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JLG John Laing Group Plc

402.60
0.00 (0.00%)
26 Apr 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
John Laing Group Plc LSE:JLG London Ordinary Share GB00BVC3CB83 ORD 10P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 402.60 402.60 402.80 0.00 01:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
0 0 N/A 0

John Laing Group plc Full Year Results (6867Y)

07/03/2017 7:02am

UK Regulatory


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RNS Number : 6867Y

John Laing Group plc

07 March 2017

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION

John Laing Group plc

RESULTS FOR THE YEARED 31 DECEMBER 2016

John Laing Group plc (John Laing or the Company or the Group) announces its audited results for the year ended 31 December 2016.

Highlights

-- 14.3% increase in Net Asset Value (NAV), from GBP889.6 million at 31 December 2015 to GBP1,016.8 million

   --    NAV per share at 31 December 2016 of 277p (31 December 2015 - 242p) 
   --    New investment commitments of GBP181.9 million (2015 - GBP180.5 million) 
   --    Realisations of GBP146.6(1) million from the sale of investments 
   --    Profit before tax of GBP192.1 million compared to GBP106.6 million (pro forma) in 2015(2) 
   --    Earnings per share of 51.9p (2015 - 27.6p pro forma) 
   --    30% increase in external Assets under Management (AuM) to GBP1,472 million(3) 
   --    Cash yield from investment portfolio of GBP34.8 million (2015 - GBP38.9 million) 

-- Continuing international growth including the Group's first offshore wind farm investment and first renewable energy investment in the US

-- Final dividend of 6.3p per share in line with policy (including a special dividend of 2.6p per share), giving a total 2016 dividend of 8.15p (2015 - total dividend of 6.9p)

Olivier Brousse, John Laing's Chief Executive Officer, commented:

"2016 has been another good year for John Laing with strong growth in NAV and dividends. Our origination platform is working well as shown by our increasingly diversified and growing pipeline of opportunities, while our portfolio of projects under construction is well balanced and actively managed by experienced teams, allowing us to deliver steady results. We are well organised and positioned to take advantage of future opportunities in order to continue to move our business forward while controlling our costs and our risks. "

Notes:

1. Realisations include GBP19.5 million in respect of British Transport Police and Oldham Housing transactions which counted towards guidance for 2015.

2. Profit before tax from continuing operations of GBP192.1 million (2015 - GBP100.9 million) and from discontinued operations of GBPnil (2015 - GBP5.7 million).

   3.     External AuM based on published portfolio values of JLIF and JLEN at 30 September 2016. 

A presentation for analysts and investors will be held at 9:00am (London time) today at The Lincoln Centre, 18 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3ED. A conference call facility will also be available using the dial-in details below.

Conference call dial in details:

UK: 020 3059 8125

Other locations: +44 (0) 20 3059 8125

Participant password: John Laing Conference Call

Participant URL for live access to the on-line presentation:

http://www.investis-live.com/john-laing/58b6c29a146fbc10004bcf54/gfasdgdafg

A copy of the presentation slides will be available at www.laing.com later today.

Analyst/investor enquiries:

 
 Olivier Brousse, Chief Executive 
  Officer                                   +44 20 7901 3200 
 Patrick O'D Bourke, Group Finance 
  Director                                  +44 20 7901 3200 
 Tom Randell, Head of Investor Relations 
  and Communications                        +44 20 7901 3200 
 
 Media enquiries: 
 
 James Isola, Maitland                      +44 20 7379 5151 
 

This announcement may contain forward looking statements. It has been made by the Directors of John Laing in good faith based on the information available to them up to the time of their approval of this announcement and should be treated with caution due to the inherent uncertainties, including both economic and business risk factors, underlying such forward looking information.

Chairman's Statement

Last year, we stated that "looking forward, we have confidence in the robustness of our business model and the deliverability of our strategy". Our results for 2016 confirm that confidence, in what has been a year of political and economic turbulence.

When facing an uncertain environment, we believe in keeping our strategy simple, focused and flexible. In 2016, we simplified our business through the disposal of our non-core Project Management Services (PMS) activities in the UK. This allows management to concentrate on the core tasks of origination of greenfield projects, active management of construction and operational risk and timely realisations in order to monetise value. Our focus remains on PPP infrastructure and renewable energy in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. Our pipeline is strong and diversified by sector and geography, which gives us flexibility in origination, and the funds we manage and the active secondary market give us flexibility in distribution.

Our performance in 2016 was strong:

-- Net Asset Value (NAV) grew by 14.3% to GBP1,016.8 million or 277p per share at 31 December 2016, from GBP889.6 million or 242p per share at 31 December 2015;

   --      Investment commitments reached GBP182 million, in line with our guidance; 

-- Realisations of investments for dividend purposes were GBP127 million, ahead of our guidance for 2016 of approximately GBP100 million;

-- Our total external Assets under Management grew to GBP1,472 million, an increase of 30%; and

-- We are proposing a final dividend for 2016 of 6.3p per share made up of a base dividend of 3.7p per share and a special dividend of 2.6p per share.

Our three core markets all saw continued strong demand for new privately-financed infrastructure projects. Using our experienced teams, sector specialists and working with local partners, we have committed capital to both PPP and renewable energy in all three regions, and increasingly also see prospects in related infrastructure sectors, for instance in the water or broadband sectors.

During the year, the markets in which we are active continued to be affected by significant movements in macro-economic factors. In particular, the Brexit vote in June 2016 precipitated a prolonged weakening of Sterling versus the major currencies we invest in. While this has been positive for the value of our overseas investment portfolio in Sterling terms, our preference would be for a more stable foreign exchange environment. At a governmental level, there are signs that a number of countries are moving towards fiscal rather than monetary policy in order to stimulate economic growth. We would agree that increased infrastructure expenditure is a good way to provide such fiscal stimulus and in some of the jurisdictions we operate in, notably Australia and Canada, we see it already happening. Other countries - including the UK and the US - look as if they could follow suit.

No changes to the Board took place during the year. At a senior management level, Derek Potts, Group Managing Director of Primary Investment, has decided to retire, and will leave us at the end of March 2017. Derek originally joined John Laing in 2001. He has had responsibility for all the Group's bidding and primary investment activities and has been instrumental in leading the Group's expansion into international markets and new sectors. During his time with the Group, he has made an exceptional contribution and we are very sorry to see him go.

During the year under review, the Board complied with all applicable provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code (the Code). We have a balanced group of directors who worked well as a board during the year. With the impending retirement of Derek Potts, we reviewed our succession plans and I was encouraged to see much promise among our senior management team. As well as regular Board meetings, we held reviews in June and in October 2016 to address the future strategy and direction of the business. These reconfirmed our commitment to creating further shareholder value through the continued application of our current business model.

As Chairman, I interact regularly with many members of staff both from overseas and the UK and, on behalf of the Board, I would like to thank all of them for their contribution to these results. I would also like to extend the Board's thanks to all the Group's stakeholders for their continued support.

Our dividend policy has two parts:

-- a base dividend of GBP20 million (starting from 2015) growing at least in line with inflation; the Board is recommending a final base dividend for 2016 of 3.7p per share; and

-- a special dividend of approximately 5% - 10% of gross proceeds from the sale of investments on an annual basis, subject to specific investment requirements in any one year. The Board is recommending a special dividend for 2016 of 2.6p per share. This has been arrived at by applying 7.5% to realisations for dividend purposes of GBP127 million achieved in 2016, which exclude the combined proceeds of GBP19.5 million from the disposals of our shareholdings in British Transport Police and Oldham Housing.

The total final dividend therefore amounts to 6.3p per share, which, together with the interim dividend of 1.85p paid in October 2016, makes a total dividend for 2016 of 8.15p per share, an increase of 7% over 2015, after taking into account the timing of the IPO in February 2015. The final dividend will be put to shareholders for their approval at the Company's Annual General Meeting (AGM) which will be held on 11 May 2017. At the Company's AGM on 12 May 2016, all resolutions were approved by shareholders.

There are positive signs in each of our core infrastructure markets of a strong level of deal flow over the coming years. With our flexible business model and our strong geographical presence, we believe we are well positioned to take advantage of the opportunities this will create.

Phil Nolan

Chairman

Chief Executive Officer's Review

2016 was our first full year since our IPO in February 2015 and I am delighted to report that we continued to deliver strong results.

The highlights included:

   --    14.3% increase in NAV, from GBP889.6 million at 31 December 2015 to GBP1,016.8 million; 
   --    NAV per share at 31 December 2016 of 277p (31 December 2015 - 242p); 
   --    New investment commitments of GBP181.9 million in six different countries; 
   --    Realisations of GBP146.6 million from the sale of assets; 
   --    Profit before tax of GBP192.1 million compared to GBP106.6 million in 2015; 
   --    30% increase in external Assets under Management (AuM) to GBP1,472 million; 
   --    Cash yield from investment portfolio of GBP34.8 million (2015 - GBP38.9 million); and 
   --    Sale of UK activities of Project Management Services (PMS). 

Outlook for our markets

As I have said before, we operate in an international market for new infrastructure primarily driven by population growth, urbanisation and climate change. Population growth and urbanisation create the need for new infrastructure, particularly in transport and in social infrastructure such as healthcare. Equally, climate change is the catalyst behind new infrastructure in the renewable energy, waste management and water sectors.

In addition, there are strong drivers for public sector authorities to involve the private sector in the procurement of new infrastructure, including risk transfer, funding and access to the best international contractors and investors. As a recognised international greenfield infrastructure expert, we target all the above sectors and therefore benefit from the overall growth in public-private infrastructure.

In Primary Investment, we continue to see a robust and diverse pipeline of future opportunities in each of the three regions where we currently operate: Asia Pacific (Australia and New Zealand); North America (Canada and the US); and Europe. We entered 2017 with an increased level of activity and strong positions in eight short-listed PPP consortia and with a number of exclusive renewable energy opportunities.

-- Asia Pacific: we remain very active in the PPP markets in both Australia and New Zealand. In Australia, the renewable energy sector continues to grow and gain momentum following resolution of the Federal Renewable Energy Target in 2015 and our team is taking advantage of this.

-- Europe: even if the overall PPP market remains subdued, we focus our attention on those countries which are bringing projects to market, such as the Netherlands, the Republic of Ireland, Germany, Norway, the Czech Republic and potentially the UK where we believe the current government will announce new PPP projects. Many of the opportunities are in the transport sector, which fits well with our credentials. In renewable energy, the level of activity remains high, with attractive risk-return profiles. We concentrate on selected countries with governmental support mechanisms in order to reduce energy price exposure.

-- North America: four of our eight shortlisted PPP positions are for potential investments in North America. In Canada, we see a strong commitment to PPP from federal and local authorities, especially in Ontario and British Columbia, mainly in the transport sector. In the US, we concentrate on those states where we see a growing pipeline of PPP opportunities particularly in the transport sector and potentially the water sector. During the year, we made our first investment in renewable energy, a wind farm project in New Mexico. Overall, our reputation in North America is growing, leading to more opportunities to join consortia for new projects. This bodes well for the future, especially when considering the obvious needs in the US for new infrastructure.

Beyond the PPP and renewable energy markets, we continue to research other asset classes that look as if they could fit our business model in order to feed future growth. The due diligence we carry out before investing in new markets follows a rigorous process that eventually rules out many opportunities. Currently, we are reviewing: broadband, driven in Europe by the EU directive to see 100% high speed coverage by 2025; water resource management, driven by climate change; and energy storage, driven by the changing way in which electricity is generated across transmission and distribution networks. We expect these sectors to offer a number of investment opportunities in the future.

Active management

During the year, we demonstrated again why we believe it is essential for us to be an active investor. For us, it means not only participating actively in consortia at the bidding stage, but also being actively involved in project companies during the construction phase in order to protect our investment and help when delays occur or problems arise:

-- In South Australia, our team has been particularly active in helping the New Royal Adelaide Hospital project company to resolve the sometimes competing priorities of the Government of South Australia, the bank lending consortium and the construction contractor. This situation has arisen principally because technical completion of the hospital has been delayed, having been scheduled for April 2016. Following mediation discussions in late 2016 and early 2017, the parties are now working towards technical completion later this month (March 2017) followed by commercial acceptance three months later; it is intended that remaining disputes will be dealt with through a process of arbitration. The Government of South Australia is making the necessary preparations for the hospital to be ready to open for patients before the peak of the winter flu season.

-- At Manchester Waste VL Co, the project's operational performance is good; it has been achieving diversion of waste from landfill ahead of contractual requirements. The Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority (GMWDA) has indicated it wants to achieve cost savings and efficiencies. While the project company had proposed that such savings could be achieved within the existing contractual structure, this has not been accepted by the GMWDA. Separately, the GMWDA has challenged aspects of the operational service levels provided by the project company and the operator; this is strongly refuted by the project company and the matter is being addressed through an independent third party under the procedures in the project agreement with a decision due at the end of March 2017. The project company believes there will be a resolution with the GMWDA. If, as part of this, the GMWDA were to seek to take the project into public ownership, this would only be acceptable to the project company if it resulted in appropriate compensation for all stakeholders. The project company is working with its shareholders, John Laing and Viridor, to protect the value of the equity in the project and also to minimise any impact on Manchester Waste TPS Co which is contractually linked to Manchester Waste VL Co.

For both investments, we have taken account of current developments in our portfolio valuation at 31 December 2016. Taken together, the investments in New Royal Adelaide Hospital and Manchester Waste VL Co, which are not linked, make up approximately 8% of our investment portfolio of GBP1,176 million.

Wherever we operate, we believe our investing, contracting and banking partners appreciate and value the investment experience and active management we provide. We continue to make good use of this expertise to monitor and guide our investments through construction while protecting the investment base cases and where appropriate seeking to find additional value.

Business model

Our business model has three key areas of activity:

-- Primary Investment: we source, originate, bid for and win greenfield infrastructure projects, typically as part of a consortium in the case of PPP projects. Our Primary Investment portfolio comprises interests in infrastructure projects which are in the construction phase.

-- Secondary Investment: we own a substantial portfolio of investments in operational infrastructure projects, almost all of which were previously part of our Primary Investment portfolio.

-- Asset Management: we actively manage our own Primary and Secondary Investment portfolios and provide investment advice and asset management services to two external funds, John Laing Infrastructure Fund (JLIF) and John Laing Environmental Assets Group (JLEN), through John Laing Capital Management Limited (JLCM), which is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), as well as in respect of a small number of PPP assets held by John Laing Pension Fund (JLPF).

Our business model is based on our specialist infrastructure investment and asset management capabilities and the increasing recognition of operational infrastructure assets as an attractive investment class.

We aim to invest in new greenfield infrastructure projects which, post-construction, produce long-term predictable cash flows that meet our rate of return targets. The projects we invest in are held within special purpose vehicles (SPVs) which we (often in conjunction with other investors) fund with equity, and which are structured so that providers of third party debt finance have no contractual recourse to equity investors beyond their equity commitment.

When investments become part of our Primary Investment portfolio, their value should grow progressively with a relatively high degree of predictability as the underlying assets move through the construction phase and their risk correspondingly reduces. Once the projects reach the operational stage, investments move from our Primary to our Secondary Investment portfolio where they can be held to maturity or sold to secondary market investors, who are targeting a lower rate of return consistent with the reduction in risk.

Our asset management activities focus on management and reduction of project risks, especially during the construction phase, and enhancement of project cash flows. The latter involves identifying and implementing value enhancement initiatives that can increase future cash flows to investors compared to those originally forecast at the start of the project. We look at a wide range of such value enhancements. Opportunities may arise at any time during a project's life and may vary significantly from one investment to another.

Objectives and outcomes

Our overall strategy is to create value for shareholders by originating, investing in and managing infrastructure assets internationally. In that respect, we see NAV growth and dividends as key measures of our success. In 2016, our NAV grew by 14.3% from GBP889.6 million at 31 December 2015 to GBP1,016.8 million at 31 December 2016. We are proposing dividends of 8.15p per share in total for 2016 compared to dividends of 6.9p per share for 2015. This represents growth of 7% over 2015, once the 2015 base dividend is adjusted to reflect the timing of our IPO in February 2015.

To deliver our strategy, we have set ourselves the core objectives below, while maintaining the discipline and analysis required to mitigate against the delivery, revenue and operational risks associated with infrastructure projects:

-- growth in primary investment volumes (new investment capital committed to greenfield infrastructure projects) over the medium term;

   --    growth in the value of external Assets under Management (AuM) and related fee income; and 

-- management and enhancement of our investment portfolio, with a clear focus on active management during construction, accompanied by realisations of investments which, combined with our corporate banking facilities and operational cash flows, enable us to finance new investment commitments.

Growth in primary investment volumes over the medium term

We operate in a broad market for new infrastructure with a strong pipeline of future opportunities.

Throughout the year, we maintained a disciplined approach to making new investments. Using detailed financial analysis and investment appraisal processes, we assess the specific risk profiles for each prospective investment with the aim of optimising risk-adjusted returns and securing only those new investments which are likely to meet the investment appetites of secondary market investors when the underlying assets become operational.

Our resources are concentrated on countries or geographical regions carefully selected against five key criteria:

   --    a stable political and legal framework; 
   --    a commitment to the development of privately-financed infrastructure; 
   --    the ability to form relationships with strong supply chain partners; 
   --    the likelihood of target financial returns, on a risk-adjusted basis, being realised; and 

-- the existence of a market for operational investments or a strong expectation that such a market will develop.

Our total commitment to new investments in 2016 was GBP181.9 million, made up of GBP134.8 million in renewable energy and GBP47.1 million in PPP assets, at a similar level to investment commitments of GBP180.5 million in 2015. Our international growth continued with investment commitments in six different countries, including the following projects:

   --    A6 Parkway (Netherlands) - GBP9.0 million 
   --    Kiata wind farm (Australia) - GBP20.4 million 
   --    Nordergründe offshore wind farm (Germany) - GBP36.7 million 
   --    Sommette wind farm (France) - GBP11.7 million 
   --    Sterling wind farm (US) - GBP15.7 million. 

Growth in the value of external AuM and related fee income

Our strategy to grow the value of our external AuM is linked to our activities as an investment adviser to JLIF and JLEN. The Group not only advises and provides management services to the portfolios of JLIF and JLEN, but also sources new investments on their behalf. During the year, both JLIF and JLEN successfully undertook secondary equity issues and made acquisitions both from John Laing and from third parties. Both funds have the benefit of a right of first offer over certain investments should they be offered for sale by the Group.

We made good progress during the year, with the value of external AuM growing from GBP1,136 million to GBP1,472 million, an increase of 30%. Fee income from external AuM was GBP15.8 million for 2016, up from GBP12.0 million in 2015.

Investment portfolio and realisations

At 31 December 2016, our portfolio comprised investments in 42 infrastructure projects and our shareholding in JLEN (31 December 2015 - 39 projects). Our year end portfolio value, including the shareholding in JLEN, was GBP1,175.9 million (31 December 2015 - GBP841.4 million). The increase was primarily due to cash injections into projects, favourable foreign exchange movements and growth in the retained portfolio, offset by investment realisations.

The portfolio valuation represents our assessment of the fair value of investments in projects on the basis that each asset is held to maturity, other than shares in JLEN which are held at market value. The 2016 year end valuation reflected underlying growth of 22.3% after adjusting for acquisitions, realisations, cash invested and cash yield. This growth is analysed further in the Portfolio Valuation section.

The cash yield in 2016 was GBP34.8 million (2015 - GBP38.9 million), a yield of 7.6% (2015 - 9.8%) on the average Secondary Investment portfolio, in line with our guidance of a 6.5% to 8.5% yield. Cash yield represents cash receipts in the form of dividends, interest and shareholder loan repayments from project companies and listed investments.

During the year, we agreed a number of realisations:

-- sale of our investments in the British Transport Police and Oldham Housing PPP projects to JLIF for GBP19.5 million which, as previously explained, counted towards our 2015 year end guidance and special dividend;

-- proceeds from a further four completed transactions of GBP127.1 million, which form the basis for our special dividend calculation for 2016;

-- agreed sale of our 29.69% shareholding in the A1 motorway, Poland. Proceeds of EUR137.3 million (adjusted for distributions received in late 2016) were received on 2 March 2017; and

-- agreed sale of our 30% shareholding in the M6 road project in Hungary for EUR26.6 million which is expected to complete in the second quarter of 2017.

We were particularly pleased to achieve prices in line with portfolio valuation for our investments in the A1 motorway in Poland and the M6 road project in Hungary, both in jurisdictions where there is a less developed secondary market.

Profit before tax

Our total profit before tax was GBP192.1 million in 2016, compared to GBP106.6 million in 2015. Profit before tax is primarily driven by the fair value movement in our investment portfolio, which in 2016 benefited significantly from favourable foreign exchange movements.

Funding

In February 2015, we entered into a five-year GBP350.0 million committed corporate banking facility and associated ancillary facilities, all of which expire in March 2020. These revolving facilities enable us to issue letters of credit and/or put up cash collateral to back investment commitments. We finance new investments through a combination of cash flow from existing assets, the above corporate banking facilities and realisations of investments in operational projects.

In June 2016, the above facilities were increased to GBP400.0 million. In addition, in November 2016, we entered into additional GBP50.0 million liquidity facilities, which together with surety financing entered into earlier in the year, had the effect of increasing our committed facilities to GBP450.0 million until March 2018.

Organisation and staff

In June 2016, we announced the sale of the business and assets of our PMS activities in the UK to HCP Management Services Limited (HCP). The reason for the sale was to concentrate our resources and attention on our greenfield activities where we create most value. As part of the sale, 81 staff roles and 52 Management Services Agreements (MSAs) transferred to HCP. The sale completed on 30 November 2016 for total proceeds of GBP4.0 million, GBP1.9 million of which was received on completion and GBP2.1 million of which was received in January 2017 once all consents were obtained. Principally as a result of the sale, our staff numbers fell from 252 at 31 December 2015 to 160 at the end of 2016.

We now have 36% of staff located outside the UK (2015 - 22%). This growing internationalisation is consistent with where our future opportunities lie.

Reflecting Derek Potts' retirement in early 2017, we have re-organised our Primary Investment management teams so that the heads in each of our three geographical regions now report directly to me. We will miss Derek's enthusiasm and experience but I am very pleased that he has agreed to continue to assist our Investment Committee on a consultancy basis.

I visited our offices around the world several times during 2016. We have strong individuals and great teams in each region and I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all staff for their contribution during the year. As I have said before, the success of our business depends on them.

Current trading and guidance

Our total investment pipeline at 31 December 2016 was GBP1,859 million and includes GBP1,408 million of PPP opportunities looking out three years or so as well as nearer term renewable energy opportunities of GBP451 million. The current pipeline does not include potential opportunities that may come from additional public-private infrastructure in the UK post Brexit or in the US under the new administration. We will aim to maintain a majority of availability-based cash flows in our portfolio. At 31 December 2016, the balance was 73% availability-based versus 27% volume-based.

As our investment pipeline continues to grow, our aim is to increase our investment commitments for 2017 by approximately 10% compared to 2016. We expect realisations to be at a broadly similar level to our investment commitments, consistent with our self-funding model.

We have a proven business model and we believe we are in a good position to take advantage of opportunities for investment in greenfield infrastructure in a growing market. In the two years since we have been listed, we have delivered steady growth despite changing governmental policies and macro-economic environments. Against this background, we have confidence in the future.

Olivier Brousse

Chief Executive Officer

Primary Investment

Our Primary Investment activities are focused on greenfield infrastructure projects. These are principally those awarded under PPP programmes as well as renewable energy assets and may also include similar long-term projects which have a strong private-sector (rather than governmental) counterparty. Asset management services in respect of the Primary Investment portfolio during the construction period are provided by John Laing's Asset Management division. When underlying projects reach the end of construction, the investments transfer into our Secondary Investment portfolio.

The Primary Investment portfolio comprises the Group's shareholdings in 11 PPP projects, and in ten renewable energy projects, which are in the construction phase. The Group's Primary Investment portfolio was valued at GBP696.3 million at 31 December 2016 (31 December 2015 - GBP405.9 million).

New investment commitments

During 2016, the Primary Investment team successfully secured ten new investments, and made additional commitments to one existing investment, resulting in total commitments of GBP181.9 million:

-- Asia Pacific - the Hornsdale 2 wind farm project in South Australia reached financial close in June 2016 and we closed the Kiata wind farm project in Victoria in November 2016, further strengthening the Group's presence in the renewable energy market in the region.

-- North America - we continued to increase our activities in the market. During the year, we secured a stake in the Sterling wind farm project in New Mexico, our first investment in renewable energy in this region, and we made a small additional investment in the I-77 Managed Lanes project in North Carolina.

   --    Europe - 
   --    We made a GBP9.0 million commitment to the A6 Parkway PPP project in the Netherlands; 
   --    We acquired an additional 6% stake in the IEP (Phase 1) project in the UK from a co-investor; 

-- We committed to four on-shore wind farm investments, one in each of the UK and Germany, and two in France; and

-- We also secured and closed the Group's first investment in the offshore wind sector, acquiring a 30% stake in the Nordergründe wind farm project in Germany.

