L. 225-197-4 of the French Commercial Code, a special report will be created in order to inform the Shareholders' Meeting of transactions made by virtue of this authorization.

The renewal of this authorization would span a period of 38 months starting from this Shareholders' Meeting and accordingly supersedes the previous delegation granted by the Shareholders' Meeting of April 30, 2015, as from this date.

Authorization to be granted to the Board to cancel the shares bought back by the Company pursuant to the provisions of Article L. 225-209 of the French Commercial Code (19th resolution)

The 19th resolution asks the Shareholders' Meeting to authorize the Board of Directors, in accordance with the provisions of Article L. 225- 209 of the French Commercial Code, to reduce the share capital, on one or more occasions, in the proportions and at the times that it may decide, through the cancellation of all or part of the shares acquired or that may be acquired by virtue of the authorization granted by the Ordinary General Meeting, the Company itself, by up to 10% of the share capital per 24-month period, it being specified that this limit is applicable to an amount of the share capital that will be, where applicable, adjusted to take into account transactions allocating the share capital after the next Shareholders' Meeting.

This authorization will be valid for a period of 26 months from the next Shareholders' Meeting.

Powers of Attorney to carry out formalities (20th resolution)

The purpose of the 20th resolution is to authorize the bearer of an original, a copy or an extract of the minutes of the Shareholders' Meeting to carry out any and all legal filings and formalities in relation to the execution of the decisions of this Shareholders' Meeting.

8.4 Statutory Auditors' Report on the Allocation of Stock Options

Extraordinary Shareholders' Meeting of April 28, 2016

Seventeenth resolution

To the Shareholders,

In our capacity as Statutory Auditors of your Company and in compliance with Articles L. 225-177 and R. 225-144 of the French Commercial Code, we hereby report on the authorization to grant stock options to the salaried personnel and/or the corporate officers of your Company and companies associated with it within the meaning of Article L. 225-180 of the French Commercial Code, an operation upon which you are called to vote.

The total number of stock options likely to be allocated pursuant to this authorization may not give the right to purchase a number of shares representing more than 1% of the share capital on the day the decision of their allocation is taken by the Board of Directors, it being specified that this ceiling is common with the allocations likely to be made in accordance with the 18th resolution.

Your Board of Directors proposes that on the basis of its report it be authorized, for a period of 38 months as from the date of this Meeting, to grant stock options.

It is the responsibility of the Board of Directors to report on the reasons for granting stock options and the methods proposed for determining the stock option purchase price. Our responsibility is to report on the proposed methods for determining the subscription price for the shares.

We have performed those procedures which we considered necessary to comply with the professional guidance issued by the French national auditing body (Compagnie nationale des Commissaires aux Comptes) for this type of engagement. These procedures consisted mainly in verifying that the methods proposed for determining the subscription price for the shares are specified in the Board of Directors' report and that they comply with legal and regulatory provisions.

We have no comments to make on the methods proposed for determining the purchase price of the shares.

Made in Courbevoie and Paris-La Défense, February 24, 2016

The Statutory Auditors

ERNST & YOUNG et Autres MAZARS

Mr. Gilles RABIER Mr. Jean-Luc BARLET

8.5 Statutory Auditors' Report on the Allocation of Existing Free Shares

Extraordinary Shareholders' Meeting of April 28, 2016

Eighteenth resolution

To the Shareholders,

In our capacity as Statutory Auditors of your Company and in compliance with Article L. 225-197-1 of the French Commercial Code, we hereby report on the proposed authorization to grant existing free shares to the salaried personnel and/or the corporate officers of your Company and companies associated with it within the meaning of Article L. 225-197-2 of the French Commercial Code, an operation upon which you are called to vote.

The total number of shares that may be allocated pursuant to this authorization shall not represent more than 1% of the share capital as of the date of the Board of Directors' decision to make the grant, it being specified that this ceiling is taken together with the allocations likely to be made pursuant to the 17th resolution.

Your Board of Directors proposes that on the basis of its report it be authorized, for a period of 38 months as from the date of this Meeting, to grant existing free shares.

