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Arribatec Group ASA — Annual Report 2015
Apr 28, 2016
3541_rns_2016-04-28_a5dd36d2-98cf-40d0-abc3-bc245edc43a9.pdf
Annual Report
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Through Obligo, we will establish and develop a leading institutional platform for the acquisition, sale and management of Nordic real estate
Contents
| About Agasti Holding | |
|---|---|
| This is Agasti | 3 |
| Organisation | 4 |
| Group Management | 5 |
| The Board of Directors | 7 |
| The past year | |
| CEO's comments | 9 |
| Highlights | 11 |
| Main figures | 12 |
| Reports | |
| Social responsibility | 13 |
| Risk management and internal control | 17 |
| Articles of association | 19 |
| Shareholder information | 20 |
| Corporate Governance | 24 |
| Results | |
| Directors' report | 31 |
| Agasti Group – IFRS | |
| Comprehensive income | 39 |
| Financial position | 40 |
| Changes in equity | 41 |
| Statement of cash flow | 42 |
| Notes to the consolidated accounts | 44 |
| Agasti Holding ASA – NGAAP | |
| Income statement | 73 |
| Balance sheet statement | 74 |
| Cash flow statement | 76 |
| Notes to the company accounts | 77 |
| Confirmation from the Board | 88 |
| Auditor's report | 89 |
We are developing a powerful management organisation concentrating on real estate, private equity, infrastructure and shipping
This is Agasti
Agasti Holding ASA (Agasti) is a publicly listed financial company whose main activity is to manage its 66 per cent ownership in Obligo Holding AS (Obligo) for the benefit of Agasti's shareholders.
The remaining 34 per cent of Obligo is owned by Blackstone Real Estate Funds (Blackstone), an affiliate of Blackstone, the world's largest alternative asset manager. Blackstone became an owner in what used to be Agasti's operational activities through the acquisition of 34 per cent of these activities in the autumn 2015. At the same time Agasti established Obligo Holding AS and transferred all operational activities and employees to this company and its subsidiaries. After this transaction, Agasti is a pure investment company that owns 66 per cent of Obligo, in addition to certain other legal entities.
Obligo has established an institutional investor platform with a primary focus on acquisition, sale and managing of real estate in the Nordic region. At the end of 2015 Obligo was managing NOK 46 billion in assets on behalf of investors. Obligo managed real estate companies with approximately NOK 36 billion in property values, of which approximately NOK 22 billion on behalf of Blackstone. In addition, Obligo manages investment companies within shipping, private equity and infrastructure for a total value of NOK 10 billion.
Agasti's headquarter is in Oslo.
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Organisation
Agasti Holding ASA is a company listed at Oslo Stock Exchange which owns 66 per cent of Obligo Holding AS (Obligo). The remaining 34 per cent is owned by Blackstone Real Estate Funds. Obligo has established an institutional investor platform focusing on acquisition, sale and investment management of Real Estate of the Nordic region.
The group was established in 1990 and the controlling company Agasti Holding ASA has been listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange since 2001. Agasti Holding ASA is headquartered in Oslo.
Group management
Jørgen Pleym Ulvness
Chief Executive Officer – Obligo
Ulvness joined the Agasti Group in September 2012 and has previously been the CEO of First Securities and Global Head of Investment Banking at Swedbank. He has previously been the deputy CEO and Chief Legal Officer of First Securities. He has also worked as a commercial lawyer in Advokatfirmaet Selmer. Ulvness also has broad experience as an advisor in connection with restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, emissions and other strategic ownership issues. He has extensive experience from serving on Boards of Directors, both as an advisor and as chairman or board member of numerous different companies. Ulvness graduated as a lawyer from the University of Oslo.
He owns 6,963,538 shares and 466,667 options in Agasti Holding ASA.
Christian Dovland Chief Financial Officer – Obligo
Dovland joined the Agasti Group in January 2013. He has extensive experience from capital markets and from various roles within economy and finance, including Arthur Andersen, controller and chief investment officer of Stormbull AS and CFO of Nesthood International ASA. He has also more than 11 years of experience from Corporate Finance at Swedbank First Securities. Dovland holds a BA, MBA and MA from Heriot-Watt University and Monterey Institute of International Studies.
He owns 1,562,500 shares and 256,667 options in Agasti Holding ASA.
Svein Erik Lilleland Head of Corporate Finance – Obligo
Lilleland joined the Agasti Group in February 2013. He has extensive transaction experience within real estate, energy and offshore. He has lived and worked in the UK and the US for more than 15 years, where he has held various management positions. Lilleland holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Portsmouth and an MBA from London Business School.
He owns 2,332,095 shares and 256,667 options in Agasti Holding ASA.
Tor Arne Olsen Chief Communication Officer – Obligo
Olsen joined the Agasti Group in December 2012 and has previously held positions as head of communications at Swedbank First Securities and Press Officer for the Oslo Stock Exchange. His background primarily stems from finance, but he also has experience of property, pensions and insurance. Olsen holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Public Relations from The Norwegian School of Management – School of Marketing/BI Norwegian Business School.
He owns no shares or options in Agasti Holding ASA.
The Board of Directors
Tom Ruud
Chairman
Ruud was CEO of the Kistefos Group from 2013 to 2015. Before joining Kistefos Ruud was a member of the Group Executive management of the Umoe Group. Prior to that Ruud was a member of the Group Executive management of Nordea bank AB in Stockholm. Before that Ruud was the Group President and CEO of Kreditkassen and Group President and CEO of Aker Norcem. Ruud has been chairman or board member in a large number of listed and private companies and organizations both in Norway and internationally over the past 30 years. Ruud is a Civil Engineer from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. He also has attended an executive program at Wharton. Ruud has been member of the board of Agasti Holding ASA since 9 December 2015.
Ruud owns no shares, share options or warrant shares in Agasti Holding ASA.
Erling Meinich-Bache
Deputy chairman
Meinich-Bache is CFO of IKM Gruppen AS, a company related to one of Agasti Holding ASA's largest shareholders. He also holds a number of board positions in various companies, both within and outside the IKM Group. Meinich-Bache holds a Master of Science in Financial Management. He has been member of the board of Agasti Holding ASA since 23 May 2012.
Meinich-Bache owns no shares, share options or warrant shares in Agasti Holding ASA, but has a business relationship with IKM Industri-Invest AS, which is one of the company's largest shareholders.
Kathryn Moore Baker
Board member
Baker is senior partner in Pulpit Rock Energy AS in addition to being a professional investor, board member and advisor. She was previously partner in the Nordic private equity firm Reiten & Co, Engagement Manager in McKinsey & Co. Inc, Norway and financial analyst in Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc, New York. Baker holds board positions in the Central Bank of Norway, Akastor ASA and Catena Media plc., among others. She has previously served as board member in a number of companies, including Data Response ASA, BW Gas ASA and SafeRoad AS. Baker holds a Bachelor's degree in economics from Wellesley College and an MBA from The Amos Tuck School of Business Administration at Dartmouth College. She has been member of the board of Agasti Holding ASA since 9 December 2015.
Baker owns no shares, share options or warrant shares in Agasti Holding ASA.
Live Haukvik Aker Board Member
Haukvik Aker is CFO and COO in the Komplett Group. She has extensive experience as manager, and has broad expertise and work experience in management, business development, finance and financial management. Haukvik Aker is chairman of the board in Komplett Bank ASA as well as member of the boards of other companies within the Komplett Group. She has previously served as board member in several companies including Eksportfinans ASA, Borgestad ASA and Revus Energy ASA. Haukvik Aker holds a Master's degree in finance from the University of Fribourg, Switzerland, and a Master of management degree from the Norwegian School of Management in Oslo. She has been member of the board of Agasti Holding ASA since 9 December 2015.
Haukvik Aker owns no shares, share options or warrant shares in Agasti Holding ASA.
Øystein Tenold
Board member
Tenold is founder, owner and CEO of Tenold Gruppen AS, which is Agasti Holding ASA's second largest shareholder. He is chairman of the board in a number of companies within the Tenold Group, which main focus is on investments and real estate. Tenold is educated aircraft engineer from Skandinaviens Flygtekniska Akademi in Sweden. He has been member of the board of Agasti Holding ASA since 9 December 2015.
Tenold and close associates own 44,848,997 shares in Agasti Holding ASA. Neither he or close associates own share options or warrant shares in Agasti Holding ASA.
We have delivered on our stated objectives, targets and strategy
Job done
Exactly one year ago, in last year's annual report, I commented that we were in the home stretch of our extensive restructuring process. Looking back at the strategy we adopted in 2013, I am pleased to see that we have achieved our ambitions and can conclude that 2015 marked the definite end of the process. In other words: job done. A new era has started, with an entirely fresh starting point and opportunities.
The restructuring process has created a new financial group under Obligo Holding AS (Obligo). Obligo is a pure management company with a primary focus on acquisition, sale and management of Nordic real estate based on a tailored institutional investor platform. Agasti Holding ASA (Agasti), now a streamlined financial investment company following the transfer of all operational activities and employees to Obligo in 2015, has a 66 per cent stake in Obligo. The other 34 per cent are owned by Blackstone Real Estate Funds (Blackstone), an affiliate of Blackstone, the world's largest alternative investment manager.
Agasti and Blackstone have a shared ambition to make Obligo a leading player in the Nordic real estate market. It is important to note that Agasti's future value now depends on Obligo's profitability and dividend capacity.
There is no doubt that we have a long and at times extremely challenging road behind us. In the autumn of 2012, Agasti was a derided business that had lost its licences, had frustrated customers and faced sceptical supervisory authorities and a critical press. Our backlog of several thousand complaints represented a total financial risk of over NOK 500 million, and we had to implement a massive restructuring. At the same time, we needed to establish an entirely new business platform based on new expertise, regain lost trust and rebuild our reputation.
Our main focus and highest priority for Obligo going forward is the acquisition, sale and management of Nordic real estate.
To cut a long story short, here is a brief summary of key measures:
- We have concluded winding up the old business, including resolving the majority of complaints and eliminating almost all financial risk associated with these.
- We have established an institutional investor platform with core expertise through the recruitment of management teams from ABG Sundal Collier and First Securities/Swedbank, among others.
- We have reduced the number of employees from almost 300 to around 45.
- We have obtained necessary authorisations for Obligo Investment Management AS to manage alternative investment funds (AIFMD).
- Blackstone Real Estate Funds, an affiliate of Blackstone, one of the world's largest and most respected investment institutions, has invested more than NOK 22 billion in Obligo-managed funds, and NOK 235 million in Obligo's operational business.
- Our customers have been offered exit opportunities in line with our stated objectives, with investment pay-outs totalling around NOK 7.5 billion in 2015 alone.
As recently as March 2015, Agasti's share price was at NOK 0.90. A very important result of the work done in recent years is the payment of a sale dividend of NOK 0.76 per share to Agasti's shareholders in December 2015. In addition, Agasti has proposed
an ordinary dividend of NOK 0.38 per share for 2015. The Agasti share was also a winner on Oslo Stock Exchange in 2015, achieving a price rise of 135 per cent.
Our main focus and highest priority for Obligo going forward is the acquisition, sale and management of Nordic real estate. However, we also see interesting opportunities in the infrastructure segment, and are considering a range of liquidity events and new initiatives. As regards our customers' investments in private equity and shipping, our approach is more opportunistic. The main strategy for these segments is to generate the highest possible value for shareholders within the scope of the mandates issued by the respective boards.
Hard work secures results in the long run. In 2015, we delivered our best financial results since 2008. Moreover, Obligo's highly skilled, persevering staff has rebuilt the company, putting it in a position to exploit opportunities few expected it to have again. We will make the most of these opportunities, and will manage Obligo's assets optimally to ensure continued value creation for customers and shareholders.
Jørgen Pleym Ulvness CEO, Agasti Holding ASA and Obligo Holding AS
Highlights
Completed the restructuring of operations and discontinued all previous operations, including the vast majority of disputes.
Established a pure management oriented platform in Obligo focusing on acquisition, sale and management of Nordic real estate.
Blackstone Real Estate Funds, organized under Blackstone, one of the largest and most reputable investment institutions in the world, has invested more than NOK 22 billion in Obligo managed real estate companies and acquired a 34 per cent share of Obligo's operational activities.
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All operational activities and all employees transferred from Agasti to Obligo, which means that Agasti now is a pure financial investment company with a 66 per cent stake in Obligo.
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Paid total NOK 7.5 billion to shareholders in Obligo managed structures.
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Profit for the period of NOK 518 million in 2015, the best result since 2008. •
Agastis shareholders have received dividends from sale of NOK 0.76 per share, in addition to the board's proposed ordinary dividend for 2015 of NOK 0.38 per share.
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Secured authorisation for Obligo Investment Management AS to manage alternative investment funds (AIFMD).
Assets under Management (BNOK) 46
EBITDA per share (diluted) (NOK) (including discontinued operations)
Profit for the period (MNOK)
Earnings per share (diluted) (NOK)
Paid dividend per share (NOK) 0.76 MAIN FIGURES 0.76
Cash flow (net income + depreciations) per share (NOK) (including discontinued operations) 1.78
The figures for the years 2010–2013 include income from discontinued operations Real Estate
REPORTS
General introduction
Corporate governance at Agasti Holding ASA is in accordance with the "Norwegian recommendations for Corporate governance" applicable at any time. Agasti Holding ASA will provide its reports in accordance with the recommendations and will explain how the group has complied with the individual items set out in the recommendations. In those cases where Agasti Holding ASA deviates from the recommendations, this will be commented on separately.
Agasti Holding ASA actively works to maintain the company's excellent contacts and keep an open dialogue with all participants in the capital markets.
Social responsibility
Agasti Holding ASA is subject to the reporting requirements on corporate social responsibility in accordance with the Accounting Act § 3-3 c. This implies a requirement to give an account of «what the company is doing to integrate and respect human rights, employee rights and social issues, the environment and combating corruption in its business strategies, in its daily operations and relations with its stakeholders. The summer of 2015 Audrey Management Holdings S.à r.l. entered into an agreement with Agasti Holding ASA to acquire 34 per cent of Agastis operational activities. The transaction was carried out by Agasti Holding ASA in September 2015 transferred its operational subsidiaries to Obligo Holding AS, in which Audrey Management Holdings S.a.r.l. in October 2015 acquired 34 per cent of. Agasti Holding ASA owns the remaining 66 per cent. The transaction involved a shareholders' agreement between Audrey Management Holdings S.à r.l. and Agasti Holding ASA, where the latter ceded control to an extent that the investment is regarded as a joint venture. Following the transaction, neither Agasti Holding ASA nor any of its wholly-owned subsidiaries had any employees. The report in this chapter responds to these
requirements. The report on corporate social responsibility will be subject to discussion at Agasti Holding ASA's Annual General Meeting.
The Agasti Group's business operations depend upon the trust of customers, investors, shareholders and the authorities. Agasti Holding ASA has prepared corporate social responsibility guidelines which describe how the group has organised its activities in order to attend to the responsibilities the company has towards employees and society in general. Through actively exercised corporate social responsibility, the Agasti Group shall be characterised by a high level of integrity and good business practices. The group shall be known for its ethical business operations and transparent corporate governance and business management practices.
The overall objective of corporate social responsibility within the Agasti Group is to strengthen the group's competitiveness by reducing unnecessary risk, thereby creating opportunities and increased shareholder value. The Agasti Group shall attain commercial profitability by exercising respect for individuals, the environment and society in accordance with fundamental ethical values. The group and its employees shall act professionally and responsibly, and in accordance with national and international legislation. Beyond the market's expectations, actively exercised corporate social responsibility will further strengthen the group's reputation and business opportunities, as well as provide opportunities for a potentially larger base of customers and partners. By creating awareness of corporate social responsibility, the group will more easily enable its employees to identify instances of non-compliance.
Environmental considerations
Agasti Holding ASA's business operations shall comply with all relevant environmental legislation, and shall continuously strive to make improvements that may reduce or prevent pollution. Agasti Holding ASA shall operate a healthy business characterised by responsibility for employees, society and the environment. Agasti Holding ASA will always comply with local environmental legislation in areas where it carries out its activities, and shall continuously improve its environmental work. Holding telephone meetings and video conferences instead of physical meetings that require travel which pollutes the environment, the recycling of paper and mobile telephones, and making employees aware of their consumption of office stationery are examples of measures that the group has implemented in order to reduce its overall impact on the environment.
Human rights
Agasti Holding ASA recognises international human rights. Agasti Holding ASA does not tolerate any form of offence or discrimination on the basis of gender, race, religion or sexual orientation. All Agasti Group employees are equal regardless of gender, age, disability, life philosophy, cultural differences and sexual orientation. Individual qualities shall be respected and valued regardless of the employee's position within the group. The group shall not engage in business or other activities that may be connected with any breach of human rights. Agasti Holding ASA urges employees to report uncovered violations of human rights, and has prepared routines and systems for such reporting.
Working conditions
Working environment
Agasti Holding ASA strives to be a workplace with a good and including working environment.
Contracts and terms of employment
All Agasti Group employees shall have a written contract and terms of employment that are in accordance with current applicable legislation and regulations. Salary and other conditions in comparable positions are the same for women as they are for men.
Recruitment, career opportunties and employee development
Recruitment, career opportunities and employee development are based on performance, qualifications and equal opportunities, regardless of race, skin colour, religion, salary, age, nationality, sexual orientation, civil status and disability. As a general rule, positions shall be advertised internally, as well as externally as necessary.
Discrimination and harassment
The Agasti Group shall have a culture of proper and appropriate conduct. Discrimination, bullying and harassment are not accepted. The Agasti Group shall promote openness, so that censurable conditions can be taken up for discussion and solved as early as possible, and closest to where they occur. Employees are requested to report incidents of an undesirable nature to their relevant manager or to the company's safety representative. The Agasti Group has prepared routines and systems for such reporting.
Health, safety and environment
Through active HSE work, the Agasti Group shall create a healthy and safe working environment with a high level of employee satisfaction.
Corporate governance and integrity control
Trading activities
Employees within the Agasti Group shall follow legislation and guidelines that are relevant to the group, and maintain high ethical standards. The Agasti Group has prepared ethical guidelines that employees are made aware of upon appointment, and which are easily accessible via the Intranet. Employees who become aware of possible breaches of legislation and regulations or possible violations of Agasti Holding ASA's corporate social responsibility guidelines are requested to report these in accordance with the established reporting procedures. Employees who report such violations may elect to make the report anonymously. Those who make reports shall also be protected against retaliation. The Agasti Group has prepared dedicated reporting procedures that employees are made aware of through publication via the Intranet.
Information management
As a listed company, Agasti Holding ASA is subject to strict requirements regarding information that may affect the share price. The Agasti Group has prepared guidelines for proprietary trading and for the secure handling of insider information. The group has also prepared guidelines for employees' use of social media. The guidelines are easily accessible to employees via the Intranet. Information from Agasti Holding ASA shall be communicated correctly and
precisely, both externally and internally. The Agasti Group's employees are obligated to maintain confidentiality regarding commercial information that has not been made public. Caution shall be exercised when discussing Agasti Holding ASA's internal affairs in the proximity of third parties or via electronic media that may be open to others. Confidential agreements that the group has entered into shall be respected.
Customers and suppliers
Agasti Holding ASA shall act independently of its business connections. All customers shall be treated with integrity and respect, and customers' needs shall be attended to in the best way possible within the Agasti Group's commercial and ethical frameworks. Suppliers shall be treated impartially and fairly. Expectations of our suppliers are based on the same requirements that we set for our own organisation.
Conflicts of interest
The Agasti Group's employees shall act loyally towards the group's interests, and are not permitted to participate in activities that are not in line with the Agasti Group's interests or that give an impression of impropriety or divided loyalty. The Agasti Group has prepared guidelines for identifying and managing conflicts of interest, and guidelines for employees' directorships and or investments in other business activities.
Corruption
Agasti Holding ASA has zero tolerance for all forms of corruption.
Money laundering and financing of terrorism The Agasti Group's employees are expected to have a conscious attitude towards and awareness of challenges relating to money laundering and the financing of terrorism. Employees in exposed positions are obligated to complete regular internal training, which must be completed within given deadlines. The agreements that the Agasti Group enters into with some of the group's most central partners also contain clauses that demand adherence to applicable regulations to prevent money laundering and the financing of terrorism.
At least once each quarter the companies within the Agasti Group check their client lists against the EU Global, UN Al-Qaida and UN Taliban lists. The Agasti Group also checks clients against PEP (politically exposed persons) lists. Elected representatives in Agasti Holding ASA including subsidiaries, in addition to representatives of investment companies managed by companies in the Agasti Group shall be checked against the above-mentioned lists prior to commencement. No suspicious transactions or customer relationships were discovered in 2015. Nor have any suspicious transactions been reported to the Norwegian National Authority for Investigation and Prosecution of Economic and Environmental Crime (Økokrim) in either Norway or Sweden.
Gifts
As a general rule, the Agasti Group's employees shall not give or receive gifts to or from existing or potential customers or other business associates. Gifts that are classified as insignificant and which are therefore non-taxable in accordance with relevant legislation may be given or received, provided that the purpose of the gift is not to gain advantageous treatment.
Drugs
Agasti Holding ASA opposes all illegal drug use.
Adherence to adopted guidelines
Systematic work
The Agasti Group has a clear interest corporate social responsibility and a basic willingness to work systematically with this. Systematic corporate social responsibility work is carried out through the updating and adaptation of both our corporate social responsibility guidelines and other internal regulations. All employees are obligated to notify the management of actual and potential deviations from the group's adopted corporate social responsibility guidelines. All employees are required to comply with both the regulations' wording and purpose in order to ensure the Agasti Group's reputation.
Compliance requirements
The responsibility to act ethically and in accordance with applicable regulations will always rest with the individual employee. Such compliance is a basic factor in every contract of employment. Significant breaches of compliance with the current applicable rules and regulations may have consequences for the employment relationship.
Future expectations
Today, it is a generally accepted attitude that industry must be more aware of the responsibility that lies with the individual in order to ensure that society is not negatively affected by business activities that are carried out. Consideration of human rights, employee rights, social conditions and the external environment, as well as measures to combat corruption, money laundering and the financing of terrorism, will therefore be important for all industry participants that wish to do their part in this important corporate social responsibility work. The Agasti Group is aware of its responsibilities, and will continue to further develop the company's procedures, guidelines and reporting in order to ensure that the organisation effectively attends to its responsibilities towards employees and the rest of society.
Risk management and internal control
All operational activities in the Agasti Group have been transferred to the joint venture Obligo Holding AS and its subsidiaries (Obligo), which Agasti Holding ASA owns 66 per cent. Agasti Holding ASA and its wholly owned subsidiaries has since the fall of 2015 no employees, and have through Service Level Agreements outsourced operation of Agasti Holding ASA and its wholly owned subsidiaries (Acta Kapitalforvaltning AS and Acta Asset Management AS) to Obligo.
The principles below on risk management and internal controls are applicable to the conduct of operational activities in Obligo, and the provision of services from Obligo. Agasti Holding ASA is responsible for the performance of the services is consistent with the principles.
Risk management and internal control are an integrated part of the group's management model
The Agasti Group has established risk management and internal control as an integrated part of ongoing business activities. The overall framework for risk management and internal control is established at board level and then implemented by management and operational staff, through establishing procedures, systems and ongoing risk and control monitoring.