Our investment commitments for 2016 are summarised in the table below:

 
                                                                          PPP            RE*          Total 
   Investment commitments                               Region    GBP million    GBP million    GBP million 
 Intercity Express Programme (IEP) (Phase 1)                UK           37.0              -           37.0 
 Llynfi wind farm                                           UK              -           24.9           24.9 
 A6 Parkway                                             Europe            9.0              -            9.0 
 Nordergründe offshore wind farm                   Europe              -           36.7           36.7 
 Sommette wind farm                                     Europe              -           11.7           11.7 
 Horath wind farm                                       Europe              -           14.3           14.3 
 Saint-Martin-L'Ars wind farm                           Europe              -            5.1            5.1 
 I-77 Managed Lanes                              North America            1.1              -            1.1 
 Sterling wind farm                              North America              -           15.7           15.7 
 Hornsdale wind farm (Phase 2)                    Asia Pacific              -            6.0            6.0 
 Kiata wind farm                                  Asia Pacific              -           20.4           20.4 
 Totals                                                                  47.1          134.8          181.9 
--------------------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 

*RE = renewable energy

Since 31 December 2016, we have committed GBP10.0 million for a 20% shareholding in the Hornsdale wind farm (Phase 3) in Australia.

Activities

The Primary Investment team is responsible for all the Group's bid development activities. The team takes responsibility for developing and managing a pipeline of opportunities, including market research, project selection, bid co-ordination and negotiations with public sector authorities, vendors and lenders. In each of our target markets of Asia Pacific, North America and Europe, we work with strong delivery partners. For instance, in the Asia Pacific and North American regions, the Group is currently working with leading international and domestic contractors and service providers, including Acciona, ACS Group, Aecom, Alstom, Bombardier, Bouygues, Brookfield Multiplex, Cintra, Cubic, Downer, Fluor, Fulton Hogan, John Holland, Laing O'Rourke, Leighton/CIMIC, Lend Lease, Serco, SNC, Spotless and Vinci.

We target a wide range of infrastructure sectors:

   --    Transport - rail, including rolling stock, roads, street lighting and highways maintenance; 

-- Environmental - renewable energy (including wind power, solar power and biomass), water treatment and waste management;

-- Social infrastructure - healthcare, education, justice, public sector accommodation and social housing.

We are also assessing opportunities in new infrastructure sectors such as the emerging energy storage programmes to support electricity grid performance, and broadband infrastructure upgrades, where we believe our business model could be successfully applied.

Project finance

Pricing of project finance facilities remained broadly stable during 2016, although the trend of falling prices and improving terms experienced in recent years appears to have levelled off. We were able to secure financing for projects where required. Institutional sources of long-term project finance were available in Europe, although commercial bank debt was typically more competitively priced. In Australia and New Zealand, medium-term bank debt and refinancing requirements are well established, with a large number of international banks being active in these markets. In Canada and the US, projects tend to be financed in the debt capital markets rather than with bank financing. Overall, financial markets in the regions in which the Group is active supported our growing levels of investment and we expect this to continue in 2017.

Pipeline

At 31 December 2016, our overall investment pipeline of GBP1,859 million was higher than the pipeline of GBP1,494 million at 31 December 2015. The pipeline comprises opportunities to invest equity in PPP projects with the potential to reach financial close over the next three years, while the renewable energy pipeline relates to the next two years. The growth compared to 2015 reflects an increase in renewable energy pipelines in Asia Pacific and North America, as well as some impact from the devaluation of Sterling.

Our overall pipeline is constantly evolving as new opportunities are added and other opportunities drop out. We budget a win rate of 30% for PPP bids.

Our total pipeline broken down by bidding stage is as follows:

 
                                                  Number of            PPP            RE*          Total 
 Pipeline at 31 December 2016 by bidding stage     projects    GBP million    GBP million    GBP million 
-----------------------------------------------  ----------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Shortlisted/exclusive                                   18            234            173            407 
 Other active bids                                        4            185              -            185 
 Other pipeline                                          49            989            278          1,267 
-----------------------------------------------  ----------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Totals                                                  71          1,408            451          1,859 
-----------------------------------------------  ----------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 

*RE = renewable energy

The shortlisted PPP projects at 31 December 2016 comprised a prison project in Australia, a broadband upgrade project in Ireland, and six availability-based transportation and schools projects, spread across the US, Canada and Australia.

In terms of geography, our pipeline is well spread across our target markets:

 
                                                           PPP            RE*          Total 
 Pipeline at 31 December 2016 by target market     GBP million    GBP million    GBP million 
-----------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Asia Pacific                                              491            142            633 
 North America                                             449             97            546 
 Europe (including the UK)                                 468            212            680 
-----------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Totals                                                  1,408            451          1,859 
-----------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 

*RE = renewable energy

Some 34% of our pipeline relates to the Asia Pacific region which continues to offer substantial opportunities. In this region, the Group's current bidding activities are focused on Australia and New Zealand, where the Group has built up a strong base. Our growing presence in the renewable energy sector in Australia offers significant potential in the coming years.

In North America (the US and Canada), which makes up 29% of the pipeline, our focus is on what is becoming a very substantial PPP market, whilst continuing to progress our presence in the renewable energy market, following our first US wind farm investment in 2016. We continue to explore PPP opportunities primarily in the transportation sector and also the growing water and social infrastructure sectors. The Canadian market continues to demonstrate strong PPP deal flow, which we are actively pursuing. At the end of 2016, we were shortlisted on four large PPP projects.

The balance of our pipeline is in Europe, where PPP activity remains at a satisfactory level in countries such as the Netherlands. However, in 2017 we expect to increase our activities in markets such as Germany, Norway and the Czech Republic. There is also a significant PPP programme in Turkey, but we have deferred further work on this market following the challenges in that country in 2016. The UK government has given indications of a new pipeline of privately financed projects, and we are waiting for the programme to become more clearly defined.

Selected countries in Europe, Asia Pacific and North America will provide our main focus for renewable energy opportunities in 2017. Our pipeline includes many potential wind and solar projects as well as investment opportunities in biomass plant.

Our overall renewable energy pipeline was GBP451 million at 31 December 2016, higher than at 31 December 2015. In the main, we target investments where a substantial proportion of revenue is supported by governmental support mechanisms which leads to reduced exposure to energy price fluctuations. During the year, we closed our first offshore wind farm investment, and this sector offers strong potential in the coming years, though our pipeline does not currently include any offshore wind opportunities.

In addition to the above, the Group continues to monitor new geographic markets which offer potential in the medium to long term. These include countries in South America, such as Chile and Colombia, and other Asia Pacific markets such as Singapore.

I will be retiring at the end of March 2017 but I am confident in the ability and experience of our teams within Primary Investment and the strength of our pipeline. Following my retirement, the heads of Primary Investment in each of our three geographical regions will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer.

Derek Potts

Group Managing Director, Primary Investment

Secondary Investment

At 31 December 2016, the Secondary Investment portfolio comprised 15 PPP projects and six renewable energy projects with a book value of GBP479.6 million (31 December 2015 - GBP419.4 million). The Secondary Investment portfolio also included a 3.3% shareholding in JLEN valued at GBP10.0 million at 31 December 2016 (31 December 2015 - 7.0% shareholding valued at GBP16.1 million).

Asset management services in respect of the Secondary Investment portfolio are provided by John Laing's Asset Management division.

Investment realisations

During the year, we achieved proceeds of GBP146.6 million from the realisation of investments:

-- Our investments in two PPP projects, British Transport Police and Oldham Housing, were sold to JLIF for GBP19.5 million;

-- Our investments in Dungavel Wind Farm (100%) and New Albion Wind Farm (100%) were sold to JLEN for a total of GBP50.0 million;

-- Our investment in the A55 project and 20% of our interest in IEP (Phase 1) were sold to JLIF in the second half of the year; and

   --       We sold a 2.2% shareholding in JLEN for GBP6.4 million. 

Taking realisations for the year as a whole, prices were in line with the most recent portfolio valuation.

 
                                                                Total 
 Realisations completed       Shareholding   Purchaser    GBP million 
---------------------------  -------------  ----------  ------------- 
 British Transport Police*          54.17%        JLIF          19.5* 
                                            ----------  ------------- 
 Oldham Housing*                       95% 
---------------------------  -------------  ----------  ------------- 
 Dungavel Wind Farm                   100%        JLEN           38.2 
                                            ---------- 
 New Albion Wind Farm                 100%                       11.8 
---------------------------  -------------  ----------  ------------- 
                                                Market 
 Shareholding in JLEN                 2.2%     placing            6.4 
---------------------------  -------------  ----------  ------------- 
 A55                                  100%        JLIF           28.3 
 IEP (Phase 1)                          6%                       42.4 
 Total                                                          146.6 
---------------------------  -------------  ----------  ------------- 
 

*counted towards guidance for 2015

Excluding the sales of our investments in British Transport Police and Oldham Housing, we achieved disposals for dividend purposes of GBP127.1 million, ahead of our guidance of approximately GBP100 million.

We also agreed two further disposals:

-- Sale of our 29.69% shareholding in Gdansk Transport Company S.A (GTC), the owner and operator of part of the A1 motorway in Poland, for EUR137.3 million (adjusted for distributions received in November and December 2016), subject to certain reductions and adjustments. A sale and purchase agreement was originally entered into with FS Amber Holdings BV, an entity managed by First State Investments, in late 2016. However, as the result of the exercise of pre-emption rights by NDI Autostrada SP.2.0.0 (NDIA), a co-shareholder in GTC, a new sale and purchase agreement was entered into with NDIA in January 2017. Completion of the disposal was subject to certain consents and conditions and occurred on 2 March 2017.

-- Sale of our 30% shareholding in the M6 road, Hungary for EUR26.6 million. This sale was originally agreed in December 2016. However, following the exercise of pre-emption rights by co-shareholders in the project company, Strabag AG and Intertoll-Europe ZRT (Intertoll), new sale and purchase agreements were entered into on 1 February 2017. Completion of the disposal is subject to obtaining certain consents and satisfying certain conditions and is expected to take place in the second quarter of 2017.

Transfers from the Primary Investment portfolio

During the year, six investments became part of the Secondary Investment portfolio as the underlying projects moved into the operational stage:

Croydon & Lewisham Street Lighting, UK (50% interest)

The final milestone for the construction and installation of more than 23,000 street lights was completed in late November 2016, resulting in the project moving to a fully operational status.

Rammeldalsberget Wind Farm, Sweden (100% interest)

Located near Kramfors in central Sweden, the project comprises six wind turbines of 2.5MW each. Operations commenced in June 2016 and revenue is supported by a fixed price power purchasing agreement for 50% of production until the end of 2019.

New Albion Wind Farm, UK (100% interest, disposed in July 2016)

Located in Northamptonshire, UK, the project comprises seven Senvion turbines, each with 2.05MW capacity. Following commencement of operations in January 2016, this project was sold to JLEN in July 2016 for GBP11.8 million.

Pasilly Wind Farm, France (100% interest)

Located in the Yonne region of Burgundy, this was our first renewable energy project in France. The wind farm comprises ten Gamesa G97 turbines of 2MW each. Full operation commenced in December 2016, with revenue supported by a feed-in-tariff for the first 15 years.

Hornsdale Wind Farm Phase One, Australia (30%)

The project comprises a 32 turbine wind farm in South Australia with an installed capacity of 102.4MW and represents our first renewable energy project in the Asia Pacific region. The project benefits from a 20 year offtake from a government counterparty (Australian Capital Territory).

A15, Netherlands (28% interest)

This availability-based road project comprises the expansion of two intersections and the provision of maintenance along a 37km motorway section in the Rotterdam region of the Netherlands for a period of 20 years after completion of construction. The scope of the project included widening the motorway and rebuilding many of the structures and junctions connecting the motorway with the road network.

Chris Waples

Group Managing Director, Asset Management

Asset Management

The Asset Management division's activities comprise Investment Management Services and Project Management Services.

Investment Management Services

Investment Management Services (IMS) are provided to both JLIF and JLEN and also to our own investment portfolio.

External IMS JLCM provides advisory services to JLIF and JLEN under investment advisory agreements. As at 30 September 2016, JLIF and JLEN had published portfolio values of GBP1,113.8 million and GBP320.7 million respectively. JLCM has an independent chairman and two separate dedicated fund management teams whose senior staff are authorised and regulated by the FCA. The teams focus their advice primarily on sourcing new investments for and arranging capital raisings by the two funds. They operate behind information barriers in view of the market sensitive nature of their activities and to ensure the separation of "buy-side" and "sell-side" teams when John Laing is selling investments to either fund. Both funds have a right of first offer over certain investments should they be offered for sale by the Group, and both are stand-alone entities separate from the Group. Each fund maintains an independent board of directors and is independently owned.

At 31 December 2016, the Group also managed two PPP investments valued at GBP37.8 million held by JLPF.

Fee income from external IMS grew from GBP12.0 million in 2015 to GBP15.8 million in 2016.

Internal IMS John Laing actively manages its own Primary and Secondary Investment portfolios. Our objective is to deliver the base case returns on our investments as a minimum and additionally to enhance those returns through active asset management. There are two main strategies, value protection and value enhancement:

Value protection - examples

-- To target PPP projects which have revenue streams based on availability of the underlying infrastructure asset rather than revenues based on patronage or volume.

-- To ensure construction risks associated with design, workmanship, cost overruns and delays lie with our construction supply chain partners who are best able to manage them.

-- To ensure project operational performance and cost risks lie principally with our service supply chain partners.

-- To eliminate the risk of increased interest costs on third party project debt finance over the life of an infrastructure project by swapping variable interest rates to fixed interest rates.

-- To reduce the impact of short-term volatility on revenues in our renewable energy projects by entering into short or medium term power purchase agreements with electricity suppliers.

Value enhancement - examples

-- To promote a culture of continuous improvement with public sector counter-parties: responding to their need for changes over the life of PPP infrastructure projects, reducing the public sector burden and, where possible, to generate incremental revenues therefrom.

-- To optimise SPV management costs and project insurance premiums through bulk purchasing or efficiency gains, thereby increasing investor returns.

-- To optimise major maintenance and asset renewal costs over the life of an infrastructure project and thereby increase investor returns.

   --    To maximise working capital efficiency within project companies. 
   --    To ensure projects are efficiently financed over their concessions or useful lives. 

The total IMS income for the year ended 31 December 2016 of GBP17.8 million (2015 - GBP13.4 million) includes GBP2.0 million (2015 - GBP1.4 million) of fee income for the provision of directors on project company boards.

Project Management Services

The Group also provides Project Management Services (PMS), largely of a financial or administrative nature, to project companies in which John Laing, JLIF or JLEN are investors. These services are provided under Management Services Agreements (MSAs).

On 30 November 2016, the Group completed the divestment of its PMS activities in the UK to HCP Management Services Limited (HCP). As part of the sale, 81 staff roles and 52 MSAs transferred to HCP. The activities sold contributed GBP7.9 million of the total PMS revenues of GBP14.9 million.

The remaining PMS activities are principally focused on MSAs relating to projects outside the UK. At 31 December 2016, the Group held 19 MSAs (31 December 2015 - 75 MSAs).

Projects Under Construction

John Laing's investments in projects are managed by the Asset Management division. An update on significant projects under construction is set out below.

Intercity Express Programme (IEP)

John Laing is in partnership with Hitachi to manage the contracts that cover the design, manufacture, finance and delivery into daily service and maintenance of a fleet of 122 Super Express trains for the UK's Great Western Main Line (Phase 1 - 24% interest) and the East Coast Main Line (Phase 2 - 30% interest). With a total capital expenditure across the two phases of GBP3.4 billion, it is one of the largest PPP projects to be awarded. Construction of the Phase 1 (Great Western) depots completed in early 2016 and development of the Phase 2 (East Coast) depots is progressing well. During 2016, trains commenced testing on the UK rail network for Phase 1 and remain scheduled to become operational during 2017.

In November 2016, it was announced that electrification of certain parts of the Great Western Route being undertaken by Network Rail on behalf of the Department for Transport would be further delayed. The Department for Transport has asked the Phase 1 project company to convert all trains for use as bi-mode which can be powered by diesel or electricity. We are not expecting any negative impact on our investments from these delays.

New Royal Adelaide Hospital (NRAH), South Australia (17.3% interest)

This project is currently one of the largest building construction projects in Australia. Containing 700 single bedrooms and 100 same-day beds, NRAH will have the capacity to admit over 80,000 patients per year. Delays relating to this project are addressed in the Chief Executive Officer's Review. Technical completion is now expected to occur in March 2017 followed by commercial acceptance three months later.

Denver Eagle P3, Colorado, US (45% interest)

This project is to design, build, finance, maintain and operate two commuter rail lines and a section of a third in the Denver Metropolitan area. The fleet of rolling stock has been completed. The first line (A Line, East Corridor) became operational in the second quarter of 2016, and the second line (B Line, North West Corridor electrified segment) in the third quarter. The third line (G Line) is scheduled to become operational in the first quarter of 2017.

I-4 Ultimate, Florida, US (50% interest)

This availability-based road project has total capital expenditure of US$2.3 billion and involves reconstructing 15 major interchanges, building more than 140 bridges, adding four variable toll Express Lanes, and completely rebuilding the general use lanes of 21 miles of the existing I-4 interstate in central Florida. Construction commenced in 2015 and is anticipated to finish in 2021.

New Perth Stadium, Western Australia (50% interest)

The New Perth Stadium will be a major sporting and entertainment venue, capable of staging national and international events. The stadium will predominantly be used for Australian-rules football but will be able to readily accommodate other sports, as well as entertainment events through the use of drop-in seats. Construction works are on track for completion in advance of the 2018 Australian Football League season.

New Generation Rollingstock, Queensland, Australia (40% interest)

The project involves the provision and maintenance of 75 new six-car trains for Queensland Rail. The first train is now being tested with progress slower than expected in part due to reduced availability of train drivers.

Nordergründe offshore wind farm, Germany (30% interest)

The final turbine (of 18) for this offshore wind farm was installed in December 2016. In September 2016, the sub-contractor responsible for provision of the offshore electrical sub-station went into administration and this caused some delays to the project. The project company, with the support of its lenders, has entered into an agreement with the administrator and work on the sub-station has resumed. Operations are due to start in late 2017.

Sydney Light Rail, New South Wales, Australia (32.5% interest)

This light rail project will form an integral part of Sydney's public transport infrastructure network and pedestrianise one of its busiest streets, providing a commuter route into the Central Business District and access to the south east of the city. Services are scheduled to begin in the first half of 2019.

Speyside Biomass, UK (43.35% equity interest)

This 15MW combined heat and power plant supplies the adjacent Macallan whisky distillery with heat and exports power to the grid. Its fuel is virgin wood sourced from the local region. In January 2017, the plant achieved functional take-over.

Chris Waples

Group Managing Director, Asset Management

Portfolio Valuation

The portfolio valuation at 31 December 2016 was GBP1,175.9 million compared to GBP841.4 million at 31 December 2015. After adjusting for realisations, cash yield and cash invested, this represented a positive movement in fair value of GBP214.4 million (22.3%):

 
                                             Investments         Listed 
                                             in projects     investment          Total 
                                             GBP million    GBP million    GBP million 
-----------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Portfolio valuation at 1 January 2016             825.3           16.1          841.4 
 - Cash invested                                   301.5              -          301.5 
 - Cash yield                                     (33.9)          (0.9)         (34.8) 
 - Proceeds from realisations                    (140.2)          (6.4)        (146.6) 
 Rebased valuation                                 952.7            8.8          961.5 
 - Movement in fair value                          213.2            1.2          214.4 
 Portfolio valuation at 31 December 2016         1,165.9           10.0        1,175.9 
-----------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 

Cash investment in respect of eight new projects (one PPP and seven renewable energy) entered into during 2016 totalled GBP109.3 million. We committed to an additional stake in one existing PPP project during the year for GBP37.0 million. In addition, equity and loan note subscriptions of GBP155.2 million were injected into existing projects in the portfolio as they progressed through, or completed, construction.

During 2016, the Group completed the realisation of five investments for a total consideration of GBP146.6 million. Cash yield received from projects during the year totalled GBP34.8 million.

The movement in fair value of GBP214.4 million is analysed in the table below. The fair value movement includes a net benefit of GBP27.5 million from the amendment of benchmark discount rates for certain investments in response to our understanding and experience of the secondary market.

 
                                                          Year ended          Year ended 
                                                    31 December 2016    31 December 2015 
                                                               Total               Total 
                                                         GBP million         GBP million 
------------------------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
 Unwinding of discount                                          77.1                61.0 
 Reduction of construction risk premia                          52.7                22.8 
 Impact of foreign exchange movements                           74.7               (9.2) 
 Change in macroeconomic assumptions                          (13.8)               (9.4) 
 Change in power and gas price forecasts                      (17.6)              (10.7) 
 Change in operational benchmark discount rates                 27.5                19.5 
 Uplift on financial closes                                     31.0                27.1 
 Value enhancements and other changes                         (17.2)                31.0 
 Movement in fair value                                        214.4               132.1 
------------------------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
 

The net movement in fair value comprised unwinding of discounting (GBP77.1 million), the reduction of construction risk premia (GBP52.7 million), the reduction in operational benchmark discount rates (GBP27.5 million), favourable foreign exchange movements (GBP74.7 million) and uplift on financial closes (GBP31.0 million), offset by adverse movements from lower power and gas price forecasts (GBP17.6 million), adverse movements in macroeconomic forecasts (GBP13.8 million) and a net adverse movement from value enhancements and other changes (GBP17.2 million). Foreign exchange movements are addressed further in the Financial Review section.

The adverse fair value movement of GBP17.2 million relating to value enhancements and other changes arose partly due to the matters described in the Chief Executive Officer's Review in relation to the Group's investments in New Royal Adelaide Hospital and Manchester Waste VL Co. There were also value reductions on some other investments, offset by value enhancements.

The split between primary and secondary investments is shown in the table below:

 
                          31 December 2016      31 December 2015 
                         GBP million       %   GBP million       % 
----------------------  ------------  ------  ------------  ------ 
 Primary Investment            696.3    59.2         405.9    48.2 
 Secondary Investment          479.6    40.8         435.5    51.8 
----------------------  ------------  ------  ------------  ------ 
 Portfolio valuation         1,175.9   100.0         841.4   100.0 
----------------------  ------------  ------  ------------  ------ 
 

The increase in the Primary Investment portfolio is due to a movement in fair value of GBP136.5 million, including value enhancements and financial closes achieved during the period, and cash invested of GBP287.1 million, offset by transfers to the Secondary Investment portfolio of GBP89.6 million, cash from investment realisation of GBP42.4 million and cash yield of GBP1.2 million.

 
                                                 Primary 
                                              Investment 
                                             GBP million 
-----------------------------------------  ------------- 
 Portfolio valuation at 1 January 2016             405.9 
 - Cash invested                                   287.1 
 - Cash yield                                      (1.2) 
 - Proceeds from realisations                     (42.4) 
 - Transfers to Secondary Investment              (89.6) 
-----------------------------------------  ------------- 
 Rebased valuation                                 559.8 
 - Movement in fair value                          136.5 
-----------------------------------------  ------------- 
 Portfolio valuation at 31 December 2016           696.3 
-----------------------------------------  ------------- 
 

The increase in the Secondary Investment portfolio is due to transfers from the Primary Investment portfolio of GBP89.6 million, cash investment of GBP14.4 million and a movement in fair value of GBP77.9 million, offset by investment realisations during the year of GBP104.2 million and cash yield of GBP33.6 million.

 
                                               Secondary 
                                              Investment 
                                             GBP million 
-----------------------------------------  ------------- 
 Portfolio valuation at 1 January 2016             435.5 
 - Cash invested                                    14.4 
 - Cash yield                                     (33.6) 
 - Proceeds from realisations                    (104.2) 
 - Transfers from Primary Investment                89.6 
-----------------------------------------  ------------- 
 Rebased valuation                                 401.7 
 - Movement in fair value                           77.9 
-----------------------------------------  ------------- 
 Portfolio valuation at 31 December 2016           479.6 
-----------------------------------------  ------------- 
 

Methodology

A full valuation of the investment portfolio is prepared every six months, at 30 June and 31 December, with a review at 31 March and 30 September, principally using a discounted cash flow methodology. The valuation is carried out on a fair value basis assuming that forecast cash flows from investments are received until maturity of the underlying assets.

Under the Group's valuation methodology, a base case discount rate for an operational project is derived from secondary market information and other available data points. The base case discount rate is then adjusted to reflect additional project-specific risks. In addition, risk premia are added to reflect the additional risk during the construction phase. The construction risk premia reduce over time as the project progresses through its construction programme, reflecting the significant reduction in risk once the project reaches the operational stage.

The discounted cash flow valuation is based on future cash distributions from projects forecast as at 31 December 2016, derived from detailed financial models for each underlying project. These incorporate the Group's expectations of likely future cash flows, including value enhancements.

For the 31 December 2016 valuation, the overall weighted average discount rate was 8.9% compared to the weighted average discount rate at 31 December 2015 of 9.5%. The decrease was primarily due to changes in operational discount rates for certain investments as referred to earlier. The weighted average discount rate at 31 December 2016 was made up of 9.1% (31 December 2015 - 9.7%) for the Primary Investment portfolio and 8.4% (31 December 2015 - 8.9%) for the Secondary Investment portfolio.