It is the responsibility of the Board of Directors to prepare a report on the proposed operation. Our role is to report to you on any matters relating to the information provided to you regarding the proposed operation.

We have performed those procedures which we considered necessary to comply with the professional guidance issued by the French national auditing body (Compagnie nationale des Commissaires aux Comptes) for this type of engagement. These procedures consisted mainly in verifying that the proposed methods described in the Board of Directors' report comply with the legal provisions governing such operations.

We have no matters to report as to the information provided in the Board of Directors' report relating to the proposed authorization to grant existing free shares.

Made in Courbevoie and Paris-La Défense, February 24, 2016

The Statutory Auditors

ERNST & YOUNG et Autres MAZARS

Mr. Gilles RABIER Mr. Jean-Luc BARLET

8.6 Statutory Auditors' Report on the Reduction in Share Capital

Extraordinary Shareholders' Meeting of April 28, 2016

Nineteenth resolution

To the Shareholders,

In our capacity as Statutory Auditors of your Company and in compliance with Article L. 225-209 of the French Commercial Code in the event of a reduction in share capital through the cancellation of the shares purchased, we have drawn up this report to inform you of our assessment of the reasons and conditions of the proposed reduction in share capital.

Your Board of Directors asks you to grant it, for a period of 26 months from the date of this meeting, full powers to cancel, within the limits of 10% of its capital and per 24 month period, the shares purchased pursuant to the implementation of an authorization granted to your Company to purchase its own shares under the provisions of the aforementioned Article.

We have performed those procedures which we considered necessary to comply with the professional guidance issued by the French national auditing body (Compagnie nationale des Commissaires aux Comptes) for this type of engagement. These procedures lead to an examination of whether the reasons and conditions for the proposed reduction in share capital, which should not affect the equality among shareholders, are fair.

We have no comments to make on the reasons and conditions of the proposed reduction in share capital.

Made this day in Courbevoie and Paris-La Défense, February 24, 2016

The Statutory Auditors

ERNST & YOUNG et Autres MAZARS

Mr. Gilles RABIER Mr. Jean-Luc BARLET

Declaration by the person responsible for the Registration Document

Laurent Burelle, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

I declare that, to the best of my knowledge, all reasonable care has been taken to ensure that the information contained in this Registration Document reflects the facts and contains no omission likely to affect its import.

I certify that to the best of my knowledge the financial statements are drawn up in accordance with the accounting standards applicable and give a true and fair view of the assets, financial position and results of the company and the companies the Group consolidates, and the information in the management report gives a fair view of the business development results and financial position of the Company and the companies the Group consolidates, and describes the main risks and uncertainties to which they are exposed.

I have received a completion letter from the Statutory Auditors in which they state that they have checked the information relating to the financial position and the financial statements appearing in this document and that they have read through the document in its entirety.

Historical financial information was included in the Statutory Auditors' reports, which contain the observations appearing on page 154 of this document, page 179 of the 2014 Registration Document and page 129 of the 2013 annual report.