The purpose of risk management and internal control is to create assurance
The main purpose of risk management and internal control is to enable the group to achieve:
- Compliance with external legislation and regulatory requirements, as well as internal guidelines
- Quality and efficiency in internal operations
- Reliable internal and external reporting
Operative risk management and internal control consist of a broad range of measures
The basis for effective risk management and internal control lies in the employees' culture and attitudes. In the Obligo Group, we strive to create a culture where the aim is to create value and assurance for our clients. To achieve this we use a broad range of instruments and control elements. Obligo expect high ethical values and professionalism from our
employees and we work systematically with training and workshops. Formal routines have been established to ensure quality, accountability and consistency in our work processes, supplemented by effective tools and ICT systems. Management is responsible to make sure that all work processes adapts to regulatory changes and risks. Significant changes in risk conditions are communicated through established management meetings so that appropriate risk management measures can be implemented. The Management and Boards of Directors in the Obligo Group have the overall responsibility for ensuring proper management and control.
The Board of Directors in Agasti Holding ASA have the overall responsibility for ensuring proper management and control of the business in Agasti. An audit committee has also been established, which carries out significant work in order to support the corporate Board of Directors in the follow-up of financial reporting, risk management, internal control and financial audits.
In sum, the culture and the operative controls, in addition to follow-up by management and the Board of Directors in Obligo and Agasti, constitute a first line of defense that ensures effective risk management and internal control of the group's activities.
Independent control functions and audit bodies have also been established
Risk management and compliance functions works as the second line of defense within Obligo. The control functions are independent of the operative organization and report directly to the CEO and the Board of Directors. The control functions work with a systematic control methodology in collaboration with the risk functions, and focus on work within and towards areas requiring a high level of control. Even though the controls are strict and intended to identify any omissions and control failures, they also have the purpose of forming a systematic and professional foundation that will help to ensure that established control measures function as intended. Internal control is functioning effectively based on confirmation from the responsible manager and continued positive test results from the control functions.
Obligo has in 2015 maintained its focus on risk management and compliance function, including improving the competence so that it is suited the business' nature and scope. In sum Obligos internal control has been strengthened through 2015.
In Obligo, a third line of defense has also been established – internal audit. The internal audit team is independent of the operative organization and the management. The team works directly with the Board of Directors and carries out independent audits of the first and second lines of defense. The internal audit team's audit plan is set by the Board of Directors, based on the internal audit team's independent assessments of governance, risk management and internal control. Obligo has outsourced the internal auditor role to PWC in order to ensure an independent and external third line of defense, as well as flexibility with regard to access to competence and capacity.
The corporate Board of Directors and company boards undertake a complete assessment of the control regime annually
The risk management and control regime established through the three lines of defense ensures the
continual management and control of the group's activities and risks. Once a year, and more frequently if necessary, the group undertakes a structured, complete assessment of risk and internal control in all subsidiaries and underlying business areas. The assessment process is carried out using common methods and is targeted towards three main topics; (1) how has internal control functioned throughout the previous year, (2) what risks does the organization face at the start of the new year, and (3) is the internal control at the start of the new year sufficient for the risk situation or is there a need a for additional measures. The final product consists of a formal debriefing and action plan at group level, company level and at underlying business area level. The measures usually consist of improvement measures linked to the existing control regime, control measures for managing new risks, and assessments of control measures that are so important that they should be subject to closer follow-up from the first, second and third lines of defense. In sum, the process forms an important basis for the follow-up of risk management and internal control throughout the coming year at group level, company level and underlying business area level.
Articles of association for Agasti Holding ASA
Adopted at the annual general meeting of 31 March 2005, last amended at the Board meeting of 14 December 2015.
§ 1 Company name and registered office
The company is a public limited company. The company's name is Agasti Holding ASA. The company's registered office is located in the city of Oslo
§ 2 Objects
The Company's objective is to manage its interests, conduct financial and industrial investments and provide administrative services, as well as all other activities which are naturally related to this.
§ 3 Share capital
The company's share capital totals NOK 52,993,016.64 divided among 294,405,648 shares, each with a nominal value of NOK 0.18. The shares shall be registered with the Norwegian Registry of Securities.
§ 4 Share transfer
Notification of any acquisition of shares in the company shall be sent immediately to the Norwegian Registry of Securities. The purchaser of a share may only exercise the rights appropriated to a shareholder when the acquisition has been registered in the shareholder register, or when he or she has reported and paid for the acquisition.
§ 5 Structure of the Board
The company's Board of Directors consists of three to seven members according to the resolution adopted by the general meeting.
§ 6 Nomination committee
The company's nomination committee consists of three to five members according to the resolution adopted by the general meeting.
§ 7 Company signature
One board member together with either the Chairman of the Board or the Chief Executive officer may sign for the company. The Board of Directors may grant power of attorney and special authorisations.
§ 8 Ordinary general meeting
The ordinary general meeting shall be held annually by the end of June. The Board of Directors shall call the general meeting by issuing written invitations with at least 21 days' notice to all shareholders with a known address, unless the Joint Stock Public Companies Act allows a shorter notice. Shareholders who wish to attend must send notification of such to the company within the deadline specified on the notice of the general meeting. The deadline must not be more than five days before the date of the general meeting. The right to participate and vote at the company´s general meeting only can be exercised for shares when the purchase of shares is listed in the shareholder register no later than five workdays prior to the general meeting. At the general meeting, each share is allocated one vote.
§ 9 Publishing of general meeting documents on the company's website
If documents to be considered by the general meeting in accordance with the agenda for the meeting have been made available on the company's website, the company does not have to send these physically to the shareholders. Any such documents shall, however, be sent free of charge upon request from individual shareholders.
§ 10 Location of the general meeting
The general meeting shall be held in the city of Oslo where the company's registered office is. However, the Board of Directors may decide to hold the general meeting in the city of Stavanger or elsewhere when appropriate.
§ 11 Duties of the general meeting
The ordinary general meeting shall:
Approve the annual accounts consisting of the profit and loss account, the balance sheet and the annual report, including the consolidated accounts and dividends. Address other items to be dealt with by the general meeting according to legislation or the articles of association.
11.05.16 Interim report 1st quarter 2016
20.05.16 Annual
General Meeting 2016
24.08.16
Interim report 1st half and 2nd quarter 2016
09.11.16 Interim report 3rd quarter 2016
Shareholder information
Stock exchange listing
Shares in Agasti Holding ASA were listed on the SMB list at the Oslo Stock Exchange on 16 July 2001. The company was included in the Oslo Stock Exchange Main Index, OSEBX, from January 2004 and from October 2004 in the "OB Match" list after the Oslo Stock Exchange replaced the previous industry structure for companies structured by liquidity. After the 25 largest companies on the OBX list, the "OB Match" list consists of the most liquid companies. One of the criteria for inclusion is that there is a average of minimum of 10 trades in the shares per day. The company's stock exchange ticker is AGA. In 2015, the number of Agasti shares traded on the Oslo Stock Exchange was 99 million, which gives a velocity of circulation of 0.3. On average in 2015, 0.4 million shares across 28 transactions per day were traded in Agasti Holding ASA. The company complies with Oslo Stock Exchange's recommendations regarding the reporting of IR information, which sets requirements regarding the information that must be made available on companies' websites.
Share capital and shares
As at 31 December 2015, Agasti Holding ASA had a share capital of NOK 53 million, divided into 294,405,648 shares, each with a nominal value of NOK 0.18.
Authorisation to issue shares
Agasti Holding ASA's general meeting has given the company's Board of Directors proxy to issue new shares. The proxy was granted at the extraordinary general meeting on 9 December 2015 and applies for the issuing of up to 9 million shares with a nominal value of NOK 0.18. The proxy may only be used in connection with private placements to executive personnel in Agasti Holding ASA and its wholly or partially owned subsidiaries in connection with fulfillment of obligations under incentive schemes. The mandate is valid until the date of the next ordinary annual general meeting, but no later than 30 June 2016.
During 2015, the board of directors of Agasti Holding ASA issued 169,831 shares under the abovementioned proxy.
Authorisation to acquire the company's own shares
The annual general meeting of Agasti Holding ASA has authorised the company's Board of Directors to purchase the company's own shares. The proxy was granted at the annual general meeting on 10 June 2015 and applies to the acquisition of up to 29 million shares with a nominal value of NOK 0.18 within a price range of NOK 0.18 to NOK 10. The mandate is valid until the
date of the next ordinary annual general meeting, but no later than 30 June 2016.
During 2015, the board of directors of Agasti Holding ASA did not make use of this proxy.
Options
In 2012, the Board of Directors of Agasti Holding ASA adopted an incentive scheme for selected managers in the Group. In 2014, this scheme was replaced by a new option scheme for selected managers within the Group. The scheme was part of a long-term incentive scheme for Agasti's managers, which will contribute to creating positive results and attracting new employees as well as retaining existing employees. Following the transaction where Blackstone Real Estate Funds acquired 34 per cent of Agasti Group's operational activities, Agasti Holding ASA or wholly-owned subsidiaries have no employees. All of the employees have been transferred to companies in the Obligo Group, and the stock option program continues. In 2015, a total of 1.2 million options were redeemed by employees in the Agasti Group and in the Obligo Group. At the time of adoption of the annual accounts, a total of 1.18 million stock options are outstanding, of which employees in leading positions hold 980 thousand stock options.
The allocation is in accordance with the authorisation granted by the annual general meeting on 26 June 2013.
Of the options that were allocated in August 2012, and which expired in their entirety in August 2015, 1 million were redeemed. Of the options that were allocated in November 2012, and which expired in their entirety in November 2015, 117 thousand were redeemed. The redemption prices for the outstanding options which were allocated in March 2014 are NOK 2.01. The redemption price for the options shall be reduced by the accumulated dividend paid out during the period after allocation of the options. No dividend was paid for the financial year 2014. In addition to sales dividend of NOK 0.76 per share distributed in December 2015, the Board of Directors of Agasti Holding ASA has proposed to the annual general meeting that a dividend of NOK 0.38 per share is paid for the 2015 financial year. Stock options allocated to selected managers in the group during March 2014 may be redeemed by 1/3 in 2017 within a period of three business days after filing interim results for the fourth quarter of 2016 to the Oslo Stock Exchange. At the end of 2015, the share price was NOK 1.59.
As at 31 December 2015, Agasti Holding ASA had not issued any other financial instruments that may result in a demand for issuing of new shares other than the mentioned stock options.
Share price performance
The share price at the end of the year was NOK 1.59, which prices the company at NOK 468 million. In addition, the company distributed in December 2015 a sales dividend to its shareholders of NOK 0.76 per share. In 2015 the highest and lowest market prices have been NOK 2.28 and NOK 0.84 respectively. For comparison, the price at the end of 2014 was NOK 1.00. Including distribution of dividend, this constitutes a rise in the share price of 135 per cent during 2015. Oslo Stock Exchange's Main Index (OSEBX) rose by 6 per cent in the same period, whereas the finance index (OSE40) experienced a rise of 7 per cent.
The figure on the previous page shows the price and turnover development for shares in Agasti Holding ASA from 1 January to 31 December 2015 compared with the main index in the Oslo Stock Exchange. The share price performance includes distribution of dividend of NOK 0.76 per share made in December 2015.
Proprietary trading
Employees who normally have access to, or work with investment services or management of alternative investment funds, are covered by the proprietary trading rules regulated by the Act on the Management of Alternative Investment Funds and the Securities Trading Act. It is crucial that the Agasti and the Obligo Group have a proper relationship with the financial market and the supervisory authorities, and rules for how employees shall behave in relation to the
securities market have been prepared accordingly.
Insider regulations
Agasti Holding ASA has clear rules for the group which regulate employees', representatives' and related parties' transactions in securities issued by Agasti Holding ASA. The rules set out a clear framework for how the transactions can take place, and the periods during which trade in securities issued by Agasti Holding ASA is permitted. Equivalent regulations apply for employees, representatives and related parties in the Obligo Group.
Dividends policy
The company's dividends policy remains unchanged from 2014 and aims to pay out the highest possible share of the profits after tax as dividends, taking into account legislative requirements and the need for solvency and liquidity. The Board of Directors of Agasti Holding ASA has proposed to the company's annual general meeting that an ordinary dividend of NOK 0.38 is paid for the 2015 financial year. The proposed dividend comes in addition to the sales dividend of NOK 0.76 per share which were paid in December 2015.
Shareholders
Agasti's owners include institutional owners, various investment companies and individual shareholders. At the end of the year, the 20 largest shareholders owned a total of 66 per cent of the company's shares. As at 31 December 2015, Agasti Holding ASA had 2,703 shareholders, 106 fewer than the previous year. The number of foreign shareholders has reduced from 140 to 126. The number of Norwegian shareholders has reduced from 2,669 to 2,577. An overview of the 20 largest shareholders as at 31 December 2015 is shown in the table on the next page.
| Shareholders | Number of shares |
Equity stake |
|---|---|---|
| Perestroika AS | 56,047,228 | 19.04% |
| Tenold Gruppen AS | 30,848,997 | 10.48% |
| Nordnet Bank AB | 14,000,000 | 4.76% |
| Coil Investment Group AS | 13,436,755 | 4.56% |
| Best Invest | 12,808,707 | 4.35% |
| IKM Industri-Invest AS | 11,190,000 | 3.80% |
| Bjelland Invest AS | 10,802,000 | 3.67% |
| Mons Holding AS | 10,766,620 | 3.66% |
| Coldevin Invest AS | 6,963,538 | 2.37% |
| Basic I AS | 3,500,000 | 1.19% |
| Athena Invest AS | 3,042,904 | 1.03% |
| Camaca AS | 2,932,927 | 1.00% |
| International Oilfield Services AS | 2,500,000 | 0.85% |
| JAG Holding AS | 2,200,000 | 0.75% |
| Steinar Lindberg A.S | 2,100,000 | 0.71% |
| Nordnet Livsforsikring AS | 2,031,535 | 0.69% |
| Ringern Invest AS | 2,000,000 | 0.68% |
| Vollstad, Dag Kristian | 2,000,000 | 0.68% |
| Brattetveit AS | 1,833,022 | 0.62% |
| Lokenmoen Invest AS | 1,822,917 | 0.62% |
| Total 20 largest shareholders | 192,827,150 | 65.50% |
| Total other shareholders | 101,578,498 | 34.50% |
| Total number of shares | 294,405,648 | 100.00% |
Country of residence Number of shares In per cent Shareholders In per cent Norway 289,056,813 98.18 2 577 95.34 Sweden 2,956,448 1.00 65 2.40 Luxembourg 782,083 0.27 1 0.04 Denmark 662,716 0.23 16 0.59 Germany 247,819 0.08 6 0.22 USA 201,744 0.07 8 0.30 Others 498,025 0.17 30 1.11 Total 294,405,648 100.00 2 703 100.00
2016 Financial calendar
The financial calendar is presented at page 20. The quarterly presentations and the annual general meeting are usually held in Oslo. All presentations are open and the quarterly presentations are transmitted via the internet.
Investor contact
The Agasti Group wishes to maintain the company's excellent contacts and keep an open dialogue with all participants in the capital markets. The Investor Relations role is exercised by the company's Head of IR Jo-Inge Fisketjøn. Contact information can be found below:
E-mail: [email protected], tel.: +47 924 54 834.
Internet
The Agasti Group's interim reports, interim presentations, annual reports, stock exchange announcements, up-to-date shareholder registers, etc. are continuously published at www.agasti.no.
Percentage of foreign shareholders
At the end of 2015 the total percentage of foreign shareholders amounted to 5.3 million shares or 1.8 per cent distributed across 126 shareholders. For comparison, the percentage at the end of 2014 was 11.2 million shares or 3.8 per cent distributed across 140 shareholders, whereas the percentage of foreign shareholders at the end of 2013 was 5.6 per cent. An overview of the distribution by nationality has been provided in the table top right.
Corporate governance
Agasti Holding ASA is subject to the reporting requirements for corporate governance by the Norwegian Accounting Act § 3-3 b, and "The Norwegian Code of Practice for Corporate Governance", cf. Continuing Obligations for listed companies section. 7. The Norwegian Accounting Act is available on www.lovdata.no. "The Norwegian Code of Practice for Corporate Governance" is available at www.nues.no. This statement will be subject to treatment at the annual general meeting in Agasti Holding ASA.
Norwegian Code of Practice
"The Norwegian Code of Practice for Corporate Governance" was first published by the Norwegian Corporate Governance Board (NUES) on 7 December 2004. On the basis of changes to legislation and regulations and experience gained from the use of the Code of Practice, NUES annually evaluates whether it is necessary to update the Code of Practice. Revisions to the Code of Practice were presented on 8 December 2005, 28 November 2006, 4 December 2007, 21 October 2009, 21 October 2010, 20 October 2011, 23 October 2012 and 30 October 2014. Agasti Holding ASA will report in accordance with the Code of Practice in effect at any given time and explain how the group has complied with the individual sections of the Code of Practice. Instances where Agasti Holding ASA departs from the Code of Practice are commented on separately. Below you can find an overview of the recommendations.
1. Statement regarding corporate governance
The Board of Directors of Agasti Holding ASA will comply with the Code of Practice for Corporate Governance in all key areas. The group has prepared guidelines for corporate social responsibility, ethical guidelines, guidelines for identification and managing conflicts of interest and internal guidelines for proprietary trading and insider trading. The guidelines describe laws and regulations applicable to all employees, temporary workers and employee representatives, both in partially- and wholly owned subsidiaries, and across the group's interest groups. The ethical guidelines are clearly communicated throughout the organisation and define what is
desirable and undesirable conduct. The guidelines that describe corporate social responsibility deal with the Agasti Group's responsibility towards the people, society and environment affected by the company.
2. Activities
The Agasti Group's activities is managing its ownership interests, make financial and industrial investments and providing administrative services and all other activities that naturally relate to this. The articles of association of Agasti Holding ASA are reproduced in their entirety in the annual report.
3. Company capital and dividends Equity
As at 31 December 2015 the group's equity was NOK 510 million, which comprised 95 per cent of the total capital. The Agasti Group has a business model that requires low capital. The Board of Directors continuously analyses the company's financial solvency requirements in light of the company's objectives, strategy and risk profile.
Dividends policy
The company's dividends policy remains unchanged from 2014, which means that the company will exercise a dividends policy whereby the highest possible share of the net income is paid as dividends, taking into account legal requirements and needs for satisfactory financial solvency and liquidity. The Board of Directors of Agasti Holding ASA has proposed that dividends shall be paid with NOK 0.38 per share for the financial year 2015. This comes in addition to the sales dividend of NOK 0.76 per share paid in December 2015 following Agasti Holding ASA's sale of 34 per cent of its operational activites to Audrey Management Holdings S.à r.l.
Capital increase
Agasti Holding ASA's general meeting has given the company's Board of Directors authorisation to issue new shares. The authorisation was granted at the extraordinary general meeting on 9 December 2015 and applies for the issuing of up to 9 million shares with a nominal value of NOK 0.18. The proxy may only be used in connection with private placements
to executive personnel in Agasti Holding ASA and its wholly or partially owned subsidiaries in connection with fulfillment of obligations under incentive schemes. The authorisation is valid until the date of the next ordinary general meeting, but no later than 30 June 2016. The Board of Directors has in 2015 issued a total of 169,831 shares under the said authorisation.
At the ordinary general meeting it will be proposed that the company's Board of Directors be granted a new equivalent authorisation to issue up to 2 million new shares, valid until the next annual ordinary general meeting, but which will expire no later than 30 June 2017.
Buy-back of shares
The general meeting of Agasti Holding ASA has authorised the company's Board of Directors to purchase the company's own shares. The authorisation was granted at the general meeting on 10 June 2015 and applies to the acquisition of up to 29 million shares with a nominal value of NOK 0.18 within a price range of NOK 0.18 to NOK 10. The authorisation is valid until the date of the next ordinary general meeting, but no later than 30 June 2016. During 2015, the Board of Directors of Agasti Holding ASA did not make use of this authorisation.
It will be proposed that this authorisation is replaced at the ordinary general meeting by a new equivalent authorisation to buy back up to 10 million shares, valid until the next ordinary general meeting, but with an expiry date no later than 30 June 2017.
4. Equal treatment of shareholders and transactions with related parties
Agasti Holding ASA has one share class, in which each share entitles the holder to one vote at the company's general meeting. Equal treatment of shareholders has also been ensured in that all capital increases after the stock exchange listing in 2001 have occurred with preferential rights for existing shareholders. The only exceptions have been for emissions targeted at employees and capital increases which took place in connection with the company's procurement of the investment advice company Axir ASA in 2010, the procurement of
the securities company Wunderlich Securities AS in 2013 and emissions in connection with the company's obligations under incentive schemes towards employees in leading positions and other key personnel. However, in the case of other emissions targeted at employees, all employees have been able to participate under the same conditions, regardless of their position within the company. If the company's Board of Directors approves capital increases which deviate from the preferential rights of existing shareholders on the basis of the authorisation given at the general meeting, the reason for this must be made public xin a stock exchange announcement in connection with the capital increase.
Authorisation regarding the purchase of the company's own shares gives the Board of Directors purchasing freedom in relation to the methods through which the purchasing and sale of shares can occur. Transactions in the company's own shares would normally be carried out in the Oslo Stock Exchange or otherwise in accordance with the market price.
During 2015 there have been no material transactions between the company and shareholders, the Board of Directors or management. Potential conflicts of interest between the Board of Directors and these groups are dealt with by the Board of Directors.
Agasti Holding ASA has entered into a shareholders' agreement with Audrey Management Holdings S.à r.l. which dilutes Agasti Holding ASA's control in the Obligo Group. The agreement states that the two owners must agree in several important decisions related to the operation and management of the company. Any conflicts of interest with minority shareholders are handled continuously by the Board of directors in Agasti Holding ASA and Obligo Holding AS.
5. Free negotiability
The company has no ownership or trading restrictions affecting the company's shares.
6. General meeting
The general meeting ensures that shareholders are able to participate in the body which constitutes the highest authority in the company and in which the company's Articles of Association are stipulated. The Board of Directors will facilitate in such a way that as many shareholders as possible can exercise their ownership rights by participating in the company's general meeting.
Notice
The general meeting is held by 30 June each year. In 2016 the general meeting will be held on 20 May. Notice and agenda documents for ordinary and extraordinary general meetings are, without exception, issued to shareholders with a minimum of 21 days' notice. The Board of Directors also strives to make the nomination committee's recommendations available at least 21 days before the general meeting. The company's financial calender is published through stock exchange announcements, on Agasti's website and in the company's annual report. The Board of Directors ensures that agenda documents to the general meeting include all necessary information in order for shareholders to be able to consider all items that will be dealt with. The annual report is published electronically only. Shareholders may request a physical copy of the annual report free of charge. The general meeting is usually held in Oslo in accordance with the company's Articles of Association.
Participation
The company's Articles of Association stipulate that the deadline for registration may not expire earlier than five days before the date of the general meeting, and that the right to participate and vote in the general meeting may be exercised only for shares when the share position has been entered in the register of shareholders by the fifth working day preceding the general meeting. Shareholders are welcome to vote by proxy and proxies may be granted for each individual case that is discussed. Proxy forms are enclosed with the notice and may also be used to provide instructions concerning votes associated with each item under discussion. The chairman of the Board of Directors will, if desired, be able to vote on behalf of shareholders as an authorised proxy.