The overall weighted average discount rate of 8.9% reflects the fact that project cash flows for investments in the Primary Investment portfolio tend to have a longer duration than for investments in the Secondary Investment portfolio.

Compared to other market benchmarks, the weighted average discount rate of 8.4% for the Secondary Investment portfolio reflects (i) the impact of renewable energy projects which tend to have higher discount rates than PPP projects and (ii) a few PPP projects with above average discount rates because of location or an element of volume/technology risk.

The discount rate ranges used in the portfolio valuation at 31 December 2016 were as set out below:

 
                                 Primary     Secondary 
                              Investment    Investment 
 Sector                                %             % 
--------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
 PPP projects                 7.3 - 11.3    7.0 - 10.0 
 Renewable energy projects    7.6 - 11.6     7.0 - 9.3 
--------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
 

The shareholding in JLEN was valued at its closing market price on 31 December 2016 of 106p per share (31 December 2015 - 103p per share).

The Directors have obtained an independent opinion from a third party, which has considerable expertise in valuing the type of investments held by the Group, that the investment portfolio valuation represented a fair market value in the market conditions prevailing at 31 December 2016.

Macro - economic assumptions

During 2016, lower than previously forecast inflation and deposit rates receivable on cash balances within projects had a negative impact on the majority of forecast project cash flows within the portfolio. Deposit rates are anticipated to remain at low levels in the short-term. As mentioned above, strengthening of foreign currencies against Sterling over the year to 31 December 2016 resulted in favourable foreign exchange movements of GBP74.7 million (excluding the effect of foreign exchange hedges as described in the Financial Review section).

The table below summarises the main macro-economic assumptions used in the portfolio valuation:

 
 Assumption                                             31 December     31 December 
                                                               2016            2015 
---------------------  --------------  ------------  --------------  -------------- 
 Long term inflation    UK              RPI & RPIX            2.75%           2.75% 
  Europe          CPI                                 1.60% - 2.00%           2.00% 
                        US              CPI           2.25% - 2.50%   2.25% - 2.50% 
                        Asia Pacific    CPI           2.00% - 2.75%   2.00% - 2.75% 
---------------------  --------------  ------------  --------------  -------------- 
 Exchange rates                          GBP/EUR             1.1708          1.3592 
   GBP/AUD                                                   1.7094          2.0340 
   GBP/USD                                                   1.2329          1.4833 
   GBP/NZD                                                   1.7754          2.1692 
  -------------------------------------------------  --------------  -------------- 
 

Investments in overseas projects are fair valued based on the spot exchange rate on the balance sheet date. As at 31 December 2016, a 5% movement of each relevant currency against Sterling would decrease or increase the value of investments in overseas projects by c.GBP27 million.

At 31 December 2016, based on a sample of seven of the larger PPP investments by value, a 0.25% increase in inflation is estimated to increase the value of PPP investments by GBP14 million and a 0.25% decrease in inflation is estimated to decrease the value of PPP investments by GBP13 million. Certain of the underlying project companies incorporate some inflation hedging.

Discount rate sensitivity

The weighted average discount rate applied at 31 December 2016 was 8.9% (31 December 2015 - 9.5%). The table below shows the sensitivity of each 0.25% change in this rate of up to plus or minus 0.75%.

 
                             Portfolio valuation   Increase/(decrease) in valuation 
 Discount rate sensitivity       GBP million                  GBP million 
--------------------------  --------------------  --------------------------------- 
          +0.75%                   1,083.6                      (92.3) 
          +0.50%                   1,113.0                      (62.9) 
          +0.25%                   1,143.8                      (32.1) 
             -                     1,175.9                        - 
          -0.25%                   1,209.5                       33.6 
          -0.50%                   1,244.7                       68.8 
          -0.75%                   1,281.6                      105.7 
--------------------------  --------------------  --------------------------------- 
 

Further analysis of the portfolio valuation is shown in the following tables:

by time remaining on project concession/OPERATIONAL life

 
                           31 December 2016      31 December 2015 
                          GBP million       %   GBP million       % 
-----------------------  ------------  ------  ------------  ------ 
 Greater than 25 years          630.3    53.6         402.6    47.8 
 20 to 25 years                 309.8    26.3         245.0    29.1 
 15 to 20 years                 183.1    15.6         108.3    12.9 
 10 to 15 years                  21.0     1.8          47.6     5.7 
 Less than 10 years              21.7     1.8          21.8     2.6 
 Listed investment               10.0     0.9          16.1     1.9 
-----------------------  ------------  ------  ------------  ------ 
                              1,175.9   100.0         841.4   100.0 
-----------------------  ------------  ------  ------------  ------ 
 

PPP projects are based on long-term concessions and renewable energy assets have long-term useful economic lives. As demonstrated in the table above, 53.6% of the portfolio by value had a greater than 25-year unexpired concession term or useful economic life remaining at 31 December 2016, compared to 47.8% at 31 December 2015. The investment in JLEN, which represented 0.9% (31 December 2015 - 1.9%) of the portfolio valuation, is shown separately.

split between PPP and renewable energy

 
                                31 December 2016      31 December 2015 
                               GBP million       %   GBP million       % 
----------------------------  ------------  ------  ------------  ------ 
 Primary PPP                         548.3    46.6         329.9    39.2 
 Primary renewable energy            148.0    12.6          76.1     9.0 
 Secondary PPP                       345.6    29.4         328.0    39.0 
 Secondary renewable energy          124.0    10.5          91.3    10.9 
 Listed investment                    10.0     0.9          16.1     1.9 
----------------------------  ------------  ------  ------------  ------ 
                                   1,175.9   100.0         841.4   100.0 
----------------------------  ------------  ------  ------------  ------ 
 

Primary PPP investments made up the largest part of the portfolio, representing 46.6% of the portfolio valuation at 31 December 2016, with Secondary PPP investments representing a further 29.4%.

by revenue type

 
                       31 December 2016      31 December 2015 
                      GBP million       %   GBP million       % 
-------------------  ------------  ------  ------------  ------ 
 Availability               855.0    72.7         603.7    71.8 
 Shadow toll                 23.4     2.0          45.6     5.4 
 Volume                     287.5    24.4         176.0    20.9 
 Listed investment           10.0     0.9          16.1     1.9 
-------------------  ------------  ------  ------------  ------ 
                          1,175.9   100.0         841.4   100.0 
-------------------  ------------  ------  ------------  ------ 
 

Availability-based investments continued to make up the majority of the portfolio, representing 72.7% of the portfolio valuation at 31 December 2016. Renewable energy investments comprised the majority of the volume-based investments. The investment in JLEN, which holds investments in PPP and renewable energy projects, is shown separately.

by sector

 
                                       31 December 2016      31 December 2015 
                                      GBP million       %   GBP million       % 
-----------------------------------  ------------  ------  ------------  ------ 
 Social infrastructure                      122.1    10.4         125.4    14.9 
 Transport - other                          395.3    33.6         277.4    33.0 
 Transport - rail rolling stock             280.4    23.8         158.7    18.9 
 Environmental - wind                       252.9    21.5         154.5    18.3 
 Environmental - waste and biomass          115.2     9.8         109.3    13.0 
 Listed investment                           10.0     0.9          16.1     1.9 
-----------------------------------  ------------  ------  ------------  ------ 
                                          1,175.9   100.0         841.4   100.0 
-----------------------------------  ------------  ------  ------------  ------ 
 

Investments in the transport sector (excluding rail rolling stock) continued to make up the largest proportion of the portfolio valuation, representing 33.6% of the portfolio at 31 December 2016, with rail rolling stock investments accounting for a further 23.8%. Wind investments made up 21.5% of the portfolio by value, social infrastructure investments - 10.4% and waste and biomass investments - 9.8%. The portfolio underlying the JLEN shareholding consists of a mix of renewable energy and environmental projects.

by currency

 
                        31 December 2016      31 December 2015 
                       GBP million       %   GBP million       % 
--------------------  ------------  ------  ------------  ------ 
 Sterling                    510.4    43.4         437.8    52.0 
 Euro                        341.2    29.0         213.0    25.3 
 Australian dollar           181.4    15.4          88.2    10.5 
 US dollar                   121.0    10.3          83.7    10.0 
 New Zealand dollar           21.9     1.9          18.7     2.2 
--------------------  ------------  ------  ------------  ------ 
                           1,175.9   100.0         841.4   100.0 
--------------------  ------------  ------  ------------  ------ 
 

The percentage of investments denominated in foreign currencies increased from 48.0% to 56.6%. This was partly caused by the weakness of Sterling during 2016 but is also consistent with our pipeline and the overseas jurisdictions we target.

by geographical region

 
                        31 December 2016      31 December 2015 
                       GBP million       %   GBP million       % 
--------------------  ------------  ------  ------------  ------ 
 UK                          500.4    42.5         421.7    50.1 
 Continental Europe          341.2    29.0         213.0    25.3 
 North America               121.0    10.3          83.7    10.0 
 Asia Pacific                203.3    17.3         106.9    12.7 
 Listed investment            10.0     0.9          16.1     1.9 
--------------------  ------------  ------  ------------  ------ 
                           1,175.9   100.0         841.4   100.0 
--------------------  ------------  ------  ------------  ------ 
 

Investments in the UK continued to make up the largest single region in the portfolio valuation, representing 42.5% of the portfolio at 31 December 2016. Continental Europe remained the next largest category with 29.0%. Investments in projects located in the Asia Pacific region made up 17.3% and investments in North America 10.3%. A substantial majority of the JLEN portfolio consists of investments in UK based projects.

by investment size

 
                                31 December 2016      31 December 2015 
                               GBP million       %   GBP million       % 
----------------------------  ------------  ------  ------------  ------ 
 Five largest projects               520.2    44.2         358.3    42.6 
 Next five largest projects          236.4    20.1         202.7    24.1 
 Other projects                      409.3    34.8         264.3    31.4 
 Listed investment                    10.0     0.9          16.1     1.9 
----------------------------  ------------  ------  ------------  ------ 
                                   1,175.9   100.0         841.4   100.0 
----------------------------  ------------  ------  ------------  ------ 
 

The top five investments in the portfolio made up 44.2% of the portfolio at 31 December 2016. The next five largest investments made up a further 20.1%, with the remaining investments in the portfolio comprising 34.8%. The shareholding in JLEN made up 0.9% of the portfolio.

Financial Review

Basis of preparation

Statutory financial information for the year ended 31 December 2016 is presented in the Group Income Statement, the Group Statement of Comprehensive Income and the Group Statement of Changes in Equity alongside comparative statutory and pro forma financial information for the year ended 31 December 2015. Both the Group Balance Sheet at 31 December 2016 and at 31 December 2015 are presented on a statutory basis. The comparative pro forma financial information was prepared on the basis that the restructuring associated with the Company's admission to listing in February 2015, as described in more detail in the Financial Review section of the 2015 Annual Report, had been in place throughout the year ended 31 December 2015. In the opinion of the Directors, presenting pro forma information for 2015 was necessary in order to give a true and fair view of the state of the Company's affairs for that year.

The statutory and pro forma financial information has been prepared on the historical cost basis except for the revaluation of the investment portfolio and financial instruments that are measured at fair value at the end of each reporting period. The Company meets the definition of an Investment Entity set out in IFRS 10. Investment Entities are required to account for all investments in controlled entities, as well as investments in associates and joint ventures, at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL), except for those directly-owned subsidiaries that provide investment-related services or engage in permitted investment-related activities with investees (Service Companies). Service Companies are consolidated rather than recorded at FVTPL.

Project companies in which the Group invests are described as "non-recourse", which means that providers of debt to such project companies do not have recourse to John Laing beyond its equity commitments in the underlying projects. Subsidiaries through which the Company holds its investments in project companies, which are held at FVTPL, and subsidiaries that are Service Companies, which are consolidated, are described as "recourse".

Re-presented financial RESULTS

As described above, the Company meets the criteria for being an Investment Entity under IFRS 10 and accordingly the Company is required to fair value its investments in all subsidiaries except for those directly-owned subsidiaries that provide investment-related services, and do not themselves qualify as Investment Entities; it consolidates such subsidiaries on a line by line basis.

Included within the subsidiaries that the Company fair values in its financial statements are recourse subsidiaries through which the Company holds its investments in non-recourse project companies. These recourse subsidiaries have, in addition to investments in non-recourse project companies, other assets and liabilities, including recourse cash balances, which are included within the Company's investments at FVTPL. For management reporting purposes, these other assets and liabilities are reported separately from the investments in non-recourse project companies as are certain income and costs that do not arise directly from these investments in project companies. Under management reporting, it is the investments in non-recourse project companies that are considered as investments of the Group.

The Directors of the Company use the management reporting basis, including when reviewing the level of financial resources and deciding where these resources should be utilised, when making business decisions. Therefore, the Directors believe it is helpful to readers of the Company's financial statements to set out in this Financial Review the Group Income Statement, the Group Balance Sheet and the Group Cash Flow Statement on the management reporting basis. When set out on the management reporting basis, these statements are described as "re-presented".

Re-presented income statement

Preparing the re-presented income statement involves a reclassification of certain amounts within the Group Income Statement principally in relation to the net gain on investments at FVTPL. The net gain on investments at FVTPL in the Group Income Statement includes fair value movements from the portfolio of investments in non-recourse project companies but also comprises income and costs that do not arise directly from investments in this portfolio, including investment fees earned from project companies.

 
 Year ended 31 
 December                                   2016                                2015(d) 
                    ----------------------------------------------------  ------------------ 
                                                                                                Re-presented 
                     IFRS Group Income                      Re-presented        Re-presented    income statement 
                             Statement   Adjustments    income statement    income statement    line items 
                    ------------------  ------------  ------------------  ------------------   ------------------ 
                           GBP million   GBP million         GBP million         GBP million 
 
 Fair value                                                                                     Fair value 
 movements -                                                                                    movements - 
 investment                                                                                     investment 
 portfolio                       214.4             -               214.4               132.1    portfolio 
 Fair value 
  movements -                                                                                   Fair value 
  other                          (2.6)      (0.6)(a)               (3.2)               (7.5)    movements - other 
 Investment fees                                                                                Investment fees 
  from projects                    7.0             -                 7.0                 7.7    from projects 
------------------  ------------------  ------------  ------------------  ------------------   ------------------ 
 Net gain on 
  investments at 
  fair value 
  through profit 
  or loss                        218.8         (0.6)               218.2               132.3 
 
 IMS revenue                      17.8             -                17.8                13.4    IMS revenue 
 PMS revenue                      14.9             -                14.9                17.0    PMS revenue 
 Recoveries on                                                                                  Recoveries on 
  financial close                  7.5             -                 7.5                 3.4    financial close 
 Other income                      1.8      (1.8)(b)                   -                   - 
------------------  ------------------  ------------  ------------------  ------------------   ------------------ 
 Other income                     42.0         (1.8)                40.2                33.8 
 
 Total income                    260.8         (2.4)               258.4               166.1 
 
 Third party costs               (7.7)             -               (7.7)               (6.6)    Third party costs 
 Staff costs                    (34.1)             -              (34.1)              (32.5)    Staff costs 
 General overheads              (13.2)             -              (13.2)              (11.7)    General overheads 
 Other net costs                 (1.8)      1.1(a,b)               (0.7)               (3.6)    Other net costs 
 Pension and other 
  charges                        (1.6)        1.6(c)                   -                   - 
 Administrative 
  expenses                      (58.4)           2.7              (55.7)              (54.4) 
 
 EBIT                            202.4           0.3               202.7               111.7 
 
 Finance costs                  (10.3)      2.6(a,c)               (7.7)               (6.6)    Finance costs 
 Pension and other                                                                              Pension and other 
  charges                            -      (2.9)(c)               (2.9)               (4.2)    charges 
 
 Profit before tax               192.1             -               192.1               100.9 
------------------  ------------------  ------------  ------------------  ------------------   ------------------ 
 
 

Notes:

a) Adjustments primarily comprise a GBP1.5 million provision offset by a GBP0.8 million release of other provisions reclassified from 'fair value movements - other' to 'other net costs'; as well as GBP1.3 million interest income reclassified from 'fair value movements - other to 'finance costs'.

b) Adjustments primarily comprise GBP1.6 million part proceeds received from the sale of the PMS UK business reclassified from 'other income' to 'other net costs' and GBP0.2 million of other income from projects reclassified from 'other income' to 'other net costs'.

c) Under IAS 19, the costs of the pension schemes comprise a service cost of GBP1.6 million (2015 - GBP1.5 million), included in administrative expenses in the Group Income Statement, and a finance charge of GBP1.3 million (2015 - GBP2.7 million), included in finance costs in the Group Income Statement. These amounts are combined together under management reporting.

d) For a reconciliation between the IFRS Group Income Statement and re-presented income statement for the year ended 31 December 2015, please see the Additional Financial Information.

The results for the year are also shown by operating segment in the table below.

 
                        Primary                  Secondary                   Asset 
                       Investment                Investment                Management                  Total 
                      2016         2015         2016         2015         2016         2015         2016 
                       GBP          GBP          GBP          GBP          GBP          GBP          GBP          2015 
                   million      million      million      million      million      million      million   GBP million 
-------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------ 
 Profit 
  before tax 
  for 
  reportable 
  segments           113.1         50.7         57.1         43.0         19.9         15.5        190.1         109.2 
 Post 
  retirement 
  charges                                                                                          (2.9)         (4.2) 
 Other net 
  gain/(loss)                                                                                        4.9         (4.1) 
 Profit 
  before tax                                                                                       192.1         100.9 
-------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------ 
 

Profit before tax from continuing operations for the year ended 31 December 2016 was GBP192.1 million (2015 - GBP100.9 million). The main reason for the higher profit before tax was a higher fair value movement compared to 2015, which in turn was principally as a result of favourable foreign exchange rate movements.

-- The main profit contributor in 2016 was the Primary Investment division. Its contribution was higher than last year primarily because of a higher fair value movement, which in turn was principally as a result of favourable foreign exchange rate movements and a higher value uplift from the reduction of construction risk premia offset by an adverse fair movement relating to value enhancements and other changes referred to in the Portfolio Valuation section.

-- The higher contribution in 2016 from the Secondary Investment division was also primarily as a result of foreign exchange gains on the portfolio as well as higher value enhancements offset by adverse other changes referred to in the Portfolio Valuation section.

-- The higher contribution in 2016 from the Asset Management division was principally due to higher fee income from IMS as a result of increased external Assets under Management.

The movement in fair value on the portfolio for the year ended 31 December 2016, after adjusting for the impact of investments, cash yield and realisations, was a GBP214.4 million gain (2015 - GBP132.1 million gain). The higher value uplift is primarily due to favourable foreign exchange movements in 2016 compared to the previous year. For further details of the movement in fair value on the portfolio, see the Portfolio Valuation section.

There were other fair value movements for the year ended 31 December 2016 of a GBP3.2 million loss which comprised net foreign exchange losses of GBP11.2 million (principally comprising GBP11.9 million losses on foreign exchange hedges held by the Group during the year and at 31 December 2016 - see the foreign currency exposure section in this review for further details) offset by fair value gains of GBP0.9 million in respect of non-portfolio investments in small joint ventures, GBP6.6 million of tax income and a partial release of GBP0.5 million of a provision created in the year ended 31 December 2015. For the year ended 31 December 2015, other fair value movements primarily comprised a loss of GBP8.2 million from providing against a loan to a project company in the UK healthcare sector.

The Group earned IMS revenue of GBP17.8 million (2015 - GBP13.4 million) for investment advisory and asset management services primarily to the external funds JLIF and JLEN, with the increase from last year due to the higher level of external Assets under Management.

The Group also earned PMS revenue of GBP14.9 million (2015 - GBP17.0 million). As mentioned in the Chief Executive Officer's Review, on 30 November 2016, the Group completed the sale of the business and assets of its PMS activities in the UK to HCP. As part of the sale, 81 staff roles and 52 MSAs transferred to HCP. The activities sold contributed approximately GBP7.9 million of the GBP14.9 million PMS revenues for the year ended 31 December 2016 referred to above and had attributable costs of c.GBP6 .0 million.

The Group achieved recoveries of bidding costs on financial closes of GBP7.5 million in the year ended 31 December 2016 (2015 - GBP3.4 million), in line with third party bid costs incurred in the year.

Staff costs by division are shown below:

 
                  Primary               Secondary                Asset 
                 Investment             Investment             Management             Central              Total 
               2016         2015      2016         2015      2016         2015      2016      2015      2016      2015 
                GBP          GBP       GBP          GBP       GBP          GBP       GBP       GBP       GBP       GBP 
            million      million   million      million   million      million   million   million   million   million 
---------  --------  -----------  --------  -----------  --------  -----------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 Staff 
  costs         9.6          9.0         -            -      17.1         17.0       7.4       6.5      34.1      32.5 
---------  --------  -----------  --------  -----------  --------  -----------  --------  --------  --------  -------- 
 

Included within Asset Management staff costs are costs relating to:

 
                   Investment Management          Project Management                Total Asset 
                          Services                      Services                     Management 
                        2016           2015           2016           2015           2016           2015 
                 GBP million    GBP million    GBP million    GBP million    GBP million    GBP million 
-------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Staff costs             9.0            8.1            8.1            8.9           17.1           17.0 
-------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 

The overall increase in staff costs is principally due to the higher costs under IFRS 2 of share-based incentive schemes with costs in the year ended 31 December 2016 of GBP2.0 million compared to GBP0.7 million in the prior year. See note 5 of the Group financial statements for further details on the share-based incentive schemes.

Other net costs of GBP3.6 million in 2015 primarily comprised staff incentive costs in relation to the Company's listing in February 2015.

Finance costs of GBP7.7 million (2015 - GBP6.6 million) include costs arising on the corporate banking facilities net of any interest income, with the increase from last year primarily due to higher average usage of the corporate banking facilities.

The Group's overall tax credit on profit on continuing activities for 2016 was GBP4.8 million (2015 - charge of GBP0.1 million). This comprised a tax charge of GBP1.8 million (2015 - GBP2.1 million) in recourse group subsidiary entities that are consolidated (shown in the 'Tax' line of the Group Income Statement), primarily in relation to group relief payable to entities held at FVTPL, and a tax credit of GBP6.6 million (2015 - GBP2.0 million) in recourse group subsidiary entities that are held at FVTPL (included within 'net gain on investments at fair value through profit or loss' on the Group Income Statement), including group relief receivable from recourse group subsidiary entities that are consolidated together with group and consortium relief received from project companies. The contributions made to JLPF are tax deductible when paid and, as a result, there is minimal tax payable by the UK holding and asset management activities of the Group. Capital gains from the realisation of investments in projects are generally exempt from tax under the UK's Substantial Shareholding Exemption for shares in trading companies or under the overseas equivalent. To the extent this exemption is not available, gains may be sheltered using current year losses or losses brought forward within the Group's holding companies. There are no losses in the Company but there are tax losses in recourse group subsidiary entities that are held at FVTPL.

In November 2016 and January 2017, HM Treasury issued draft provisions for the Finance Bill 2017, which included new proposed legislation to restrict tax deductible interest to 30% of a company's earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) with effect from 1 April 2017. This followed the publication by HM Treasury of a consultation in May 2016 on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) to which the Company responded as part of industry representative forums. The Company holds a provision as at 31 December 2016 for the estimated impact of the new proposed legislation on the basis that the proposed new legislation had been enacted at that date; this provision is not material in the context of the Company's net asset value at this date.

Re-presented balance sheet

The re-presented balance sheet is reconciled to the Group Balance Sheet at 31 December 2016 below. The re-presented balance sheet involves the reclassification of certain amounts within the Group Balance Sheet principally in relation to assets and liabilities of GBP76.6 million (31 December 2015 - GBP123.4 million) within certain of the Company's recourse subsidiaries that are included in investments at FVTPL in the Group Balance sheet as a result of the requirement under IFRS 10 to fair value investments in these subsidiaries.