Levallois, March 24, 2016

Laurent Burelle

Chairman and Chief Executive officer

Registration document cross-reference table

1 RESPONSIBLE PERSON 200
2 STATUTORY AUDITORS 175
3 SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION 5-6
4 RISK FACTORS 13-17
5 INFORMATION ABOUT THE ISSUER
5.1
— Company history and development
5.1.1 — Business and trade name of the issuer
5.1.2 — Issuer's place of registration and number
5.1.3 — Term of the issuer
5.1.4 — Issuer's registered office and legal form, legislation governing its business activities,
country of origin, address and telephone number of its registered office
5.1.5 — Material events in the development of the issuer's business activities
5.2 — Main investments
5.2.1 — Investments made
5.2.2 — Ongoing investments
7-8
175
175
175
outside back cover
7-8, 75-79
9-13, 75-79, 98, 104
75-79, 98
75-79, 98
6 5.2.3 — Investments to be made
OVERVIEW OF BUSINESS ACTIVITIES
6.1
— Main business activities
6.2 — Main markets
6.3 — Extraordinary events
6.4 — Degree of dependence on patents, licenses, industrial, trade or financial agreements
or on new manufacturing processes
6.5 —Competitive positioning
75-79, 98
9-11, 99, 102-103
9-11, 102-103
n/a
176
9-11
7 ORGANIZATION CHART
7.1
— Description of the group
7.2
— List of major subsidiaries
9-11
9, 147-153, 170
8 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPEMENT
8.1
— Existing or planned material property, plant and equipment and any major
spending relating thereto
8.2 — Environmental issues that could influence the use, by the issuer, of its property,
plant and equipment
78, 112-115
14, 57-64
9 REVIEW OF FINANCIAL POSITION AND RESULTS
9.1
— Financial position
9.2
— Net operating income (loss)
9.2.1 — Material factors with a significant impact on net operating income (loss)
9.2.2 — Explanation of changes in revenue or income
9.2.3 — Strategy or factors of a governmental, economic, budgetary, monetary or
political nature having had, or that could have in the future, a direct, or indirect,
material impact on the issuer's transactions
78
76-791
13-17
76-79
9-17

10 CASH FLOW AND CAPITAL

10.1
— Equity capital
78, 84, 177-181
10.2 — Source and amount of cash flows 88
10.3 — Information on the issuer's borrowing conditions and financing structure 131-133
10.4 — Information about any restriction on the use of equity capital or any restriction
that could have a direct, or indirect, material influence on the issuer's operations n/a
10.5 — Information on expected financing sources for planned investments n/a
11 RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, PATENTS AND LICENSES 11-13
12 TRENDS
12.1 — Main trends affecting production since the end of the last fiscal year 79
12.2 — Commitments likely to have a material impact on the issuer's outlook n/a
13 PROFIT FORECASTS OR ESTIMATES N/A
14 ADMINISTRATIVE, GOVERNING AND SUPERVISORY BODIES
AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT
14.1 — Administrative and governing bodies 19-27
14.2 — Conflicts of interest in terms of administrative and governing bodies 28-29
15 COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
15.1 — Amount of compensation and benefits in kind 38-39
15.2 — Total amount of sums set aside or recognized in order to pay pensions,
and other post-employment benefits 41, 128
16 OPERATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE AND GOVERNING BODIES
16.1 — Expiry date of current terms of office 20-27
16.2 — Service contract binding members of administrative bodies 29
16.3 — Audit committee and compensation committee information 30-32
16.4 — Compliance with current corporate governance 33
17 EMPLOYEES
17.1
— Number of employees
45, 143
17.2 — Non-discretionary profit-sharing and stock options 38-41, 122-125, 184-185
17.3 — Agreement on non-discretionary profit-sharing n/a
18 MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS
18.1 — Shareholders owning over 5% of share capital 184
18.2 — Existence of different voting rights 177
18.3 — Direct or indirect ownership or control of the issuer 184
18.4 — Agreement, known to the issuer, which could lead to a future change in its control 176
19 RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS 145, 167, 172-173

20 FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING THE ASSETS, FINANCIAL POSITION AND RESULTS OF THE ISSUER

20.1 — Historical financial reporting 5-6, 82-168
20.2 — Pro forma financial reporting n/a
20.3 — Financial statements 82-168
20.4 — Audit of historical annual reporting 154-155, 171
20.5 — Date of latest financial reporting 82-156
20.6 — Interim financial reporting n/a
20.7 — Dividend distribution policy 122, 182
20.8 — Legal arbitration procedures 16
20.9 — Material change in the financial or commercial position since the end
of the last fiscal year
n/a
21 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
21.1 — Share capital 177
21.2 — Constitution and bylaws 175-176
22
MATERIAL CONTRACTS
131, 176
23 INFORMATION FROM THIRD PARTIES, EXPERT STATEMENTS
AND DECLARATION OF INTERESTS N/A
24 DOCUMENTS ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC 177
25 INFORMATION ON AFFILIATES 170

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