The Board of Directors feels that recommendations from the nomination committee should be voted on as a whole and not individually. This is because the committee's recommendation for candidates for each position in the company's bodies is based on the properties already represented in the Board of Directors by members not up for election. The nomination committee attempts to supplement these with members who hold the desired experience and expertise.
As a rule of thumb, the chairman, management, chairman of the nomination committee and the auditor will be present. In recent years the general meeting has been chaired by an independent chairperson. In 2015 the ordinary general meeting was held on 10 June and 47 per cent of the total capital was represented. An extraordinary general meeting was held on 9 December, at which 55 per cent of the total capital was represented. The minutes from the general meeting are made available on the company's website as soon as possible and no later than 15 days after the general meeting is held.
7. Nomination committee
At the ordinary general meeting on 31 March 2005, it was stipulated in the Articles of Association that Agasti Holding ASA shall have a nomination committee in accordance with the recommendations on corporate governance. In accordance with guidelines adopted by the general meeting, the nomination committee's tasks include providing recommendations to the general meeting for the election of board members and remuneration of said members. The committee shall consist of three to five members each serving for two years. All members and the chairman of the committee will be elected by the general meeting. The general meeting determines the committee's remuneration based on the nomination committee's recommendations.
The committee consists of Ove Steinar Larsen (chairman), Truls Foss (member) and Line Sanderud Bakkevig (member). All committee members are considered independent of the Board of Directors and management employees. The Chief Executive Officer or other management employees are not
members of the nomination committee. The composition of the nomination committee aims to balance multiple concerns, among other things the principle of independence and impartiality in the relationship between the committee and those who will be elected is emphasised. The nomination committee's independence from the Board of Directors and the company management implies that the recommendation for members of the nomination committee should be made by the nomination committee itself. The deadline for providing input regarding candidates to the Board of Directors and the nomination committee is 31 December 2016 and this can be done by contacting Agasti Holding ASA c/o the nomination committee, P.O. Box 1753 Vika, NO-0122 Oslo, Norway. The nomination committee's recommendation of members is normally issued with the notice for the general meeting. The composition of the nomination committee is decided by simple majority vote.
8. Corporate assembly and board of directors – composition and independence
Corporate assembly
At the end of 2015 neither Agasti Holding ASA nor any of its wholly-owned subsidiaries had any employees. There is no requirement for a corporate assembly.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of Agasti Holding ASA consists of five members and currently has the following composition: Tom Ruud (chairman), Erling Meinich-Bache (deputy chairman), Kathryn Moore Baker, Live Haukvik Aker and Øystein Tenold.
Independence
Agasti endeavours to ensure independence between shareholders, the Board of Directors and the company's administration. No members of the Agasti Holding ASA Board of Directors are employees of the group. Of the five board members, four are independent of main shareholders. These are Tom Ruud, Erling Meinich-Bache, Kathryn Moore Baker and Live Haukvik Aker. Øystein Tenold represents one of the company's largest shareholders and is therefore not regarded as independent.
Board members are selected in accordance with the Norwegian act relating to public limited liability companies for two years at a time. The Chief Executive Officer is not a member of the Board of Directors.
Board members' shareholdings
As at 31 December 2015, no board member of Agasti Holding ASA owns shares or stock options in the company. Øystein Tenold represents Tenold Gruppen AS, which owns 44.8 million shares in Agasti Holding ASA. Erling Meinich-Bache represents IKM Industri-Invest AS, which owns 11.2 million shares in Agasti Holding ASA. Even if board members are encouraged to own shares in the company, the Board of Directors recognises the value of board members without any ownership interest in the company, making them fully independent of other shareholders.
Selection of the Board of Directors
The members of the Board of Directors and its chairman are elected at the general meeting. The nomination committee prepares a recommendation of board members prior to the election. The recommendation is usually issued to shareholders together with the notice of the general meeting. The composition of the Board of Directors is decided by simple majority vote. For the election of new board members, the suggestions for the board's composition take into account conditions set out in the code of practice with regard to independence from the management. This means that the majority of the shareholderelected members who are selected must be independent of the company's general management and significant business connections. At least two of the shareholder-elected members should be independent of the main shareholders and representatives of the general management should not be members of the board. Suggestions for the composition of the board will also emphasise diversity, the ability to collaborate and a balanced gender representation.
9. The work of the Board of Directors
The duties of the Board of Directors The board has the overall responsibility for the management of the group and for overseeing general management and the group's business activities. The main tasks include shaping the group's strategy, as well as control and advisory tasks. Each year, the board prepares a plan for the coming year's work, in which meeting dates and themes are set out. The board appoints the CEO.
Rules of procedure
The board has developed rules of procedure for the board and the general management with emphasis on clear allocation of internal responsibilities and tasks.
Board committees
Agasti Holding ASA has two board committees, an audit committee and a remuneration committee.
The audit committee is a subcommittee of the board of Agasti Holding ASA, the purpose of which is to be a preparatory body with regard to the board's supervisory function in terms of financial reporting and the effectiveness of the company's internal control system, and other tasks that are assigned to the audit committee in accordance with the committee's mandate.
The audit committee consists of Erling Meinich-Bache (chairman) and Live Haukvik Aker. The members of the audit committee are considered to be independent of the company.
The audit committee's mandate satisfies the legal requirement for audit committees for listed companies.
The remuneration committee is a subcommittee of Agasti Holding ASA's board, and aims to ensure that the Agasti Group has a remuneration scheme which will help to promote and provide incentives for good management and control of enterprise risk, prevent excessive risk-taking, and contribute to preventing conflicts of interest.
The remuneration committee consists of Tom Ruud (chairman), Kathryn Moore Baker and Øystein Tenold. All members are considered to be independent of employees in senior positions.
The board's self-assessment The board carries out an annual self-assessment
of its operations and expertise, which includes an analysis of the board's composition and how members function both individually and as a group in relation to the goals that have been set.
10. Risk management and internal control
The Agasti Group has established risk management and internal control as an integrated part of the on-going execution of business activities. The overall framework for risk management and internal control is established at board level and subsequently implemented by the management and operative employees through the establishment of routines, systems and the on-going follow-up of risk and control activities.
The main purpose of risk management and internal control is to provide reasonable assurance that the group will achieve:
- Compliance with legislation and regulations, as well as internal guidelines
- Quality and efficiency within internal operations
- Reliable internal and external reporting
The main elements in the internal control of financial reporting consist of a common service centre for finance and accounting, including comprehensive accounting control. Internal financial reporting is used actively in the commercial follow-up of the organisation.
See also the dedicated section of the annual report in which risk management and internal control are discussed in detail.
11. The Board of Directors' remuneration
The Board of Directors' remuneration is decided upon at the general meeting and is in accordance with the board's responsibilities, expertise and time spent. In 2015, remuneration paid to the board was NOK 500,000 for the chairman of the board and NOK 250,000 for other members. The chairman and members of the audit committee also received an additional NOK 110,000 and NOK 70,000 respectively. Members of the remuneration committee also received NOK 20,000 each. The chairman of the nomination committee was paid NOK 40,000 and other members NOK 20,000 each.
Former chairman John Høsteland was additionally paid NOK 201,250 for consulting services in connection with Agasti Holding ASA's sale of part of the operational activities to Audrey Management Holdings S.à r.l. The remuneration was discussed and approved by the Board of Directors of Agasti Holding ASA.
From the ordinary general meeting in 2015 until the ordinary general meeting in 2016, the Board of Directors' remuneration is decided to be NOK 500,000 for the chairman of the board and NOK 250,000 for other members. The chairman and members of the audit committee also receive an additional NOK 110,000 and NOK 70,000 respectively. Members of the remuneration committee receive NOK 20,000 each. The chairman of the nomination committee will be paid NOK 40,000 and other members NOK 20,000 each.
This remuneration is fixed and is in no way dependent upon results.
12. Remuneration to employees in senior positions
The CEO and other management resources are hired from the joint venture Obligo Holding AS, which also determines the remuneration for these. The Board of Directors of Obligo Holding AS also establishes guidelines for remuneration to other employees in senior positions in the Obligo Group, including personnel leased to Agasti Holding ASA, including fixed salaries and the principles for and scope of bonus schemes. These guidelines are presented at the general meeting.
The guidelines for remuneration of employees in senior positions are described in detail in the notes to the annual report.
13. Information and communication
Agasti Holding ASA aims to carry out accounting and financial reporting that is trusted by the financial market. Emphasis is placed on information being equal and synchronous. Effective communication with the financial market is ensured through all significant new information being sent as stock exchange announcements in accordance with applicable regulations, including the company's
financial calendar with dates for the publication of interim reports and general meeting.
Agasti Holding ASA works to ensure open and active communication with the financial market. Open investor presentations are arranged in connection with annual and quarterly results. The company's quarterly and biannual presentations are transmitted live on the internet and are also available on the company's website under Investor Relations. Agasti Holding ASA has applied for and been granted dispensation from the language requirements specified in the legislation on securities trading. Interim reports are therefore published in English only. The company has placed emphasis on further developing and improving the webpages for Investor Relations content. The company complies with Oslo Stock Exchange's recommendations on reporting of IR information, in which, among other things, requirements are set out relating to the information which must be made available on companies' websites. The need for further improvement of these pages is assessed on a continuous basis.
The company's Investor Relations department is in regular contact with shareholders, investors, analysts and the financial market in general.
Shareholders, investors, brokers, analysts and other parties with an interest in Agasti shares are encouraged to contact the company's IR department by e-mail [email protected] or by phone +47 924 54 834. Contact information is easily accessible on the company's website.
14. Corporate takeover
In the event of any takeover bids, the board and management of Agasti Holding ASA have an independent responsibility to ensure that the shareholders in the company are treated equally. The board has particular responsibility for ensuring that shareholders have sufficient information to be able to consider the offer. The board endorses the code of practice's condition that the board cannot try to prevent or impede an offer regarding the company's business or shares, and will adhere to this. No significant share issuance authorisations exist beyond that which is accounted for here, or
other possible measures that can be used to impede or prevent any offer on the company's shares. In the event of an offer for the company's shares, the board will provide a statement with an assessment of the offer and a recommendation to the company's shareholders. If the board is not able to make a recommendation, the reason for this will be given.
In the event of a takeover situation, the board will assess whether to obtain a valuation from an independent expert.
Transactions that, in effect, constitute a sale of the company, will where possible be presented at the general meeting for a final decision.
15. Auditor
The external auditor submits a plan to the board annually, in which the main features of the planned audit are described. The external auditor participates in the board meeting that deals with annual
accounts, as well as other board meetings or audit committee meetings at which significant decisions in relation to accounting or internal control are to be made, along with any other meetings in accordance with the board's wishes. The external auditor shall, on an annual basis, explain the work carried out in the previous financial year including particular circumstances that have been subject to attention or discussion with management. The external auditor can meet with the audit committee and the board without the general management being present.
The external auditor is engaged on the basis of the ordinary conditions for each company in the group. The external auditor carries out limited tasks for the group beyond auditing and assistance with the preparation and reporting of tax accounts. Fees for auditing and consultancy services are explained in the notes to the annual accounts and are also stated in the documentation for the general meeting.
Directors' Report
The Agasti Group
The Agasti Group consists of the parent company Agasti Holding ASA and the wholly-owned subsidiaries Acta Asset Management AS and Acta Kapitalforvaltning AS, including Acta Kapitalforvaltning AS's Swedish branch Acta Kapitalförvaltning. Agasti Holding ASA also owns 66 per cent of Obligo Holding AS, which owns Obligo Investment Management AS, Navexa Securities AB, Obligo Business Services AS and Obligo Accounting Services AS.
Overview of activities and where the group operates
The group was established in 1990 and the controlling company Agasti Holding ASA has been listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange since 2001. The summer of 2015 Audrey Management Holdings S.à r.l., a company established in Luxembourg and managed by Blackstone, entered into an agreement with Agasti Holding ASA to acquire 34 per cent of Agasti's operational activities. The transaction was carried out by Agasti Holding ASA in September 2015 transferred its operational subsidiaries to Obligo Holding AS, in which Audrey Management Holdings S.a.r.l. in October 2015 acquired 34 per cent of. Agasti Holding ASA owns the remaining 66 per cent. The transaction involved a shareholders' agreement between Audrey Management Holdings S.à r.l. and Agasti Holding ASA, where the latter ceded control to an extent that the investment is regarded as a joint venture.
In 2015 Audrey Management Holdings S.à r.l. also entered into an agreement to acquire real estate portfolios managed by the Obligo Group and valued at approximately NOK 22 billion. The transaction was concluded in December 2015. Combined with the acquisition of 34 per cent of Obligo Holding AS, Audrey Management Holdings S.à r.l. became both a part-owner and the most important client and partner in the Obligo Group.
The Obligo Groups main strategy is management of income-producing real estate (excluding retail and logistics assets) in the Nordic region. The Obligo Group also manages several investment companies in shipping, private equity and infrastructure. The group operates in Norway, Sweden, Germany, Luxembourg and the USA.
The Agasti Group does not undertake research and development activities.
Going concern assumption
In accordance with Section 3-3 of the Norwegian Accounting Act, it is hereby confirmed that the accounts have been prepared on the basis of a going concern assumption.
Corporate governance
Agasti Holding ASA has one share class, in which each share entitles the holder to one vote at the company's general meeting.
Agasti Holding ASA's ordinary general meeting has given the company's Board of Directors a proxy to issue new shares. The proxy was granted at the extraordinary general meeting on 9 December 2015 and applies for the issuing of up to 9 million shares with a nominal value of NOK 0.18. The proxy may only be used in connection with private placements to executive personnel in Agasti Holding ASA and its wholly or partially owned subsidiaries in connection with fulfilment of obligations under incentive schemes. The authorisation is valid until the date of the next ordinary general meeting, but no later than 30 June 2016. During 2015, the Board of Directors of Agasti Holding ASA issued 169,831 shares under the said proxy granted by the company's general meeting.
The general meeting of Agasti Holding ASA has authorised the company's Board of Directors to purchase the company's own shares. The proxy was granted at the general meeting on 10 June 2015 and applies to the acquisition of up to 29 million shares with a nominal value of NOK 0.18 within a price range of NOK 0.18 to NOK 10. The authorisation is valid until the date of the next ordinary general meeting, but no later than 30 June 2016. During
2015, the Board of Directors of Agasti Holding ASA has not used the proxy to acquire the company's own shares.
In 2014, the Board of Directors of Agasti Holding ASA adopted a new incentive scheme for selected managers in the group. The scheme is part of a longterm incentive programme, which shall both help to create positive results and attract new employees, and retain existing key persons. Following the transaction where Audrey Management Holdings S.à r.l. acquired 34 per cent of the operational activities in the Agasti Group, Agasti Holding ASA and its wholly owned subsidiaries are now without employees. All employees have been transferred to companies in the Obligo Group, and stock options continue. In 2015, 1.12 million stock options were redeemed by employees in the Agasti and the Obligo Group. At the time of adoption of the annual accounts, a total of 1.18 million stock options are outstanding, of which employees in leading positions hold 980 thousand stock options. The allocation is in accordance with the authorisation granted by the annual general meeting on 26 June 2013.
Agasti Holding ASA has entered into a shareholders' agreement with Audrey Management Holdings S.à r.l. which dilutes Agasti Holding ASA's control in the Obligo Group. The agreement states that the two owners must agree in several important decisions related to the operation and management of the company. Restrictions on Agasti Holding ASA's possible sale of shares in the joint venture are also regulated by the agreement. Any conflicts of interest with minority shareholders are handled continuously by the boards of directors in Agasti Holding ASA and Obligo Holding AS.
In 2015, there have been no material transactions between the company and shareholders, the Board of Directors or management. Potential conflicts of interest between the Board of Directors and these groups are dealt with by the Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors has been extremely committed to following the current applicable rules regarding impartiality and good corporate governance.
The Accounting Act Section 3-3b, Sub-section 2 (statement on corporate governance)
The Board of Directors of Agasti Holding ASA complies with the current applicable Norwegian Code of Practice for Corporate Governance. The Board of Directors has provided a statement on Corporate Governance within the Agasti Group in a separate chapter of the annual report. The statement is also available at www.agasti.no. The statement on corporate governance also explains how the Accounting Act Section 3-3b, Subsection 2 is handled in the Agasti Group.
The Accounting Act Section 3-3c (statement on corporate social responsibility)
The Agasti Group has adopted dedicated corporate social responsibility guidelines, which describe how the group relates to environmental considerations, human rights, working conditions and corporate governance, as well as integrity and control. These guidelines are described in a separate statement on corporate social responsibility, which is included in the group's annual report for 2015
Information on the working environment, equal opportunities and impact on the external environment
At the end of 2015 neither Agasti Holding ASA nor any of its wholly-owned subsidiaries had any employees. All of the operational activities, including all of the employees, were in the fall of 2015 transferred to the joint venture Obligo Holding AS and subsidiaries.
The Obligo Group is considered to have a satisfactory working environment. The sickness absenteeism for the financial year totalled approximately 1.9 per cent compared with 2.2 per cent in 2014. The Agasti Group and the Obligo Group have not had any reported injuries, property damage or accidents of any significance in 2015.
The nature of the group's activities is such that they only have a minor direct impact on the external environment. The Board of Directors places emphasis on equal opportunities between the genders and endeavour to facilitate this. The company's Board of Directors consisted of two women and three men at the end of 2015. As Agasti Holding ASA and its wholly owned subsidiaries no longer have operational activities nor any employees, please refer to Obligo Holding AS' and Obligo Investment Management AS' annual accounts and annual reports for 2015 for further information regarding work environment and equality.
Comments on the annual accounts
From the fourth quarter of 2015, the sale of 34 per cent of the operating business to Audrey Management Holdings S.à r.l. is in the Agasti Group accounted for as a sale of the entire business resulting in a NOK 539 million tax free gain. The remaining 66 per cent share is recognized at fair value and accounted for as an investment in a joint venture according to the equity method. The Obligo Group represents according to IFRS "discontinued operations", and includes all operational business previously carried out by Agasti Holding ASA and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. As from the fourth quarter of 2015, the Agasti Group's main source of income is from the Investment in Obligo Holding AS. The Agasti Group's 66 per cent share of net income after tax in the Obligo Group, adjusted for depreciation and amortization of intangible assets associated with its investment in the joint venture, including the tax effect of the depreciation and amortization, is recognised as operating revenues. Historical figures are adjusted by discontinued operations are extracted from each of the revenue and expense items in the income statement.
In the view of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, the consolidated income statement, the consolidated balance sheet, the consolidated statement of changes in equity and the consolidated cash flow statement, and the notes attached for the group and the company income statement, the company balance sheet and the company cash flow statement with attached notes for Agasti Holding ASA, provide a full and fair account of the operations for the year and the financial position of the group at year end. No conditions have occurred after the end of the financial year that affect this assessment of the group or company's results and financial position that are not presented in the Directors' report or the annual accounts.
Income statement
The Agasti Group's operating revenues from Obligo Holding AS totalled NOK -19 million in 2015. By comparison operating revenues in 2014 was NOK 135. The reduction in relation to the previous year is mainly due to the windup of Navigea Securities AS'1 activities in the first half of 2014, combined with depreciation and amortization of NOK 76 million in intangible assets associated with the investment in the joint venture Obligo Holding AS made in 2015.
During 2015 operating expenses in the Agasti Group totalled NOK 22, compared with NOK 222 million in 2014. The reduction in relation to the previous year is due to the windup of Navigea Securities AS' activities in the first half of 2014, and significant costs in 2014 associated with settlement agreements and provisions for potential settlements with claimants.
Agasti Holding ASA has no external operations, but had in 2015 operating revenues of NOK 53 million from providing internal services within the group.
Earnings
In 2015, the Agasti Group's operating earnings (EBIT) ended at NOK -41 million, compared with NOK -87 million in 2014. The result after tax was NOK 518 million. The corresponding figure for 2014 was NOK -17 million. The improvement is a due to a tax free gain of NOK 539 million following the sale of 34 per cent of the Agasti Group's operational activities.
The group's tax expense for the year is NOK 41 million, compared with NOK -22 million in 2014. The effective tax rate for 2015 is -116.2 per cent. The corresponding figure for 2014 was 28.6 per cent. Comprehensive income for the Agasti Group in 2015 ended at NOK 517 million, compared with NOK -17 million in 2014.
The parent company, Agasti Holding ASA, had operating earnings of NOK 3 million, compared with NOK -21 million in the previous year. The company had a net income of NOK 232 million compared with NOK -4 million the previous year.
Balance sheet
The Agasti Group's total capital at the end of 2015 was NOK 536 million, compared with NOK 383 million at the end of 2014. The increase is mainly due to net income in 2015, partially counteracted by the distribution of sales dividend and depreciation and amortization of intangible assets associated with the investment in the joint venture Obligo Holding AS. Consolidated equity at the end of the year was NOK 510 million, which represents an equity ratio of 95 per cent. The corresponding figures for 2014 were NOK 215 million and 56 per cent, respectively.
Cash flow and liquidity
In 2015 the Agasti Group had a negative cash flow from operating activities of NOK -95 million. The underlying operations in discontinued operations had a positive contribution of approximately NOK 50 million, while continuing operations had a negative cash flow as a result of net assets were transferred to the joint venture. Cash flow from investing activities was NOK 254 million which mainly is a result of the sale of 34 per cent of the group's operational activities, and this represents the major part of the counterpart to the negative cash flow from continuing operational activities. Cash flow from financing activities was NOK -212 million mainly as a result of distribution of sales dividend of NOK 224 million. Liquidity at the start of the year was satisfactory, and is still good at year-end. Net liquid funds for the group at the end of 2015 totalled NOK 53 million. In addition, the Agasti Group had unused overdraft entitlements totalling NOK 15 million. The group expects a continued satisfactory liquidity situation in 2015.
Segment information
Up until 30 September 2015 the Agasti Group reported on the segments Capital Markets, Investment Management and Other. As from 1 October 2015 historic revenues, expenses and operating income of the Obligo activities have been classified as discontinued, and are therefore not included in the segment reporting below. Continuing operations are now represented by the investment in the joint venture and operating expenses in Agasti Holding ASA and its dormant subsidiaries. From 1 October 2015, the Agasti Group has reported on the segments
1) The company has been liquidated, and has been deleted in the Register of Business Enterprises 20 April 2016.
Investment in joint venture and Other. This change to the financial reporting follows Agasti Holding ASA's sale of 34 per cent of the operational activities to Audrey Management Holdings S.à r.l.
Investment in joint venture
As from October 2015, management reporting is focused on the investment in the joint venture Obligo Holding AS, which has now become the main segment Investment in joint venture.
The segment includes Agasti Holding ASA's share of net income in the Obligo Group, adjusted for depreciation and amortizations of intangible assets associated with its investment in Obligo Holding AS.
Operating earnings from the investment in Obligo Holding AS totalled NOK -19 million in 2015, and is recorded as an operating item in the accounts.
Other
Other activities include Agasti Holding ASA, its dormant subsidiaries and effects of eliminations.
Operating revenues was NOK 0 in 2015, compared with NOK 135 million in 2014. Operating earnings ended in 2015 at NOK -21 million, compared with NOK -87 million in 2014.