 
 31 December                                  2016                                2015(g) 
                     -----------------------------------------------------  ------------------ 
                                                                                                 Re-presented 
                         IFRS Group                        Re-presented        Re-presented      balance sheet 
                        Balance Sheet     Adjustments      balance sheet       balance sheet     line items 
                     ------------------  -------------  ------------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
                         GBP million      GBP million       GBP million         GBP million 
 Non-current assets 
 Plant and 
  equipment                         0.3       (0.3)(c)                   -                   - 
 Investments at                                                                                  Portfolio book 
  FVTPL                         1,257.5      (81.6)(a)             1,175.9               841.4   value 
                                                                                                 Cash collateral 
                                      -        23.7(b)                23.7               123.9   balances 
                                                                                                 Non-portfolio 
                                      -         0.3(a)                 0.3                 0.5   investments 
 Deferred tax 
  assets                            1.0       (1.0)(c)                   -                   - 
                                                                                                 Other long term 
                                      -       3.7(c,e)                 3.7                 5.6   assets 
                     ------------------  -------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
                                1,258.8         (55.2)             1,203.6               971.4 
                     ------------------  -------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
 
 Current assets 
 Trade and other 
  receivables                       7.4       (7.4)(d)                   -                   - 
 Cash and cash                                                                                   Cash and cash 
  equivalents                       1.6        51.5(a)                53.1                 5.5   equivalents 
                     ------------------  -------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
                                    9.0           44.1                53.1                 5.5 
                     ------------------  -------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
 Total assets                   1,267.8         (11.1)             1,256.7               976.9 
                     ------------------  -------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
 
 Current 
 liabilities 
                                                                                                 Working capital 
                                                                                                 and other 
                                      -   (5.6)(b,d,e)               (5.6)              (22.1)   balances 
 Current tax 
  liabilities                     (4.1)         4.1(d)                   -                   - 
 Borrowings                     (161.4)       (3.6)(e)             (165.0)              (19.0)   Cash borrowings 
 Trade and other 
  payables                       (14.7)        14.7(d)                   -                   - 
                     ------------------  -------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
                                (180.2)            9.6             (170.6)              (41.1) 
                     ------------------  -------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
 Net current 
  liabilities                   (171.2)           53.7             (117.5)              (35.6) 
                     ------------------  -------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
 
 Non-current 
 liabilities 
 
 
 Retirement benefit                                                                               Pension deficit 
  obligations                    (69.3)         8.0(f)              (61.3)              (38.9)    (IAS 19) 
                                                                                                 Other retirement 
                                                                                                 benefit 
                                      -       (8.0)(f)               (8.0)               (7.3)   obligations 
 Provisions                       (1.5)         1.5(d)                   -                   - 
                     ------------------  -------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
                                 (70.8)            1.5              (69.3)              (46.2) 
                     ------------------  -------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
 Total liabilities              (251.0)           11.1             (239.9)              (87.3) 
                     ------------------  -------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
 
 Net assets                     1,016.8              -             1,016.8               889.6 
                     ------------------  -------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
 

Notes:

a) Investments at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL) comprise: portfolio valuation of GBP1,175.9 million (31 December 2015 - GBP841.4 million), other investments not included in the portfolio valuation of GBP0.3 million (31 December 2015 - GBP0.5 million) and other assets and liabilities within recourse investment entity subsidiaries of GBP81.3 million (31 December 2015 - GBP123.4 million) (see note 11 to the Group financial statements). Re-presented cash and cash equivalents increased from GBP1.6 million (31 December 2015 - GBP1.1 million) on the Group Balance Sheet because of the inclusion of available cash balances in recourse group investment subsidiaries of GBP51.5 million (31 December 2015 - GBP4.4 million) excluding cash collateral balances of GBP23.7 million (31 December 2015 - GBP123.9 million); see the Financial Resources section in this Financial Review.

b) Other assets and liabilities within recourse investment entity subsidiaries of GBP81.3 million (31 December 2015 - GBP123.4 million) referred to in note (a) include (i) cash and cash equivalents of GBP75.2 million (31 December 2015 - GBP128.3 million), of which GBP23.7 million (31 December 2015 - GBP123.9 million) is held to collateralise future investment commitments, and (ii) positive working capital and other balances of GBP6.1 million (31 December 2015 - GBP4.9 million).

   c)     Plant and equipment and deferred tax assets are combined as other long term assets. 

d) Trade and other receivables, current tax liabilities, trade and other payables and provisions are combined as working capital and other balances.

e) Borrowings comprise cash borrowings of GBP165.0 million (31 December 2015 - GBP19.0 million) net of unamortised financing costs of GBP3.6 million (31 December 2015 - GBP4.1 million), with the non-current portion of GBP2.4 million (31 December 2015 - GBP3.0 million) re-presented as other long term assets and the current portion of GBP1.2 million (31 December 2015 - GBP1.1 million) re-presented as working capital and other balances.

f) Total retirement benefit obligations are shown in their separate components as in note 18 to the Group financial statements.

g) For a reconciliation between the IFRS Group Balance Sheet and re-presented balance sheet as at 31 December 2015, please see the Additional Financial Information.

Net assets are also shown by operating segment in the table below.

 
                                Primary                Secondary                 Asset 
                               Investment              Investment              Management                Total 
 As at 31 December           2016         2015       2016         2015       2016         2015        2016        2015 
                              GBP          GBP        GBP          GBP        GBP          GBP         GBP         GBP 
                          million      million    million      million    million      million     million     million 
----------------------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Portfolio valuation        696.3        405.9      479.6        435.5          -            -     1,175.9       841.4 
 Other net current 
  liabilities                                                                                        (1.6)      (16.0) 
 Group net 
  (borrowings)/cash(1)                                                                              (88.2)       110.4 
 Post-retirement 
  obligations                                                                                       (69.3)      (46.2) 
----------------------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Group net assets                                                                                  1,016.8       889.6 
----------------------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ----------  ---------- 
 

Note:

(1) Short-term cash borrowings of GBP165.0 million (31 December 2015 - GBP19.0 million) net of cash balances of GBP76.8 million (31 December 2015 - GBP129.4 million), of which GBP23.7 million was held to collateralise future investment commitments (31 December 2015 - GBP123.9 million).

Net asset value increased from GBP889.6 million at 31 December 2015 to GBP1,016.8 million at 31 December 2016.

The Group's portfolio of investments in project companies and listed investments was valued at GBP1,175.9 million at 31 December 2016 (31 December 2015 - GBP841.4 million). The valuation methodology and details of the portfolio value are provided in the Portfolio Valuation section.

The Group held cash balances of GBP76.8 million at 31 December 2016 (31 December 2015 - GBP129.4 million) of which GBP23.7 million (31 December 2015 - GBP123.9 million) was held to collateralise future investment commitments (see the Financial Resources section below for more details).

Working capital and other balances (a negative amount) were lower primarily because of lower provisions at 31 December 2016, higher accruals at 31 December 2015 relating to IPO incentive payments and a net positive fair value at 31 December 2016 on foreign exchange hedges.

The combined accounting deficit in the Group's defined benefit pension and post-retirement medical schemes at 31 December 2016 was GBP69.3 million (31 December 2015 - GBP46.2 million). The Group operates two defined benefit schemes in the UK - the John Laing Pension Fund (JLPF) and the John Laing Pension Plan (the Plan). Both schemes are closed to new members and future accrual. Under IAS 19, at 31 December 2016, the JLPF had a deficit of GBP64.2 million (31 December 2015 - GBP38.9 million) whilst the Plan had a surplus of GBP2.9 million (31 December 2015 - GBP2.7 million; this surplus was not recognised at 31 December 2015. The liability at 31 December 2016 under the post-retirement medical scheme was GBP8.0 million (31 December 2015 - GBP7.3 million).

The pension deficit in JLPF is based on a discount rate applied to pension liabilities of 2.80% (31 December 2015 - 3.75%) and long term RPI of 3.2% (31 December 2015 - 3.0%). The amount of the deficit is dependent on key assumptions, principally: inflation; the discount rate used; and the anticipated longevity of members. The discount rate, as prescribed by IAS 19, is based on yields from high quality corporate bonds. The deficit (under IAS 19) has increased from last year primarily due to an increase in JLPF's liabilities, as a result of the lower discount rate and higher long term RPI, partly offset by cash contributions to JLPF of GBP18.1 million.

Following a triennial actuarial review of the JLPF as at 31 March 2016, a seven-year deficit repayment plan has been agreed with the JLPF Trustee. The actuarial deficit of GBP171 million at 31 March 2016 is to be repaid as follows:

 
 By 31 March    GBP million 
-------------  ------------ 
 2017                  24.5 
 2018                  26.5 
 2019                  29.1 
 2020                  24.9 
 2021                  25.7 
 2022                  26.4 
 2023                  24.6 
-------------  ------------ 
 

Re-presented cash flow statement

The Group Cash Flow Statement includes the cash flows of the Company and certain recourse subsidiaries that are consolidated (Service Companies). The Group's recourse investment entity subsidiaries, through which the Company holds its investments in non-recourse project companies, are held at fair value in the financial statements and accordingly cash flows relating to investments in the portfolio are not included in the Group Cash Flow Statement. Investment-related cash flows are disclosed in note 11 to the financial statements.

The re-presented cash flow statement shows all recourse cash flows that arise in both the consolidated group (the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries) and in the recourse investment entity subsidiaries.

 
 Year ended 31 December                                                                 2016                      2015 
                                                                    ------------------------  ------------------------ 
                                                                     Re-presented cash flows   Re-presented cash flows 
                                                                                 GBP million               GBP million 
 Cash yield                                                                             36.8                      44.3 
 Operating cash flow                                                                  (10.9)                    (15.9) 
 Net foreign currency exchange impact                                                 (18.2)                       2.8 
 Total operating cash flow                                                               7.7                      31.2 
------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------ 
 
 Cash contributions to JLPF (including PPF levy)                                      (18.4)                    (47.5) 
 
 Cash investment in projects                                                         (301.5)                   (142.9) 
 Proceeds from realisations                                                            146.6                      85.9 
------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------ 
 Net investing cash flows                                                            (154.9)                    (57.0) 
------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------ 
 
 Finance charges                                                                       (6.8)                    (13.4) 
 Capital raise (net of costs)                                                              -                     123.0 
 Dividend payments                                                                    (26.2)                     (5.9) 
 Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities                                  (33.0)                     103.7 
------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------ 
 
 Recourse group cash (outflow)/inflow                                                (198.6)                      30.4 
------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------ 
 Recourse group opening net cash balances                                              110.4                      80.0 
------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------ 
 Recourse group closing net (debt)/cash balances                                      (88.2)                     110.4 
------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------ 
 
 Reconciliation to line items on re-represented Group Balance 
 Sheet 
------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------ 
 Cash collateral balances                                                               23.7                     123.9 
------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------ 
 Other cash balances                                                                    53.1                       5.5 
------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------ 
 Total cash and cash equivalents                                                        76.8                     129.4 
------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------ 
 
 Cash borrowings                                                                     (165.0)                    (19.0) 
------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------ 
 Net (debt)/cash                                                                      (88.2)                     110.4 
------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------  ------------------------ 
 

Cash yield comprises GBP34.8 million (2015 - GBP38.9 million) from the investment portfolio and GBP2.0 million (2015 - GBP5.4 million) from non-portfolio investments.

Operating cash flow in the year ended 31 December 2016 was less adverse than in 2015 primarily due to higher recoveries of costs on financial closes and as a result of amounts paid in the prior year in relation to the Company's IPO in 2015.

Total operating cash flows are net of an adverse foreign exchange impact of GBP18.2 million (2015 - favourable impact of GBP2.8 million), principally arising on foreign exchange hedges as a result of the weakening of Sterling against relevant currencies during the year.

In the year, in addition to the payment of the PPF levy, the Group made a cash contribution to JLPF of GBP18.1 million (2015 - regular cash contributions of GBP27.0 million, special cash contributions of GBP20.0 million).

During the year, cash of GBP301.5 million (31 December 2015 - GBP142.9 million) was invested in project companies. In the same period, investments in six projects were realised (including four investments to JLIF and two investments to JLEN) for total proceeds of GBP140.2 million (2015 - GBP85.9 million from the realisation of seven investments for total proceeds of GBP86.3 million net of a GBP0.4 million price adjustment for a project disposed of in 2014). Additionally, a 2.2% shareholding in JLEN was sold for GBP6.4 million (2015 - GBPnil).

Finance charges were higher in 2015 due to the payment of upfront costs in relation to the committed corporate banking facilities entered into at the time of IPO.

The capital raise, net of costs, from the Company's IPO in 2015 was GBP123.0 million.

Dividend payments of GBP26.2 million in the year ended 31 December 2016 comprise the final dividend for 2015 of GBP19.4 million and the interim dividend for 2016 of GBP6.8 million (2015 - interim dividend for 2015 of GBP5.9 million).

FINANCIAL RESOURCES

At 31 December 2016, the Group had principal committed corporate banking facilities of GBP400.0 million, expiring in March 2020 (31 December 2015 - GBP350.0 million), which are primarily used to back investment commitments. These facilities were increased by GBP50.0 million in June 2016. The Group also had surety facilities of GBP50.0 million backed by committed liquidity facilities both expiring in March 2018. Net available financial resources at 31 December 2016 were GBP168.1 million (31 December 2015 - GBP180.1 million).

Analysis of Group financial resources

 
                                              31 December    31 December 
                                                     2016           2015 
                                              GBP million    GBP million 
------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Total committed facilities                         450.0          350.0 
------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Letters of credit issued under corporate 
  banking facilities (see below)                  (112.6)        (154.2) 
 Letters of credit issued under surety             (50.0)              - 
  facilities (see below) 
 Other guarantees and commitments                   (6.5)          (1.1) 
 Short term cash borrowings                       (165.0)         (19.0) 
------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Utilisation of facilities                        (334.1)        (174.3) 
------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Headroom                                           115.9          175.7 
 
 Cash and bank deposits(1)                           53.1            5.5 
 Less unavailable cash                              (0.9)          (1.1) 
------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Net available financial resources                  168.1          180.1 
------------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 

(1) Cash and bank deposits excluding cash collateral balances

Letters of credit issued under the committed corporate banking facilities of GBP112.6 million (31 December 2015 - GBP154.2 million) and under additional surety facilities of GBP50.0 million (31 December 2015 - GBPnil) together with cash collateral represent future cash investment by the Group into underlying projects in the Primary Investment portfolio.

 
                                          31 December    31 December 
                                                 2016           2015 
                                          GBP million    GBP million 
--------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Letters of credit issued                       162.6          154.2 
 Cash collateral                                 23.7          123.9 
--------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Future cash investment into projects           186.3          278.1 
--------------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 

The table below shows the letters of credit issued analysed by investment and the date or dates when cash is expected to be invested into the underlying project at which point the letter of credit would expire:

 
                                                Letter of                Expected 
                                            credit issued            date of cash 
 Project                                      GBP million              investment 
----------------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------------- 
 New Generation Rollingstock, Australia              24.3    Jan 2017 to Oct 2017 
 Cramlington Biomass, UK                             27.0                Oct 2017 
 IEP (Phase 2), UK                                   72.7                Mar 2018 
 Sterling Wind Farm, US                              18.1   May 2017 to Sept 2017 
 Kiata Wind Farm, Australia                          16.0    Jan 2017 to Oct 2017 
 New Royal Adelaide Hospital, Australia               4.5               June 2017 
 Total                                              162.6 
----------------------------------------  ---------------  ---------------------- 
 

The table below shows the cash collateral balances at 31 December 2016 analysed by investment and the date when the cash collateral is expected to be invested into the underlying project:

 
                                         Cash 
                                   collateral               Expected 
                                       amount           date of cash 
 Project                          GBP million             investment 
------------------------------  -------------  --------------------- 
 New Perth Stadium, Australia             3.3   Jan 2017 to Dec 2017 
 I-77 Managed Lanes, US                  20.1   Oct 2017 to Nov 2018 
 IEP (Phase 1), UK                        0.3              July 2017 
 Total                                   23.7 
------------------------------  -------------  --------------------- 
 

Cash collateral is included within 'investments at fair value through profit or loss' in the Group Balance Sheet.

There are significant non-recourse borrowings within the project companies in which the Group invests. The interest rate exposure on the debt of such project companies is, in most circumstances, fixed on financial close, through a long-dated bond or fixed rate debt, or through the fixing of floating rate bank debt via interest rate swaps. Given this, the impact on the Group's returns from investments in project companies of changes in interest rates on project borrowings is minimal. There is an impact from changes in interest rates on the investment income from monies held on deposit both at Group level and within project companies but such an effect is not material in the context of the Group Balance Sheet.

FOREIGN CURRENCY EXPOSURE

The Group regularly reviews the sensitivity of its balance sheet to changes in exchange rates relative to Sterling and to the timing and amount of forecast foreign currency denominated cash flows. As set out in the Portfolio Valuation section, the Group's portfolio comprises investments denominated in Sterling, Euro, and Australian, US and New Zealand Dollars. As a result of foreign exchange movements in the year ended 31 December 2016, there was a favourable fair value movement of GBP74.7 million in the portfolio valuation between 31 December 2015 and 31 December 2016. This positive impact was partly offset by net losses, both realised and unrealised of GBP11.9 million from foreign exchange hedges held by the Group during 2016 on part of its Euro-denominated investments (GBP152.5 million) and on part of its New Zealand Dollar-denominated investment (GBP10.9 million). The net losses on other hedges held by the Group against cash collateral balances currencies were offset by foreign exchange translation gains on those and other balances.

The Group may apply an appropriate hedge to a specific currency transaction exposure, which could include borrowing in that currency or entering into forward foreign exchange contracts. An analysis of the portfolio value by currency is set out in the Portfolio Valuation section.

Letters of credit in issue at 31 December 2016 of GBP162.6 million (31 December 2015 - GBP154.2 million) are analysed by currency as follows:

 
                                   31 December    31 December 
                                          2016           2015 
 Letters of credit by currency     GBP million    GBP million 
-------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Sterling                                 99.7          122.1 
 US dollar                                18.1           11.7 
 Australian dollar                        44.8           20.4 
-------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
                                         162.6          154.2 
-------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 

Cash collateral at 31 December 2016 of GBP23.7 million (31 December 2015 - GBP123.9 million) is analysed by currency as follows:

 
                                 31 December    31 December 
                                        2016           2015 
 Cash collateral by currency     GBP million    GBP million 
-----------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Sterling                                0.3           58.7 
 US dollar                              20.1           16.7 
 Australian dollar                       3.3           48.5 
-----------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
                                        23.7          123.9 
-----------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 

GOING CONCERN

The Group has committed corporate banking facilities until March 2020 and has sufficient resources available to meet its committed capital requirements, investments and operating costs for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the Group has adopted the going concern basis in the preparation of its financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2016.

Patrick O'D Bourke

Group Finance Director

PRINCIPAL Risks AND RISK MANAGEMENT

The effective management of risks within the Group is essential to the successful delivery of the Group's objectives. The Board is responsible for ensuring that risks are identified and appropriately managed across the Group and has delegated to the Audit & Risk Committee responsibility for reviewing the effectiveness of the Group's internal controls, including the systems established to identify, assess, manage and monitor risks. The Group's risk appetite when making decisions on investment commitments or potential realisations is assessed by reference to the expected impact on NAV.

During the year, the previous Audit Committee was renamed the Audit & Risk Committee and its remit was expanded. Under its new remit, the Committee has a greater involvement in overseeing the effective management of risks within the Group.

The principal internal controls that operated throughout 2016 and up to the date of this Annual Report include:

-- an organisational structure which provides adequate segregation of responsibilities, clearly defined lines of accountability, delegated authority to trained and experienced staff and extensive reporting;

   --      clear business objectives aligned with the Group's risk appetite; 

-- risk reporting, including identification of risks through Group-wide risk registers, that is embedded in the regular management reporting of business units and is communicated to the Board; and

-- an independent internal audit function, which reports to the Audit & Risk Committee. The external auditor also reports to the Audit & Risk Committee on the effectiveness of financial controls relevant to the audit.

The Group's Internal Audit function has several objectives, in particular:

-- to provide independent assurance to the Board, through the Audit & Risk Committee, that internal control processes, including those related to risk management, are relevant, fit for purpose, effective and operating throughout the business;

-- to provide a deterrent to fraud and to provide another layer of assurance that the Group is meeting its FCA regulatory requirements; and

   --      to provide advice on efficiency improvements to internal control processes. 

Internal Audit is independent of the business and reports functionally to the Group Finance Director and directly to the Chairman of the Audit & Risk Committee. The Group Head of Internal Audit meets regularly with senior management and the Audit & Risk Committee to discuss key findings and management actions undertaken.

The Group Head of Internal Audit can call a meeting with the Chairman of the Audit & Risk Committee at any time and meets privately with the Audit & Risk Committee, without senior management present, as and when required, but at least annually.

A Management Risk Committee, comprising senior members of management and chaired by the Group Finance Director, assists the Board, Audit & Risk Committee, and Executive Committee in formulating and enforcing the Group's risk management policy. The Head of Internal Audit attends each meeting of the Management Risk Committee. It reports formally to the Audit & Risk Committee.

The Directors confirm that they have monitored throughout the year and carried out (i) a review of the effectiveness of the Group's risk management and internal control systems and (ii) a robust assessment of the principal risks facing the Group, including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency and liquidity. No material weaknesses were identified from the review of the Group's risk management and internal control systems. The Group risk register is reviewed at every meeting of the Audit & Risk Committee and Management Risk Committee and every six months by the Board.

The above controls and procedures are underpinned by a culture of openness of communication between operational and executive management. All investment decisions are scrutinised in detail by the Investment Committee and, if outside the Investment Committee's terms of reference, also by the Board.

The Directors' assessment of the principal risks applying to the Group is set out below, including the way in which risks are linked to the three strategic objectives set out in the Chief Executive Officer's Review. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Directors, or which they currently consider not to be material, may also have an adverse effect on the Group:

