Governance Information • Mar 22, 2024
Governance Information
Open in ViewerOpens in native device viewer

Hexagon Composites ASA ("Hexagon" or the "Company") is committed to follow the Norwegian Code of Practice for Corporate Governance. We aim to secure a clear division of roles and responsibilities between shareholders, the board of directors and executive management to ensure good corporate management. We believe that this contributes to the greatest possible value creation for all interest groups and strengthens the trust in the Company among shareholders, in the capital markets and with other key stakeholders.
The Company is subject to reporting requirements for corporate governance under the Accounting Act section 3-3b (available at www.lovdata.no) as well as Oslo Børs' "Oslo rule book II - Issuer Rules" section 4.4 (available at Oslo Børs' website, www.euronext.com).
Hexagon will comply with the Code of Practice established by the Norwegian Corporate Governance Board (NUES). The latest version of the Code of Practice is available at www.nues.no. The principal purpose of the
2021 Artbox Report Template All rights reserved © Artbox AS 2021 ll
Corporate Governance Code is to ensure (i) that listed companies implement corporate governance practices that regulates the division of responsibilities between the shareholders, the board of directors and Executive Management more comprehensively than the legislation requires, and (ii) effective management and control over activities with the aim of securing the greatest possible value creation over time in the best interest of shareholders, employees and other stakeholders.

Hexagon Composites ASA's principles for corporate governance are subject to annual review and discussions by the board of directors.
The Company shall comply with the Code of Practice established by the Norwegian Corporate Governance Board (NUES), last revised 14 October 2021. Unless otherwise indicated in the text below, there are no deviations to the Norwegian Code of Practice for Corporate Governance.
Hexagon is driven by a strong conviction: clean air is a right, not a privilege. Our core mission is to drive energy transformation. Our core values – integrity and drive – support this mission and ensure accountability for our actions. The Company is committed to conducting its business in accordance with the highest ethical standards with no tolerance for corruption.
Hexagon's world leading composite cylinder technology enables the safe delivery of clean gaseous energy to homes and industries - and decarbonizes transportation on land and at sea. The scope and objectives of our business are defined in the Company's articles of association §3: "The objectives of the Company are in the
development, production, marketing and sale of goods and services related to composites or other areas, and activities that are related thereto, and participation in companies within similar business areas." A more comprehensive discussion and analysis of our business activities, strategic priorities and operating results are included in the annual- and sustainability reports and the Company's website www.hexagongroup.com.
The board has defined clear objectives, strategies and risk profiles for the Company's business activities such that the Company creates value for shareholders in a sustainable manner. When carrying out this work, the board of directors takes into account financial, social and environmental considerations. These objectives, strategies and risk profiles are subject to annual review by the board.
Sustainability, including social responsibility, is an integral part of Hexagon's corporate governance process. Formal guidelines for corporate sustainability have been approved by the board and integrated into the Group's management systems.
Hexagon's capital structure is considered to be at a level appropriate to the Group's objectives, strategies and risk profile. Hexagon's main objective is to focus on high-growth areas, and the Company intends to make the necessary investments to develop its business in these markets. At 31 December 2023, the Company's equity was NOK 3 214 million, equivalent to 50 per cent of total assets. Authorization to the board for capital transactions is normally restricted to defined objectives and time limitations that do not exceed the next ordinary general meeting. This applies to the issuance of new shares as well as the purchase of own shares. The board is currently and until the General Meeting of 2024, but no later than 30 June 2024, authorized to acquire own shares on one or more occasions, up to a total nominal value not exceeding 10 per cent of the share capital at any given time.
The power of attorney may be used for the following purposes:
Authorizations for increases in share capital relating to multiple purposes are considered separately. The board is currently and until the General Meeting of 2024, but no later than
Good corporate governance will contribute to the greatest possible value creation over time for all interest groups.