Regulatory and legal matters
The Agasti Group's business in the Wealth Management business area has been closed down. The Agasti Group entered into settlements on almost all claims against its subsidiary Acta Kapitalforvaltning AS and its Swedish branch in 2015. The settlements materially reduced the group's maximum exposure and residual risks related to be in court in 2016 or later. There are less than 15 remaining claims, and maximum exposure is estimated to be approximately NOK 30 million. Even if a settlement is the preferred solution, we cannot rule out the possibility that Acta Kapitalforvaltning AS will seek bankruptcy protection if settlement negotiations necessitate such decision.
Although a large set of complaints and legal proceedings have been concluded, Acta Kapitalforvaltning AS still receives some complaints relating to investments clients made during the period prior to 2009, but these are regarded as statute-barred claims, which are supported by final and enforceable judgment from Stavanger District Court and Asker and Bærum District Court.
The outcome of the claims filed against Acta Kapitalforvaltning AS is uncertain. The remaining provisions in Acta Kapitalforvaltning AS at 31 December 2015 are NOK 12 million, which the Board of Directors considers to be sufficient to cover future payments.
Capital adequacy requirements
Obligo Holding AS and its subsidiary Obligo Investment Management AS are subject to capital adequacy requirements. Following the sale of 34 per cent of Obligo Holding AS and the subsequent shareholders' agreement which resulted in Agasti Holding ASA from the fourth quarter of 2015 no longer consolidates the investment, Agasti Holding ASA is no longer subject to capital adequacy requirements on a consolidated basis, cf. Section 8-12 of the Securities Trading Act. The Agasti Group was at all times within applicable capital adequacy requirements until the third quarter of 2015.
Risk assessment
The Board of Directors carries out a review of risk management within the Agasti Group on an annual basis. The Board of Directors and CEO are of the opinion that risk management and internal control are generally satisfactory at group level.
Strategic risk
The Agasti Group's main activity is to manage its ownership in Obligo Holding AS to benefit Agasti Holding ASA's shareholders. The Obligo Group's main activity is the management of investment funds, and its revenues depend on its assets under management (AUM). The Obligo Group's AUM was NOK 46 billion at the end of 2015. On a go forward basis (including in 2016), the group's AUM (in the event new acquisitions are not identified and completed) will decline significantly, both as a result of AUM being transferred to other managers and as a result of dispositions (both in the ordinary course, and as a result of certain underlying funds approaching maturity). A decline in current AUM and/or the demand for services offered by the Obligo Group
represents a material and strategic risk factor also for the Agasti Group. The same is true of a decline in revenues in the form of lower margins (in particular in 2016 as a result of agreements signed between Agasti Holding ASA and Audrey Management Holdings S.à r.l. in 2015). Furthermore, the failure of the business model itself, whereby financial profits are not achieved, is a risk that must be classified as strategic. The failure of routines and other conditions of a serious nature at our most important business partners, as well as the risk that the Obligo Group is unable to comply with the regulatory requirements that apply to the group at any given time, will also be important strategic risk factors. The Agasti Group has analysed these risks and considers the strategic risk factors to be manageable.
Operational risk
The Agasti Group has outsourced all of administrative services, including management functions, to companies in the Obligo Group. Failures in the most central processes represent an operational risk. Transaction errors and errors and failures in computer systems are all examples of operational risk. The Agasti Group has carried out these risk assessments and considers the operational risk factors to be satisfactory.
Financial risk
The Agasti Group has satisfactory liquidity. The Agasti Group has relatively low exposure to financial instruments. The group's liquidity is held in the form of bank deposits. At the end of 2015, the Agasti Group had no interest-bearing liabilities and therefore has no interest rate risk related to borrowed capital.
The financial market risk is mainly limited to future income being affected by changes in market prices of the products and services provided by the Obligo Group, as well as general market fluctuations. The value of Agasti Holding ASA's investment in Obligo Holding AS will depend on the Obligo Group's earnings and dividend capacity.
The currency risk in the Agasti Group is mainly linked to a convertible bond Agasti Holding ASA in 2012 gave to a former business partner in the United States. The Board of Directors and management
have assessed this risk as acceptable, and have on this basis chosen not to undertake currency hedging at the current time.
As at 31 December 2015, Agasti Holding ASA had issued a parent company guarantee for short-term debt in Acta Kapitalforvaltning AS of NOK 6 million.
The risk that a client or other counterparty does not have the economic ability to fulfil their obligations is regarded as relatively low. Total receivables and accrued income as at 31 December 2015 totalled NOK 2 million. Historically, losses on receivables have been low.
Events after balance sheet date
On 29 February 2016 Obligo Holding AS and TRaC Services AS entered into a share purchase agreement regarding the sale and purchase of the shares in Agasti Capital Markets AS. The share transfer was effectuated the same day.
There are no other significant events after the balance sheet date that affect the opinions of the balance sheet and income statement items in the accounts.
Future prospects
The Agasti Group's revenues and earnings will going forward depend on the profitability and dividend capacity in the joint venture Obligo Holding AS. The Obligo Group has an ambition to take a leading position in the Nordic market for investment and management of real estate. Obligo is also considering various options within infrastructure. When it comes to private equity and shipping investments, the Obligo Group's main strategy is to continue to maximise value for the underlying investors and manage until maturity.
Profitability
In 2015, the Agasti Group achieved its best financial results since 2008. There is healthy cost control across the entire group, and the Board of Directors will continue to focus on this in the future. Going forward, the group's profitability will depend on earnings in the joint venture Obligo Holding AS.
Statements relating to assessments of future
conditions will always be associated with a significant degree of uncertainty and risk. All statements, excluding those of a historical nature, must therefore not be understood as any form of guarantee or security regarding future development.
Dividends
The Board of Directors of Agasti Holding ASA has proposed that dividends shall be paid with NOK 0.38 per share for the financial year 2015. This comes in addition to the sales dividend of NOK 0.76 per share paid in December 2015.
Distribution and transfers – Agasti Holding ASA
The Board of Directors proposes that the net income of NOK 231,846 thousand for 2015 should be distributed as follows:
All amounts in thousands of NOK
| Total transfers | 231,846 |
|---|---|
| Transferred to other reserves | 119,971 |
| Provision for dividends to shareholder | 111,874 |
Oslo, 28 April 2016
Chairman of the Board Board member
Board member
Board member Board member
CEO
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME – IFRS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015
| All amounts in thousands of NOK | Note | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|---|
| From continued operations | |||
| Other revenues | 2 | 438 | 134 817 |
| Operating revenues | 438 | 134 817 | |
| Wages and salaries | 3 | 32 467 | 119 168 |
| Depreciations | 6, 7 | 739 | 1 340 |
| Other operating expenses | 4 | -11 410 | 101 045 |
| Total operating expenses | 21 795 | 221 553 | |
| Income after tax from joint venture | 2, 9 | -19 309 | 0 |
| Operating income | -40 666 | -86 736 | |
| Financial income | 4 | 7 205 | 17 991 |
| Financial expenses | 4 | 1 394 | 6 600 |
| Net financial items | 5 811 | 11 391 | |
| Net income before taxes | -34 855 | -75 345 | |
| Income taxes | 17 | 40 500 | -21 569 |
| NET INCOME | -75 354 | -53 776 | |
| Net income from continued operations | -75 354 | -53 776 | |
| Net income after tax from discontinued operations | 8, 9 | 593 150 | 36 719 |
| Net income in reporting period | 517 795 | -17 057 | |
| Other revenues and expenses | |||
| Items to be reclassified to Profit and Loss in subsequent periods | |||
| Currency translation differences | -358 | -133 | |
| Total Other revenues and expenses | -358 | -133 | |
| COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR (no minority interests) | 517 437 | -17 190 | |
| Earnings per share | 12 | 1,76 | -0,06 |
| Earnings per share – diluted | 12 | 1,76 | na |
| Earnings per share from continuing operations | 12 | -0,25 | -0,18 |
| Earnings per share – diluted – from continuing operations | 12 | na | na |
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (BALANCE) – IFRS AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2015
| All amounts in thousands of NOK | Note | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASSETS | |||
| Non-current assets | |||
| Goodwill | 6 | 0 | 43 554 |
| Other intangible assets | 6 | 0 | 16 092 |
| Deferred tax assets | 17 | 0 | 53 822 |
| Fixed assets | 7 | 0 | 5 086 |
| Investment in joint venture | 5, 9, 22 | 437 370 | 0 |
| Other financial assets | 5, 22 | 22 023 | 18 583 |
| Total non-current assets | 459 393 | 137 138 | |
| Current assets | |||
| Other financial assets | 5, 15, 22 | 20 780 | 44 878 |
| Current receivables | 5, 14, 22 | 2 103 | 94 667 |
| Bank deposits | 5, 22 | 53 453 | 106 497 |
| Total current assets | 76 337 | 246 042 | |
| TOTAL ASSETS | 535 730 | 383 180 | |
| EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | |||
| Equity | |||
| Share capital | 12 | 52 993 | 52 962 |
| Share premium reserve | 67 744 | 67 572 | |
| Other paid-in equity | 18 501 | 18 213 | |
| Total paid-in equity | 139 237 | 138 747 | |
| Other equity | 370 359 | 78 437 | |
| Total retained earnings | 370 359 | 78 437 | |
| Total equity | 509 597 | 215 189 | |
| Liabilities | |||
| Other long-term liabilities | 5, 21, 22 | 0 | 18 668 |
| Total other long-term liabilities | 0 | 18 668 | |
| Accounts payable | 5, 22 | 565 | 12 911 |
| Liabilities to credit institutions | 5, 19, 21 | 0 | 200 |
| Tax payable | 17 | 476 | 1 197 |
| Taxes and public fees payable | 943 | 15 298 | |
| Dividends | 16 | 24 149 | 119 716 |
| Provisions and other current liabilities | 26 133 | 149 322 | |
| Total liabilities | 26 133 | 167 991 | |
| TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | 535 730 | 383 180 |
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY – IFRS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015
| Share | Share premium |
Other paid | Conversion | Losses/ Other |
Equity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All amounts in thousands of NOK | capital | reserve | in equity | difference 1) | equity | capital |
| Balance as at 01 January 2014 | 52 825 | 66 964 | 16 218 | 6 424 | 87 319 | 229 750 |
| Net income | -17 169 | -17 169 | ||||
| Currency translation difference | -133 | -133 | ||||
| Profit for the year | 0 | 0 | 0 | -133 | -17 169 | -17 302 |
| Deposits from and payments to owners |
||||||
| Rights issue | 137 | 608 | 745 | |||
| Stock option programme | 1 995 | 1 995 | ||||
| Balance as at 31 December 2014 | 52 962 | 67 572 | 18 213 | 6 291 | 70 150 | 215 189 |
| Balance as at 01 January 2015 | 52 962 | 67 573 | 18 213 | 6 291 | 70 150 | 215 189 |
| Net income | 517 795 | 517 795 | ||||
| Currency translation difference | -358 | -358 | ||||
| Profit for the year | 0 | 0 | 0 | -358 | 517 795 | 517 437 |
| Deposits from and payments to owners |
||||||
| Dividends | -223 520 | -223 520 | ||||
| Rights issue | 31 | 172 | 203 | |||
| Stock option programme | 288 | 288 | ||||
| Balance as at 31 December 2015 | 52 993 | 67 745 | 18 501 | 5 933 | 364 426 | 509 597 |
1) The translation difference is attributed to the translation of the assets and liabilities from SEK to NOK of a Swedish subsidiary and Swedish branches and the translation of the assets and liabilities from USD to NOK from Obligo Real Estate, Inc.
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW – IFRS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015
| All amounts in thousands of NOK Note |
2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| OPERATING ACTIVITIES | ||
| Net income before tax from continued operations | -34 855 | -75 345 |
| Net income before tax from discontinued operations 8 |
593 150 | 36 719 |
| Taxes paid in reporting period 17 |
0 | 0 |
| Depreciations/Write-downs 6, 7 |
739 | 1 340 |
| Stock options charged against income 3 |
-212 | 1 995 |
| Other income not effecting cash flow | -542 760 | 14 277 |
| Change in current receivables | 92 564 | -3 334 |
| Change in accounts payable | -12 346 | -981 |
| Change in other accruals | -191 311 | -10 647 |
| Net cash flow from operating activities | -95 030 | -14 682 |
| INVESTING ACTIVITIES | ||
| Payments for acquisition of fixed assets 7 |
-5 194 | -2 257 |
| Sale of shares in joint venture 6 |
235 300 | 0 |
| Proceeds from sale of shares 8 |
24 200 | 0 |
| Payments for acquisition of other financial assets | 0 | -335 |
| Net cash flow from investing activities | 254 306 | -2 592 |
| FINANCING ACTIVITIES | ||
| Change in long-term debt | 11 200 | -10 000 |
| Payments in share capital | 200 | 745 |
| Dividends 13 |
-223 520 | 0 |
| Net cash flow from financing activities | -212 120 | -9 255 |
| Net cash flow in reporting period | -52 844 | -26 528 |
| Bank deposits, short-term investments, etc. as at 01.01. | 106 297 | 131 157 |
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | 0 | 1 669 |
| Bank deposits, short-term investments, bank overdrafts, etc. as at 31.12. | 53 453 | 106 298 |
| Unused overdraft facilities | 15 000 | 29 800 |
| Bank deposits and investments Overdraft facilities |
53 453 0 |
106 497 -200 |
| Net bank deposits, bank overdrafts, etc. as at 31.12. | 53 453 | 106 297 |
Contents notes Group
| Note 1 | Accounting principles | 44 |
|---|---|---|
| Note 2 | Segment information | 51 |
| Note 3 | Salary costs, total employees, remuneration, loans to employees, etc | 52 |
| Note 4 | Combined items in the income statement | 55 |
| Note 5 | Financial instruments | 56 |
| Note 6 | Goodwill and other intangible assets | 58 |
| Note 7 | Fixed assets | 59 |
| Note 8 | Discontinued operations | 60 |
| Note 9 | Investment in joint venture | 61 |
| Note 10 | Acquisitions | 62 |
| Note 11 | Shares in subsidiaries and joint venture | 62 |
| Note 12 | Share capital and shareholder information | 63 |
| Note 13 | Dividends | 64 |
| Note 14 | Current receivables | 64 |
| Note 15 | Financial assets – Marketable securities | 65 |
| Note 16 | Provisions and other current liabilities | 65 |
| Note 17 | Income taxes | 66 |
| Note 18 | Related parties | 67 |
| Note 19 | Financial risk | 67 |
| Note 20 Capital management | 68 | |
| Note 21 | Assets pledged as collateral and guarantees | 68 |
| Note 22 Determination of fair value | 68 | |
| Note 23 | Events after balance sheet date | 71 |
Notes on the consolidated accounts
Note 1 Accounting principles
1.1 Basis for preparation of the consolidated accounts
The consolidated accounts are presented in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and interpretations from the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), which are approved by the EU as of 31 December 2015.
The annual accounts consist of the Agasti Group's income statement, balance sheet, consolidated changes in equity, cash flow and notes. The annual accounts constitute a whole and are prepared using the historical cost principle, with the exception of financial instruments, which are entered at fair value through profit or loss which is entered at fair value.
The head office of Agasti Holding ASA has the address P.O.Box 1753 Vika, 0122 Oslo. The annual accounts were submitted by the Board on 28 April 2016.
The accounting principles described below are used consistently for all the periods presented in the consolidated accounts.
1.2 Consolidation principles
The consolidated accounts include the parent company Agasti Holding ASA and the companies that Agasti Holding ASA controls. An enterprise is considered to be controlled by the Group when the Group is subject to or has rights to variable returns from its involvement in the enterprise concerned, and has the opportunity to influence these returns through its power over the enterprise. The Group therefore controls an enterprise in which it has an investment, if and only if, the Group:
- has power over the enterprise
- is exposed to or has rights to variable returns from its involvement in the enterprise
- has the opportunity to use its power over the enterprise in order to influence its returns.
If the Group has a majority of the voting rights in an enterprise, the enterprise is presumably a subsidiary of the Group. In order to underpin this presumption and where the Group does not hold a majority of the voting rights, the Group considers all relevant facts and circumstances, in order to evaluate whether or not the Group controls the enterprise in which it has
an investment. Including assessing among other things, ownership interests, voting interests, ownership structure and relative strengths, as well as options controlled by the Group and shareholder agreements or other agreements. The assessments are carried out for each investment. The Group undertakes a reassessment of the controls whether or not it controls an enterprise when facts and circumstances indicate that there has been a change in one or more of the control elements
The financial accounts of the subsidiaries are included in the consolidated accounts from the point at which control is achieved and until its cessation. Companies that are included in the consolidation are listed in note 9. Intercompany accounts and any unrealised gains and losses or revenue and expenses arising from transactions within the Group, are eliminated during the preparation of the consolidated accounts.
The consolidated accounts have been drawn up on the basis of uniform principles by applying the same accounting principles in the subsidiaries as in the parent company. Shares in subsidiaries are eliminated.
1.3 Critical accounting estimates and judgements
The preparation of the consolidated accounts entails that the management makes estimates, judgements and assumptions that impact the effect of the application of the accounting principles. This will therefore affect the amounts for assets and liabilities, income and expenses recognised in the accounts. Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and various other factors, including expectations of future events, which are believed to be reasonable on the balance sheet date. Changes in accounting estimates are entered in the period in which the estimates are changed, and in all future periods that are affected.
Fair value of financial instruments
Fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market is determined using various valuation techniques. The Group evaluates and selects methods and assumptions that, wherever possible, are based on the market conditions on the balance sheet date. In valuing financial instruments for which observable data is not available, the Group will make assumptions about what the market will use as the basis for the valuation of similar financial instruments. The valuations require a high level of discretion in the calculation of liquidity risk, credit
risk and volatility. A change in the mentioned factors can affect the determined fair value of the Group's financial instruments. See also Note 5 Financial instruments.
Investment in joint venture – measured at fair value The investment in joint venture is measured at fair value and accounts for 82 per cent of the overall balance and 86 per cent of consolidated equity. The main portions of future operating income and dividend capacity are expected to derive from the Group's share of net income after tax in the joint venture.
Fair value of the investment was observed in the transaction where Agasti Holding ASA sold a 34 per cent to an independent third party, and has since then been assessed and compared to best estimates of future cash flows after tax from the investment. The cash flows are estimated for each of the next five years, plus a residual value base don expected growth rate, and the cash flows are discounted by an estimated after tax cost of capital.
Future cash flows are by nature uncertain, and the Group has made a number of judgements which materially impact the estimated fair value.
The Group's main activity is to manage its ownership in Obligo Holding AS to the best of Agasti Holding ASA's shareholders. The Obligo group's main activity is to manage investment funds and the income from this will depend on the underlying value of these funds. At the balance sheet date, the Obligo group managed approximately NOK 46 billion in assets. Assuming that the Obligo group does not identify new projects to manage, the assets under management will decline materially in 2016 due to asset transfers and sales. A reduction in the assets under management or other Obligo services represent a significant strategic risk to the Agasti group. Similarly holds true for reduce income due to lower asset management fees, especially in the second half of 2016 as a consequence of agreements entered into in 2015 between Agasti Holding ASA and Audrey Management Holdings S.à.r.l.
The most important assumptions for the estimated fair value of the investment are thus related to the size and development of assets under management (AUM); the rate of management fees in per cent of AUM; incentive based fees, if any; future costs, especially related to variable remuneration; required rate of return, and future growth rate.
Judgements and estimates related to AUM AUM changes over time as a result of agreed maturity dates, restructuring of assets, purchases and sales of assets, and the changes in underlying valuations. Estimates are based on known and expected conditions per fund and an expected distribution of sales and purchases over time. The risk is asymmetric in that the downside is capped at zero whereas there is no upside limitation. The Group has assumed a fairly small annual net growth in AUM. A permanent change in annual net growth of 33 per cent would, everything else equal, imply an estimated 19 per cent change in fair value.
Judgements and estimates related to management fees
Management fees are agreed per fund, and may include fixed and variable elements. A material part of the portfolio is subject to renegotiation of fees in the near future, and this increases the uncertainty of future recurring and variable management fees.
A 10 per cent increase (reduction) in fixed fees would result in a five per cent increase (decrease) in estimated fair value.
Judgements and estimates related to required rate of return
The estimated required rate of return is based on a standard model for estimating required rate of return on equity (the CAPM model), and weighted cost of capital (WACC). CAPM is based on risk free rate, the company's Beta, a risk premium in the market and a risk premium specific to the company. WACC is estimated by weighting the required rate of return on equity and the estimated cost of debt on the basis of the company's debt ratio, and adjust this for the expected tax rates.
The Group has to the extent possible used observable input in estimating the cost of capital after tax at 8.9 per cent. A 0.5 per cent increase in the cost of capital would result in a six per cent decrease in estimated fair value, whereas a 0.5 per cent reduction in cost of capital would result in an eight per cent increase in the estimated fair value.
Judgements and estimates related to future costs The Obligo group has already completed a comprehensive restructuring and implemented cost cutting initiatives and it is expected that additional initiatives will be implemented to further reduce costs. The estimated fair value is based on the expectation that the joint venture will be successful in implementing
such initiatives. There is an asymmetric risk related to these assumptions since there is a larger probability of costs ending up at a higher level than below expectations.
A 10 per cent increase (decrease) in operating costs would result in a 17 per cent reduction (increase) in estimated fair value.
Judgements and estimates related to future growth rate
The terminal value represents a material part of the overall cash flows used to estimate the fair value. The terminal value is based on estimated cash flows for the year 2020, and is a function of the required rate of return and the expected growth rate.
The growth rate is based on underlying expectations of long term rates of inflation and a positive view of the property markets in the Nordic region.
A 0.5 per cent increase in the growth rate would lead to a six per cent increase in the estimated fair value, whereas a 0.5 per cent reduction in the growth rate would lead to a five per cent reduction in the
estimated fair value.
Income tax, including deferred tax assets The Group is subject to income taxes within Norway, and to a limited degree in Sweden.
The Group has decided to expense previously recognised deferred tax assets because the restructuring of the Group and the subsequent establishment of a joint venture imply that most of future income will be tax free, while operating expenses will be tax deductible and lead to tax losses. The underlying tax positions which give rise to future tax deductions may be used if the Group have future net taxable income.
Contingencies
The Group has as a result of past activities in Norway and Sweden been party to legal disputes, and some still remain to be solved. Any effects on the accounts are assessed in each individual instance. The Group evaluates, among other things, the likelihood of an unfavourable outcome and the feasibility of reasonably estimating a possible loss. See Note 16 Provisions and other current liabilities.
Summary of balance sheet items related to critical judgements and estimates:
| Balance sheet item | 2015 | 2014 | Note | Critical judgements and estimates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investment in joint venture | 437 370 | 0 | 5, 9, 22 | Net present value of relevant cash flows |
| Other current financial assets | 20 780 | 44 878 | 5, 22 | Net present value of relevant cash flows |
| Deferred tax assets | 0 | 53 822 | 17 | Net present value of relevant cash flows |
| Contingencies | 11 507 | 47 000 | 16 | Outcome of legal cases and negotiations |
1.4 Currency
Transactions in foreign currency are converted using the exchange rate in effect at the time of the transaction.