 
                                                                                           Change 
                               Link to strategic                                           in risk since 31 December 
 Risk                          objectives (note)             Mitigation                    2015 
----------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------------------- 
 Governmental policy            1, 2, 3                       The Board limits its          No change 
 Changes to legislation or                                    exposure to any single 
 public policy in the                                         jurisdiction. 
 jurisdictions in which the                                   Thorough due diligence is 
 Group operates or                                            carried out in order to 
 may wish to operate could                                    assess a specific 
 negatively impact the                                        country's risk (for 
 volume of potential                                          example 
 opportunities available                                      economic and political 
 to the Group and the                                         stability, tax policy and 
 returns from existing                                        local practices) before 
 opportunities.                                               any investment is 
 The use of PPP programmes                                    made. 
 by governmental entities                                     Where possible the Group 
 may be delayed or may                                        seeks specific contractual 
 decrease thereby                                             protection from changes in 
 limiting opportunities for                                   government 
 private sector                                               policy and law for the 
 infrastructure investors in                                  projects it invests in. 
 the future, or be                                            General change of law is 
 structured                                                   considered to be a 
 such that returns to                                         normal business risk. 
 private sector                                               During the bidding process 
 infrastructure investors                                     for a project, the Group 
 are reduced.                                                 takes a view on 
 Governmental entities may                                    an appropriate level of 
 in the future seek to                                        return to cover the risk 
 terminate or renegotiate                                     of non-discriminatory 
 existing projects                                            changes in law. 
 for example to introduce                                     During the bidding process 
 new policies or legislation                                  for a project, the Group 
 that result in higher tax                                    assesses the sensitivity 
 obligations                                                  of the project's 
 on existing PPP or                                           forecast returns to 
 renewable energy projects                                    changes in factors such as 
 or otherwise affect                                          tax rates and/or, for 
 existing or future                                           renewable energy projects, 
 projects.                                                    governmental support 
 Changes to legislation or                                    mechanisms. 
 public policy relating to                                    The Group targets 
 renewable energy could                                       jurisdictions which have a 
 negatively impact                                            track record of support 
 the economic returns on the                                  for renewable energy 
 Group's investments in                                       investments and which 
 renewable energy projects,                                   continue to demonstrate 
 which would                                                  such support. 
 adversely affect the demand                                  Through its track record 
 for and attractiveness of                                    of more than 120 
 such projects.                                               investment commitments, 
 Compliance with the public                                   the Group has developed 
 tender regulations which                                     significant expertise in 
 apply to PPP projects is                                     compliance with public 
 complex and the                                              tender regulations. 
 outcomes may be subject to 
 third party challenge and 
 reversed. 
----------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------------------- 
 Macroeconomic factors          1, 2, 3                       Factors which have the        Increased 
 To the extent such factors                                   potential to impact 
 cannot be hedged,                                            adversely the underlying 
 inflation, interest rates                                    cash flows of an 
 and foreign exchange                                         investment, 
 all potentially impact the                                   and hence its valuation, 
 return generated from an                                     are hedged wherever 
 investment and its                                           possible at a project 
 valuation.                                                   level and sensitivities 
 Weakness in factors which                                    are considered during the 
 affect energy prices, such                                   investment appraisal 
 as the oil price, could                                      process. 
 negatively impact                                            Systemic risks, such as 
 the economic returns on the                                  potential deflation, or 
 Group's investments in                                       appreciation/depreciation 
 renewable energy.                                            of Sterling versus 
 Weakness in the political                                    the currency in which an 
 and economic climate in a                                    investment is made, are 
 particular jurisdiction                                      assessed in the context of 
 could impact the                                             the portfolio 
 value of, or the return                                      as a whole. 
 generated from, any or all                                   The Group seeks to reduce 
 of the Group's investments                                   the extent to which its 
 located in that                                              renewable energy 
 jurisdiction.                                                investments are exposed 
                                                              to energy prices through 
                                                              governmental support 
                                                              mechanisms and/or off-take 
                                                              arrangements. 
                                                              The Group monitors closely 
                                                              the level of investments 
                                                              it has exposed to foreign 
                                                              currencies, 
                                                              including regularly 
                                                              testing the sensitivity of 
                                                              the financial covenants in 
                                                              its corporate banking 
                                                              facilities to a 
                                                              significant change in the 
                                                              value of individual 
                                                              currencies. 
                                                              Where possible, specific 
                                                              clauses relating to 
                                                              potential currency change 
                                                              within a particular 
                                                              jurisdiction are 
                                                              incorporated in project 
                                                              documentation. 
----------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------------------- 
 Liquidity in the secondary     1, 2, 3                       Projects are appraised on     No change 
 market                                                       a number of bases, 
 Weakness in the secondary                                    including being held to 
 markets for investments in                                   maturity. Projects are 
 PPP or renewable energy,                                     also carefully structured 
 for example                                                  so that they are capable 
 as the result of a lack of                                   of being divested, if 
 economic growth in relevant                                  appropriate, before 
 markets, regulatory changes                                  maturity. 
 in the                                                       Over recent years, the 
 banking sector, liquidity                                    secondary markets for both 
 in financial markets,                                        PPP and renewable energy 
 changes in interest and                                      investments have 
 exchange rates and                                           grown. In particular, 
 project finance market                                       several new environmental 
 conditions, and the recent                                   funds have been launched. 
 difficulties in parts of                                     While JLIF and JLEN are 
 the Eurozone, may                                            natural buyers of the 
 affect the Group's ability                                   Group's PPP and renewable 
 to realise full value from                                   energy investments 
 its divestments.                                             respectively, the size and 
 The secondary market for                                     breadth of secondary 
 investments in renewable                                     markets provide the Group 
 energy projects may be                                       with confidence 
 affected by, inter                                           that it can sell 
 alia, changes in energy                                      investments to other 
 prices, in governmental                                      purchasers. 
 policy, in the value of 
 governmental support 
 mechanisms and in project 
 finance market conditions. 
 The ability of JLIF and 
 JLEN to raise finance for 
 further investments may 
 have an impact on 
 both the Group's ability to 
 sell investments in PPP and 
 renewable energy projects 
 and on the 
 Group's asset management 
 business more generally. 
----------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------------------- 
 Financial resources            1, 3                          In February 2015, the         No change 
 Any shortfall in the                                         Group entered into 
 financial resources that                                     corporate banking 
 are available to the Group                                   facilities totalling 
 to satisfy its financial                                     GBP350.0 million 
 obligations may make it                                      which mature in March 
 necessary for the Group to                                   2020. In June 2016, these 
 constrain its business                                       facilities were increased 
 development, refinance                                       to GBP400.0 million 
 its outstanding                                              and in December 2016 
 obligations, forego                                          additional surety 
 investment opportunities                                     facilities (GBP50.0 
 and/or sell existing                                         million) became committed 
 investments.                                                 until 
 Inability to secure project                                  March 2018. Available 
 finance could hinder the                                     headroom is carefully 
 ability of the Group to                                      monitored and compliance 
 make a bid for                                               with the financial 
 an investment opportunity,                                   covenants 
 or where the Group has a                                     and other terms of these 
 preferred bidder position,                                   facilities is closely 
 could negatively                                             observed. The Group also 
 impact whether an                                            monitors its working 
 underlying project reaches                                   capital, cash collateral 
 financial close.                                             and letter of credit 
 The inability of a project                                   requirements and maintains 
 company to satisfactorily                                    an active dialogue 
 refinance existing maturing                                  with its banks. It 
 medium-term                                                  operates a policy of 
 project finance facilities                                   ensuring that sufficient 
 periodically during the                                      financial resources are 
 life of a project could                                      maintained 
 affect the Group's                                           to satisfy committed and 
 projected future returns                                     likely future investment 
 from investments in such                                     requirements. 
 projects and hence their                                     The Group believes that 
 valuation in the                                             there is currently 
 Group's balance sheet.                                       sufficient depth and 
 Adverse financial                                            breadth in project finance 
 performance by a project                                     markets to meet the 
 company which affects the                                    financing needs of the 
 financial covenants in                                       projects it invests in. 
 its project finance loan                                     The Group works closely 
 documents may result in the                                  with a wide range of 
 project company being                                        project finance providers, 
 unable to make                                               including banks and other 
 distributions to the Group                                   financial institutions. 
 and other investors, which                                   Projects in which the 
 would impact the valuation                                   Group has invested in PPP 
 of the Group's                                               markets such as Australia 
 investment in such project                                   and New Zealand, 
 company, and may enable                                      where the tenor of project 
 project finance debt                                         finance facilities at 
 providers to declare                                         financial close tends to 
 default on the financing                                     be medium term, 
 terms and exercise their                                     will need to be refinanced 
 security.                                                    in due course. 
                                                              Prior to financial close, 
                                                              all proposed investments 
                                                              are scrutinised by the 
                                                              Investment Committee. 
                                                              This scrutiny includes a 
                                                              review of sensitivities to 
                                                              adverse performance of 
                                                              investment returns 
                                                              and financial ratio tests 
                                                              as well as an assessment 
                                                              of a project's ability to 
                                                              be refinanced 
                                                              if the tenor of its debt 
                                                              is less than the term of 
                                                              the concession or the 
                                                              project's useful life. 
                                                              The Group maintains an 
                                                              active dialogue with the 
                                                              banks and other financial 
                                                              institutions which 
                                                              provide project finance to 
                                                              the projects in which it 
                                                              invests. Monitoring of 
                                                              compliance with 
                                                              financial covenant ratios 
                                                              and other terms of loan 
                                                              documents continues 
                                                              throughout the term 
                                                              of the project finance 
                                                              loan. 
----------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------------------- 
 Pensions                       1, 3                          The Group's two defined       No change 
 The amount of the deficit                                    benefit pension schemes 
 in the Group's main defined                                  are overseen by corporate 
 benefit pension scheme                                       trustees, the directors 
 (JLPF) can vary                                              of which include 
 significantly due to gains                                   independent and 
 or losses on scheme                                          professionally qualified 
 investments and movements                                    individuals. The Group 
 in the assumptions                                           works closely 
 used to value scheme                                         with the trustees on the 
 liabilities (in particular                                   appropriate funding 
 life expectancy, discount                                    strategy for the schemes 
 rate and inflation                                           and takes independent 
 rate). Consequently the                                      actuarial advice as 
 Group is exposed to the                                      appropriate. Both schemes 
 risk of increases in cash                                    are closed to future 
 contributions payable,                                       accrual and accordingly 
 volatility in the deficit                                    have no active members, 
 reported in the Group                                        only deferred members and 
 Balance Sheet, and                                           pensioners. A significant 
 gains/losses recorded in                                     proportion of 
 the Group Statement of                                       the liabilities of JLPF is 
 Comprehensive Income.                                        matched by a bulk annuity 
                                                              buy-in agreement with 
                                                              Aviva. Other hedging 
                                                              is also in place. 
                                                              The actuarial valuation of 
                                                              JLPF as at 31 March 2016 
                                                              was finalised in December 
                                                              2016. The next 
                                                              actuarial valuation is due 
                                                              as at 31 March 2019. 
----------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------------------- 
 Competition                    1                             The Group believes that       No change 
 The Group operates in                                        its experience and 
 competitive markets and may                                  expertise as an active 
 not be able to compete                                       investor and asset manager 
 effectively or profitably.                                   accumulated over more than 
                                                              20 years, together with 
                                                              its flexibility and 
                                                              ability to respond 
                                                              to market conditions will 
                                                              continue to enable it to 
                                                              compete effectively and 
                                                              secure attractive 
                                                              investments. 
----------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------------------- 
 Valuation                      3                             The discount rates used to    Increased 
 The valuation of an                                          value investments are 
 investment in a project may                                  derived from publicly 
 not reflect its ultimate                                     available market data 
 realisable value.                                            and other market evidence 
 In circumstances where the                                   and are updated regularly. 
 revenue derived from a                                       The Group has a good track 
 project is related to                                        record of realising 
 patronage (i.e. customer                                     investments at prices 
 usage), actual revenues may                                  consistent with the fair 
 vary materially from                                         values at which they are 
 assumptions made at the                                      held. 
 time the investment                                          The Group's investments 
 commitment is made. In                                       are in projects which are 
 addition, to the extent                                      principally 
 that a project company's                                     availability-based (where 
 actual costs incurred                                        the 
 differ from forecast costs,                                  revenue does not generally 
 for example, because of                                      depend on the level of use 
 late construction, and                                       of the project asset). 
 cannot be passed                                             Where patronage 
 on to sub-contractors or                                     or volume risk is taken, 
 other third parties,                                         the Directors review 
 investment returns and                                       revenue assumptions and 
 valuations may be adversely                                  their sensitivities 
 affected.                                                    in detail prior to any 
 Revenues from renewable                                      investment commitment. The 
 energy projects may be                                       Group's intention is to 
 affected by the volume of                                    maintain a majority 
 power production                                             of availability - based 
 (e.g. from changes in wind                                   investments by value in 
 or solar yield), the                                         its portfolio. 
 availability of fuel (in                                     Where the revenue from 
 the case of biomass                                          investments is related to 
 projects), restrictions on                                   patronage or volume (e.g. 
 the electricity network,                                     with regard to 
 the reliability of                                           investments in renewable 
 electrical connections                                       energy projects), risks 
 or other factors such as                                     are mitigated through a 
 noise and other                                              combination of factors, 
 environmental restrictions,                                  including (i) the use of 
 as well as by changes                                        independent forecasts of 
 in energy prices and to                                      future volumes (ii) lower 
 governmental support                                         gearing versus 
 mechanisms.                                                  that of availability-based 
 The valuation of the                                         projects (iii) 
 Group's investment                                           stress-testing the 
 portfolio is affected by                                     robustness of project 
 movements in foreign                                         returns 
 exchange                                                     against significant falls 
 rates, which are reflected                                   in forecast volumes. 
 through the Group's                                          The Group typically hedges 
 financial statements. In                                     cash flows arising from 
 addition, there are                                          investment realisations or 
 foreign exchange risks                                       significant 
 associated with conversion                                   distributions in 
 of foreign currency cash                                     currencies other than 
 flows relating                                               Sterling. 
 to an investment into and                                    The intention is that 
 out of Sterling.                                             projects are structured 
 The valuation of the                                         such that (i) day-to-day 
 Group's investment                                           service provision is 
 portfolio could be affected                                  sub-contracted to 
 by changes in tax                                            qualified sub-contractors 
 legislation,                                                 supported by appropriate 
 for instance changes to                                      security packages (ii) 
 limit tax-deductible                                         cost and price inflation 
 interest (see Taxation                                       risk in relation to the 
 section).                                                    provision of services lies 
 During the construction                                      with sub-contractors 
 phase of an infrastructure                                   (iii) performance 
 project, there are risks                                     deductions in relation to 
 that either the                                              non-availability lie with 
 works are not completed                                      sub-contractors (iv) 
 within the agreed                                            future major maintenance 
 time-frame or that                                           costs and ongoing project 
 construction costs overrun.                                  company costs are reviewed 
 Where                                                        annually and 
 such risks are not borne by                                  cost mitigation strategies 
 sub-contractors, or                                          adopted as appropriate. 
 sub-contractors fail to                                      The Group has procedures 
 meet their contractual                                       in place to ensure that 
 obligations, this can                                        project companies in which 
 result in delays or cost                                     it invests appoint 
 overruns, which may                                          competent sub-contractors 
 adversely affect the                                         with relevant experience 
 valuation                                                    and financial strength. If 
 of and return on the                                         project construction 
 Group's investments. If                                      is delayed, 
 construction or other long                                   sub-contracting 
 stop dates are exceeded,                                     arrangements contain terms 
 this may enable public                                       enabling the project 
 sector counter-parties                                       company to recover 
 and/or project finance debt                                  liquidated damages, 
 providers to declare                                         additional costs and lost 
 a default and, in the case                                   revenue, subject to 
 of the latter, to exercise                                   limits. In addition, the 
 their security.                                              project company may 
 The Group is reliant on the                                  terminate its agreement 
 performance of third                                         with a sub-contractor if 
 parties in constructing an                                   the latter is in default 
 asset to an appropriate                                      and seek an alternative 
 standard as well as                                          sub-contractor. 
 operating it in a manner                                     The terms of the 
 consistent with contractual                                  sub-contracts into which 
 requirements. Poor                                           project companies enter 
 performance by, or failure                                   provide some protections 
 of, such third parties may                                   for investment returns 
 result in the impairment or                                  from the poor performance 
 loss of                                                      of third parties. 
 an investment.                                               The ability to replace 
                                                              defaulting third parties 
                                                              is supported by security 
                                                              packages to protect 
                                                              against price movement on 
                                                              re-tendering. 
                                                              If long stop dates are 
                                                              exceeded, the Group has 
                                                              significant experience as 
                                                              an active manager 
                                                              in protecting its 
                                                              investments by working 
                                                              with all parties to a 
                                                              project to agree revised 
                                                              timetables 
                                                              and/or other restructuring 
                                                              arrangements. 
----------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------------------- 
 Counterparty risk              3                             The Group works with          Increased 
 The Group is exposed to                                      multiple clients, joint 
 counterparty credit risk                                     venture partners, 
 with regards to (i)                                          sub-contractors and 
 governmental entities,                                       institutional 
 sub-contractors, lenders                                     investors so as to reduce 
 and suppliers at a project                                   the probability of 
 level and (ii) consortium                                    systemic counterparty risk 
 partners, financial                                          in its investment 
 institutions and suppliers                                   portfolio. In establishing 
 at a Group level.                                            project contractual 
 Public sector                                                arrangements prior to 
 counter-parties to PPP                                       making an investment, 
 projects may seek to                                         the credit standing and 
 renegotiate contract terms                                   relevant experience of a 
 and/or                                                       sub-contractor are 
 terminate contracts in a                                     considered. Post contract 
 way which impacts the                                        award, the financial 
 valuation of one or more of                                  standing of key 
 the Group's investments.                                     counterparties is 
 In overseas jurisdictions,                                   monitored to provide an 
 the Group's investments                                      early warning 
 backed by governmental                                       of possible financial 
 entities may ultimately                                      distress. 
 be subject to sovereign                                      PPP projects are normally 
 risk.                                                        structured so as to 
                                                              provide significant 
                                                              contractual protection for 
                                                              equity investors. Such 
                                                              protection may include 
                                                              "termination for 
                                                              convenience" clauses which 
                                                              enable public sector 
                                                              counter-parties to 
                                                              terminate projects subject 
                                                              to payment of 
                                                              compensation, 
                                                              including equity 
                                                              investors. 
                                                              PPP projects are normally 
                                                              supported by central and 
                                                              local government 
                                                              covenants, which 
                                                              significantly 
                                                              reduce the Group's risk. 
                                                              Risk is further reduced by 
                                                              the increasing 
                                                              geographical spread of 
                                                              the Group's investments. 
                                                              Counterparties for 
                                                              deposits at a Group level, 
                                                              project debt swaps and 
                                                              deposits within project 
                                                              companies are required to 
                                                              be banks with a suitable 
                                                              credit rating and are 
                                                              monitored on an ongoing 
                                                              basis. 
                                                              Entry into new 
                                                              geographical areas which 
                                                              have a different legal 
                                                              framework and/or different 
                                                              financial market 
                                                              characteristics is 
                                                              considered by the Board 
                                                              separately from individual 
                                                              investment 
                                                              decisions. 
                                                              Typically, a substantial 
                                                              proportion of the revenue 
                                                              generated by renewable 
                                                              energy projects 
                                                              is backed by governmental 
                                                              support mechanisms. 
----------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------------------- 
 Major incident                 2, 3                          At financial close,           No change 
 A major incident at any of                                   projects benefit from 
 the Group's main locations                                   comprehensive insurance 
 or any of the projects                                       arrangements, either 
 invested in by                                               directly 
 the Group, such as a                                         or through contractors' 
 terrorist attack, war or                                     insurance policies. 
 significant cyber-attack,                                    Detailed business 
 could lead to a loss                                         continuity plans have been 
 of crucial business data,                                    designed and are tested at 
 technology, buildings and                                    frequent/regular 
 reputation and harm to the                                   intervals. 
 public, all                                                  Business continuity 
 of which could collectively                                  procedures are also 
 or individually result in a                                  regularly updated in order 
 loss of value for the                                        to maintain their 
 Group.                                                       relevance. 
                                                              John Laing operates to 
                                                              independent, third 
                                                              party-certified management 
                                                              systems in respect of 
                                                              health and safety (OHSAS 
                                                              18001:2007). In addition, 
                                                              it routinely monitors 
                                                              health, safety and 
                                                              environmental issues in 
                                                              the projects it invests in 
                                                              or manages. 
                                                              Cyber risk is addressed 
                                                              through (i) the Group's 
                                                              organisational structure 
                                                              which includes segregation 
                                                              of responsibilities, 
                                                              delegated lines of 
                                                              accountability, delegated 
                                                              authorities and outsourced 
                                                              IT arrangements, as well 
                                                              as (ii) specific controls, 
                                                              including controls over 
                                                              payments and access 
                                                              to IT systems. 
----------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------------------- 
 Investment adviser             2                             Through JLCM, and             No change 
 agreements with JLIF and                                     supported by other parts 
 JLEN                                                         of the Asset Management 
 A loss of JLCM's investment                                  division, the Group 
 adviser agreements with                                      focuses 
 JLIF and/or JLEN                                             on delivering a high 
 respectively would be                                        quality service to both 
 detrimental to the Group's                                   funds. 
 Asset Management business. 
----------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------------------- 
 Future returns from            1, 2, 3                       In bidding for new            No change 
 investments                                                  projects, the Group sets a 
 The Group's historical                                       target internal rate of 
 returns and cash yields                                      return taking account 
 from investments may not be                                  of historical experience, 
 indicative of future                                         current market conditions 
 returns.                                                     and expected returns once 
 The Group's expected                                         the project 
 hold-to-maturity internal                                    becomes operational. The 
 rates of return from                                         Group continually looks 
 investments are based                                        for value enhancement 
 on a variety of assumptions                                  opportunities which 
 which may not be correct at                                  would improve the target 
 the time they are made and                                   rate of return. 
 may not                                                      At the investment 
 be achieved in the future.                                   appraisal stage, projects 
                                                              are tested for their 
                                                              sensitivity to changes in 
                                                              key assumptions. 
----------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------------------- 
 Taxation                       1, 3                          Tax positions taken by the    Increased 
 The Group may be exposed to                                  Group are based on 
 changes in taxation in the                                   industry practice and/or 
 jurisdictions in which it                                    external tax advice. 
 operates,                                                    At the investment 
 or it may cease to satisfy                                   appraisal stage, projects 
 the conditions for relevant                                  are tested for their 
 reliefs. Tax authorities                                     sensitivity to changes in 
 may disagree                                                 tax rates. Project 
 with the positions that the                                  valuations are regularly 
 Group has taken or intends                                   updated for changes in tax 
 to take.                                                     rates. 
 Project companies may be                                     In March 2016, in response 
 exposed to changes in                                        to the OECD 
 taxation in the                                              recommendations, the UK 
 jurisdictions in which they                                  Government announced 
 operate.                                                     proposals 
 In October 2015, the OECD                                    for the introduction of a 
 published its                                                Fixed Ratio Rule to cap 
 recommendations for                                          the amount of tax 
 tackling BEPS by                                             deductible net interest 
 international                                                to 30% of a company's UK 
 companies. It identified                                     EBITDA. This was followed 
 the use of tax deductible                                    by a detailed consultation 
 interest as one of the key                                   paper in May 
 areas where                                                  2016 and detailed 
 there is opportunity for                                     legislation in November 
 BEPS by international                                        2016 and January 2017 (for 
 companies. It is up to the                                   further information, 
 governments of OECD                                          see the Financial Review 
 countries to decide how to                                   section). 
 implement the OECD's                                         The Group's understanding 
 recommendations into their                                   is that not all 
 domestic law. To                                             governments will implement 
 the extent that one or more                                  the OECD recommendations 
 of the jurisdictions in                                      in the same way. Some 
 which the Group operates                                     believe their existing 
 changes its rules                                            rules are adequate to 
 to limit tax deductible                                      limit the scope for BEPS. 
 interest, this could                                         Others may take advantage 
 significantly impact (i)                                     of grandfathering 
 the tax payable by                                           provisions or the 
 subsidiaries                                                 potential for exemptions 
 of the Group (ii) the                                        for 
 valuation of existing                                        projects with a public 
 investments (iii) the way                                    benefit. 
 in which future                                              The Group's effective tax 
 project-financed                                             rate tends to be lower 
 infrastructure investments                                   than the standard rate of 
 are structured, in each                                      UK corporation 
 case in such jurisdictions.                                  tax principally because 
                                                              the contributions the 
                                                              Group makes to JLPF are 
                                                              deductible for tax 
                                                              purposes. 
----------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------------------- 
 Personnel                      1, 2, 3                       The Group regularly           No change 
 The Group may fail to                                        reviews pay and benefits 
 recruit or retain key                                        to ensure they remain 
 senior management and                                        competitive. The Group's 
 skilled personnel in, or                                     senior managers 
 relocate high-quality                                        participate in long term 
 personnel to, the                                            incentive plans. The Group 
 jurisdictions in which it                                    plans its human resources 
 operates or seeks to                                         needs carefully, including 
 expand.                                                      appropriate local 
 As a result of the outcome                                   recruitment, when it bids 
 of the UK referendum on                                      for overseas projects. 
 membership of the EU, there                                  The Group has the ability 
 is some uncertainty                                          to recruit EU nationals in 
 as to the position of                                        its Amsterdam office or 
 certain EU nationals living                                  could open further 
 and working in the UK. This                                  offices in other EU 
 uncertainty                                                  jurisdictions if 
 could impact the Group's                                     necessary. 
 ability to recruit and 
 retain EU nationals in the 
 UK. 
----------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------------------------  ---------------------------- 
 

Note:

The Group's three strategic objectives, as set out in the Chief Executive Officer's Review, are:

1. Growth in primary investment volumes (new capital committed to greenfield infrastructure projects) over the medium term.

   2.   Growth in the value of external AuM and related fee income. 

3. Management and enhancement of the Group's investment portfolio, with a clear focus on active management during construction, accompanied by realisations of investments which, combined with the Group's corporate banking facilities and operational cash flows, enable it to finance new investment commitments.

Statement of Directors' Responsibilities

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Directors are required to prepare the Group financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union (EU) and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation and have also chosen to prepare the parent company financial statements under IFRS as adopted by the EU. Under company law the Directors must not approve the accounts unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and of the profit or loss of the Company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, International Accounting Standard 1 requires that the Directors:

   --    properly select and apply accounting policies; 

-- present information, including accounting policies, in a manner that provides relevant, reliable, comparable and understandable information;

-- provide additional disclosures when compliance with the specific requirements in IFRS is insufficient to enable users to understand the impact of particular transactions, other events and conditions on the entity's financial position and financial performance; and

   --    make an assessment of the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. 

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the Company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Responsibility statement

We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

-- the financial statements, prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole;

-- the Strategic Report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that it faces; and

-- the Annual Report and financial statements, taken as a whole, are fair, balanced and understandable and provide the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Company's performance, business model and strategy.

This responsibility statement was approved by the Board of Directors on 6 March 2017 and is signed on its behalf by:

 
 Olivier Brousse   Patrick O'D Bourke 
 Chief Executive   Group Finance 
  Officer           Director 
 6 March 2017      6 March 2017 
 

Independent Auditor's Report to the Shareholders of John Laing Group plc on the audited financial results of John Laing Group plc

We confirm that we have issued an unqualified opinion on the full financial statements of John Laing Group plc.

Our audit report on the full financial statements sets out the following risks of material misstatement which had the greatest effect on our audit strategy; the allocation of resources in our audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team, together with how our audit responded to those risks:

 
 Risk description                                    How the scope of our audit responded to the risk 
--------------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 Valuation of investments 
 The Group holds a range of investments which           *    We assessed the design and implementation of the 
 primarily include PPP and Renewable Energy                  controls in place when valuing the Group's 
 assets.                                                     investments. 
 The total value of these assets at 31 December 
 2016 was GBP1,176 million (31 December 2015 
 - GBP841 million) as disclosed in note 11 to the 
 financial statements. These underlying assets          *    We obtained evidence, including external market data, 
 are held across a range of different sectors                to substantiate key assumptions, including project 
 comprising Transport, Environmental (including              discount rate(s) and macro-economic assumptions such 
 Renewable Energy) and Social Infrastructure, and            as forecast inflation and deposit rates. 
 a range of geographies including the UK, 
 Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. 
 
 The valuation of investments is a significant          *    We benchmarked management's discount rates against 
 judgement underpinned by a number of key                    market transaction data, including the Group's 
 assumptions                                                 disposals in the current and previous period. We 
 and estimates. These judgements include discount            performed this work in conjunction with our own 
 rates, forecast project cash-flows and                      valuation specialists. 
 macro-economic 
 assumptions such as future inflation and deposit 
 rates. Many of these assumptions differ depending 
 on both the sector and geography of the project.       *    On the valuation of the New Royal Adelaide Hospital 
 A full internal valuation is prepared at                    and Manchester Waste investments we reviewed, where 
 June and December each year and this valuation is           relevant, the legal advice obtained and held 
 incorporated into the financial statements.                 discussions with the Group's external legal counsel, 
 An independent opinion is obtained from an                  reviewed contractual documentation and held 
 external valuer that the portfolio as a whole               discussions with the directors of each project 
 represents                                                  company to understand and challenge the key 
 fair value.                                                 judgements in valuing each project. 
 