2021 Artbox Report Template All rights reserved © Artbox AS 2021 ll
3
30 June 2024, authorized to increase the share capital by up to NOK 2 016 195 in one or more issuances. The authorization may be used for one or more of the following purposes:
Hexagon's main objective is to provide competitive returns to shareholders primarily through increasing the intrinsic value of our business. Any future dividend payments are dependent on financial performance and investment requirements.
Hexagon has one class of shares with equal rights, and the policy is to comply with the equal treatment principles of applicable law in capital transactions. In the event where circumstances require deviation from the main rule of equal treatment of shareholders, subsequent measures will be implemented to reduce the impact of such deviation, unless the impact is justifiable. Reasons for any deviation from equal treatment of all shareholders in capital transactions will be included in the stock exchange announcement made in connection with the transaction.
The Company normally conducts transactions in its own shares through the stock exchange or at equivalent market rates. If there is limited liquidity in the Company's shares, the Company may consider other ways to ensure equal treatment of all shareholders. Any transactions in own shares will be carried out in compliance with applicable law.
The Company's guidelines related to transactions with related parties are described under item 9.
All shares in Hexagon are freely negotiable shares with full voting rights. No form of transfer or voting restrictions have been stipulated in the articles of association.
Hexagon has well-established procedures for publicly announcing and issuing information regarding the general meeting, and all relevant information is published through www.newsweb.no, and the Company's website. Notice of the general meeting and supporting documents, including the recommendations from the nomination committee, are distributed and published 21 days in advance of the meeting date.
The board will ensure that the Company's shareholders can participate in the general meeting, that the resolutions and supporting information
distributed are sufficiently detailed, comprehensive and specific to allow shareholders to form a view on all matters to be considered at the meeting, and that any deadline for shareholders to give notice of their intention to attend the meeting is set as close to the date of the meeting as per applicable regulations.
Normally, shareholders will be able to vote on each individual matter, including on individual candidates nominated for election to the Company's corporate bodies. Hexagon will aim to prepare and facilitate the use of proxy forms that allow for separate voting instructions to be given for each item on the agenda and should nominate a person who will be available to vote on behalf of shareholders as their proxy.
In connection with the annual general meeting for 2023, the general meeting was chaired by Knut Flakk. The Company's practice reflects its fundamental view that the general meeting should be chaired by a person with deep knowledge of the matters presented for consideration at the meeting.
The Company's nomination committee's requirements are stipulated in the articles of association. The nomination committee's main responsibility is to evaluate the work and expertise profile of the board of directors and to propose suitable candidates. The nomination committee also proposes the fees to be paid to members of the board. Proposals for candidates, including the reasons for selection and other relevant information are distributed with other documentation related to the annual general meeting.
The nomination committee is currently comprised of three members. The composition of the committee is intended to reflect the interests of all shareholders, and all members are independent of the board and other executive management. Members are elected at the annual general meeting. The current members of the nomination committee are:
The board is composed of individuals with sufficient competence and expertise, capacity and diversity to enable independent evaluations of the Group's operations in the common interests of all shareholders and to ensure its effectiveness as a governing body. The composition of the board ensures that it can operate independently
of any special interests. Five of the shareholder elected board members are independent of the Company's executive personnel, material business contacts and the Company's major shareholders. The board does not include members of the Company's executive management.
The general meeting elects the Chair of the board. The term of office for members of the board is no longer than two years at a time and board members may be re-elected. The board of directors currently has 43% female representation while the sub-committees have 100% and 33% female representation.
The annual report and Hexagon's website provide information about the expertise of the board of directors, information on their record of attendance at board meetings, as well as identifying which members are considered to be independent. Members of the board are encouraged to own shares in the Company.
The board of directors works with the Chief Executive Officer and external auditors to ensure that the Group is managed in accordance with its corporate objectives, values and ethical guidelines. The board has an annual plan with particular emphasis on objectives, strategy and
implementation. The board performs a self-evaluation supported by an independent third party annually and discusses relevant improvements and implementation of any organizational practices with the administration. The evaluation is also submitted to the nomination committee.