Monetary assets and liabilities in foreign currency are converted to Norwegian kroner by using the exchange rate on the balance sheet date. The exchange rate difference as a result of conversion is included in the income statement. Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured at historical cost in foreign currency are converted at the exchange rate at the time of the transaction. Non-monetary assets and liabilities with a nominal value in foreign currencies, which are stated at fair value, are translated into Norwegian kroner by using the exchange rate in effect on the date the fair value was determined.
1.5 Conversion of foreign units
The assets and liabilities of foreign operations, including goodwill and fair value adjustments arising from consolidation, are translated into Norwegian kroner at the foreign exchange rates in effect on the balance sheet date. The revenues and expenses of foreign operations are translated into Norwegian kroner at rates approximating the foreign exchange rates in effect on the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange differences arising from translation are specified as a translation difference in the equity. They are recognised in the profit and loss statement upon disposal of the foreign unit.
1.6 Revenue
Income is entered in the accounts when it is earned. Entry of income normally occurs at the time of delivery for the sale of services.
Commission earnings on subscriptions to funds, insurance (unit-linked), real estate shares, and shares in shipping, private equity, infrastructure and renewable energy companies are recognised when written agreements have been entered into with clients and clients' payment of the agreed subscription amount and commission have been confirmed. Revenue from new subscriptions to structured products is recognised when binding agreements are entered into with clients. Insertion fees are recognised when the client adds new funds to the portfolio account.
Recurring revenues and management fees are recognised on an on-going basis, based on estimated income. The estimate builds upon a calculated average of the portfolio with the fund provider, and the relevant commission rate according to the agreement. Consultancy and portfolio account fees are calculated on the basis of the client's holdings and recognised on an on-going basis.
The fees for the syndication of real estate, shipping, private equity, infrastructure and renewable energy companies etc. are recognised when the fees are accrued according to agreements.
Performance-based fees are recognised at the time of liquidation of the portfolios.
The structure margin from structured products is recognised when underlying security instruments are traded and margins are finally determined.
Dividends are recognised when the right to receive payment is determined. Interest income and other financial income is recognised when earned.
1.7 Expenses
Expenses are generally accrued in line with receipt of goods and services. Commission-based remuneration to advisors is recognised when a payment commitment arises in accordance with agreements and it is probable that the remuneration will be paid. Interest income and other financial income is recognised when earned.
1.8 Provisions
A provision is entered when the Group has a liability as a result of a previous incident, where it is probable that an economic settlement will occur as a result of this liability and the amount's size can be reliably measured. If the effect is significant, the provision is calculated by discounting the expected future cash flow with a discount rate before tax, which reflects the market's price setting of the time value of money
and, if relevant, risks specifically linked to the liability.
Restructuring provisions are entered when the Group has approved a detailed and formal restructuring plan, and the restructuring has either started or been announced.
1.9 Defined contribution pension schemes
Obligations for contributions to defined contribution pension schemes are entered as expenses in the income statement when incurred.
1.10 Share-based payment transactions
Employee stock options are measured at fair value at the time of distribution. The stock options are valued according to the Black & Scholes model. The calculated value is recognised as a personnel costs, with a corresponding entry in other paid-in equity. The cost is divided over the period until the employees become unconditionally entitled to the stock options.
1.11 Main rules for valuation and classification of assets and liabilities
Assets that are expected to be realised in the Group's ordinary operating cycle or within twelve months after the balance sheet date, and assets in the form of cash or cash equivalents, are classified as current assets. All other assets are classified as fixed assets.
Liabilities that are expected to be settled in the Group's normal operating cycle, which fall due for settlement within twelve months after the balance sheet date, or where the Group does not have an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least twelve months after the balance sheet date, are classified as current liabilities. All other assets are classified as non-current liabilities.
1.12 Fixed assets
Fixed assets are entered at cost price with deductions for accumulated depreciations and write-downs. Fixed assets are depreciated linearly over the asset's expected lifetime, taking into account any residual value. The estimated economic lifetime is as follows:
- Machines and equipment 3-5 years
- Fixtures and fittings 4-7 years
Leasehold improvements are classified as fixed assets and included in fixed assets in the balance sheet. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the lease's lifetime.
Expenses incurred in replacing parts of property, plant and equipment are entered in the balance
sheet as the value for an item of property, plant and equipment when such expenses are expected to give the company future economic benefits related to the replacements, and the costs for the replaced parts can be reliably measured. All other expenses are entered in the accounts in the period they are incurred.
When parts of equipment have different economic lifetimes, they are entered in the accounts as separate parts. Residual value is reassessed annually if this is significant.
The values of fixed assets entered in the balance sheet, which are depreciated, are tested for a reduction in value if indications of such exist. If an asset's entered value is higher than the asset's recoverable value, a loss of value is entered in the accounts. The recoverable value is the highest of the net sales value and the fixed asset's use value. Fixed assets are grouped and assessed at the lowest level for measurement of cash flow.
If there is an identifiable need for write-down, the asset is valued at the lower of the value entered in the balance sheet and the recoverable value.
1.13 Intangible assets
Intangible assets acquired separately are entered in the balance sheet at cost. The cost of intangible assets acquired through acquisitions is recorded in the balance sheet at fair value. Entered intangible assets are entered at cost, reduced for any depreciations and write-downs. Internally generated intangible assets, excluding development costs included in the balance sheet, are not included in the sheet, but expensed on an on-going basis. The economic lifetime is either definite or indefinite. Intangible assets with a definite lifetime are depreciated over the economic lifetime and tested for write-downs in the event of indications of such. The depreciation method and period is assessed at least once a year. Changes in the depreciation method or period are treated as estimated changes. Intangible assets with indefinite lifetimes are tested for write-downs at least once a year, either individually or as a part of a cash flow generating unit. Intangible assets with an indefinite lifetime are not depreciated. The lifetime is assessed annually, with consideration of whether the assumption of an indefinite lifetime is justifiable. If not, the change to definite lifetime is handled prospectively.
Patents and licences
Amounts paid for patents and licences are entered
in the balance sheet and depreciated linearly over the expected useful life. The expected lifetime for patents and licences varies from five to ten years.
Software
Expenses linked to the purchase of new software are entered in the balance sheet as an intangible asset, if these expenses are not a part of the original hardware cost. Software is normally depreciated linearly over four to five years. Expenses incurred as a result of maintaining or upholding the future benefit of software are expensed if the changes in the software do not increase the future economic benefit of the software.
1.14 Business combinations
Business combinations are entered in accordance with the purchase method. Transaction expenses are entered when they are incurred.
The consideration of an acquisition is measured at fair value at the date of acquisition and consists of cash and issued shares in Agasti Holding ASA
In the event of acquisition of a company, all acquired assets and liabilities are assessed for classification and mapping in accordance with contract terms, economic circumstances and relevant conditions at the time of acquisition. Acquired assets and liabilities are entered in the balance sheet at fair value in the opening balance. Allocation of goodwill in the event of business combinations is changed if new information regarding fair value applicable on the date for takeover of control is obtained. The allocation can be changed up to 12 months after the date of acquisition. Minority interests are calculated at the minority's share of the identifiable assets and liabilities. Selection of the method used is carried out for each individual business combination.
In the event of a stepwise acquisition, previous ownership stakes are measured at fair value at the time of acquisition. Value changes on previous ownership stakes are entered in the profit or loss accounts.
Goodwill is calculated as the sum of the consideration and the entered value of minority interests and the fair value of previously owned shares, with deductions for the net value of identifiable assets and liabilities calculated at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is not depreciated, but tested for a reduction in value at least once a year, or in the event of an indication of a reduction in value. In connection with an assessment of write-downs, goodwill is allocated to the cash flow generating units or groups of cash flow generating
units that are expected to receive synergies from the business combination. The part of the equity's fair value that exceeds the consideration (negative goodwill) is posted as revenue immediately at the time of acquisition.
1.15 Financial instruments
Financial instruments are classified in the following categories: fair value with changes through profit or loss, hold to maturity and loans and receivables. Financial assets with fixed or determinable cash flows and specific maturity dates, where the Group has the intention and ability to hold the investment to maturity, are classified as investments held to maturity, with the exception of the instruments that the organisation designates as at fair value with value changes through profit and loss or available for sale, or which meet the criteria for entry in the loans and receivables category.
Financial assets with fixed or determinable cash flows which are not listed on an active market are classified as loans and receivables, with the exception of instruments which the Group has designated as at fair value with value changes through profit and loss.
Financial liabilities that do not come under the category of held for trading, and which are not designated as at fair value with value changes through profit and loss, are classified as other liabilities.
Financial instruments held to maturity are included in financial fixed assets unless the maturity date is within 12 months of the balance sheet date. Other financial instruments are presented as current assets if the management has decided to dispose of the instrument within 12 months of the balance sheet date. Investments held to maturity, loans and receivables and other liabilities are entered at amortised cost. Changes in fair value of financial instruments which are designated as at fair value with value changes through profit and loss are entered and presented as financial income/expenses.
The fair value of financial instruments that are traded on active markets is determined at the end of the reporting period with reference to listed market prices or prices from traders of financial instruments (bid price for long positions and offer price for short positions), without deductions for transaction costs.
For financial instruments that are not traded on an active market, the fair value is determined using an appropriate valuation method. Such valuation
methods include using recent arm's length market transactions between well-informed and willing parties, if such transactions are available, reference to the current fair value of another instrument that is practically the same, discounted cash flow analysis or other valuation models.
The Group classifies its fair value measurements by use of a fair value hierarchy which reflects the degree of objectivity in the input used. The hierarchy has three levels;
- Level 1: unadjusted input from active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
- Level 2: directly or indirectly observable quoted prices for assets or liabilities;
- Level 3 input which is not observable in markets.
An analysis of the fair value of financial instruments and further details about the measurement of this is provided in notes 5 and 20.
1.16 Income tax
Income tax consists of tax for the period and the change in deferred tax. Liabilities and deferred tax assets are calculated on all differences between accounting and tax values of assets and liabilities with the exception of:
- Initial recognition of goodwill
- Initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination and, at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting profit nor taxable income (tax loss)
- Temporary differences relating to investments in subsidiaries, associate companies or joint ventures when the Group controls when the temporary differences will be reversed and this is not expected to occur in the foreseeable future.
A deferred tax asset is recognised when it is probable that the company will have sufficient taxable profit in future periods to benefit from the tax asset. The companies recognise previously unrecognised deferred tax assets to the extent that it is probable that the company will be able to make use of the deferred tax asset. The company will also reduce deferred tax assets to the extent that the company no longer considers it probable that it can utilise the deferred tax asset.
Liabilities and deferred tax assets are measured based on the expected future tax rates for the companies in the Group for which temporary differences have arisen. Liabilities and deferred tax assets are recognised
at nominal value and are classified as fixed assets (non-current liabilities) in the balance sheet. Tax for the period and deferred tax assets or liabilities are recognised directly against equity to the extent that the tax items relate to equity transactions.
1.17 Leasing agreements
Leases where the most significant risks and returns associated with ownership of the asset are not acquired by the company are classified as operating lease agreements. Lease payments are classified as an operating expense, and are recognised linearly over the contract period.
1.18 Segment reporting
The company has segment reporting based on business areas. This grouping coincides with the way in which the Group management receives reported figures and evaluates them. The accounting principles for segment reporting are the same as for the Group accounting in general. Transactions between segments are valued using the arm's length principle.
1.19 Events after balance sheet date
New information after the balance sheet date, of the company's financial position at the balance sheet date, is included in the annual accounts. Events after the balance sheet date that do not affect the company's financial position at the balance sheet date, but which will affect the company's future financial position are disclosed if they are significant.
1.20 Changes in accounting principles and notes
Changes in accounting principles:
The accounting principles applied are consistent with those applied in the previous accounting period.
1.21 Implementation of IFRS
The standards and interpretations adopted until the time of preparing the Group accounts, but where the effective date is in the future are specified below. The Group's intention is to implement the relevant changes on the effective date, provided that the EU approves the changes prior to preparation of the Group accounts.
IFRS 9 Financial instruments
In July 2014 IASB published the final subproject in IFRS 9 and the standard has now been finalised. IFRS 9 involves changes relating to the classification and measurement, hedge accounting and impairment. IFRS 9 will replace IAS 39 Financial instruments –
recognition and measurement. The parts of IAS 39 that have not changed as part of this project is transferred and included in IFRS 9.
The standard is not yet approved by the EU. For enterprises with a duty to register and document income and expenses for tax purposes outside the EU/EEA, the standard will apply with effect from the financial year beginning 1 January 2018 or later. Significant changes are not expected as a result of the implementation of IFRS 9.
IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers IASB and FASB have released a new common standard for revenue recognition, IFRS 15. The standard replaces all existing standards and interpretations for revenue recognition. The core principle in IFRS 15 is that revenues are recognised to reflect the transfer of agreed goods or services to customers, and then to an amount that reflects the consideration the company expects to be entitled to in exchange for these goods or services. The standard applied to all revenue contracts and includes a model for recognition and measurement of the sale of certain non-financial assets (e.g. sale of property, plant and equipment).
The standard is not yet approved by the EU. For enterprises with a duty to register and document income and expenses for tax purposes outside the EU/EEA, the standard will apply with effect from the financial year beginning 1 January 2017 or later.
There is no final analysis of possible changes resulting from the implementation of IFRS 15.
IFRS 16 Rental agreements
IFRS 16 sets principles that both parties in a contract, i.e. the customer ("the tenant") and the supplier ("The landlord") must follow to provide relevant information about rental agreements so that the accounting represents the reality of the transactions. The standard requires the tenant to recognise assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for most rental agreements. The new standard allows tenants either to take a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach for rental agreements that exist at the time of transition to the new standard. The standard comes into effect from the accounting year 2019. As of the balance sheet date, the Group has no rental agreements and expects that the standard will have no material effect on the consolidated balances and net income.
Note 2 Segment information
Business related segments
IFRS 8 requires that the Group uses a management approach for identification of the segments. The information that is reported is that which the Group management uses internally for evaluating segment performance and deciding how resources are to be allocated to the segments. It is Group management which decides significant matters relating to multiple segments.
For reporting purposes internally and externally, the Group uses business related segments. On the basis of the changes that have been made in the Group's business model, the segment reporting was reorganised with effect from the fourth quarter of 2015.
Up until the third quarter of 2015, Agasti reported on the Capital Markets, Investment Management and Other segments. Capital Markets, Investment Management and IT services provided by Obligo Business Services which was previously part of the Other segment, have from the fourth quarter been a part of the joint venture and classified as discontinued operations.
Provided that the activities in previously reported segments are now classified as discontinued operations with retroactive effect, there are no reportable revenues or operating expenses in these historic segments. Following the restructuring of the business in the fourth quarter of 2015, there is however a new
segment – investment in joint venture (JV). The group classifies its share of net income after tax and related amortisations of intangible assets net of tax as other operating revenues.
The JV consists primarily of asset management of funds invested in real estate, private equity, shipping and infrastructure. The activities previously related to Capital Markets have recently been sold to third parties.
The Other segment consists of operations in the parent company, its subsidiaries and eliminations.
The activities which previously gave rise to consolidated capital requirements in the Capital Markets segment are classified as discontinued operations and classified as part of the investment in JV. The group is, as of the balance sheet date, therefore no longer subject to consolidated capital requirements.
Financial information about the investment in JV is provided in note 9.
Comparative figures:
Each segment consists of groupings of legal entities. The changes indicated above are reflected in the comparative figures in that accounting items in relevant legal entities are included in the respective periods in the segment in which they now belong.
| 2015 | 2014 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Segments All amounts in thousands of NOK |
Operating revenues |
Operating costs |
Operating income |
Result from continued operations |
Operating revenues |
Operating costs |
Operating income |
Result from continued operations |
| Capital Markets | 0 | 0 | 0 | na | 0 | 0 | 0 | na |
| Investment Management |
0 | 0 | 0 | na | 0 | 0 | 0 | na |
| Investment in joint venture | -19 309 | - | -19 309 | -19 309 | 0 | 0 | 0 | na |
| Other | 438 | 21 795 | -21 357 | -21 357 | 134 817 | 221 553 | -86 736 | -86 736 |
| Total segments | -18 871 | 21 795 | -40 666 | -40 666 | 134 817 | 221 553 | -86 736 | -86 736 |
| Net finance | 5 811 | 11 391 | ||||||
| Income before tax | -34 855 | -75 345 | ||||||
| Tax payable | 40 500 | -21 569 | ||||||
| Income after tax from discontinued operations |
593 150 | 36 719 | ||||||
| Income | 517 795 | -17 057 | ||||||
| Tax rate | -116.2% | 28.6% |
Note 2 Segment information (continued)
Other information
| 2015 | 2014 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Segments All amounts in thousands of NOK |
Total assets |
Total liabilities |
Revenue in Norway |
Revenue outside Norway |
Total assets |
Total liabilities |
Revenue in Norway |
Revenue outside Norway |
| Capital Markets | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Investment Management |
- | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Investment in joint venture | 437 370 | - | -19 309 | - | - | - | - | - |
| Other | 98 359 | 26 133 | -21 357 | - | 383 180 | 167 991 | -86 736 | - |
| Total segments | 535 730 | 26 133 | -40 666 | - | 383 180 | 167 991 | -86 736 |
Note 3 Salary costs, total employees, remuneration, loans to employees, etc.
| All amounts in thousands of NOK | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Salaries | 21 470 | 87 026 |
| Discretionary bonus | 2 694 | 5 023 |
| Pension costs, defined contribution plans | 532 | 3 012 |
| National insurance contributions | 4 399 | 17 346 |
| Board remuneration | 2 353 | 3 102 |
| Other benefits | 1 018 | 3 658 |
| Total | 32 467 | 119 168 |
| Average total full-time equivalent positions | 19,6 | 83,4 |
Benefits paid to employees in leading positions:
| Alle beløp i tusen kroner | Period | Salary 1) | Contribution sion scheme based pen |
cretionary Paid dis bonus |
discretion ary bonus Accrued |
benefits Other |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jørgen Pleym Ulvness | CEO | 2015 | 3 394 | 3 390 | 391 | ||
| Agasti Holding ASA | 2014 | 3 382 | 49 | 2 579 | 1 450 | 4 | |
| Christian Dovland 2) | CFO | 2015 | 3 160 | 840 | |||
| Agasti Holding ASA | 2014 | 2 245 | 44 | 536 | - | 9 | |
| Kjersti Aksnes Gjesdahl 3) | CEO | 2015 | 3 010 | ||||
| Navigea Securities AS | 2014 | 2 011 | 49 | 384 | - | 19 | |
| Christian Tunge 2) | CFO | 2015 | - | 279 | |||
| Agasti Holding ASA | 2014 | 3 762 | 759 | 2 |
1) Salaries etc. are shown for the period in which employees in leading positions have been in the post during the financial year.
2) Left position as CFO on 11 February 2014. Christian Dovland took up the position as the new CFO on the same day.
3) Left position in April 2015.
Benefits to employees in leading positions
All employees in the Agasti Group were transferred to the Obligo Group in october 2015. The Agasti Group now purchases required services from the Obligo Group at arms-length prices. Remuneration is now determined by governing bodies in the Obligo Group.
Employees in leading positions, now transferred to companies in the Obligo Group, have ordinary bonus agreements with annually fixed limits, and normally to between 40 and 200 per cent of fixed salary,
depending on position. The estimated accrued bonus is expensed on an on-going basis.
In the event where Agasti in 2016 will employ their own senior executives, these can be awarded variable remuneration capped at 150 per cent of the fixed salary, including holiday pay. Allotment of variable remuneration will depend on the
achievement of objectives and results. Allocation of variable remuneration shall not affect pension or any severance pay.
Some employees in senior positions receive severence pay exeeding the notice period if dismissed without good reason as a result of large changes in tasks, e.g. due to takeover or merger:
| Employee in leading position | Company | Position | Period of notice |
Pay after termination of employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jørgen Pleym Ulvness | Agasti Holding ASA | CEO | 6 months | 12 months |
| Christian Dovland 2) | Agasti Holding ASA | Chief Financial Officer | 6 months | 12 months |
Up until the transfer of personnel, the Agasti Group had a defined contribution scheme for all permanent employees in Norway and Sweden. In Norway, the contribution rate for 2015 was four per cent of fixed salaries between 1G and 6G and six per cent of fixed salaries between 6G and 12G. Compared to the requirements regarding mandatory occupational pensions (OTP) that came into force on 1 July 2006, Agasti Group has a pension plan which exceeds the minimum requirement of two per cent of salary over 1G up to 12G. In 2015, the contribution percentage for the employees in Sweden was five per cent of fixed salary.
In 2014, the Board of Directors of Agasti Holding ASA approved an incentive scheme for selected managers in the Group. The scheme is part of a long-term incentive scheme for Agasti managers, which will contribute to creating positive results and attracting new employees as well as retaining existing employees. Following the transaction where Agasti divested a 34 per cent share and transferred its employees to the joint venture, Agasti Group does not have any employees any more, and the incentive program is being continued in the Obligo Group. A total of 1.12 million options were redeemed by Agasti Group employees in 2015. At the time of the adoption of the annual accounts, a total of 1.18 million stock options have been allocated, of which employees in leading positions hold 980 thousand stock options. The allocation is in accordance with the authorisation granted by the annual general meetings on 26 June 2013.
Of the options that were allocated in February 2012, and which fell due in their entirety in August 2015, one million were redeemed. Of the options that were allocated in November 2012, and which fell due in their entirety in November 2015, 117 thousand were redeemed. The redemption prices for the outstanding options is NOK 2.01 for the options allocated in March 2014. The redemption price for the options shall be reduced by the accumulated dividends paid out during the period after allocation of the options. No dividend was paid for the financial year 2014. A sales dividend of NOK 0.76 per share was paid in December 2015, and the Board of Directors of Agasti Holding ASA has proposed to the annual general meeting that additional dividends of NOK 0.38 be paid for the financial year 2015. The last 2/3 of stock options allocated to selected managers in the Group during March 2014 may be redeemed by 1/3 in 2016 and 1/3 in 2017, during specific periods in all three years. At the end of 2015, the share price was NOK 1.59.
A total of 1.12 million options were redeemed by Agasti- and Obligo Group employees in 2015.