 As disclosed in note 2 to the financial 
 statements, the New Royal Adelaide Hospital 
 project 
 is experiencing construction delays and the            *    We met with the Group's external valuer to understand 
 Manchester Waste VL Co project is experiencing              and challenge the process undertaken by them in 
 increased counterparty risk. Consequently, there            arriving at their opinion that the portfolio as a 
 is increased judgement to be made around                    whole represents fair value. We also assessed the 
 the valuation of the investment in each project             competence and independence of the external valuer. 
 including the completion date of New Royal 
 Adelaide Hospital and the outcome of discussions 
 with the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal 
 Authority (GMWDA) on the future of the Manchester      *    We checked that the disclosures in the financial 
 Waste VL Co project.                                        statements were appropriate particularly in respect 
                                                             of the judgements taken. 
 More information on the valuation and valuation 
 methodology (including the judgements associated 
 with the valuation of New Royal Adelaide Hospital 
 and Manchester Waste) can be found in note 
 2 to the financial statements. 
--------------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 Key observations                                    No material matters were identified arising from our audit work. 
                                                     We consider the judgements 
                                                     adopted in valuing the Group's investments to be appropriate. We 
                                                     also consider the disclosures 
                                                     around the valuation of investments to be appropriate. 
--------------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 Valuation of the defined benefit pension schemes 
 The Group has two defined benefit pension schemes 
 (The John Laing Pension Fund and The John                  *    We assessed the design and implementation of the 
 Laing Pension Plan) which had a combined deficit                controls in place when valuing the Group's defined 
 of GBP61 million at 31 December 2016 (GBP39                     benefit pension schemes including the setting of 
 million at 31 December 2015).                                   actuarial assumptions. 
 
 The valuation of the deficit is subject to a 
 number of judgements including the adoption of 
 the appropriate (i) discount rate (ii) inflation           *    In conjunction with our internal actuarial 
 rate and (iii) mortality rate assumptions.                      specialists, we compared the Group's key assumptions, 
                                                                 including the discount rate, mortality rate 
 There is also a judgement concerning the Group's                assumptions and the inflation rates against our 
 ability to recover a surplus under the rules                    expected benchmarks and those adopted by other 
 of the John Laing Pension Fund and consequently                 companies in the market. 
 the consideration of minimum funding requirements 
 under IFRIC 14 'The Limit on a Defined Benefit 
 Asset, Minimum Funding Requirements and their 
 Interaction'.                                              *    We audited the scheme assets via agreement to 
                                                                 external confirmations from the custodian and also 
 See note 18 for further information.                            agreed a sample of scheme assets back to independent 
                                                                 market data. We also obtained and reviewed the AAF 
                                                                 01/06/ISAE 3402 assurance report on internal controls 
                                                                 for each custodian to assess if there were any 
                                                                 matters which impact our work. 
 
 
 
                                                            *    In assessing the impact of IFRIC 14, we examined the 
                                                                 nature of the Group's funding commitments to the 
                                                                 schemes and reviewed the scheme rules, the external 
                                                                 legal advice obtained by management and the actuarial 
                                                                 schedule of contributions. 
 
 
 
                                                            *    We checked that the disclosure requirements of IAS 
                                                                 19R Employee Benefits had been fulfilled. 
--------------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 Key observations                                    No material matters were identified arising from our audit work. 
                                                     We consider the judgements 
                                                     adopted by the Group in valuing the pension scheme liabilities to 
                                                     be appropriate and concur 
                                                     that the Group has the ability to recover any surplus under the 
                                                     rules of the John Laing Pension 
                                                     Fund and consequently is not subject to a minimum funding 
                                                     requirement under IFRIC 14. We also 
                                                     consider the disclosures around the valuation of the defined 
                                                     benefit pension schemes to be 
                                                     appropriate. 
--------------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 

These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we did not provide a separate opinion on these matters.

Our liability for this report and for our full audit report on the financial statements is to the Company's members as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company's members as a body, for our audit work, for our audit report or this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Deloitte LLP

Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor

6 March 2017

Group Income Statement

for the year ended 31 December 2016

 
                                                                              Year ended           Year ended 
                                                                        31 December 2016         31 December 2015 
------------------------------------------------------------ 
                                                                               Statutory      Pro forma      Statutory 
                                                               Notes         GBP million    GBP million    GBP million 
------------------------------------------------------------  ------  ------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Continuing operations 
 Net gain on investments at fair value through profit or 
  loss                                                            11               218.8          133.1          129.7 
 Other income                                                      6                42.0           34.5           31.5 
------------------------------------------------------------  ------  ------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Operating income                                                  3               260.8          167.6          161.2 
 Cost of sales                                                                         -          (0.1)          (0.1) 
------------------------------------------------------------  ------  ------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Gross profit                                                                      260.8          167.5          161.1 
 Administrative expenses                                                          (58.4)         (55.3)         (52.3) 
------------------------------------------------------------  ------  ------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Profit from operations                                            7               202.4          112.2          108.8 
 Finance costs                                                     9              (10.3)         (11.3)         (11.3) 
------------------------------------------------------------  ------  ------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Profit before tax                                                 3               192.1          100.9           97.5 
 Tax charge                                                       10               (1.8)          (2.1)          (2.1) 
------------------------------------------------------------  ------  ------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Profit from continuing operations                                                 190.3           98.8           95.4 
 Discontinued operations 
 Profit from discontinued operations (after tax)                                       -            5.7            5.7 
------------------------------------------------------------  ------  ------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Profit for the year attributable to the Shareholders of the 
  Company                                                                          190.3          104.5          101.1 
------------------------------------------------------------  ------  ------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Earnings per share (pence) 
 From continuing operations 
 Basic                                                             4                51.9           27.6           28.3 
 Diluted                                                           4                51.4           27.5           28.2 
 
 From continuing and discontinued operations 
 Basic                                                             4                51.9           29.2           30.0 
 Diluted                                                           4                51.4           29.1           29.9 
 

Group Statement of Comprehensive Income

for the year ended 31 December 2016

 
                                    Year ended           Year ended 
                                   31 December         31 December 2015 
                                          2016 
                                     Statutory      Pro forma      Statutory 
                           Note    GBP million    GBP million    GBP million 
 Profit for the year                     190.3          104.5          101.1 
 
 Exchange differences 
  on translation of 
  overseas operations                      0.3              -              - 
 Actuarial (loss)/gain 
  on retirement benefit 
  obligations               18          (39.2)           15.8           39.0 
                                 -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Other comprehensive 
  (loss)/income for 
  the year                              (38.9)           15.8           39.0 
 Total comprehensive 
  income for the year                    151.4          120.3          140.1 
                                 -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 

The only movement which could subsequently be recycled to the Group Income Statement is the exchange difference on translation of overseas operations.

Group Statement of Changes in Equity

for the year ended 31 December 2016

Statutory

 
                                     Share capital   Share premium   Other reserves   Retained earnings   Total equity 
                             Notes     GBP million     GBP million      GBP million         GBP million    GBP million 
 Balance at 1 January 2016                    36.7           218.0              0.7               634.2          889.6 
 Profit for the year                             -               -                -               190.3          190.3 
 Other comprehensive loss 
  for the year                                   -               -                -              (38.9)         (38.9) 
--------------------------  ------  --------------  --------------  ---------------  ------------------  ------------- 
 Total comprehensive 
  income for the year                            -               -                -               151.4          151.4 
--------------------------  ------  --------------  --------------  ---------------  ------------------  ------------- 
 Share-based incentives          5               -               -              2.0                   -            2.0 
 Dividends paid                                  -               -                -              (26.2)         (26.2) 
--------------------------  ------  --------------  --------------  ---------------  ------------------  ------------- 
 Balance at 31 December 
  2016                                        36.7           218.0              2.7               759.4        1,016.8 
--------------------------  ------  --------------  --------------  ---------------  ------------------  ------------- 
 
 

for the year ended 31 December 2015

Pro forma

 
                                     Share capital   Share premium   Other reserves   Retained earnings   Total equity 
                             Notes     GBP million     GBP million      GBP million         GBP million    GBP million 
 Balance at 1 January 
  2015                                        30.0           100.0                -               519.8          649.8 
 Profit for the year                             -               -                -               104.5          104.5 
 Other comprehensive 
  income for the year                            -               -                -                15.8           15.8 
-------------------------  -------  --------------  --------------  ---------------  ------------------  ------------- 
 Total comprehensive 
  income for the year                            -               -                -               120.3          120.3 
-------------------------  -------  --------------  --------------  ---------------  ------------------  ------------- 
 Shares issued in the 
  year                      20, 21             6.7           123.8                -                   -          130.5 
 Costs associated with 
  the issue of shares           21               -           (5.8)                -                   -          (5.8) 
 Share-based incentives          5               -               -              0.7                   -          0.7 
 Dividends paid                                  -               -                -               (5.9)          (5.9) 
-------------------------  -------  --------------  --------------  ---------------  ------------------  ------------- 
 Balance at 31 December 
  2015                                        36.7           218.0              0.7          634.2             889.6 
-------------------------  -------  --------------  --------------  ---------------  ------------------  ------------- 
 

Statutory

 
                                     Share capital   Share premium   Other reserves   Retained earnings   Total equity 
                             Notes     GBP million     GBP million      GBP million         GBP million    GBP million 
-------------------------  -------  --------------  --------------  ---------------  ------------------  ------------- 
 Balance at 1 January 
 2015                                            -               -                -                   -              - 
 Profit for the year                             -               -                -               101.1          101.1 
 Other comprehensive 
  income for the year                            -               -                -                39.0           39.0 
-------------------------  -------  --------------  --------------  ---------------  ------------------  ------------- 
 Total comprehensive 
  income for the year                            -               -                -               140.1          140.1 
-------------------------  -------  --------------  --------------  ---------------  ------------------  ------------- 
 Shares issued in the 
  year                      20, 21            36.7           723.8                -                   -          760.5 
 Costs associated with 
  the issue of shares           21               -           (5.8)                -                   -          (5.8) 
 Reduction of share 
  premium account               21               -         (500.0)                -               500.0              - 
 Share-based incentives          5               -               -              0.7                   -            0.7 
 Dividends paid                                  -               -                -               (5.9)          (5.9) 
-------------------------  -------  --------------  --------------  ---------------  ------------------  ------------- 
 Balance at 31 December 
  2015                                        36.7           218.0              0.7               634.2          889.6 
-------------------------  -------  --------------  --------------  ---------------  ------------------  ------------- 
 
 
                                   Year ended     Year ended 
                                  31 December    31 December 
                                         2016           2015 
                                        pence          pence 
------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Dividends on ordinary shares 
 Per ordinary share: 
 - interim                               1.85           1.60 
 - final                                 6.30           5.30 
------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 

Group Balance Sheet

as at 31 December 2016

 
                                                                                   31 December 2016   31 December 2015 
                                                                                          Statutory          Statutory 
                                                                           Notes        GBP million        GBP million 
------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------  -----------------  ----------------- 
 Non-current assets 
 Intangible assets                                                                                -                0.2 
 Plant and equipment                                                                            0.3                1.0 
 Investments at fair value through profit or loss                             11            1,257.5              965.3 
 Deferred tax assets                                                          17                1.0                1.4 
------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------  -----------------  ----------------- 
                                                                                            1,258.8              967.9 
------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------  -----------------  ----------------- 
 Current assets 
 Trade and other receivables                                                  12                7.4                8.3 
 Cash and cash equivalents                                                                      1.6                1.1 
------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------  -----------------  ----------------- 
                                                                                                9.0                9.4 
------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------  -----------------  ----------------- 
 Total assets                                                                               1,267.8              977.3 
------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------  -----------------  ----------------- 
 Current liabilities 
 Current tax liabilities                                                                      (4.1)              (2.7) 
 Borrowings                                                                   14            (161.4)             (14.9) 
 Trade and other payables                                                     13             (14.7)             (19.6) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------  -----------------  ----------------- 
                                                                                            (180.2)             (37.2) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------  -----------------  ----------------- 
 Liabilities directly associated with assets classified as held for sale                          -              (4.2) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------  -----------------  ----------------- 
 Net current liabilities                                                                    (171.2)             (32.0) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------  -----------------  ----------------- 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Retirement benefit obligations                                               18             (69.3)             (46.2) 
 Provisions                                                                   19              (1.5)              (0.1) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------  -----------------  ----------------- 
                                                                                             (70.8)             (46.3) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------  -----------------  ----------------- 
 Total liabilities                                                                          (251.0)             (87.7) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------  -----------------  ----------------- 
 Net assets                                                                                 1,016.8              889.6 
------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------  -----------------  ----------------- 
 Equity 
 Share capital                                                                20               36.7               36.7 
 Share premium                                                                21              218.0              218.0 
 Other reserves                                                                                 2.7                0.7 
 Retained earnings                                                                            759.4              634.2 
------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------  -----------------  ----------------- 
 Equity attributable to the Shareholders of the Company                                     1,016.8              889.6 
------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------  -----------------  ----------------- 
 

The financial statements of John Laing Group plc, registered number 05975300, were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 6 March 2017. They were signed on its behalf by:

 
 Olivier Brousse           Patrick O'D Bourke 
 Chief Executive Officer   Group Finance Director 
 6 March 2017              6 March 2017 
 

Group Cash Flow Statement

for the year ended 31 December 2016

 
                                                                              Year ended           Year ended 
                                                                        31 December 2016         31 December 2015 
                                                                               Statutory      Pro forma      Statutory 
                                                               Notes         GBP million    GBP million    GBP million 
------------------------------------------------------------  ------  ------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Net cash outflow from operating activities                       22              (37.1)         (70.5)         (70.5) 
------------------------------------------------------------  ------  ------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Investing activities 
 Net cash transferred to investments held at fair value 
  through profit or loss                                          11              (73.4)         (54.0)         (54.0) 
 Cash acquired on acquisition of subsidiaries                                          -              -            2.2 
 Purchase of plant and equipment                                                   (0.1)          (0.6)          (0.6) 
------------------------------------------------------------  ------  ------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Net cash used in investing activities                                            (73.5)         (54.6)         (52.4) 
------------------------------------------------------------  ------  ------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Financing activities 
 Dividends paid                                                                   (26.2)          (5.9)          (5.9) 
 Finance costs paid                                                                (8.9)         (13.7)         (13.7) 
 Proceeds from borrowings                                                          165.0           50.0           50.0 
 Repayment of borrowings                                                          (19.0)         (31.0)         (31.0) 
 Net proceeds on issue of share capital                                                -          124.7          124.7 
------------------------------------------------------------  ------  ------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Net cash from financing activities                                                110.9          124.1          124.1 
------------------------------------------------------------  ------  ------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                                0.3          (1.0)            1.2 
 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year                                  1.1            2.2              - 
 Effect of foreign exchange rate changes                                             0.2          (0.1)          (0.1) 
------------------------------------------------------------  ------  ------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                                            1.6            1.1            1.1 
------------------------------------------------------------  ------  ------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 

Notes to the Group Financial Statements

for the year ended 31 December 2016

   1     General information 

The statutory and pro forma results of John Laing Group plc (the "Company" or the "Group") are stated according to the basis of preparation described below. The registered office of the Company is 1 Kingsway, London, WC2B 6AN. The principal activity of the Company is the origination, investment in and management of international infrastructure projects.

Statutory and pro forma financial information is presented in pounds sterling and prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU.

   2     Accounting policies 
   a)      Basis of preparation 

Statutory financial information for the year ended 31 December 2016 is presented in the Group Income Statement, the Group Statement of Comprehensive Income and the Group Statement of Changes in Equity alongside comparative pro forma and statutory financial information for the year ended 31 December 2015. The comparative pro forma financial information was prepared on the basis that the restructuring associated with the Company's admission to listing in February 2015, as described in more detail in the Financial Review section of the 2015 Annual Report, had been in place throughout the year ended 31 December 2015. Both the Group Balance Sheet at 31 December 2016 and at 31 December 2015 are presented on a statutory basis. There is no difference in the statutory and pro forma Group Balance Sheet for 31 December 2015. In the opinion of the Directors, presenting pro forma information for 2015 was necessary in order to give a true and fair view of the state of the Company's affairs for that year. This is the last year for which pro forma financial information will be presented.

The financial statements have been prepared on an investment entity basis (see note 2c) and in accordance with the historical cost convention except for the revaluation of the investment portfolio and financial instruments that are measured at fair value at the end of each reporting period, as explained in the accounting policies.

   b)      Adoption of new and revised standards 

The Group has adopted the following amendments to IFRS in the current year, none of which has had a material impact on the financial statements:

   --      Amendments resulting from the September 2014 Annual Improvements to IFRS 

-- Amendments to IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements, IFRS 12 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities and IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures - amendments regarding the consolidation exception

-- Amendments to IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements - amendments regarding the accounting for acquisitions of an interest in joint operation

   --      Amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements - Disclosure initiative 

-- Amendments to IAS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment and IAS 38 Intangible Assets - amendments regarding the clarification of acceptable methods of depreciation

At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, there are a number of standards and interpretations which are in issue but not yet effective and in some cases have not yet been adopted by the EU. These include:

Issued and endorsed by the EU

   --      IFRS 9 Financial Instruments 
   --      IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers 

Issued and not endorsed by the EU

   --      IFRS 16 Leases 

-- Amendments to IAS 7 Statement of Cash flows - amendments as a result of the Disclosure initiatives

-- Amendments to IAS 12 Income Taxes - amendments regarding the recognition of deferred tax assets for unrealised losses

   --      Amendments resulting from the Annual Improvements to IFRS 2014-2016 cycle 

-- Amendments to IFRS 2 Share Based Payments - amendments to clarify the classification and measurement of share-based payment transactions.

While the Group is still undertaking an assessment of the impact of the new standards, it is not anticipated that they will have a material impact on the Group with the exception that the adoption of IFRS 15 may lead to further disclosure within the financial statements. IFRS 16 is not expected to have a significant impact as the Group does not have any material leases.

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments, when it becomes effective, will have an impact on the classification and disclosure of financial instruments.

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these Group financial statements are set out below. These policies have been applied consistently to each of the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

   c)      Application of investment entity guidance 

The Company meets the definition of an investment entity set out in IFRS 10. Investment entities are required to account for all investments in controlled entities, as well as investments in associates and joint ventures, at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL), except for those directly-owned subsidiaries that provide investment related services or engage in permitted investment related activities with investees (Service Companies). Service Companies are consolidated rather than recorded at FVTPL.

For details of the subsidiaries that are consolidated, see note 26 to the Group financial statements.

   d)      Going concern 

The Directors have reviewed the Group's financial projections and cash flow forecasts and believe, based on those projections and forecasts, that it is appropriate to prepare the financial statements of the Group on the going concern basis.

In arriving at their conclusion, the Directors took into account the Group's approach to liquidity and cash flow management and the availability of its GBP400.0 million corporate banking facilities committed until March 2020 and of its GBP50.0 million surety facilities committed until March 2018. The Directors are of the opinion that, based on the Group's forecasts and projections and taking into account expected bidding activity and operational performance, the Group will be able to operate within its bank facilities and comply with the financial covenants therein for the foreseeable future.

In determining that the Group is a going concern, certain risks and uncertainties, some of which arise or increase as a result of the economic environment in some of the Group's markets, have been considered. The Directors believe that the Group is adequately placed to manage these risks. The most important risks and uncertainties identified and considered by the Directors are set out in the Principal Risks and Risk Management section. In addition, the Group's policies for management of its exposure to financial risks, including liquidity, foreign exchange, credit, price and interest rate risks are set out in note 16.

   e)      Dividend income 

Dividend income from investments at FVTPL is recognised when the shareholders' rights to receive payment have been established (provided that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Group and the amount of revenue can be measured reliably). Dividend income is recognised gross of withholding tax, if any, and only when approved and paid by the project company.

   f)       Dividend payments 

Dividends on the Company's ordinary shares are recognised when they have been appropriately authorised and are no longer at the Company's discretion. Accordingly, interim dividends are recognised when they are paid and final dividends are recognised when they are declared following approval by shareholders at the Company's AGM. Dividends are recognised as an appropriation of shareholders' funds.

   g)      Net gain on investments at FVTPL 

Net gain on investments at FVTPL excludes dividend income referred to above. Please refer to accounting policy i)(i) for further detail.

   h)      Other income 

The Group earns income from the following sources:

(i) Fees from asset management services

Fees from asset management services to projects in which the Group invests and to external parties are recognised as the services are provided in accordance with IAS 18 Revenue.

When it is probable that the expected outcome over the life of a management services contract will result in a net outflow of economic benefits or overall loss, a provision is recognised immediately. The provision is determined based on the net present value of the expected future cash inflows and outflows.

(ii) Recovery of bid costs on financial close

Bid costs in respect of primary investments are charged to the Group Income Statement until such time as the Group is virtually certain that it will recover the costs. Virtual certainty is generally achieved when an agreement is in place demonstrating that costs are fully recoverable even in the event of cancellation of a project. From the point of virtual certainty, bid costs are held in the Group Balance Sheet as a debtor prior to achieving financial close. On financial close, the Group recovers bid costs by charging a fee to the relevant project company in the investment portfolio.

Other income excludes the value of intra-group transactions and VAT and includes revenue derived from the provision of services by Service Companies to project companies which are held at FVTPL.

   i)       Financial instruments 

Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised on the Group Balance Sheet when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets are derecognised when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the instrument expire or the asset is transferred and the transfer qualifies for derecognition in accordance with IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement and IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement.

Financial assets and financial liabilities are initially measured at fair value. Transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition or issue of financial assets and financial liabilities (other than financial assets and financial liabilities at FVTPL) are added to or deducted from the fair value of the financial assets or financial liabilities, as appropriate, on initial recognition. Transaction costs directly attributable to the acquisition of financial assets or financial liabilities at FVTPL are recognised immediately in profit or loss.

   (i)       Financial assets 

All financial assets are recognised and derecognised on a trade date where the purchase or sale of a financial asset is under a contract whose terms require delivery of the financial asset within the timeframe established by the market concerned, and are initially measured at fair value, plus transaction costs, except for those financial assets classified as at FVTPL, which are initially measured at fair value.

Financial assets are classified into the following specified categories: financial assets at FVTPL; 'held-to-maturity' investments; 'available-for-sale' financial assets; or 'loans and receivables'. The classification depends on the nature and purpose of the financial assets and is determined at the time of initial recognition.

The financial assets that the Group holds are classified as financial assets at FVTPL and loans and receivables:

-- Financial assets at FVTPL comprise the Group's investment in John Laing Holdco Limited (through which the Group holds its investments) which is valued based on the fair value of investments in project companies, the Group's investment in JLEN and other assets and liabilities of investment entity subsidiaries. Investments in project companies and in JLEN are designated upon initial recognition as financial assets at FVTPL. Subsequent to initial recognition, investments in project companies are measured on a combined basis at fair value principally using discounted cash flow methodology. The investment in JLEN is valued at the quoted market price at the end of the period.

The Directors consider that the carrying value of other assets and liabilities held in investment entity subsidiaries approximates to their fair value, with the exception of derivatives which are measured in accordance with accounting policy i(v).

Changes in the fair value of the Group's investment in John Laing Holdco Limited are recognised within operating income in the Group Income Statement.

-- Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted on an active market. Loans and receivables are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment. Interest income is recognised by applying the effective interest rate, except for short term receivables when the recognition of interest would be immaterial. Loans and receivables are included in current assets, except for maturities greater than 12 months after the balance sheet date which are classified as non-current assets. The Group's loans and receivables comprise 'trade and other receivables' and 'cash and cash equivalents' in the Group Balance Sheet.

   (ii)      Impairment of financial assets 

Financial assets, other than those at FVTPL, are assessed for indications of impairment at each balance sheet date. Financial assets are impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events which have occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash flows of the investment have been affected. For financial assets carried at amortised cost, the amount of the impairment is the difference between the asset's carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the financial asset's original effective interest rate. The carrying amount of the financial asset is reduced by the impairment loss.

   (iii)     Derecognition of financial assets 

The Group derecognises a financial asset only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire, or when it transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset to another entity. If the Group neither transfers nor retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership and continues to control the transferred asset, the Group recognises its retained interest in the asset and an associated liability for amounts it may have to pay. If the Group retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of a transferred financial asset, the Group continues to recognise the financial asset and also recognises a collateralised borrowing for the proceeds received.

   (iv)     Financial liabilities 

Interest-bearing bank loans and borrowings are initially recorded at fair value, being the proceeds received net of direct issue costs, and subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. Finance charges, including premiums payable on settlement or redemption, and direct issue costs are accounted for on an accruals basis in the Group Income Statement and are added to the carrying amount of the instrument to the extent that they are not settled in the period in which they arise.

Other non-derivative financial instruments are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method less any impairment losses.

The Group derecognises financial liabilities when, and only when, the Group's obligations are discharged, cancelled or they expire.

   (v)      Derivative financial instruments 

The Group treats forward foreign exchange contracts and currency swap deals it enters into as derivative financial instruments at FVTPL. Changes in the fair value of these instruments are taken through the Group Income Statement.

   j)       Provisions 

Provisions are recognised when:

   --    the Group has a legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events; 
   --    it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation; and 
   --    the amount has been reliably estimated. 