Clear guidelines require board members and executive management to notify the board of any significant direct or indirect interest in transactions executed by the Company. These guidelines are incorporated into the board's instructions and instructions for the Chief Executive Officer. These instructions state how agreements with related parties are handled, including whether an independent valuation must be obtained. Any such transactions will be described in the consolidated financial statements – transactions with related parties.
The board shall ensure that members of the board and executive management make the Company aware of any material interests that they may have in items to be considered by the board. In the event that the board Chair has been actively engaged in such interests, the Chair will recuse himself and the Deputy Chair will assume responsibility for the matter in question.
The Company's audit committee is governed by the Norwegian Public Limited Liability
Companies Act as well as separate instruction adopted by the board of directors. The board's audit committee is comprised of members that are independent of the Company's executive personnel, material business contacts and the major shareholders. In 2023, the audit committee held six meetings and comprised of the independent board members Liv Astri Hovem (Chair) and Kristine Landmark.
The remuneration committee is governed by a separate instruction adopted by the board of directors. The committee is independent of the Company's executive management and is currently composed as follows: Sam Gabbita (Chair), Kristine Landmark and Katsunori Mori.
Hexagon works systematically to identify and manage the specific risks facing its business. Risk management is executed by Group management and management of business areas and subsidiaries. The corporate finance department is responsible for ensuring that the Group has an adequate system of internal controls, including controls over financial reporting. The department reports to the CFO and has overall responsibility for ensuring compliance with the Group's accounting principles and financial controls. Hexagon believes that its overall strategy, management principles and organizational structure
provide a good control environment. The Group's ethical guidelines include considerations related to the Company's stakeholders in value creation and contribute to a culture and values that support this environment.
The board ensures that the Group has good internal controls and appropriate systems for risk management in relation to the scope and type of business operation. This includes ensuring that the Group's risk management and internal controls are adequate and systematic and that processes are established in accordance with laws and regulations, articles of association, instructions and external and internal guidelines. The board regularly and systematically assesses strategies and guidelines for risk management. The board's audit committee reviews the overall risk management policy and procedures and the Group's internal control routines. The committee functions as a preparatory and advisory committee for the Group's board and provides support for exercising its responsibilities relating to risk management, financial reporting, financial information and auditing. Please see the Risk Management section of the board of directors' report for further information on the Group's main risks.
In addition to the annual risk assessment, the management presents quarterly financial
5
statements that will inform the board and shareholders on current business performance, including risk reports. These reports are subject to review at the quarterly board meetings.
Hexagon recognizes the importance of robust financial reporting processes. To ensure accuracy, transparency, and compliance, an internal control system that addresses the organization and execution of the financial reporting has been established. Each entity of the organization has its own finance function and reports to the business area and/or the Group on a monthly basis. The Group finance function is consolidating the numbers for each period. With Hexagon reporting in NOK while most of the business being abroad, the financial reporting processes pay substantial attention to the effect of fluctuations in currency exchange rates.
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) plays a pivotal role in owning and overseeing the financial reporting processes. The CFO sets the tone for financial reporting, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. The role owns the financial reporting process, including accuracy, timeliness, and adherence to regulations. In addition, the role assesses financial risks, implements controls, and monitors compliance.
The Audit Committee complements the CFO's efforts by providing independent oversight. The committee reviews financial statements, ensures compliance, and approves significant transactions. It interacts with external auditors, ensuring independence and effectiveness. By adhering to these principles, leveraging the expertise of the CFO's organization, and benefiting from the Audit Committee's oversight, high standards of financial reporting and governance are maintained.
The board receives reporting from the management and the audit committee on a regular basis. These reports cover financial performance, risk assessments, and adherence to accounting standards. In addition to the regular reports, the board receives ad hoc reports as needed.
The financial reporting processes result in releasing quarterly and annual reports accompanied by quarterly investor presentations, all in accordance with the Group's financial calendar.