As at 31 December 2015, Agasti Holding ASA had not issued any other financial instruments that may result in a demand for issuing of new shares other than the mentioned share options. See note 12 for more information
Benefits paid to Agasti Holding Board members:
| All amounts in thousands of NOK | Board members' fees 1) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Member of the Board | Position at time of adoption | Period | 2015 | 2014 |
| Erling Meinich-Bache 2) | Board member/Chairman | 26.06.13-09.12.15 | 536 | 464 |
| Beatriz Malo de Molina | Board member | 29.11.13-09.12.15 | 477 | 193 |
| Merete Haugli 3) | Board member/Chairman | 26.06.13-18.06.14 | 643 | |
| Sissel Knutsen Hegdal | Board member | 26.06.13-18.06.14 | 313 | |
| Stein Aukner | Board member | 26.06.13-29.11.13 | 122 | |
| Arne Reinemo | Chairman | 29.11.13-15.12.13 | 23 | |
| Paal Espen Johnsen | Board member | 26.06.13-15.12.13 | 125 | |
| Pia Gideon | Board member | 26.06.13-29.11.13 | 200 | |
| Jon Bjørstad | Board member | 18.06.14-19.11.14 | 105 | |
| Ellen Hanetho | Board member | 18.06.14-09.12.15 | 402 | |
| John Einar Høsteland | Board member | 18.06.14-09.12.15 | 854 | |
| Paal Victor Minne | Board member | 19.11.14-09.12.15 | 264 | |
| Trond Vernegg | Board member | 18.06.14-09.12.15 | 402 | |
| Kristin Wilhelmsen | Board member | 18.06.14-09.12.15 | 477 | |
| Tom Ruud | Board member | 09.12.15 | ||
| Kathryn Moore Baker | Board member | 09.12.15 | ||
| Live Haukvik Aker | Board member | 09.12.15 | ||
| Øystein Tenold | Board member | 09.12.15 |
1) Fees included for the period in service. 2) Has acted as a Board Member and Vice Chairman of the Board in parts of the stated period. 3) Has acted as a Board Member during parts of the stated period.
| 2015 | 2014 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Options | Number | VGIK 1) | Number | VGIK 1) |
| Outstanding at the beginning of the year | 7 536 667 | 1,85 | 5 147 008 | 1,53 |
| Awarded during the year | 0 | 5 670 000 | 2,01 | |
| Redeemed during the year 2) | 1 116 666 | 1,36 | 241 353 | 1,10 |
| Expired during the year | 2 473 334 | 1,85 | 2 085 792 | 1,39 |
| Terminated during the year | 1 590 000 | 1,95 | 953 197 | 2,14 |
| Outstanding at the end of the year | 2 356 667 | 1,25 | 7 536 667 | 1,85 |
| Redeemable at the end of the year | 0 | 0 |
1) Weighted average redemption price. Amount in NOK.
2) The weighted average share price at the time of redemption was NOK 1.10.
The weighted average lifetime of outstanding stock options as of 31 December 2015 is 0.67 years.
| 2015 | 2014 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maturity date | Number | VGIK 1) | Number | VGIK 1) |
| 13.02.14 | ||||
| 15.08.14 | ||||
| 07.11.14 | ||||
| 14.08.15 | 1 666 667 | 1,33 | ||
| 13.02.15 | 1 890 000 | 2,01 | ||
| 06.11.15 | 200 000 | 1,58 | ||
| 19.02.16 | 1 178 333 | 1,25 | 1 890 000 | 2,01 |
| 17.02.17 | 1 178 333 | 1,25 | 1 890 000 | 2,01 |
| Sum | 2 356 667 | 1,25 | 7 536 667 | 1,85 |
The weighted average redemption price of outstanding stock options at the end of the year:
1) Weighted average redemption price. Amount in NOK.
Agasti has used the Black & Scholes model in valuing the options. The risk-free interest rate used in the model is the treasury rate/government bond rate with maturity as close as possible to the allocation date. Due to the dilution effect on the existing shares, the price of the option is found numerically. In the model the following assumptions are used as the basis for new allocations:
| Allocation | Expected | Historical | Expected lifetime for the |
|---|---|---|---|
| dividend yield (%) | volatility (%) | stock option (years) | |
| Mar. 2014 | 0,00 | 61,69 | 2,46 |
Expected volatility is calculated from historical volatility based on daily data over the same timescale as the term of the stock options.
Stock options effect on the accounts:
| Description All amounts in thousands of NOK | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Acquisition of stock options | 288 | 1 995 |
| Change in provisions for employer's National Insurance contributions | 112 | -356 |
| Net stock option income/expenses | 400 | 1 639 |
| Change in liabilities 1) | 112 | -356 |
1) Refers only to employer's National Insurance contributions
Note 4 Combined items in the income statement
| All amounts in thousands of NOK | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Costs relating to premises/IT | 19 349 | 33 345 |
| Fees for auditors, lawyers and consultants | 7 273 | 19 849 |
| Marketing activities | 1 596 | 2 382 |
| Travel activities | 1 141 | 2 809 |
| Group shared services | -50 054 | -3 491 |
| Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway | -524 | 495 |
| Other operating expenses | 9 809 | 45 656 |
| Total other operating expenses | -11 410 | 101 045 |
Note 4 Combined items in the income statement (continued)
| All amounts in thousands of NOK | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Statutory audit | 959 | 77 |
| Other audit-related services | 15 | 0 |
| Assistance with tax return, etc. | 124 | 0 |
| Other services excluding auditing | 0 | 0 |
| Total auditing fee | 1 098 | 77 |
| The fees are given excluding VAT. | ||
| Interest, bank deposits | 830 | 778 |
| Other financial income | 6 375 | 17 213 |
| Total financial income | 7 205 | 17 991 |
| Bank interest and fees | 2 105 | 1 735 |
| Other financial expenses | -711 | 4 865 |
| Total financial expenses | 1 394 | 6 600 |
| Total net finance | 5 811 | 11 391 |
Other financial expenses and Other financial expenses are primarily related to realised and unrealised foreign currency gains and losses associated with invoicing and settlement in foreign currencies.
Note 5 Financial instruments
| As at 31 December 2015 All amounts in thousands of NOK |
Financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss |
Financial instruments valued at amortised cost |
Financial instruments held to maturity |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loans to and deposits with credit institutions | - | 53 453 | - | 53 453 |
| Non-listed shares | 20 780 | - | - | 20 780 |
| Notes and bonds, held until maturity | - | - | 22 023 | 22 023 |
| Investment in joint venture | 437 370 | - | - | 437 370 |
| Other assets | - | 2 103 | - | 2 103 |
| Total financial assets | 458 151 | 55 556 | 22 023 | 535 730 |
| Liabilities to credit institutions | - | - | - | |
| Other liabilities | - | 12 642 | - | 12 642 |
| Total financial liabilities | - | 12 642 | - | 12 642 |
Note 5 Financial instruments (continued)
| As at 31 December 2014 All amounts in thousands of NOK |
Financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss |
Financial instruments valued at amortised cost |
Financial instruments held to maturity |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loans to and deposits with credit institutions | 106 497 | 106 497 | ||
| Non-listed shares | 44 878 | 44 878 | ||
| Notes and bonds, held until maturity | - | 18 583 | 18 583 | |
| Other assets | 94 667 | 94 667 | ||
| Total financial assets | 44 878 | 201 164 | 18 583 | 264 625 |
| Other long-term liabilities as a result of the acquisition of companies |
3 739 | 14 929 | 18 668 | |
| Short-term portion of sellers credit | - | 10 000 | - | 10 000 |
| Liabilities to credit institutions | 200 | 200 | ||
| Other liabilities | 72 716 | 72 716 | ||
| Total financial liabilities | 3 739 | 97 845 | - | 101 584 |
Financial instruments at fair value
The fair value of unlisted financial assets has been estimated using valuation techniques based on assumptions that are not supported by observable market prices. The following of the company's financial instruments are not valued at fair value: Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, other current receivables and bank overdrafts. The value of cash and cash equivalents and bank overdrafts entered in the balance sheet approximates fair value because these instruments have short maturities. Similarly, the value of accounts receivable and accounts payable entered in the balance sheet approximates fair value as these have "normal" conditions.
Financial instruments at amortised cost
Most assets and liabilities in the Agasti Group's balance sheet are valued at amortised cost in the accounts.
Amortised cost involves valuing balance sheet items in accordance with original contractual cash flows, adjusted for any depreciation if necessary. Such valuations will not always give values consistent with the market's assessment of the same instruments. Deviations are due to different perceptions of the macro outlook, market conditions, risk and returns, as well as differences in access to accurate information. The value is estimated based on quoted prices in active markets where such information is available, internal models which calculate a theoretical value in the absence of active markets, or comparison
between the prices of instruments in the portfolio in relation to the most recent transaction prices.
Valuations are based on the individual instruments' properties and values on the balance sheet date. However, these values do not include the total value of client relationships, market access, brands, organisation, personnel and structural capital. Such intangible assets are generally not recognised. In addition, most client relationships are evaluated and valued in context for several products as a whole, where products in the balance sheet are seen in connection with other products and services that the client also uses. The individual assets and liabilities therefore do not provide an adequate indication of the overall value of the Group's operations.
Financial instruments held until maturity
Financial instruments classified as held until maturity consist of a convertible bond issued by the Wunderlich Investment Company, Inc. On 5 September 2012, Agasti Capital Markets AS invested in a subordinated convertible bond with a nominal value of USD 2.5 million with an annual coupon rate of 7.5 per cent, payable quarterly and with a conversion price of USD 16 per share. The convertible bond has a term of less than 5 years with a maturity date of 31 July 2017. The bond is valued at amortised cost as at 31 December 2015 at NOK 22 million. The conversion right has been deemed to have an immaterial value.
See note 1.15 for details on the valuation hierarchy for fair value in the accounts.
Note 6 Goodwill and other intangible assets
Agasti has transferred its operating activities to the Obligo Group, which is a joint venture accounted for according to the equity method.
Since previously recognised intangible assets and goodwill were associated with the activities being transferred, these assets have been considered as divested, and the net book value is now zero.
| Goodwill | Intangible assets | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All amounts in thousands of NOK | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 |
| Historic cost per 1 January | 70 448 | 69 054 | 115 841 | 114 339 |
| Divestments | 70 448 | 0 | 115 841 | 0 |
| Historic cost per 31 December | 0 | 70 448 | 0 | 115 841 |
| Accumulated depreciations per 31 December | 26 894 | 26 894 | 99 749 | 84 005 |
| Divestments | -26 894 | 0 | -99 749 | 0 |
| Accumulated depreciations and write-downs per 31 December |
0 | 26 894 | 0 | 84 005 |
| Net book value per 31 December | 0 | 43 554 | 0 | 16 092 |
| Year's depreciations | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 920 |
| Year's write-downs | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 824 |
| Economic lifetime | 4-5 years | 4-5 years | ||
| Depreciation plan | Linear | Linear |
Goodwill is not depreciated. However, an impairment test is carried out each year.
Goodwill and intangible assets are related to discontinued operations, and were therefore part of the assets transferred to the JV. The JV is recognised at fair value and therefore includes elements of the same goodwill and intangible assets as were recognised in prior periods.
The Agasti Group undertakes on-going evaluations of whether the value of goodwill and other intangible assets with undefined lifetimes is intact, and carries out a complete impairment test of all business units at least annually. The individual goodwill items and intangible assets in the Agasti Group balance sheet are allocated to assessment units according to which businesses benefit from the acquired asset. Selection of the business unit is carried out on the basis of whether it is possible to identify and separate cash flows related to the business.
The recoverable amount is based on the expected business life. The business life is obtained from the sum of the estimated current value of expected cash flows for a planning period and projected cash flows after the planning period. The cash flows for the planning period are usually three years, and are based on budgets and plans approved by the management. Budgets and plans must be realistic from the perspective of the historical results in the unit.
The discount rate is based on an assessment of the market's required rate of return for the type of activities included in the assessment unit. The required rate of return reflects the risk in the activities. Impairment tests are initially carried out on cash flows after tax in order to use the market's rate of return directly. If the test shows that there may be a need for impairment, a more thorough review of the unit is undertaken, which also includes an assessment of the value of cash flows before tax. In the assessment for the fiscal year 2015, we used a discount rate of 8.9 per cent based on an adjusted capital asset pricing model, with a normalised riskfree interest rate in the unit's home market and a normalised risk premium of 5.5 per cent. Beta values are estimated for each assessment unit, and the growth rate used to estimate the terminal cash flow was assumed to be 2.5.
The estimates are built upon central assumptions such total clients, assets under management and expected demand for the various cash generating unit's services and products, both from existing and new clients.
Intangible assets
Intangible assets consist of investments in IT syste ms. The software is recognised at acquisition cost and external expendisures required to make use of the software, less accumulated depreciation.
Note 7 Fixed assets
| Leasehold improvements | Furniture and equipment | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alle beløp i tusen kroner | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 |
| Original cost per 1 January | 30 164 | 29 604 | 169 810 | 169 512 |
| Additions by separate acquisition | 112 | 560 | 1 784 | 298 |
| Exit value | 30 276 | 0 | 171 594 | 0 |
| Original cost per 31 December | 0 | 30 164 | 0 | 169 810 |
| Accumulated depreciations per 1 January | 28 637 | 33 291 | 166 251 | 163 526 |
| Year's depreciations and write downs | 195 | 523 | 544 | 2 725 |
| Accumulated write-downs per 31 December | -28 832 | -5 177 | -166 795 | 0 |
| Accumulated depreciations and write-downs | 0 | 28 637 | 0 | 166 251 |
| per 31 December | ||||
| Net book value per 31 December | 0 | 1 527 | 0 | 3 559 |
| Economic lifetime | 4-7 years | 4-7 years | 3-7 years | 3-7 years |
| Depreciation plan | Linear | Linear | Linear | Linear |
The economic lifetime for leasehold improvements and machines, fixtures and equipment can normally be depreciated over five years based on concrete assessments regarding the asset's nature or by extension of the rental agreement.
Annual rental of non-recorded assets
The Group has entered into several different operational rental agreements regarding office premises, ICT equipment and office machines. The majority of the rental agreements have an extension option. Future minimum rental linked to non-cancellable rental agreements are as follows:
| Future minimum rent | ||
|---|---|---|
| All amounts in thousands of NOK | 2015 | 2014 |
| Under one year | 0 | 14 859 |
| Between one and five years | 0 | 14 739 |
| Over five years | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 0 | 29 598 |
Of the total amount of future lease payment, the mail office lease at Bolette Brygge 1 amount to NOK 13.8 million. NOK 3,5 million has been accrued to cover future lease commitments.
| Rent from non-balance sheet fixed assets entered against costs | Rental costs | |
|---|---|---|
| All amounts in thousands of NOK | 2015 | 2014 |
| Leasing agreements, premises, including common costs | 3 868 | 11 410 |
| Leasing agreements, parking facilities | 323 | 1 433 |
| Leasing agreements, meeting facilities etc. | 40 | 197 |
| Leasing agreements, various machinery and equipment | 318 | 611 |
| Total | 4 549 | 13 650 |
Note 8 Discontinued operations
From the fourth quarter of 2015, the sale of 34 per cent of the operating business to Audrey Management Holdings S.à r.l. is in Agasti Group accounted for as a sale of the entire business resulting in a NOK 539 million tax free gain. The remaining 66 per cent share is recognized at fair value and accounted for as an investment in a joint venture according to the equity method. The Obligo Group represents according to IFRS "discontinued operations", and includes all operational business previously carried out by Agasti Holding ASA and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. As from the fourth quarter of 2015, the Agasti Group's main source of income is from the Investment in Obligo Holding AS. The Agasti Group's 66 per cent share of net income after tax in the Obligo Group, adjusted for depreciation and amortization of intangible assets associated with its investment in the joint venture, including the tax effect of the depreciation and amortization, is recognised as operating revenues. Historical
figures are adjusted by discontinued operations are extracted from each of the revenue and expense items in the income statement.
Following are specifications of the assets and liabilities held for sale as per 30 September 2015, and the condensed consolidated statement of income for the discontinued operations. The income in the fourth quarter of 2015 represents the gain that has been recognised in Agasti's consolidated financial statements for the period. The income for the period is exclusive of the effects of amortisations and changes in tax positions that Agasti recognises in the period. In the fourth quarter of 2015, Agasti amortised (net of tax) 76 million related to intangible assets that are related to its investment in the joint venture. Gain from the sale of shares is non-taxable, and income from the JV will also be non-taxable. The gain has no cash flow effect. Reference is made to notes 9 and 15.
| Consolidated statement of income KNOK | 1.1-30.09.15 | 1.1-31.12.14 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating revenues | 285 960 | 277 451 |
| Operating expenses | 215 393 | 215 799 |
| Operating income (EBIT) | 70 567 | 61 652 |
| Net financial items | 818 | -9 265 |
| Net income before other items | 71 385 | 52 387 |
| Tax | 17 556 | 15 668 |
| Net income from discontinued operations | 53 829 | 36 719 |
| Gain from sale of business | 539 320 | 0 |
| Net income for the period | 593 150 | 36 719 |
| Earnings per share (NOK) from discontinued operations | 2,00 | 0,12 |
| Earnings per share diluted (NOK) from discontinued operations | 2,00 | 0,12 |
Note 9 Investment in joint venture
Reference is made to note 1.2 and 1.3 for background about the restructering of Agasti Group and the uncertainties associated with the use of judgement in estimating the fair value of the investment in the joint venture.
Following is a reconciliation of Agasti's net income in the period from its investment in the joint venture. Agasti recognises its 66 per cent of net income in the Obligo group.
The joint venture was established in October 2015, so Agasti's share of income corresponds to 66 per cent of net income in the fourth quarter.
Agasti has recognised its investment in the joint venture at fair value, and this fair value contains elements of intangible assets which are amortised over the life of the underlying contracts. The net effect in the consolidated accounts is therefore the sum of 66 per cent of net income in Obligo Group, less amortisations of intangible assets and reversal of corresponding deferred taxes.
The second table illustrates this adjustment being made in the consolidated statement of income and how it affects the consolidated balance sheet.
| Condensed income statement for joint venture at 100 per cent basis | |
|---|---|
| in NOK thousand | 1.10.15-31.12.15 |
| Transaction revenues | 154 683 |
| Management fees | 65 209 |
| Other revenues | 4 935 |
| Operating revenues | 224 827 |
| Wages and salaries | 63 081 |
| Depreciations | 2 752 |
| Impairments | 7 249 |
| Other operating expenses | 32 020 |
| Total operating expenses | 105 102 |
| Financial income | 5 617 |
| Financial expenses | 5 620 |
| Net financial items | -3 |
| Income before tax | 119 722 |
| Income tax | 38 196 |
| Net income | 81 526 |
Note 9 Investment in joint venture
Changes in fair value of investment in JV
| Opening balance 1.1.2015 | 0 | |
|---|---|---|
| Additions in the period | ||
| * Share of net assets in joint venture | 71 983 | |
| * Intangible assets | 161 632 | |
| * Deferred tax on intangible assets | -43 641 | |
| * Goodwill | 266 706 | |
| Net book value contributed to JV | 456 680 | |
| Changes in book value in the period | ||
| * 66% share of net income from JV in the period | 53 807 | |
| * Amortisation of intangible assets | -100 159 | |
| * Change in deferred tax on intangible assets | 27 043 | |
| Net consolidated income from the JV in the period | -19 309 | |
| Closing balance 31.12.2015 | ||
| * Share of net assets in joint venture | 71 983 | |
| * Intangible assets * | 61 473 | |
| * Deferred tax on intangible assets | -16 598 | |
| * Goodwill | 266 706 | |
| * Cumulative share of net income after tax in joint venture | 53 807 | |
| Fair value of investment in joint venture | 437 370 |
* The intangible assets and the corresponding deferred tax balance are amortised over the expected duration of the underlying asset management contracts. The contracts will expire over the next four years.
The periodic recognition of the share of net income after tax has no cashflow effect. The cashflow effect is associated with the timing of dividend distributions from the joint venture.
Note 10 Acquisitions
The Agasti group made several acquisitions in prior years that are now classified as discontinued operations. See notes 8 and 9 for details of discontinued operations and the investment in a joint venture which now includes discontinued operations.
Note 11 Shares in subsidiaries and joint venture
The companies listed below are all wholly owned by Agasti Holding ASA.
| Company | Country | Registered office | Principal operations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navigea Securities AS | Norway | Oslo | Liquidated 20 April 2016 |
| Acta Asset Management AS | Norway | Stavanger | No activity |
| Acta Kapitalforvaltning AS | Norway | Stavanger | No activity |
| Agasti owns in addition 66 per cent of Obligo Holding AS |
Norway | Oslo | Management of funds in real state, shipping, private equity and infrastructure |
Note 12 Share capital and shareholder information
As per 31 December 2015, share capital in Agasti Holding ASA consisted of 294 405 648 shares with a nominal value of 18 øre. There is only one share class. Share capital, share premium reserve and other paid in equity are collectively paid in capital. Equity over and above share capital can be distributed.
| Ownership structure | Number of shares | Ownership stake |
|---|---|---|
| The 20 largest shareholders in the company as at 31 December 2015 were: |
||
| Perestroika AS | 56 047 228 | 19.04% |
| Tenold Gruppen AS | 30 848 997 | 10.48% |
| Nordnet Bank AB | 14 000 000 | 4.76% |
| Coil Investment Group AS | 13 436 755 | 4.56% |
| Best Invest | 12 808 707 | 4.35% |
| IKM Industri-Invest AS | 11 190 000 | 3.80% |
| Bjelland Invest AS | 10 802 000 | 3.67% |
| Mons Holding AS | 10 766 620 | 3.66% |
| Coldevin Invest AS | 6 963 538 | 2.37% |
| Basic I AS | 3 500 000 | 1.19% |
| Athena Invest AS | 3 042 904 | 1.03% |
| Camaca AS | 2 932 927 | 1.00% |
| International Oilfield Services AS | 2 500 000 | 0.85% |
| JAG Holding AS | 2 200 000 | 0.75% |
| Steinar Lindberg AS | 2 100 000 | 0.71% |
| Nordnet Livsforsikring AS | 2 031 535 | 0.69% |
| Ringern Invest AS | 2 000 000 | 0.68% |
| Vollstad, Dag Kristian | 2 000 000 | 0.68% |
| Brattetveit AS | 1 833 022 | 0.62% |
| Lokenmoen Invest AS | 1 822 917 | 0.62% |
| Total 20 largest shareholders | 192 827 150 | 65.50% |
| Total other shareholders | 101 578 498 | 34.50% |
| Total number of shares | 294 405 648 | 100.00% |
| Number | |
|---|---|
| 294 235 817 | |
| 294 405 648 | |
| 294 264 122 | |
| 294 368 814 | |
| 2015 | 1,76 |
| 2015 | 1,76 |
| 2015 | -0,25 |
| 2014 | -0,06 |
| 2014 | na |
At the extraordinary general meeting on 9 December 2015, the Board of Agasti Holding ASA was granted authorisation to issue new shares in Agasti Holding ASA in one or several private and/or public placements. The authorisation applies for the issuance of up to 9 million shares with a nominal value of NOK 0.18, which means that the Board can, in accordance with the authorisation, increase the share capital by up to NOK 1.62 million. The authorisation is valid until the date of the next ordinary general meeting, but no later than 30 June
Earnings per share (from continued operations) 2014 -0,18
- If the nominal value of the shares should change within the period of authorisation, the authorisation shall be changed accordingly.
Shares directly or indirectly owned or controlled by members of the Board and management employees as at 31 December 2015:
| Name | Office | Number of shares | Ownership stake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jørgen Pleym Ulvness 1) | CEO | 6 963 538 | 2.37% |
| Christian Dovland 2) | CFO | 1 562 500 | 0.53% |
| Øystein Tenold 3) | Board Member | 44 848 997 | 15.23% |
1) Owned by Coldevin Invest AS.
2) Owned by Industriforedling AS.
3) Owned by Tenold Gruppen AS.
Remuneration based on share value – Stock options
| Name | Office | Number of stock options 01.01.2015 |
Awarded during the year |
Exercised/ redeemed during the year |
Expired/ terminated during the year |
Number of stock options 31.12.2015 |
Cost of stock options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jørgen Pleym Ulvness | CEO | 1 983 333 | 0 | 583 333 | 466 667 | 933 333 | 329 551 |
| Christian Dovland | CFO | 770 000 | 0 | 0 | 256 667 | 513 333 | 147 428 |
No Board Members or other employee representatives have stock options in Agasti Holding ASA.