Where there are a number of similar obligations, the likelihood that an outflow will be required on settlement is determined by considering the class of obligations as a whole.

   k)      Finance costs 

Finance costs relating to the corporate banking facilities, other than set-up costs, are recognised in the year in which they are incurred. Set-up costs are recognised over the remaining facility term.

Finance costs also include the net interest cost on retirement benefit obligations and the unwinding of discounting of provisions.

   l)       Taxation 

The tax charge or credit represents the sum of tax currently payable and deferred tax.

Current tax

Current tax payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the Group Income Statement because it excludes both items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and items that are never taxable or deductible. The Group's liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted, or substantively enacted, by the balance sheet date.

Deferred tax

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised in full for taxable temporary differences. Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will arise to allow all or part of the assets to be recovered. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised. Deferred tax is charged or credited to the Group Income Statement except when it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets and current tax liabilities and when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the Group intends to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.

   m)     Foreign currencies 

The individual financial statements of each Group subsidiary that is consolidated (i.e. a Service Company) are presented in the currency of the primary economic environment in which it operates (its functional currency). For the purposes of the financial statements, the results and financial position of each Group subsidiary are expressed in pounds sterling, the functional currency of the Company and the presentation currency of the financial statements.

Monetary assets and liabilities expressed in foreign currency (including investments measured at fair value) are reported at the rate of exchange prevailing at the balance sheet date or, if appropriate, at the forward contract rate. Any difference arising on the retranslation of these amounts is taken to the Group Income Statement with foreign exchange movements on investments measured at fair value recognised in operating income as part of net gain on investments at FVTPL. Income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates for the period.

   n)      Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations 

Where a disposal group represents a separate major line of business or geographical area of operations, or is part of a single co-ordinated plan to dispose of a separate major line of business or geographical area of operations, it is treated as a discontinued operation. The post-tax profit or loss of this discontinued operation together with the gain or loss recognised on its disposal is shown as a single amount on the face of the Group Income Statement, with all historical financial periods being presented on this basis.

Non-current assets classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. Non-current assets and disposal groups are classified as held for sale if their carrying amount is recoverable through a sale rather than through continuing use. This condition is regarded as having been met only when the sale is highly probable, the asset (or disposal group) is available for immediate sale in its present condition and the sale is completed within one year of the date of its classification.

   o)      Retirement benefit costs 

The Group operates both defined benefit and defined contribution pension arrangements. Its two defined benefit pension schemes are the John Laing Pension Fund (JLPF) and the John Laing Pension Plan, which are both closed to future accrual. The Group also provides post-retirement medical benefits to certain former employees.

Payments to defined contribution pension arrangements are charged as an expense as they fall due. For the defined benefit pension schemes and the post-retirement medical benefit scheme, the cost of providing benefits is determined in accordance with IAS 19: Employee Benefits (revised) using the projected unit credit method, with actuarial valuations being carried out at least every three years. Actuarial gains and losses are recognised in full in the year in which they occur and are presented in the Group Statement of Comprehensive Income. Curtailment gains arising from changes to members' benefits are recognised in full in the Group Income Statement.

The retirement benefit obligations recognised in the Group Balance Sheet represent the present value of: (i) defined benefit scheme obligations as adjusted for unrecognised past service costs and reduced by the fair value of scheme assets, where any asset resulting from this calculation is limited to past service costs plus the present value of available refunds and reductions in future contributions to the schemes; and (ii) unfunded post-retirement medical benefits.

Net interest expense or income is recognised within finance costs.

   p)      Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents in the Group Balance Sheet comprise cash at bank and in hand and short term deposits with original maturities of three months or less. For the purposes of the Group Cash Flow Statement, cash and cash equivalents comprise cash and short term deposits as defined above, net of bank overdrafts.

Deposits held with original maturities of greater than three months are shown as other financial assets.

   q)      Leasing 

All leases are classified as operating leases. Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to income on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease. Benefits received and receivable as an incentive to enter into an operating lease are also spread on a straight line basis over the lease term.

   r)       Share capital 

Ordinary shares are classified as equity instruments on the basis that they evidence a residual interest in the assets of the Group after deducting all its liabilities.

Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new ordinary shares are recognised in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds in the period in which the shares are issued.

   s)      Employee benefit trust 

In June 2015, the Group established the John Laing Group Employee Benefit Trust (EBT) as described further in note 5. The Group is deemed to have control of the EBT and it is therefore treated as a subsidiary and consolidated for the purposes of the accounts. Any investment by the EBT in the parent company's shares is deducted from equity in the Group Balance Sheet as if such shares were treasury shares. No investment was made in the year. Other assets and liabilities of the EBT are recognised as assets and liabilities of the Group.

Any shares held by the EBT are excluded for the purposes of calculating earnings per share.

Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

In the application of the Group's accounting policies, the Directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying value of assets and liabilities. The key areas of the financial statements where the Group is required to make critical judgements and material accounting estimates are in respect of the fair value of investments and accounting for the Group's defined benefit pension liabilities.

Fair value of investments

Critical judgements in applying the Group's accounting policies

The Company measures its investment in John Laing Holdco Limited at fair value. Fair value is determined based on the fair value of investments in project companies and the Group's investment in JLEN (together the Group's investment portfolio) and other assets and liabilities of investment entity subsidiaries. A valuation of the Group's investment portfolio is prepared on a consistent, principally discounted cash flow basis at 30 June and 31 December. The valuation (excluding the investment in JLEN) assumes that forecast cash flows are received until maturity of the underlying assets. The cash flows on which the discounted cash flow valuation is based are those forecast to be distributable to the Group at each balance sheet date, derived from detailed project financial models. These incorporate a number of assumptions with respect to individual assets, including: dates for construction completion; value enhancements; the terms of project debt refinancing (where applicable); the outcome of any disputes; the level of volume-based revenue; and, for renewable energy projects, future energy prices. Value enhancements are only incorporated when the Group has sufficient evidence that they can be realised.

Key sources of estimation uncertainty

A key source of estimation uncertainty in valuing the investment portfolio is the discount rate applied to forecast project cash flows. A base case discount rate for an operational project is derived from secondary market information and other available data points. The base case discount rate is then adjusted to reflect project-specific risks. In addition, risk premia are added during the construction phase to reflect the additional risks throughout construction. These premia reduce over time as the project progresses through its construction programme, reflecting the significant reduction in risk once the project reaches the operating stage. The discount rates applied to investments at 31 December 2016 were in the range of 7.0% to 11.6% (31 December 2015 - 7.3% to 12.3%). Further detail on key assumptions underpinning the valuation of the investments (including sensitivities) can be found in note 16.

As part of the valuation of the investment portfolio at 31 December 2016, the Group has valued its investments in New Royal Adelaide Hospital and in Manchester Waste VL Co. This has involved making assumptions as to the outcome of the current situations relating to each investment, as described in the Chief Executive Officer's Review. Both situations are dependent on future events and therefore carry an element of uncertainty. In the case of the investment in New Royal Adelaide Hospital, the main judgement underlying the Group's valuation is an assumption that the hospital reaches commercial acceptance in mid 2017. In the case of Manchester Waste VL Co, the Group's valuation is based on the assumption that a resolution is reached with GMWDA which is commercially acceptable to Manchester Waste VL Co and which has a minimal impact on Manchester Waste TPS Co.

Pension and other post-retirement liability accounting

Critical judgements in applying the Group's accounting policies

The combined accounting deficit in the Group's defined benefit pension and post-retirement medical schemes at 31 December 2016 was GBP69.3 million (31 December 2015 - GBP46.2 million). In determining the Group's defined benefit pension liability, consideration is also given to whether there is a minimum funding requirement under IFRIC 14 The Limit on a Defined Benefit Asset, Minimum Funding Requirements and their Interaction which is in excess of the IAS 19 Employee Benefits liability. If the minimum funding requirement is higher, an additional liability would need to be recognised. Under the trust deed and rules of JLPF, the Group has an ultimate unconditional right to any surplus, accordingly the excess of the minimum funding requirement over the IAS 19 Employee Benefits liability has not been recognised as an additional liability.

Key sources of estimation uncertainty

The value of the pension deficit is highly dependent on key assumptions including price inflation, discount rate and life expectancy. The assumptions applied at 31 December 2016 and the sensitivity of the pension liabilities to certain changes in these assumptions are illustrated in note 18.

   3     Operating segments 

Information is reported to the Group's Board (the chief operating decision maker under IFRS 8 Operating Segments) for the purposes of resource allocation and assessment of segment performance based on the category of activities undertaken within the Group. The principal categories of activity, and thus the reportable segments under IFRS 8 Operating Segments, are: Primary Investment, Secondary Investment and Asset Management.

The results included within each of the reportable segments comprise:

Primary Investment - costs and cost recoveries associated with originating, bidding for and winning greenfield infrastructure and renewable energy projects; investment returns from and growth in the value of the Primary Investment portfolio, net of associated costs.

Secondary Investment - investment returns from and growth in the value of the Secondary Investment portfolio, net of associated costs.

Asset Management - fee income and associated costs from investment management services in respect of both the Primary and Secondary Investment portfolios and in respect of JLIF's and JLEN's portfolios and the PPP assets in JLPF's portfolio plus fee income and associated costs from project management services.

The Board's primary measure of profitability for each segment is profit before tax.

The Board does not monitor on an ongoing basis the results of the Group on a geographical basis. An analysis of the Group's investments at FVTPL by foreign currency can be found in note 16.

The following is an analysis of the Group's profit before tax and operating income for the years ended 31 December 2016 and 31 December 2015:

 
                                                       Year ended 31 December 2016 
                             Reportable segments 
                                                                                                   Non- 
                       Primary     Secondary         Asset        Segment         Inter-      segmental 
                    Investment    Investment    Management      Sub-total        segment        results          Total 
                   GBP million   GBP million   GBP million    GBP million    GBP million    GBP million    GBP million 
----------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Continuing 
 operations 
 Net gain on 
  investments at 
  FVTPL                  144.4          66.9             -          211.3              -            7.5          218.8 
 Other income              7.5             -          47.4           54.9         (14.7)            1.8           42.0 
----------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Operating 
  income                 151.9          66.9          47.4          266.2         (14.7)            9.3          260.8 
 
 Cost of sales               -             -             -              -              -              -              - 
----------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Gross profit            151.9          66.9          47.4          266.2         (14.7)            9.3          260.8 
 
 Administrative 
  expenses              (33.3)         (7.6)        (27.5)         (68.4)           14.7          (4.7)         (58.4) 
----------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Profit from 
  operations             118.6          59.3          19.9          197.8              -            4.6          202.4 
 
 Finance costs           (5.5)         (2.2)             -          (7.7)              -          (2.6)         (10.3) 
----------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Profit before 
  tax from 
  continuing 
  operations             113.1          57.1          19.9          190.1              -            2.0          192.1 
 
 Profit before 
  tax - 
  statutory              113.1          57.1          19.9          190.1              -            2.0          192.1 
----------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 
 
                                                       Year ended 31 December 2015 
                             Reportable segments 
                                                                                                   Non- 
                       Primary     Secondary         Asset        Segment         Inter-      segmental 
                    Investment    Investment    Management      Sub-total        segment        results          Total 
                   GBP million   GBP million   GBP million    GBP million    GBP million    GBP million    GBP million 
----------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Continuing 
 operations 
 Net gain on 
  investments at 
  FVTPL                   82.9          49.4             -          132.3              -            0.8          133.1 
 Other income              3.4             -          42.4           45.8         (12.0)            0.7           34.5 
----------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Operating 
  income                  86.3          49.4          42.4          178.1         (12.0)            1.5          167.6 
 
 Cost of sales               -             -             -              -              -          (0.1)          (0.1) 
----------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Gross profit             86.3          49.4          42.4          178.1         (12.0)            1.4          167.5 
 
 Administrative 
  expenses              (29.3)         (5.9)        (26.9)         (62.1)           12.0          (5.2)         (55.3) 
----------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Profit from 
  operations              57.0          43.5          15.5          116.0              -          (3.8)          112.2 
 
 Finance costs           (6.3)         (0.5)             -          (6.8)              -          (4.5)         (11.3) 
----------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Profit before 
  tax from 
  continuing 
  operations              50.7          43.0          15.5          109.2              -          (8.3)          100.9 
 
 Profit before 
  tax from 
  discontinued 
  operations                                                                                                       5.7 
----------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Profit before 
  tax - pro 
  forma                                                                                                          106.6 
----------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Reconciliation 
 to statutory 
 results: 
 Fair value loss 
  on acquisition 
  of John Laing 
  Holdco Limited                                                                                                 (3.4) 
----------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Profit before 
  tax - 
  statutory                                                                                                      103.2 
----------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 

Non-segmental results include results from corporate activities and discontinued operations.

For the year ended 31 December 2016, more than 10% of operating income was derived from the IEP (Phase 1) and A1 Gdansk Poland projects (year ended 31 December 2015 - IEP (Phase 1)).

The Group's investment portfolio, comprising investments in project companies and a listed fund included within investments at FVTPL (see note 11) is allocated between primary and secondary investments. The Primary Investment portfolio includes investments in projects, which are in the construction phase. The Secondary Investment portfolio includes investments in operational projects.

 
                                    31 December    31 December 
                                           2016           2015 
 Segment assets                     GBP million    GBP million 
--------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Primary Investment                       696.3          405.9 
 Secondary Investment                     479.6          435.5 
--------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Total investment portfolio             1,175.9          841.4 
 Other investments                          0.3            0.5 
 Other assets and liabilities              81.3          123.4 
--------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Total investments at FVTPL             1,257.5          965.3 
 Other assets                              10.3           12.0 
--------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Total assets                           1,267.8          977.3 
--------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 
 Retirement benefit obligations          (69.3)         (46.2) 
 Other liabilities                      (181.7)         (41.5) 
--------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Total liabilities                      (251.0)         (87.7) 
--------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Group net assets                       1,016.8          889.6 
--------------------------------  -------------  ------------- 
 

Other assets and liabilities above include cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables less trade and other payables within recourse group investment entity subsidiaries.

   4     Earnings per share 

The calculation of basic earnings per share is based on the following data:

 
                                             Year            Year            Year 
                                            ended           ended           ended 
                                      31 December     31 December     31 December 
                                             2016            2015            2015 
                                        Statutory       Pro forma       Statutory 
                                   --------------  --------------  -------------- 
                                      GBP million     GBP million     GBP million 
 Earnings 
 Profit from continuing 
  operations for the purpose 
  of basic and diluted 
  earnings per share                        190.3            98.8            95.4 
 Profit from discontinued 
  operations for the purpose 
  of basic and diluted 
  earnings per share                            -             5.7             5.7 
                                   --------------  --------------  -------------- 
 Profit for the 
  year                                      190.3           104.5           101.1 
                                   --------------  --------------  -------------- 
 
 Number of shares 
 Weighted average number 
  of ordinary shares for 
  the purpose of basic 
  earnings per share                  366,923,076     358,305,584     336,935,722 
 Dilutive effect of ordinary 
  shares potentially issued 
  under share-based incentives 
  (note 5)                              3,313,330       1,255,857       1,255,857 
                                   --------------  --------------  -------------- 
 Weighted average number 
  of ordinary shares for 
  the purpose of diluted 
  earnings per share                  370,236,406     359,561,441     338,191,579 
                                   --------------  --------------  -------------- 
 
 Earnings per share from 
  continuing operations 
  (pence/share) 
 Basic                                       51.9            27.6            28.3 
 Diluted                                     51.4            27.5            28.2 
 
 Earnings per share from 
  continuing and discontinued 
  operations (pence/share) 
 Basic                                       51.9            29.2            30.0 
 Diluted                                     51.4            29.1            29.9 
 
   5     Share-based incentives 

Long-term incentive plan

The Group operates share-based incentive arrangements for Executive Directors, senior executives and other eligible employees under which awards are granted over the Company's ordinary shares. Awards are conditional on the relevant employee completing three years' service (the vesting period). The awards vest three years from the grant date, subject to the Group achieving a target share-based performance condition, total shareholder return (50% of the award), and a non-market based performance condition, NAV growth per share (50% of the award). The Group has no legal or constructive obligation to repurchase or settle the awards in cash.

The movement in the number of shares awarded is as follows:

 
                        Number of shares 
                                 awarded 
                        2016        2015 
----------------  ----------  ---------- 
 At 1 January      1,763,030           - 
 Granted           2,094,460   1,795,830 
 Lapsed             (83,160)    (32,800) 
----------------  ----------  ---------- 
 At 31 December    3,774,330   1,763,030 
----------------  ----------  ---------- 
 

The weighted average fair value of awards granted during the year was 167.25 pence per share (2015 - 130.89p) for the market-based performance condition, determined using the Stochastic valuation model, and 226.49 pence per share (2015 - 218.11p) for the non-market based performance condition determined using the Black Scholes model. The weighted average fair value of awards granted during the year from both models is 196.87 pence per share (2015 - 174.46p). The significant inputs into the model were the weighted average share price of 226.5 pence (2015 - 219.5p) at the grant date, expected volatility of 12.55% (2015 - 14.17%), expected dividend yield of 3.10% (2015 - 2.17%), an expected award life of three years and an annual risk-free interest rate of 0.4% (2015 - 0.68%). The volatility measured at the standard deviation of continuously compounded share returns is based on statistical analysis of daily share prices over three years.

The total expense recognised in the Group Income Statement for awards granted under share-based incentive arrangements for the year ended 31 December 2016 was GBP2.0 million (2015 - GBP0.7 million).

Of the 3,774,330 outstanding awards (2015 - 1,763,030), none were exercisable at 31 December 2016 (2015 - nil). The weighted average exercise price of the awards granted during 2016 was GBPnil (2015 - GBPnil). There were no awards forfeited, exercised or expired during the year ended 31 December 2016 (2015 - nil). During the year ended 31 December 2016, there were 83,160 awards (2015 - 32,800) that lapsed.

Of the awards outstanding at the end of the year, 1,695,470 vest on 15 April 2018 and 2,078,860 vest on 15 April 2019 subject to the conditions described above. The weighted average exercise price of the awards outstanding at 31 December 2016 was GBPnil (31 December 2015 - GBPnil).

Deferred Share Bonus Plan

In accordance with the Deferred Share Bonus Plan, 84,439 shares were awarded on 15 March 2016 to Executive Directors and certain senior executives in relation to that part of their annual bonus for 2015 which exceeded 60% of their base salary. These awards vest in equal tranches on the first, second and third anniversary of grant, normally subject to continued employment. For further details on this plan, please refer to the Directors' Remuneration Report.

The movement in the number of shares awarded is as follows:

 
                    Number of shares awarded 
                            2016        2015 
---------------  ---------------  ---------- 
 At 1 January                  -           - 
 Granted                  84,439           - 
 At 31 December           84,439           - 
---------------  ---------------  ---------- 
 

Employee Benefit Trust

On 19 June 2015 the Company established the John Laing Group Employee Benefit Trust (the EBT) to be used as part of the remuneration arrangements for employees. The purpose of the EBT is to facilitate the ownership of shares by or for the benefit of employees by the acquisition and distribution of shares in the Company. The EBT purchases shares in the Company to satisfy the Company's obligations under its share-based payment plans.

During the year the EBT purchased no shares in John Laing Group plc and as at 31 December 2016 the EBT held no shares in the Company.

   6     Other income 
 
                                 Year ended           Year ended 
                                31 December           31 December 
                                       2016               2015 
                                  Statutory      Pro forma      Statutory 
                                GBP million    GBP million    GBP million 
----------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Fees from asset management 
  services                             34.5           31.1           28.1 
 Recoveries on financial 
  close                                 7.5            3.4            3.4 
                                       42.0           34.5           31.5 
----------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 

Included within fees from asset management services is GBP1.9 million received on the sale of the UK Project Management Services business in November 2016. A further GBP2.1 million was deferred and recognised in January 2017 on transfer of the final MSA contracts. Total costs of the sale were GBP1.4 million (recognised in administrative expenses in the year ended 31 December 2016) leading to an overall profit on sale in the year ended 31 December 2016 of GBP0.5 million.

   7     Profit from operations 
 
                                                                                     Year 
                                                            Year ended              ended 
                                                           31 December        31 December 
                                                                  2016               2015 
                                                                                Pro forma 
                                                             Statutory      and statutory 
                                                        --------------  ----------------- 
                                                           GBP million        GBP million 
 Profit from operations has 
  been arrived at after charging: 
 Fees payable to the Company's 
  auditor and its associates 
  for the audit of the Company's 
  subsidiaries                                                   (0.2)            (0.3) 
                                                        --------------  --------------- 
 Total audit fees                                                (0.2)            (0.3) 
                                                        --------------  --------------- 
 
 Other assurance services                                            -                - 
 Total non-audit fees                                                -                - 
                                                        --------------  --------------- 
 
 
 Operating lease charges: 
                                     rental of land 
                                 -   and buildings               (1.3)              (0.8) 
 Depreciation of plant 
  and equipment                                                  (0.6)            (0.7) 
 Amortisation of intangible 
  assets                                                         (0.2)            (0.5) 
 Net foreign exchange 
  gain                                                               -              1.4 
                                                        --------------  --------------- 
 

The fee payable to the Company's auditor for the audit of the Company's annual accounts was GBP6,375 (2015 - GBP6,312). The fees payable to the Company's auditor for the audit of the Company's subsidiaries were GBP241,560 (2015 - GBP295,334). The fees payable to the Company's auditor for non-audit services comprised: GBP44,800 for other assurance services (2015 - GBP44,700). Other fees were GBPnil in 2016 (2015 - GBP1.1 million paid to the Company's auditor for reporting accountant and other services in relation to the IPO of the Company in February 2015 which was deducted from share premium in 2015 as an expense on the issue of equity shares).

   8     Employee costs and directors' emoluments 
 
                                        Year            Year            Year 
                                       ended           ended           ended 
                                 31 December     31 December     31 December 
                                        2016            2015            2015 
                                   Statutory       Pro forma       Statutory 
                              --------------  --------------  -------------- 
                                 GBP million     GBP million     GBP million 
 Employee costs comprise: 
 Salaries                             (26.8)          (29.9)          (26.0) 
 Social security costs                 (2.9)           (3.4)           (3.0) 
 Pension charge 
   - defined benefit 
    schemes (see note 18)              (1.6)           (1.3)           (1.3) 
   - defined contribution              (1.3)           (1.2)           (1.0) 
 Share-based incentives 
  (see note 5)                         (2.0)           (0.7)           (0.7) 
                                      (34.6)          (36.5)          (32.0) 
                              --------------  --------------  -------------- 
 

Employee costs in 2015 include one-off costs of GBP3.4 million incurred in relation to the IPO.

Annual average employee numbers (including Directors):

 
                                 Year ended       Year ended 
                                31 December      31 December 
                                       2016             2015 
                                                   Pro forma 
                                  Statutory    and statutory 
                                        No.              No. 
----------------------------  -------------  --------------- 
 Staff                                  248              247 
----------------------------  -------------  --------------- 
 UK                                     191              196 
 Overseas                                57               51 
----------------------------  -------------  --------------- 
 
 Activity 
 Primary investments, asset 
  management and central 
  activities                            248              247 
----------------------------  -------------  --------------- 
 

Details of Directors' remuneration for the year ended 31 December 2016 can be found in the Directors' Remuneration Report.

   9     Finance costs 
 
                                      Year ended       Year ended 
                                     31 December      31 December 
                                            2016             2015 
                                                        Pro forma 
                                       Statutory    and statutory 
                                     GBP million      GBP million 
---------------------------------  -------------  --------------- 
 Finance costs on corporate 
  banking facilities                       (7.9)            (7.6) 
 Amortisation of debt issue 
  costs                                    (1.1)            (1.0) 
 Net interest cost of retirement 
  obligations (see note 18)                (1.3)            (2.7) 
---------------------------------  -------------  --------------- 
 Total finance costs                      (10.3)           (11.3) 
---------------------------------  -------------  --------------- 
 
   10   Tax 

The tax charge for the year comprises:

 
                                    Year ended       Year ended 
                                   31 December      31 December 
                                          2016             2015 
                                                      Pro forma 
                                     Statutory    and statutory 
                                   GBP million      GBP million 
-------------------------------  -------------  --------------- 
 Current tax: 
 UK corporation tax charge 
  - current year                         (1.9)            (2.0) 
 UK corporation tax charge                                    - 
  - prior year                             0.5 
-------------------------------  -------------  --------------- 
                                         (1.4)            (2.0) 
-------------------------------  -------------  --------------- 
 Deferred tax: 
 Deferred tax charge - current 
  year                                   (0.2)            (0.1) 
 Deferred tax charge - prior                                  - 
  year                                   (0.2) 
-------------------------------  -------------  --------------- 
                                         (0.4)            (0.1) 
-------------------------------  -------------  --------------- 
 Tax charge on continuing 
  operations                             (1.8)            (2.1) 
-------------------------------  -------------  --------------- 
 

The tax charge for the year can be reconciled to the profit in the Group Income Statement as follows:

 
                                      Year ended        Year ended 
                                     31 December        31 December 
                                            2016           2015 
                                                        Pro 
                                                      forma   Statutory 
                                       Statutory        GBP         GBP 
                                     GBP million    million     million 
---------------------------------  -------------  ---------  ---------- 
 Profit before tax on continuing 
  operations                               192.1      100.9        97.5 
---------------------------------  -------------  ---------  ---------- 
 Tax at the UK corporation 
  tax rate                                (38.4)     (20.4)      (19.7) 
 Tax effect of expenses 
  and other similar items 
  that are not deductible                  (0.6)      (1.1)       (1.1) 
 Non-taxable movement on 
  fair value of investments                 43.8       27.0        26.3 
 Adjustment for management 
  charges to fair value group              (6.6)      (7.4)       (7.4) 
 Origination and reversal 
  of timing differences                        -      (0.1)       (0.1) 
 Other movements                           (0.3)      (0.1)       (0.1) 
 Prior period - current                                   -           - 
  tax                                        0.5 
 Prior period - deferred                                  -           - 
  tax                                      (0.2) 
---------------------------------  -------------  ---------  ---------- 
 Total tax charge on continuing 
  operations for the year                  (1.8)      (2.1)       (2.1) 
---------------------------------  -------------  ---------  ---------- 
 

For the year ended 31 December 2016 a tax rate of 20.0% has been applied (2015 - 20.25%). The UK Government has announced its intention to reduce the main corporation tax rate by 1% to 19% from 1 April 2017 and by a further 2% to 17% from 1 April 2020.