The remuneration of the board of directors is approved by the Company's general meeting and should reflect the board's responsibility, expertise, time commitment and the complexity of the Company's activities. The approved remuneration applies for the period from the date of
the annual general meeting and up to the date of the next annual general meeting.
| Position | Fees 2023 1 (NOK) |
Fees 2022 1 (NOK) |
|---|---|---|
| Chair | 650 000 | 621 000 |
| Deputy Chair | 379 000 | 362 250 |
| Other board members | 325 000 | 310 500 |
1 Fees approved by the annual general meeting in 2022 and 2023 respectively.
Chairs of the board committees are paid additional fees per positions of NOK 65 000. Members of the board committees are paid additional fees per positions of NOK 43 000. Fees are fixed and are not linked to the Company's performance. Board members are not eligible for share option programs. Reference is also made to the Company's Remuneration Report for further details on remuneration of the board of directors.
Members of the board of directors and/or companies with which they are associated should not take on specific assignments for the Company in addition to their appointment as a member of the board. If they do nonetheless take on such assignments this should be disclosed to the full board. The remuneration for such additional duties should be approved by the board of directors.
The board has established guidelines on salary and other remuneration of the executive management. Reference is made to the Guidelines for remuneration of executive management of Hexagon Composites ASA approved by the annual general meeting 2021. Hexagon's arrangements in respect of salary and other remuneration are considered to ensure that the executive management and shareholders have convergent interests. Executive management remuneration is based on Company and individual performance, and both the methods and the amounts are intended to promote commercial strategy, long-term interests and financial viability for the Company. Hexagon believes that this can be achieved through the prudent use of share options and/ or other equivalent financial instruments and/ or bonus schemes. Both the Executive management's collective short-term and long-term incentive plans are subject to proportionate salary or absolute value "on award" limits respectively. All long-term incentive plans contain variable performance parameters which influence the ultimate value of the award at vesting/ completion. The Company shall ensure that both the remuneration policy and the remuneration report are approved and made available on the Company's website in accordance with statutory legislation. For further details
on remuneration of the executive management, refer to the Remuneration report for 2023.
The Group follows the Oslo Stock Exchange's recommendations for reporting investor information. The Group's information policy is based on openness and equal treatment of all shareholders and participants in the securities market. Hexagon's policy is to provide all shareholders with correct, consistent, relevant and timely information. Efforts are being directed towards developing disclosures on major value drivers and risk factors. The Company believes it is important that employees, shareholders and investors have equal opportunities to monitor the Company's performance and receive sufficient information to value Hexagon correctly. The
Group seeks to communicate information about its products and markets to its stakeholders, while ensuring equal access to all relevant information provided.
All stock exchange releases, financial reports and presentations, other public presentations and press releases are made available on the Company's website www.hexagongroup.com together with other relevant information. All information distributed to the Company's shareholders will be published on the Company's website at the same time as it is sent to the shareholders. Hexagon holds open presentations in connection with its financial reporting, and these presentations are broadcasted live via webcast.
The board acknowledges that it should not prevent or obstruct offers for purchase of the Company's business operations or shares. Agreements that restrict the possibility of obtaining other offers for the Company's shares should only be entered into when clearly justified as being in the joint interests of the Company and its shareholders. Agreements between the Company and an offeror that are important to the market's assessment of the offer are made public before or at the same time as notice is given that an offer will be made.
Each year, the Company's external auditor provides an annual written confirmation of their independence and objectivity. The auditor attends board meetings that address the annual accounts and presents to the audit committee the main features of a plan for implementing the auditing work. The auditor gives an annual presentation to the board with an opinion on the Company's accounting principles, asset management and internal control procedures. The Group's auditors are EY, who was appointed by the general meeting. The auditors have no engagements with the Company that could impair their independence, and the board, through the audit committee, has established guidelines in respect of the use of the auditor for services other than the audit. See note 28 to the consolidated financial statements for information about remuneration to the auditor, including statutory audit and other services.
Building tools?
Free accounts include 100 API calls/year for testing.
Have a question? We'll get back to you promptly.