Note 13 Dividends
Following the divestment of 34% in the joint venture, Agasti paid a sales dividend of NOK 0.76 per shares in December 2015. The Board of directors has proposed to the General Assembly an additional dividend of NOK 0.38 per share based on the income for the year 2015.
Note 14 Current receivables
| All amounts in thousands of NOK | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Accrued/non-received revenues | 410 | 17 224 |
| Pre-paid costs | 1 523 | 15 850 |
| Accounts receivable | 62 | 52 645 |
| Miscellaneous current receivables | 108 | 8 947 |
| Total current receivables | 2 103 | 94 667 |
Note 15 Financial assets – Marketable securities
Book value of financial assets
| Shares in various investment portfolios | 2015 | 2014 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total current receivables | Acta Kapitalforvaltning AS | 20 780 | 44 878 |
| Sum finansielle eiendeler | 20 780 | 44 878 |
Acta Kapitalforvaltning AS has acquired shares in investment portfolios in connection with the settlement of client issues. The client has been paid the value of the shares plus any compensation in exchange for Acta Kapitalforvaltning AS acquiring the shares. The investment portfolios are priced four times a year, on 15 March, 15 June, 15 September and 15 December. The pricing carried out on 15 March and 15 September are based on valuations made by independent parties.
The risk in these investment portfolios lies in the price development in the portfolios, which is affected positively or negatively by changes in market prices, foreign exchange rates or interest rates. Refer to note 22 for a more detailed description of the determination of prices.
Note 16 Provisions and other current liabilities
| All amounts in thousands of NOK | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Accrued expenses, unpaid wages, holiday pay, etc. | 4 708 | 26 015 |
| Provisions for estimated compensation to clients and process costs relating to received customer complaints |
11 507 | 47 000 |
| Provision for liquidation costs | - | 7 865 |
| Provision for future office rent | 1 513 | 3 517 |
| Other current liabilities | 6 420 | 35 319 |
| Total provisions and other current liabilities | 24 149 | 119 716 |
| Accrued expenses, |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| including | Customer | Liquidation | ||||
| Changes in provisions | salary | claims | costs | Office rent | Other | Total |
| Balance as at January 1, 2014 | 29 187 | 23 424 | 13 621 | 13 588 | 32 111 | 111 931 |
| Provisions in the year | 26 015 | 42 176 | 6 365 | 25 319 | 99 875 | |
| Reclassification from long-term debt | 10 000 | 10 000 | ||||
| Reversals of provisions in the year | -29 187 | -18 600 | -12 121 | -10 071 | -32 111 | -102 090 |
| Balance as at December 31, 2014 | 26 015 | 47 000 | 7 865 | 3 517 | 35 319 | 119 716 |
| Balance as at January 1, 2015 | 26 015 | 47 000 | 7 865 | 3 517 | 35 319 | 119 716 |
| Provisions in the year | 4 470 | 5 935 | - | - | 6 420 | 16 825 |
| Reclassification from long-term debt | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Reversals of provisions in the year | -25 777 | -41 428 | -7 865 | -2 004 | -35 319 | -112 393 |
| Balance as at December 31, 2015 | 4 708 | 11 507 | 0 | 1 513 | 6 420 | 24 149 |
The Agasti group entered into settlements on almost all claims against its subsidiary Acta Kapitalforvaltning and its Swedish branch in 2015. The settlements materially reduced the group's maximum exposure and residual risks related to be in court in 2017 or later. There are less than 15 remaining claims, and maximum exposure is estimated to be approximately NOK 30 million. Provisions amount to NOK 11.5 million.
Acta Kapitalforvaltning AS still receives occational claims related to investments made prior to 2010, but they are all considered to outdated. Even if a settlement is the preferred solution, we cannot rule out the possibility that Acta Kapitalforvaltning AS will seek bankruptcy protection if settlement negotiations necessitate such decision.
Note 17 Income taxes
| All amounts in thousands of NOK | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Tax payable on the year's taxable earnings | 476 | 1 197 |
| Recognised change in deferred tax | 40 024 | -22 766 |
| Year's tax expenses | 40 500 | -21 569 |
| Effective tax rate | -116.2% | 28.6% |
Specification of assets and liabilities by deferred tax
| All figures in thousands of NOK | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Outstanding receivables | 0 | 4 496 |
| Operating assets | 6 391 | -428 |
| Accounting provisions | 8 500 | 12 003 |
| Profit and loss account | 0 | 10 |
| Loss to carry forward | 66 650 | 60 068 |
| Total deferred tax assets | 81 541 | 76 148 |
| Deferred tax assets not included in the balance sheet | 81 541 | 22 326 |
| Net deferred tax assets | 0 | 53 822 |
The Agasti group's most important source of income is its tax free share of income in the Obligo joint venture. Operating expenses will therfore result in taxable losses which will be carried forward and nettet against future taxable income. The group does not expect any taxable income in the short term, and har therefore expensed deferred tax assets in Norway and Sweden. Losses carried forward have no maturity date, and can be used against future taxable income, if any.
Reconciliation of actual against estimated tax expense
| All amounts in thousands of NOK | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Net income before taxes | -34 855 | -75 345 |
| Calculated tax cost (27%) | -9 411 | -20 343 |
| Tax rate outside Norway | 0 | -756 |
| Permanent differences (25%) | 6 739 | -470 |
| Change in deferred tax assets from change in tax rate in Norway | 43 172 | 0 |
| Actual tax expenses | 40 500 | -21 569 |
Tax payable in balance sheet calculated as follows:
| All amounts in thousands of NOK | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Tax payable on net income for the year | 476 | 1 197 |
| Total tax payable on balance sheet | 476 | 1 197 |
Tax payable relates to the estimated taxable profit in foreign subsidiaries. A nominal tax rate is used when estimating tax payable.
Note 17 Income taxes (continued)
Reconciliation of net deferred tax/tax assets
| All amounts in thousands of NOK | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Net deferred tax/tax assets 01 January | 53 822 | 47 314 |
| Booked via income statement | -40 024 | 7 098 |
| Additions acquisition of companies | -13 798 | 0 |
| Currency exchange differences | 0 | -590 |
| Net deferred tax/tax assets 31 December | 0 | 53 822 |
Note 18 Related parties
Internal trading in the Group and with the joint venture are carried out in accordance with separate agreements and at arm's length. Settlement of common costs is divided between the companies in accordance with keys, depending on the future of the various costs. Management services are purchased from the Obligo Group. See note 3 for details about the transfer of employees.
Obligo Holding AS is a joint venture where Agasti Holding ASA owns 66 per cent and Audrey Management Holdings S.à r.l., managed by Blackstone, owns 34 per cent. Audrey Management Holdings S.à r.l. agreed in 2015 to purchase real estate funds amounting to a total of NOK 22 billion from Obligo managed funds. These transactions were closed in December 2015. Combined with the 34 per cent share of Obligo Holding AS, Audrey Management Holdings S.à r.l. is a major owner as well as the most important customer and business partner of the Obligo group.
The shareholders agreement sets forth that major decisions in Obligo Holding AS shall be made with both parties' consent. Agreements between Obligo and Audrey Management Holdings S.à r.l. are at arms length.
Note 19 Financial risk
The Agasti Group's exposure linked to financial instruments is limited to liquidity held in the form of bank deposits. At the end of 2015, the Group has limited interest-bearing liabilities and therefore has no interest rate risk related to borrowed capital. The financial market risk is otherwise limited to future income being affected by changes in market prices of the company's products, as well as general market fluctuations. An increased total number of customer complaints may result in an increased risk of legal action against the Group, but the risk of class action etc., being successfully taken against the Group is assessed as being relatively low. Future portfolio income will vary with fluctuations in market prices of the client portfolios being managed. Currency risk is not significant, and is mainly linked to part of the Group's business operations being carried out in Sweden. Credit risk is limited to current receivables and is not assessed as being significant.
| All amounts in thousands of NOK | Change in NOK/SEK | Change in NOK/USD | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit | 5% | -5% | 5% | -5% | |
| Effect on income before tax | 2015 | 2 166 | -2 166 | 1 237 | -1 237 |
| 2014 | 3 640 | -3 640 | 2 574 | -2 574 | |
| Effect on share capital | 2015 | 2 166 | -2 166 | 1 237 | -1 237 |
| 2014 | 2 657 | -2 657 | 1 940 | -1 940 |
Note 20 Capital management
The company has no long term interest bearing debt, and has either none or limited short term interest bearing debt from an overdraft facility in Sparebank1 SR-Bank. The company has a strategy to finance its operations mainly by proceeds from operating activities.
Agasti Holding ASA was subject to capital adequacy requirements on a consolidated basis, cf. § 9-21 of the Securities Trading Act up until the restructuring of its business in September 2015 when the operating business, which had licenses from the FSA was transferred to the Obligo joint venture. Agasti Holding ASA has, as part of this restructuring relinquished some of its control, and the joint venture is therefore not consolidated. Agasti is therefore no longer required to meet consolidated capital requirements.
Note 21 Assets pledged as collateral and guarantees
Securities
| All amounts in thousands of NOK Booked liabilities that are secured with collateral etc.: |
Borrower | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|---|
| - Overdraft Sparebank1, SR-Bank | Agasti Holding ASA | 0 | 200 |
| - Sales credit, ABG | Obligo Investment Management AS | 0 | 28 668 |
| Total | 0 | 28 868 |
Agasti Holding ASA has an overdraft facility with a limit of NOK 15 million. The overdraft facility is subject to annual renewal. In use of the overdraft, Sparebank 1 SR-Bank has collateral in the shares of the Group's subsidiaries and the joint venture as listed below. In addition, the Group's subsidiaries have made a declaration of negative pledge. Book value of shared listed in note 6 to the company accounts. The book value of shares in subsidiaries is listed in note 6 to the company accounts.
Guarantee
Agasti Holding ASA has provided a parent company guarantee Acta Asset Management AS 'obligations against a short-term loan of 6 million.
Note 22 Determination of fair value
The fair value of financial assets classified as "available for sale" and "held for trading" is determined with reference to the market price on the balance sheet date. The fair value of unlisted financial assets has been estimated using valuation techniques based on assumptions that are not supported by observable market prices.
The fair value of options is determined through the use of option pricing models.
The following of the company's financial instruments are not valued at fair value: Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, other current receivables, bank overdrafts, long-term liabilities and "held-to-maturity investments".
The value of cash and cash equivalents and bank overdrafts entered in the balance sheet approximates fair value because these instruments have short maturities. Similarly, the value of accounts receivable and accounts payable entered in the balance sheet approximates fair value as these have "normal" conditions.
Financial assets include unlisted shares in various investment portfolios which Acta Kapitalforvaltning AS has acquired in connection with the settlement of customer issues. The customer has been paid the market value of the shares plus any compensation, while Acta Kapitalforvaltning has taken over shares in the investment portfolios on the company's books or balance sheet.
Note 22 Determination of fair value (continued)
The assets are recognised in the accounts at the last known price, set 15.12.2015, adjusted downwards with a liquidity premium equivalent to NOK 4.5 million. The investment portfolios are priced four times a year, on 15 March, 15 June, 15 September and 15 December. The pricing carried out on 15 March and 15 September are based on valuations made by independent parties.
The risk in these investment portfolios lies in the price development in the portfolios, which is affected positively or negatively by changes in market prices, foreign exchange rates or interest rates.
Prices are set based on a calculation of the valueadjusted equity per share of the portfolio based on the assets' market value and with individual adjustments as described below. The aim is to come to a price which corresponds to the market's normal assessment of the value of the shares in the company.
Real estate – Share price is calculated in accordance with the following principle:
$$
K = \frac{EM - LS + NAK - LG + R + GK - SH}{A}
$$
K Share price EM The property's market value LS Estimated deferred tax NAK Net working capital including cash LG Long-term liabilities R Estimated premium/discount on financing GK Remaining capitalised issuance and acquisition costs SH Accrued performance fee A Number of shares issued
Shipping – Share price is calculated in accordance with the following principle:
$$
\frac{NPV(L+RV-K-RK-A'ord-A'sa-SH)+C-AEG}{N}
$$
A
| NPV | Present value ("of") |
|---|---|
| L | Contractual rental income |
| RV | Residual value (estimated) upon expiration of the leases |
| K | Running costs |
| RK | Interest expenses mortgages (including swap costs) |
| A'ord | Ordinary mortgage instalments |
| A'sa | Repayment/instalments remaining loan upon sale of vessel |
| SH | Any accrued performance fee |
| C | Cash (cash/bank) |
| AEG | Other assets and liabilities (net) |
| A | Number of shares issued |
When calculating the present value of the cash flow (before tax) a discount rate of 11 per cent is used.
Note 22 Determination of fair value (continued)
Infrastructure, Private equity and renewable energy – Share price is calculated in accordance with the following principle:
$$
K = \frac{RVF + VD - LS + NAK - LG + EH - SH}{A}
$$
K Share price RFV Reported fund value VD Valuation direct investments LS Deferred tax NAK Net working capital including cash LG Long-term liabilities EH Non-depreciated placement fee SH Accrued performance fee A Number of shares issued
For financial assets and liabilities recognised at the value entered in the balance sheet, the fair value is calculated as the present value of estimated cash flows discounted by the interest rate that applies for the corresponding assets and liabilities on the balance sheet date. This applies to:
– Debt as a result of the acquisition of companies (see note 8)
The fair value of "held to maturity" investments is determined using available market prices.
There have not been any significant changes in the year to key assumptions or input factors used in the estimation of fair value of financial items classified in level three.
A comparison of the values entered in the balance sheet and fair value of the Group's financial instruments is included below.
| 2015 | 2014 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All amounts in thousands of NOK | Value entered in the balance sheet |
Fair value | Value entered in the balance sheet |
Fair value |
| Financial assets | ||||
| Cash | 53 453 | 53 453 | 106 497 | 106 497 |
| Joint venture | 437 370 | 437 370 | 0 | 0 |
| Other current receivables | 2 103 | 2 103 | 94 667 | 94 667 |
| Available for sale investments | 20 780 | 20 780 | 44 878 | 44 878 |
| Total financial assets | 513 707 | 513 707 | 246 042 | 246 042 |
| Financial liabilities | ||||
| Overdraft | 0 | 0 | 200 | 200 |
| Accounts payable | 565 | 565 | 12 911 | 12 911 |
| Other current liabilities | 12 642 | 12 642 | 72 716 | 72 716 |
| Other long-term liabilities | 0 | 0 | 18 668 | 18 668 |
| Total financial liabilities | 13 207 | 13 207 | 104 495 | 104 495 |
Note 22 Determination of fair value (continued)
| Assets and liabilities recognised at fair value | 31.12.15 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Financial items at fair value with changes in value through profit and loss |
||||
| Shares in joint venture | 437 370 | |||
| Unlisted shares | 20 780 | 20 780 | ||
| Total | 20 780 | 0 | 0 | 458 151 |
| Assets and liabilities recognised at fair value | 31.12.14 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
| Financial items at fair value with changes in value through profit and loss |
||||
| Unlisted shares | 44 878 | 44 878 | ||
| Contingent portion of seller's credit | -3 739 | -3 739 | ||
| Total | 41 139 | 0 | 0 | 41 139 |
Note 23 Events after balance sheet date
On 29 February 2016 Obligo Holding AS and TRaC Services AS entered into a share purchase agreement regarding the sale and purchase of the shares in Agasti Capital Markets AS. The share transfer was effectuated the same day.
There are no other significant events after the balance sheet date that affect the opinions of the balance sheet and income statement items in the accounts.
Oslo, 28 April 2016
Chairman of the Board Board member
Board member
Board member Board member
CEO
AGASTI HOLDING ASA THE COMPANY'S INCOME STATEMENT 1 JANUARY-31 DECEMBER – NGAAP
| All amounts in thousands of NOK | Note | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating revenues | 2 | 53 022 | 38 278 |
| Wages and salaries | 3 | 25 055 | 28 847 |
| Depreciations | 5 | 311 | 107 |
| Other operating expenses | 4 | 25 029 | 29 949 |
| Total operating expenses | 50 394 | 58 903 | |
| Operating income | 2 627 | -20 624 | |
| Income on investments in subsidiaries | 4 | 39 462 | 53 539 |
| Gain from sale of share in joint venture | 4 | 197 301 | 0 |
| Dividend from joint venture | 4 | 88 440 | 0 |
| Other financial income | 4 | 7 706 | 7 487 |
| Impairment of investments in subsidiaries | 4,6 | 91 297 | 29 959 |
| Other financial expenses | 4 | 10 042 | 4 299 |
| Net financial items | 231 571 | 26 768 | |
| Net income before taxes | 234 198 | 6 144 | |
| Income taxes | 12 | 2 353 | 10 040 |
| Net income | 231 846 | -3 896 |
AGASTI HOLDING ASA COMPANY BALANCE AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2015 – NGAAP
| All amounts in thousands of NOK Note |
2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| ASSETS | ||
| Non-current assets | ||
| Deferred tax assets 12 |
0 | 2 215 |
| Total intangible assets | 0 | 2 215 |
| Leasehold improvements 5 |
0 | 240 |
| Machinery, fixtures and equipment 5 |
0 | 191 |
| Software 5 |
0 | 287 |
| Total fixed assets | 0 | 718 |
| Investments in subsidiaries 6 |
28 401 | 199 753 |
| Investment in joint venture 6 |
73 684 | 0 |
| Other receivables 9 |
25 523 | 60 559 |
| Total financial assets | 127 607 | 260 312 |
| Total non-current assets | 127 607 | 263 245 |
| Current assets | ||
| Current receivables 10, 11 |
130 309 | 32 517 |
| Total receivables | 130 309 | 32 517 |
| Bank deposits 14 |
25 475 | 7 843 |
| Total bank deposits and investments | 25 475 | 7 843 |
| Total current assets | 155 784 | 40 360 |
| Total assets | 283 391 | 303 605 |
AGASTI HOLDING ASA COMPANY BALANCE AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2015 – NGAAP
| All amounts in thousands of NOK Note |
2015 | 2014 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | |||
| Equity | |||
| Share capital | 7, 8 | 52 993 | 52 962 |
| Share premium reserve | 8 | 63 162 | 67 572 |
| Other paid-in equity | 8 | 0 | 100 900 |
| Total paid-in equity | 116 155 | 221 434 | |
| Other equity | 8 | 0 | -1 895 |
| Total retained earnings | 0 | -1 895 | |
| Total equity | 116 155 | 219 540 | |
| Liabilities | |||
| Accounts payable | 550 | 1 004 | |
| Liabilities to credit institutions | 13 | 0 | 200 |
| Tax payable | 12 | 138 | 0 |
| Taxes and public fees payable | 972 | 2 523 | |
| Dividends payable | 8 | 111 874 | 0 |
| Provisions and other current liabilities 10, 11 |
53 702 | 80 339 | |
| Total current liabilities | 167 237 | 84 065 | |
| Total liabilities | 167 237 | 84 065 | |
| Total equity and liabilities | 283 391 | 303 605 |
AGASTI HOLDING ASA COMPANY CASH FLOW STATEMENT - NGAAP
| All amounts in thousands of NOK | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating activities | ||
| Net income before tax expenses | 234 198 | 6 144 |
| Received group contribution – taken to income | -88 440 | -53 539 |
| Depreciations | 311 | 107 |
| Impairment of shares in subsidiaries | 91 297 | 29 959 |
| Gain on sale of shares in joint venture | -197 301 | 0 |
| Currency gains on financial investments | -3 440 | -4 122 |
| Stock option programme | -39 | 993 |
| Change in accounts payable | -454 | 477 |
| Change in other receivables | -9 352 | 33 135 |
| Change in other accruals | -27 882 | 30 891 |
| Net cash flow from operating activities | -1 101 | 44 045 |
| Investing activities | ||
| Payments for acquisition of fixed assets | -3 060 | -459 |
| Proceeds from sales of fixed assets | 3 467 | 0 |
| Payments for investments in subsidiaries | 0 | -40 242 |
| Convertion of subordinated debt to equity in subsidiary | -28 495 | 0 |
| Proceeds from sale of shares in joint venture | 235 259 | 0 |
| Net cash flow from investing activities | 207 171 | -40 702 |
| Financing activities | ||
| Proceeds from received Group contribution and dividends | 39 462 | 14 920 |
| Disbursed outstanding Group contribution | 0 | -7 350 |
| Paid dividends | -223 520 | 0 |
| Proceeds from issuance of shares | -4 380 | 746 |
| Net cash flow from financing activities | -211 872 | 8 316 |
| Net change in bank deposits, short-term investments, bank overdrafts, etc. | 17 632 | 11 659 |
| Bank deposits, short-term investments, bank overdrafts, etc. as at 01.01. | 7 843 | -4 016 |
| Bank deposits, short-term investments, bank overdrafts, etc. as at 31.12. | 25 475 | 7 643 |
| Unused overdraft facilities | 15 000 | 29 800 |
| Bank deposits and investments | 25 475 | 7 843 |
| Bank overdrafts | 0 | -200 |
| Net bank deposits and bank overdrafts as at 31.12. | 25 475 | 7 643 |
Notes to the company accounts
Note 1 Accounting principles
1.1 Basis for preparation of the company accounts The annual accounts for 2015 are set up in accordance with the Accounting Act of 1998, Norwegian accounting principles (NGAAP) and generally accepted Norwegian accounting best practice (NGRS). The annual accounts consist of the income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement and notes. The annual accounts constitute a whole. The most important accounting principles that are used in the preparation of the annual accounts are as follows:
1.2 Currency
Monetary items in foreign currencies are valued at the year-end exchange rate. Other assets and liabilities in foreign currency are valued according to general valuation regulations.
1.3 Revenue
Revenues mainly consist of sales of Group services to other companies in the Agasti Group. Income is entered in the accounts when it is earned. Entry of income normally occurs at the time of delivery for the sale of services.
Dividends and Group contributions from subsidiaries are recorded in the same year in which they are earned in the underlying companies, and when such distributions are expected to be resolved, and are included in the underlying companies' annual accounts.
Interest income is entered as it is earned.
1.4 Expenses
Expenses are included with and expensed simultaneously with the income that the expenses are attributable to. Costs that cannot be directly attributed to income are expensed when incurred.
Interest and fees are entered as these are earned as income or incurred as costs.
1.5 Defined contribution pension schemes Obligations for contributions to defined contribution pension schemes are entered as expenses in the
1.6 Share-based payment transactions
income statement when incurred.
Employee stock options are measured at the actual value at the time of distribution. The stock options
are valued according to the Black and Scholes model. The calculated value is recognised as a personnel costs, with a corresponding entry in other paid-in equity. The cost is divided over the period until the employees become unconditionally entitled to the stock options.
1.7 Main rule for valuation and classification of assets and liabilities
Assets intended for permanent ownership or use are classified as fixed assets Other assets are classified as current assets. Receivables that shall be paid within a year are classed as current assets. Equivalent criteria are used as the basis for the classification of longterm and current liabilities.
Fixed assets are valued at historical cost, but written down to actual value when the reduction in value is not expected to be temporary. The write down is reversed when the basis for the write down no longer exists. Fixed assets with a limited economic lifetime are depreciated in accordance with a depreciation plan. Long-term loans are recorded at the nominal received value at the time of establishment.
Current assets are valued at the lowest of the cost value and actual value. Long-term liabilities are recorded at the nominal received value at the time of establishment.
1.8 Shares in subsidiaries
In Agasti Holding ASA's company accounts, shares in subsidiaries are valued in accordance with with the cost method. Group contributions are entered in the parent company's accounts as income in investment in subsidiaries under financial items, in the extent to which the distribution relates to the earnings accrued in the holding period. Other received Group contributions are entered as a reduction of cost price of the shares. Provided Group contributions net after tax are entered as increased investment in subsidiaries.
1.9 Receivables
Receivables are recorded at nominal value less provisions for expected losses. Provisions for losses are made on the basis of an individual analysis of the individual receivables.
1.10 Taxes
Tax expenses consist of tax payable and the change in deferred tax. Deferred tax/tax assets are
Note 1 Accounting principles (continued)
calculated on all differences between accounting and tax values of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax is calculated at 25 % based on the temporary differences that exist between the accounting and tax values, and tax loss carried forward at the end of the financial year. Net deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is likely that they could be utilised.
Tax expenses and deferred tax are entered in the accounts directly against equity insofar as the tax items relate to items recognised directly against equity.
1.11 Leasing agreements
Leases where the most significant risks and returns associated with ownership of the asset are not acquired by the company are classified as operating lease agreements. Lease payments are classified as
an operating expense, and are recognised linearly over the contract period.
1.12 Use of estimates
Management has used estimates and assumptions that affect the income statement and the valuation of assets and liabilities, as well as contingent assets and liabilities on the balance sheet date during the preparation of the annual accounts in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
1.13 Contingencies and events after the balance sheet date
Contingent losses that are probable and quantifiable are expensed.
1.14 Cash flow statement
The cash flow statement is prepared according to the indirect method. Cash and cash equivalents include cash, bank deposits and other short-term liquid investments.
Note 2 Operating revenues
| All amounts in thousands of NOK | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| By function | ||
| Group administration | 29 122 | 26 672 |
| IT | 18 571 | 6 792 |
| Accounting and finance | 5 311 | 1 632 |
| Human resources | 0 | 455 |
| Marketing and communications | 0 | 2 727 |
| Other | 18 | 0 |
| Total operating revenues | 53 022 | 38 278 |
Agasti Holding provided shared services for companies within the group from 2014 up to 21.10.2015. All employees within the group were then transferred to Obligo Group, which now performs these shared services. Agasti Group will no longer have the same income, nor the same costs, except purchases from Obligo Group.
Note 3 Salary costs, total employees, remuneration, loans to employees, etc.
| All amounts in thousands of NOK | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Salaries | 17 790 | 18 263 |
| Bonus/profit sharing | 2 694 | 4 757 |
| Pension costs, defined contribution plans | 537 | 341 |
| Estimated benefit options scheme | -39 | 993 |
| National insurance contributions | 3 365 | 3 286 |
| Other benefits | 707 | 1 207 |
| Total | 25 055 | 28 847 |
| Average total full-time equivalent positions | 16,3 | 10,7 |
| All amounts in thousands of NOK | Period | Salary 1) | Contribution sion scheme based pen |
profit sharing Paid bonus/ |
bonus/profit Accrued sharing |
benefits Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jørgen Pleym Ulvness CEO |
2015 | 3 394 | 56 | 3 390 | 0 | 391 |
| 2014 | 3 382 | 49 | 2 579 | 1 450 | 4 | |
| Christian Dovland 2) CFO |
2015 | 3 160 | 56 | 840 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 2 245 | 44 | 536 | 0 | 9 | |
| Christian Tunge 2) CFO |
2015 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 279 |
| 2014 | 3 762 | 0 | 759 | 0 | 2 |
Benefits paid to employees in leading positions:
1) Salaries etc. are shown for the period in which employees in leading positions have been employed in Agasti Holding ASA. 2) Left position as CFO on 11 February 2014. Christian Dovland took up the position as the new CFO on the same day.
Benefits to employees in leading positions All employees were transferred to Obligo Group, in October 2015, and Agasti is now purchasing management and support services from Obligo Group. The CEO's remuneration is determined by the Board. Up to October 2015 the remuneration was determined by the Board based on input from its remuneration committee. The Board's remuneration committee sets guidelines for remuneration of other employees in senior positions, including fixed salaries and the principles for and scope of bonus schemes.
Employees in leading positions have now transferred to companies in Obligo Group, ordinary bonus agreements with annually fixed limits, and normally limited to between 40 and 200 per cent of basic salary, depending on position. The estimated accrued bonus is expensed on an on-going basis.
In the event where Agasti in 2016 will employ their own senior executives, these can be awarded variable remuneration capped at 150 per cent of the fixed salary, including holiday pay. Allotment of variable remuneration will depend on the achievement of objectives and results. Allocation of variable remuneration shall not affect pension or any severance pay.
The CEO and CFO have agreements with 12 months' salary following termination of service if they are dismissed without just cause or as a result of major changes in duties e.g. merger or acquisition:
The Agasti Group had a defined contribution scheme for all permanent employees in Norway and Sweden,
which is now being transferred to Obligo Holding. In Norway, the contribution rate for 2015 was four per cent of fixed salaries between 1G and 6G and six per cent of fixed salaries between 6G and 12G. In relation to the requirements regarding mandatory occupational pensions (OTP) that came into force on 1 July 2006, Obligo Group has a pension plan which exceeds the minimum requirement of two per cent of salary over 1G up to 12G.
Subsidiaries within the Obligo Group has taken over all obligations related to the incentive scheme of Agasti. In 2014, a new option scheme for selected managers within the Group. The scheme is part of a long-term incentive scheme for Agasti managers, which will contribute to creating positive results and attracting new employees as well as retaining existing employees. 1 million options were redeemed by employees of Agasti Holding ASA in 2015. Agasti Holding ASA at the time of adoption of the annual accounts no employees, and all stock options are being held by employees in Obligo Group, A total of 1.08 million stock options are allocated to employees in Obligo Group, of which 980 000 are allocated to senior positions. The allocation is in accordance with the authorisation granted by the annual general meeting on 26 June 2013.
Options allocated in August 2012, which were due in August 2015, 1 million stock options were redeemed. The redemption prices for the outstanding options are NOK 1,25 for the options allocated in March 2014. The redemption price for the options shall be reduced by the accumulated dividends paid out during the period after allocation of the options. No dividend
Styrehonorar 1)
Note 3 Salary costs, total employees, remuneration, loans to employees, etc. (continued)
was paid for the financial year 2014. In addition to extraordinary dividend payout of 0,76 per share in December 2015, the board of directors in Agasti Holding has proposed in the general meeting an extra dividend payout of 0,38 NOK per share for the accounting year 2015. The remaining share options allocated to selected managers in the group during March 2014 may be redeemed by 1/3 in 2016 and 1/3 in 2017, during specific periods in both years. At the end of 2015, the share price was NOK 1.59.
Costs relating to the option scheme for employees in Agasti Holding ASA are recognised in the 2015 financial statements with minus NOK 39 000. National insurance scheme contributions related to the option scheme amounted to NOK 95 000. As at 31 December 2015, Agasti Holding ASA had not issued any other financial instruments that may result in a demand for issuing of new shares other than the mentioned share options.
| All amounts in thousands of NOK | Position at time | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Member of the Board | of adoption | Period | 2015 | 2014 |
| Erling Meinich-Bache | Chairman of the Board/Board Member | 26.06.13-09.12.15 | 536 | 464 |
| Beatriz Malo de Molina | Board Member | 29.11.13-09.12.15 | 477 | 193 |
| Merete Haugli | Chairman of the Board/Board Member | 26.06.13-18.06.14 | 493 | |
| Sissel Knutsen Hegdal | Board Member | 26.06.13-18.06.14 | 168 | |
| Stein Aukner | Board Member | 26.06.13-29.11.13 | 122 | |
| Arne Reinemo | Chairman of the board | 29.11.13-15.12.13 | 23 | |
| Paal Espen Johnsen | Board Member | 26.06.13-15.12.13 | 125 | |
| Pia Gideon | Board Member | 26.06.13-29.11.13 | 114 | |
| Jon Bjørstad | Board Member | 18.06.14-19.11.14 | 105 | |
| Ellen Hanetho | Board Member | 18.06.14-09.12.15 | 402 | |
| John Einar Høsteland | Chairman of the board | 18.06.14-09.12.15 | 854 | |
| Paal Victor Minne | Board Member | 19.11.14-12.09.15 | 264 | |
| Trond Vernegg | Board Member | 18.06.14-09.12.15 | 402 | |
| Kristin Wilhelmsen | Board Member | 18.06.14-09.12.15 | 477 | |
| Tom Ruud | Board Member | 09.12.15 | ||
| Kathryn Moore Baker | Board Member | 09.12.15 | ||
| Live Haukvik Aker | Board Member | 09.12.15 | ||
| Øystein Tenold | Board Member | 09.12.15 |
Benefits paid to Board members:
1) Fees pertaining to the period in office
Note 4 Combined items in the income statement
| All amounts in thousands of NOK | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Costs relating to premises | 1 714 | 1 734 |
| IT costs | 13 661 | 13 603 |
| Fees for auditors, lawyers and consultants | 3 671 | 8 926 |
| Telephone and postage costs | 317 | 218 |
| Travel activities | 902 | 718 |
| Marketing activities | 1 278 | 1 270 |
| Other operating expenses | 3 486 | 3 480 |
| Total other operating expenses | 25 029 | 29 949 |
| Statutory audit | 756 | 517 |
| Other assurance services | 15 | 0 |
| Tax Services | 124 | 0 |
| Other services excluding auditing | 0 | 100 |
| Total fees to auditor | 895 | 617 |
| The fees are given excluding VAT. | ||
| Group interest income | 2 911 | 3 386 |
| Interest, bank deposits | 726 | 122 |
| Income from investments in subsidiaries | 39 462 | 53 539 |
| Dividends from Obligo Holding AS | 88 440 | 0 |
| Other financial income | 4 069 | 3 979 |
| Gain from sale of shares in Obligo Holding AS | 197 301 | 0 |
| Total financial income | 332 909 | 61 026 |
| Group interest costs | 2 273 | 1 897 |
| Bank interest and fees | 1 756 | 1 029 |
| Writedown of investments in subsidiaries | 91 297 | 29 959 |
| Other financial expenses | 6 014 | 1 373 |
| Total financial expenses | 101 339 | 34 258 |
| Net financial items | 231 571 | 26 768 |
Note 5 Fixed assets
The company purchased all of its subsidiary Navigea Securties AS' fixed assets at book value in August, and sold the total fixed assets at book value to Obligo Holding AS in September, 2015. The book value was considered arm`s length price for these transactions.
| Leasehold improvements |
Machinery, fixtures | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| and equipment | Software | |||||
| All amounts in thousands of NOK | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 |
| Original cost per 1 January | 439 | 288 | 492 | 492 | 297 | - |
| Additions by separate acquisition | 397 | 151 | 900 | - | 1 763 | 297 |
| Divestments | 836 | - | 1 392 | - | 2 060 | - |
| Original cost per 31 December | 0 | 439 | -0 | 492 | 0 | 297 |
| Accumulated depreciations | 199 | 165 | 301 | 240 | 10 | - |
| per 1 January | ||||||
| Year's depreciations | 77 | 34 | 47 | 61 | 187 | 10 |
| Divestments | 276 | - | 348 | - | 197 | - |
| Accumulated depreciations | 0 | 199 | 0 | 301 | -0 | 10 |
| per 31 December | ||||||
| Book value per 31 December | - | 240 | - | 191 | - | 287 |
| Economic lifetime | 4-5 years | 4-5 years | 4-5 years | |||
| Depreciation plan | Linear | Linear | Linear |
Annual rental of non-recorded assets
Agasti Holding ASA has transferred all of its operational lease agreements related to offices, IT and other equipment to the Obligo group of companies as a part of the restructuring of operational activities executed in September 2015.
| Rental costs | ||
|---|---|---|
| All amounts in thousands of NOK | 2015 | 2014 |
| Leasing agreements, premises, including common costs | 1 329 | 1 484 |
| Rental external meeting facilities | 40 | 32 |
| Rental, parking facilities | 287 | 158 |
| Leasing agreements, various machinery and equipment | 45 | 1 |
| Total | 1 701 | 1 675 |
Note 6 Shares in subsidiaries
| All amounts in thousands of NOK Company |
Year of acqui sition |
Regis tered office |
Owner ship |
Value entered in the balance sheet |
Equity 31.12.15 |
Net income 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Navigea Securities AS (liquidiated) | 2010 | Oslo | 100% | 19 000 | 20 482 | -12 228 |
| Acta Asset Management AS | 1998 | Stavanger | 100% | 9 400 | 10 243 | -3 076 |
| Acta Kapitalforvaltning AS | 1998 | Stavanger | 100% | 1 | 3 998 | -35 225 |
| Shares in sister company and in joint venture | 2015 | Oslo | 28 401 | 34 723 | -50 529 | |
| Obligo Holding AS | 2015 | Oslo | 66% | 73 684 | 90 094 | 16 486 |
| Total | 102 085 | 124 817 | -34 043 |
The shares in Navigea Securities AS, Acta Asset Management AS and Acta Kapitalforvaltning AS have been written down by NOK 21.0 million, NOK 6.6 million and NOK 37,5 million respectively as of year-end 2015. Reference is made to note 11 to the Consolidated accounts for more information.
Note 6 Shares in subsidiaries (continued)
All shares owned by the company in the subsidiaries Obligo Investment Management AS, Agasti Capital Markets AS, Obligo Services AS, Obligo Accounting Services AS og Navexa Securities AB were transferred as a contribution to Obligo Holding in September 2015. Obligo Holding at the time being a newly established, 100 per cent owned subsidiary. Agasti Holding sold 34 per cent of its shares in Obligo Holding to a company affiliated with Blackstone in October 2015, and now owns 66 per cent of the company.
Note 7 Share capital and shareholder information
Share capital in the company per 31 December 2015 consisted of 294 405 648 shares, each with a nominal value of NOK 0.18. There is only one share class.
For further information, please refer to note 10 in the Group accounts
Note 8 Equity
| All amounts in thousands of NOK | Share capital | Share premium reserve |
Other paid in capital |
Other | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity 1 January 2014 | 52 825 | 66 964 | 89 480 | 7 429 | 216 698 |
| Change in equity for the year | |||||
| Net income | -3 896 | -3 896 | |||
| Merger with subsidiary 1) | -5 428 | -5 428 | |||
| Rights issue | 137 | 608 | 745 | ||
| Group contribution with tax effect | 38 619 | 38 619 | |||
| Received group contributions without tax effect |
-28 192 | -28 192 | |||
| Stock option programme | 993 | 993 | |||
| Equity 31 December 2014 | 52 962 | 67 572 | 100 900 | -1 895 | 219 540 |
| Equity 1 January 2015 | 52 962 | 67 572 | 100 900 | -1 895 | 219 540 |
| Change in equity for the year | |||||
| Net income | 231 846 | 231 846 | |||
| Dividends paid in the year | -80 839 | -142 681 | -223 520 | ||
| Dividends payable | -4 582 | -19 552 | -87 741 | -111 874 | |
| Rights issue | 31 | 172 | 203 | ||
| Stock option programme | -509 | 471 | -39 | ||
| Equity 31 December 2015 | 52 993 | 63 162 | 0 | 0 | 116 155 |
1) The merger of the subsidiary Acta Capital Markets AS executed with effect from 1. January 2014
The general meeting has granted the Board of Agasti Holding ASA the authorisation to issue new shares. The authorisation was granted in an extraordinary general meeing on 9th December 2015 and applies for the issuance of up to 9 million shares with a nominal value of NOK 0.18. The authorisation may only be used to meet obligations to senior management with rights under the share options incentive program. The authorisation is valid until the date of the next ordinary general meeting, but no later than 30 June 2016. If the nominal value of the shares should change within the period of authorisation, the authorisation shall be changed accordingly.
Note 9 Long-term receivables
| Borrower All amounts in thousands of NOK | Loan date | Maturity | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acta Asset Management AS | 31.12.07 | 31.12.17 | 3 500 | 17 000 |
| Acta Kapitalforvaltning AS | 31.12.07 | * | 0 | 24 976 |
| Wunderlich Investment Company, Inc | 05.09.12 | 31.07.17 | 22 023 | 18 583 |
| Total | 25 523 | 60 559 |
* Subordinated loan to Acta Kapitalforvaltning was converted to equity in December 2015.
Long-term receivables consist of subordinated loans to the subsidiary company Acta Asset Management AS. The interest rate conditions are 3 months NIBOR with an additional 300 basis points.
The USD 2.5 milllion convertible bond issued to Wunderlich Investment Company, Inc is revalued to current exchange rates on a monthly basis.
Note 10 Outstanding accounts with Group companies and related parties
| All amounts in thousands of NOK | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Acta Kapitalforvaltning AS | 27 032 | 1 174 |
| Agasti Business Services AS | 0 | 28 |
| Navigea Securities AS (liquidiated) | 883 | 0 |
| Acta Asset Management AS | 738 | 0 |
| Acta Kapitalforvaltning AB | 1 782 | 0 |
| Navexa Securities AB | 164 | 6 390 |
| Obligo Investment Management AS | 10 462 | 8 751 |
| Group contribution from Obligo Real Estate AS | 0 | 7 028 |
| Group contribution from Agasti Wunderlich Capital Markets AS | 0 | 7 367 |
| Group contribution from Agasti Business Services AS | 17 | 17 |
| Total Intercompany receivables | 41 077 | 30 755 |
| Obligo Business Services AS | 1 722 | 3 044 |
| Acta Kapitalforvaltning AS | 1 763 | 290 |
| Acta Asset Management AS | 13 301 | 10 673 |
| Obligo Investment Management AS | 0 | 6 842 |
| Obligo Real Estate AS | 0 | 8 695 |
| Navigea Securities AS (liquidiated) | 15 897 | 27 166 |
| Obligo BX Holding AS | 482 | 0 |
| Agasti Wunderlich Capital Markets AS | 11 527 | 12 324 |
| Total intercompany liabilities | 44 691 | 69 034 |
Note 11 Current receivables and other current liabilities
| All amounts in thousands of NOK | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Outstanding accounts with Group companies | 41 077 | 30 755 |
| Dividend from joint venture | 88 440 | 10 |
| Pre-paid costs | 28 | 256 |
| Accounts receivables | 764 | 1 506 |
| Total current receivables | 130 309 | 32 517 |
| Outstanding accounts with Group companies | 44 691 | 69 034 |
| Accrued expenses, unpaid wages, holiday pay, etc. | 2 590 | 6 390 |
| Other current liabilities | 6 420 | 4 915 |
| Total other current liabilities | 53 702 | 80 339 |
Note 12 Income taxes
| All amounts in thousands of NOK | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Tax payable on the year's taxable earnings | 138 | 0 |
| Change deferred tax | -129 | -387 |
| Tax effect of received Group contributions | 2 344 | 0 |
| Tax effect of provided Group contributions | 0 | 10 427 |
| Year's tax expenses | 2 353 | 10 040 |
| Net income before tax expenses in relation to year's tax base | ||
| Net income before tax expenses | 234 198 | 6 144 |
| Temporary differences | ||
| Change temporary differences | 283 | 1 434 |
| Permanent differences: | ||
| Write-downs of shares in subsidiaries | 91 297 | 29 959 |
| Non-taxable gain from sale of shares | -197 301 | 0 |
| Non-taxable dividend income from subsidiaries | -39 462 | 0 |
| Non-taxable dividend from joint venture | -88 440 | 0 |
| Estimated benefit options | 40 | 993 |
| Other non-deductible items (net) | -105 | 89 |
| Provided Group contribution, taxable | 0 | -38 619 |
| Tax base for the year | 509 | 0 |
| Specification of tax effect of temporary differences | ||
| Non-current assets | -207 | 295 |
| Accounting provisions | -8 500 | -8 500 |
| Net temporary differences | -8 293 | -8 205 |
| Impairment of deferred taxes assets | 2 073 | 0 |
| Net deferred tax (+)/deferred tax assets (-) on balance sheet | 0 | -2 215 |
Note 12 Income taxes (continued)
| All amounts in thousands of NOK | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Tax payable in balance sheet calculated as follows | ||
| Tax payable on net income for the year | 138 | 0 |
| Paid too much/too little tax previous year | 0 | 0 |
| Total tax payable on balance sheet | 138 | 0 |
| Reconciliation of actual against estimated tax expense | ||
| Net income before tax expenses | 234 198 | 6 144 |
| Calculated tax cost (27%) | 63 233 | 1 659 |
| Specification of other tax effects | ||
| Permanent differences (27%) 2) | -28 639 | 1 032 |
| Write down of deferred taxes to zero 3) | 2 344 | - |
| Change tax rate | -52 | - |
| Group contribution without tax effect (27%) | -34 534 | 7 350 |
| Year's tax expenses | 2 353 | 10 040 |
| Effective tax rate 1) | 1.0% | 163.4% |
1) Tax expenses in per cent of pre-tax profit 2) Includes non-deductible expenses, such as representation and miscellaneous customer events, individual gifts and non-deductible foundation costs, option costs and the write-down of shares in subsidiaries, and non taxable income for example income from subsidiaries, income from associated companies and gain from sale of shares. 3) The company has no operating revenues, and only non-taxable income from investments in subsidiaries and joint
ventures. Therefore it is not expected any taxable income which can benefit from deferred taxes. Deferred taxes are valued at zero
Note 13 Assets pledged as collateral and guarantees
| Securities All amounts in thousands of NOK | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Booked liabilities that are secured with collateral etc.: | ||
| Overdraft Sparebank 1 SR-Bank | 0 | -200 |
| Total | 0 | -200 |
Agasti Holding ASA has an overdraft facility with a limit of NOK 15 million. In use of the overdraft, Sparebank 1 SR-Bank has collateral in the shares of the Groups subsidiaries and shares in the joint venture. In addition, the Group's subsidiaries have made a declaration of negative pledge. For further information, please refer to note 19 in the Group accounts.
Guarantees
Agasti Holding ASA has provided a parent company guarantee Acta Asset Management AS 'obligations against a short-term loan of 6 million
Note 14 Restricted bank deposits
| All amounts in thousands of NOK | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Tax withholdings | 795 | 1 630 |
| Total | 795 | 1 630 |
Note 15 Financial risk
For information regarding the company's financial risk, please refer to note 19 in the Group accounts.
Chairman of the Board Board member
Board member
Oslo, 28 April 2016
Board member
Board member CEO
Confirmation from the Board
We confirm that the annual accounts for the period 1 January through 31 December 2015 have, to the best of our knowledge, been prepared in accordance with accounting standards, that the information in the accounts provides a fair representation of the company's and the Group's assets, liabilities, financial status and overall earnings, and that the information in the annual report provides a fair overview of the development, result, and status for the company and the Group, together with a description of the main risk and uncertainty factors that the company and the Group face
Oslo, 28 April 2016
Chairman of the Board Board member
Board member
Board member Board member CEO
Agasti Holding ASA Postboks 1753 Vika, NO-0122 OSLO www.agasti.no