The Group expects that the majority of deferred tax assets will be realised after 1 April 2020 and therefore the Group has measured its deferred tax assets at 31 December 2016 at 17% (31 December 2015 - 18%).

   11   Investments at fair value through profit or loss 
 
                                               31 December 2016 
                                                                  Other 
                              Project         Listed             assets 
                            companies     investment    and liabilities          Total 
 Statutory                GBP million    GBP million        GBP million    GBP million 
----------------------  -------------  -------------  -----------------  ------------- 
 Opening balance                825.8           16.1              123.4          965.3 
 Distributions                 (35.9)          (0.9)               36.8              - 
 Investment in equity 
  and loans                     302.1              -            (302.1)              - 
 Realisations                 (140.5)          (6.4)              146.9              - 
 Fair value movement            214.7            1.2                2.9          218.8 
 Net cash transferred 
  to investments held 
  at FVTPL                          -              -               73.4           73.4 
----------------------  -------------  -------------  -----------------  ------------- 
 Closing balance              1,166.2           10.0               81.3        1,257.5 
----------------------  -------------  -------------  -----------------  ------------- 
 
 
                                                  31 December 2015 
                                                                     Other 
                                 Project         Listed             assets 
                               companies     investment    and liabilities          Total 
 Pro forma                   GBP million    GBP million        GBP million    GBP million 
-------------------------  -------------  -------------  -----------------  ------------- 
 Opening balance                   706.7           65.6               85.9          858.2 
 Distributions                    (43.4)          (0.9)               44.3              - 
 Investment in equity 
  and loans                        142.9              -            (142.9)              - 
 Realisations                     (86.3)              -               86.3              - 
 Investments transferred 
  to JLPF                         (29.6)         (50.4)                  -         (80.0) 
 Fair value movement               135.5            1.8              (4.2)          133.1 
 Net cash transferred 
  to investments held 
  at FVTPL                             -              -               54.0           54.0 
-------------------------  -------------  -------------  -----------------  ------------- 
 Closing balance                   825.8           16.1              123.4          965.3 
-------------------------  -------------  -------------  -----------------  ------------- 
 
 
                                                  31 December 2015 
                                                                     Other 
                                 Project         Listed             assets 
                               companies     investment    and liabilities          Total 
 Statutory                   GBP million    GBP million        GBP million    GBP million 
-------------------------  -------------  -------------  -----------------  ------------- 
 Opening balance                       -              -                  -              - 
 Acquisition of John 
  Laing Holdco Limited             706.7           65.6            (142.3)          630.0 
 Acquisition of Service 
  Companies                            -              -              231.6          231.6 
 Distributions                    (43.4)          (0.9)               44.3              - 
 Investment in equity 
  and loans                        142.9              -            (142.9)              - 
 Realisations                     (86.3)              -               86.3              - 
 Investments transferred 
  to JLPF                         (29.6)         (50.4)                  -         (80.0) 
 Fair value movement               135.5            1.8              (7.6)          129.7 
 Net cash transferred 
  to investments held 
  at FVTPL                             -              -               54.0           54.0 
-------------------------  -------------  -------------  -----------------  ------------- 
 Closing balance                   825.8           16.1              123.4          965.3 
-------------------------  -------------  -------------  -----------------  ------------- 
 

On 27 January 2015, the Company acquired the remaining 77.54% interest in John Laing Holdco Limited for GBP630.0 million as part of a pre IPO restructuring. On 17 February 2015, the Company acquired from the John Laing Holdco Limited group the interests in its Service Companies. From this date, these Service Companies have been consolidated in the Group financial statements. This latter acquisition was treated as an acquisition under common control.

Included within other assets and liabilities at 31 December 2016 above is cash collateral of GBP23.7 million (31 December 2015 - GBP123.9 million) in respect of future investment commitments on IEP (Phase 1), I-77 Managed Lanes and New Perth Stadium (31 December 2015 - IEP (Phase 1), I-77 Managed Lanes, New Perth Stadium and Sydney Light Rail).

The investment disposals that have occurred in the years ended 31 December 2016 and 2015 are as follows:

Year ended 31 December 2016

During the year ended 31 December 2016, the Group disposed of shares and subordinated debt in six PPP and renewable energy project companies. Total proceeds from all disposals were GBP146.9 million.

Details were as follows:

 
                                                                                         Holding 
                                                                            Original    disposed   Retained 
                                                                  Date of    holding          of    holding 
                                                               completion          %           %          % 
------------------------------------------------------  -----------------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
 Sold to John Laing 
  Environmental Assets 
  Group Limited (JLEN) 
 Dreachmhor Wind 
  Farm (Holdings)                                                 29 June 
  Limited                                                            2016      100.0       100.0          - 
New Albion Wind (Holdings) Limited                           21 July 2016      100.0       100.0          - 
 
Sold to John Laing Infrastructure Fund Limited (JLIF) 
Inspiral Oldham Holdings Company Limited                      27 May 2016       95.0        95.0          - 
Rail Investments (Great Western) Limited*                29 December 2016      100.0        20.0       80.0 
Services Support (BTP) Holdings Limited                  29 February 2016       54.2        54.2          - 
UK Highways (A55) Holdings Limited                       22 December 2016      100.0       100.0          - 
 
Sold to other parties 
John Laing Environmental Assets Group Limited             2 November 2016        5.5         2.2        3.3 
UK Highways Limited**                                    30 November 2016      100.0       100.0          - 
 
 

* Holds the Group's 24% interest in IEP (Phase 1).

** Sold as part of disposal of UK activities of PMS for GBP0.3 million.

Year ended 31 December 2015

During the year ended 31 December 2015, the Group disposed of shares and subordinated debt in seven PPP and renewable energy project companies. Sale proceeds were GBP86.3 million. The Group also made a contribution of GBP80.0 million to JLPF settled by a transfer of shares in JLEN and shares in one PPP project company.

Details were as follows:

 
                                                                       Original       Holding  Retained 
                                                              Date of   holding   disposed of   holding 
                                                           completion         %             %         % 
------------------------------------------------------ 
 Sold to John Laing 
  Environmental Assets 
  Group Limited (JLEN) 
                                                             31 March 
Carscreugh Holdings Limited                                      2015     100.0         100.0         - 
                                                             31 March 
Wear Point Wind Holdco Limited                                   2015     100.0         100.0         - 
                                                             31 March 
Branden Solar Park Holdings Limited                              2015     100.0          64.0      36.0 
                                                              30 July 
Branden Solar Park Holdings Limited                              2015      36.0          36.0         - 
                                                           2 December 
Burton Wold Extension Limited                                    2015     100.0         100.0         - 
 
Sold to John Laing Infrastructure Fund Limited (JLIF) 
Healthcare Support (Erdington) Holdings Limited          30 June 2015     100.0         100.0         - 
 
Sold to other parties 
                                                           31 October 
Dhule Palesner Tollway Limited                                   2015      36.0          36.0         - 
                                                           5 November 
Services Support (Cleveland) Holdings Limited                    2015     27.08         27.08         - 
 
Transferred to JLPF 
                                                          17 February 
City Greenwich Lewisham Rail Link plc                            2015      52.0          47.0       5.0 
                                                          17 February 
John Laing Environmental Assets Group Limited (JLEN)             2015      39.7          29.9      9.8* 
 

* shareholding reduced to 5.5% following equity issues by JLEN in 2015 and 2016.

   12   Trade and other receivables 
 
                                  31 December 2016  31 December 2015 
                                       GBP million       GBP million 
Current assets 
Trade receivables                              6.3               7.1 
Other receivables                              0.6               0.7 
Prepayments and accrued income                 0.5               0.5 
                                  ----------------  ---------------- 
                                               7.4               8.3 
                                  ----------------  ---------------- 
 

Trading amounts receivable from project companies in which the Group holds an interest were previously included at 31 December 2015 in other receivables. The Group has presented these within trade receivables at 31 December 2016 to better reflect the nature of the asset. The trade receivables and other receivables at 31 December 2015 have consequently been amended to present a consistent year on year presentation. There is no impact on overall trade and other receivables.

In the opinion of the Directors the fair value of trade and other receivables is equal to their carrying value.

The carrying amounts of the Group's trade and other receivables are denominated in the following currencies:

 
                    31 December 2016  31 December 2015 
                         GBP million       GBP million 
Sterling                         5.9               7.7 
Other currencies                 1.5               0.6 
                    ----------------  ---------------- 
                                 7.4               8.3 
                    ----------------  ---------------- 
 

Other currencies mainly comprise trade and other receivables in Euros (31 December 2015 - Canadian dollars).

Included in the Group's trade receivables are debtors with a carrying value of GBP0.4 million which were overdue at 31 December 2016 (31 December 2015 - GBP0.1 million). The overdue balances have an ageing of up to 120 days (31 December 2015 - up to 60 days). The Group has not provided for these debtors as there has not been a significant change in their credit quality since the amounts became overdue, and they are considered fully recoverable. The Group does not hold any collateral against these balances.

Included in the Group's trade receivables are debtors with a carrying value of GBPnil which were impaired at 31 December 2016 (31 December 2015 - GBPnil).

   13   Trade and other payables 
 
                       31 December 2016  31 December 2015 
                            GBP million       GBP million 
Current liabilities 
Trade payables                    (1.9)             (1.8) 
Other taxation                    (1.6)             (1.6) 
Accruals                         (11.1)            (15.8) 
Deferred income                   (0.1)             (0.4) 
                                 (14.7)            (19.6) 
 

Employee related accruals were previously included at 31 December 2015 in trade payables. The Group has presented these within accruals at 31 December 2016 to better reflect the nature of the liability. The trade payables and accruals figures at 31 December 2015 have consequently been amended to present a consistent year on year presentation. There is no impact on overall trade and other payables.

   14   Borrowings 
 
                                                                                  31 December 2016  31 December 2015 
                                                                                       GBP million       GBP million 
Current liabilities 
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings net of unamortised financing costs (note 
 15 c)                                                                                     (161.4)            (14.9) 
                                                                                           (161.4)            (14.9) 
 
   15   Financial instruments 
   a)      Financial instruments by category 
 
                                                                          Financial 
                                                                     liabilities at 
                                           Loans and     Assets at        amortised 
                                         receivables         FVTPL             cost         Total 
Continuing operations                    GBP million   GBP million      GBP million   GBP million 
                                                             Level 
Fair value measurement method                    n/a        1 / 3*              n/a 
31 December 2016 
Non-current assets 
Investments at FVTPL*                              -       1,257.5                -       1,257.5 
Current assets 
Trade and other receivables                      7.0             -                -           7.0 
Cash and cash equivalents                        1.6             -                -           1.6 
                                                      ------------  --------------- 
Total financial assets                           8.6       1,257.5                -       1,266.1 
Current liabilities 
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings              -             -          (161.4)       (161.4) 
Trade and other payables                           -             -           (13.0)        (13.0) 
                                        ------------  ------------ 
Total financial liabilities                        -             -          (174.4)       (174.4) 
                                        ------------  ------------  ---------------  ------------ 
Net financial instruments                        8.6       1,257.5          (174.4)       1,091.7 
                                        ------------  ------------  ---------------  ------------ 
 
 
                                                                          Financial 
                                                                     liabilities at 
                                           Loans and     Assets at        amortised 
                                         receivables         FVTPL             cost         Total 
Continuing operations                    GBP million   GBP million      GBP million   GBP million 
                                                             Level 
Fair value measurement method                    n/a        1 / 3*              n/a 
31 December 2015 
Non-current assets 
Investments at FVTPL*                              -         965.3                -         965.3 
Current assets 
Trade and other receivables                      8.1             -                -           8.1 
Cash and cash equivalents                        1.1             -                -           1.1 
                                        ------------  ------------  ---------------  ------------ 
Total financial assets                           9.2         965.3                -         974.5 
Current liabilities 
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings              -             -           (14.9)        (14.9) 
Trade and other payables                           -             -           (17.6)        (17.6) 
                                        ------------  ------------  ---------------  ------------ 
Total financial liabilities                        -             -           (32.5)        (32.5) 
                                        ------------  ------------  ---------------  ------------ 
Net financial instruments                        9.2         965.3           (32.5)         942.0 
                                        ------------  ------------  ---------------  ------------ 
 

* Investments at FVTPL are split between: Level 1, JLEN, which is a listed investment fair valued at GBP10.0 million (31 December 2015 - GBP16.1 million) using a quoted market price; and Level 3 investments in project companies fair valued at GBP1,166.2 million (31 December 2015 - GBP825.8 million). Level 1 and Level 3 investments are fair valued in accordance with the policy and assumptions set out in note 2 i. The investments at FVTPL include other assets and liabilities as shown in note 11. Such other assets and liabilities are recorded at amortised cost which the Directors believe approximates to their fair value.

The tables in section a) provide an analysis of financial instruments that are measured subsequent to their initial recognition at fair value.

-- Level 1 fair value measurements are those derived from quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

-- Level 2 fair value measurements are those derived from inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices); and

-- Level 3 fair value measurements are those derived from valuation techniques that include inputs to the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

There were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2 during either year. There were no transfers out of Level 3.

Reconciliation of Level 3 fair value measurement of financial assets and liabilities

An analysis of the movement between opening and closing balances of assets at FVTPL is given in note 11. The carrying amounts of financial assets and financial liabilities in these financial statements reflect their fair values.

b) Foreign currency and interest rate profile of financial assets (excluding investments at FVTPL)

 
 
                    31 December 2016  31 December 2015 
                        Non-interest      Non-interest 
                             bearing           bearing 
Currency                 GBP million       GBP million 
Sterling                         5.9               7.7 
Euro                             1.5               0.2 
Canadian dollar                  0.4               0.6 
US dollar                        0.4               0.4 
Australian dollar                0.4               0.2 
Other                              -               0.1 
Total                            8.6               9.2 
 
   c)      Foreign currency and interest rate profile of financial liabilities 

The Group's financial liabilities at 31 December 2016 were GBP174.4 million (31 December 2015 - GBP32.5 million), of which GBP161.4 million (31 December 2015 - GBP14.9 million) related to short-term cash borrowings of GBP165.0 million net of unamortised finance costs of GBP3.6 million.

 
                                31 December 2016                          31 December 2015 
                           Fixed  Non-interest                       Fixed  Non-interest 
                            rate       bearing         Total          rate       bearing         Total 
Currency             GBP million   GBP million   GBP million   GBP million   GBP million   GBP million 
Sterling                 (161.4)         (9.8)       (171.2)        (14.9)        (14.2)        (29.1) 
Euro                           -         (0.5)         (0.5)             -         (0.6)         (0.6) 
US dollar                      -         (0.9)         (0.9)             -         (1.4)         (1.4) 
Australian dollar              -         (1.4)         (1.4)             -         (1.1)         (1.1) 
Other                          -         (0.4)         (0.4)             -         (0.3)         (0.3) 
Total                    (161.4)        (13.0)       (174.4)        (14.9)        (17.6)        (32.5) 
 
   16   Financial risk management 

The Group's activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including foreign exchange rate risk, interest rate risk and inflation risk), credit risk, price risk, liquidity risk and capital risk. The Group's overall risk management programme focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimise potential adverse effects on the Group's financial performance. The Group uses derivative financial instruments to hedge certain risk exposures.

For the parent company and its recourse subsidiaries, financial risks are managed by a central treasury operation which operates within Board approved policies. The various types of financial risk are managed as follows:

Market risk - foreign currency exchange rate risk

As at 31 December 2016 the Group held investments in 26 overseas projects (31 December 2015 - 18 overseas projects). The Group's foreign currency exchange rate risk policy is to determine the total Group exposure to individual currencies; it may then enter into hedges against certain individual investments. The Group's exposure to exchange rate risk on its investments is disclosed below.

In addition, the Group policy on managing foreign currency exchange rate risk is to cover significant transactional exposures arising from receipts and payments in foreign currencies, where appropriate and cost effective. There were 21 forward currency contracts open as at 31 December 2016 (31 December 2015 - 15). The fair value of these contracts was a net asset of GBP3.5 million (31 December 2015 - GBP3.7 million liability) and is included in investments at FVTPL.

At 31 December 2016, the Group's most significant currency exposure was to the Euro

(31 December 2015 - Euro).

Foreign currency exposure of investments at FVTPL:

 
                                     31 December 2016                                     31 December 2015 
                                              Other                                                Other 
                                             assets                                               assets 
                  Project       Listed          and                   Project        Listed          and 
                companies  investments  liabilities        Total    companies   investments  liabilities         Total 
              GBP million  GBP million  GBP million  GBP million  GBP million   GBP million  GBP million   GBP million 
Sterling            500.5         10.0         41.4        551.9        421.9          16.1         53.3         491.3 
Euro                341.4            -         10.3        351.7        213.3             -          1.4         214.7 
Australian 
 dollar             181.4            -          5.5        186.9         88.2             -         50.2         138.4 
US dollar           121.0            -         23.7        144.7         83.7             -         18.0         101.7 
New Zealand 
 dollar              21.9            -          0.4         22.3         18.7             -          0.5          19.2 
                  1,166.2         10.0         81.3      1,257.5        825.8          16.1        123.4         965.3 
 

Investments in project companies are fair valued based on the spot rate at the balance sheet date. As at 31 December 2016, a 5% movement of each relevant currency against Sterling would decrease or increase the value of investments in overseas projects by c.GBP27 million.

Market risk - interest rate risk

The Group's interest rate risk arises due to fluctuations in interest rates which impact on the value of returns from floating rate deposits and expose the Group to variability in interest payment cash flows on variable rate borrowings. The Group has assessed its exposure to interest rate risk and considers that this exposure is low as its variable rate borrowings tend to be short term, its finance costs in relation to letters of credit issued under the corporate banking facilities are at a fixed rate and the interest earned on its cash and cash equivalents minimal.

The exposure of the Group's financial assets to interest rate risk is as follows:

 
                                         31 December 2016                              31 December 2015 
                           Interest-bearing  Non-interest                Interest- bearing  Non-interest 
                              Floating rate       bearing         Total      Floating rate       bearing         Total 
                                GBP million   GBP million   GBP million        GBP million   GBP million   GBP million 
Financial assets 
Investments at FVTPL                      -       1,257.5       1,257.5                  -         965.3         965.3 
Trade and other 
 receivables                              -           7.0           7.0                  -           8.1           8.1 
Cash and cash equivalents                 -           1.6           1.6                  -           1.1           1.1 
Financial assets exposed 
 to interest rate risk                    -       1,266.1       1,266.1                  -         974.5         974.5 
 

An analysis of the movement between opening and closing balances of investments at FVTPL is given in note 11. Investments in project companies are principally valued on a discounted cash flow basis. At 31 December 2016, the weighted average discount rate was 8.9% (31 December 2015 - 9.5%). For investments in project companies, changing the discount rate used to value the underlying instruments would alter their fair value. As at 31 December 2016 a 0.25% increase in the discount rate would reduce the fair value by GBP32.1 million (31 December 2015 - GBP26.1 million) and a 0.25% reduction in the discount rate would increase the fair value by GBP33.6 million (31 December 2015 - GBP27.2 million).

The exposure of the Group's financial liabilities to interest rate risk is as follows:

 
                                   31 December 2016                               31 December 2015 
 
 
                        Interest                                       Interest 
                        -bearing         Non-interest                  -bearing         Non-interest 
                       fixed rate             bearing        Total    fixed rate             bearing        Total 
                         GBP million      GBP million  GBP million      GBP million      GBP million  GBP million 
Interest-bearing 
 loans and 
 borrowings                  (161.4)                -      (161.4)           (14.9)                -       (14.9) 
Trade and other 
 payables                          -           (13.0)       (13.0)                -           (17.6)       (17.6) 
Total financial 
 liabilities                 (161.4)           (13.0)      (174.4)           (14.9)           (17.6)       (32.5) 
 

Market risk - inflation risk

The Group has limited direct exposure to inflation risk, but the fair value of investments is determined by future project revenue and costs which can be partly linked to inflation. Sensitivity to inflation can be mitigated by the project company entering into inflation swaps. Where PPP investments are positively correlated to inflation, an increase in inflation expectations will tend to increase the value of PPP investments. However, an increase in inflation expectations would tend to increase JLPF's pension liabilities.

Based on a sample of seven of the larger PPP investments by value at 31 December 2016, a 0.25% increase in inflation is estimated to increase the value of PPP investments by c.GBP14 million and a 0.25% decrease in inflation is estimated to decrease the value of PPP investment by c.GBP13 million. Certain of the underlying project companies incorporate some inflation hedging.

Credit risk

Credit risk is managed on a Group basis and arises from a combination of the value and term to settlement of balances due and payable by counterparties for both financial and trade transactions.

In order to minimise credit risk, cash investments and derivative transactions are limited to financial institutions of a suitable credit quality and counterparties are carefully screened. The Group's cash balances are invested in line with a policy approved by the Board, capped with regard to counter-party credit ratings.

A significant majority of the project companies in which the Group invests receive revenue from government departments, public sector or local authority clients and/or directly from the public. As a result, these projects tend not to be exposed to significant credit risk.

Price risk

The Group's investments in PPP assets have limited direct exposure to price risk. The fair value of many such project companies is dependent on the receipt of fixed fee income from government departments, public sector or local authority clients. As a result, these projects tend not to be exposed to price risk. The Group also holds investments in renewable energy projects whose fair value may vary with forecast energy prices to the extent they are not hedged through short to medium term fixed price purchase agreements with electricity suppliers, or do not benefit from governmental support mechanisms at fixed prices. The Group's investment in JLEN is valued at its closing market share price.

Liquidity risk

The Group adopts a prudent approach to liquidity management by maintaining sufficient cash and available committed facilities to meet its current and upcoming obligations.

The Group's liquidity management policy involves projecting cash flows in major currencies and assessing the level of liquid assets necessary to meet these. Managing liquidity risk is helped by the relative predictability in both value and timing of cash flows to and from the project companies in which the Group invests.

Maturity of financial assets

The maturity profile of the Group's financial assets (excluding investments at FVTPL) is as follows:

 
                                                      Continuing operations 
                                                     31 December   31 December 
                                                            2016          2015 
                                                       Less than     Less than 
                                                        one year      one year 
                                                     GBP million   GBP million 
Trade and other receivables                                  7.0           8.1 
Cash and cash equivalents                                    1.6           1.1 
Financial assets (excluding investments at FVTPL)            8.6           9.2 
 

Other than certain trade and other receivables, as detailed in note 12, none of the financial assets is either overdue or impaired.

The maturity profile of the Group's financial liabilities is as follows:

 
                                     31 December   31 December 
                                            2016          2015 
                                     GBP million   GBP million 
In one year or less, or on demand        (174.4)        (32.5) 
                                    ------------  ------------ 
Total                                    (174.4)        (32.5) 
                                    ------------  ------------ 
 

The following table details the remaining contractual maturity of the Group's financial liabilities. The table reflects undiscounted cash flows relating to financial liabilities based on the earliest date on which the Group is required to pay. The table includes both interest and principal cash flows:

 
                                                                 Weighted average   In one year 
                                                          effective interest rate       or less         Total 
                                                                                %   GBP million   GBP million 
31 December 2016 
Fixed interest rate instruments - loans and borrowings                       2.75       (161.4)       (161.4) 
Non-interest bearing instruments*                                             n/a        (13.0)        (13.0) 
                                                         ------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
                                                                                        (174.4)       (174.4) 
                                                         ------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
31 December 2015 
Fixed interest rate instruments - loans and borrowings                        3.0        (14.9)        (14.9) 
Non-interest bearing instruments*                                             n/a        (17.6)        (17.6) 
                                                         ------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
                                                                                         (32.5)        (32.5) 
                                                         ------------------------  ------------  ------------ 
 

* Non-interest bearing instruments relate to trade and other payables.

Capital risk

The Group seeks to adopt efficient financing structures that enable it to manage capital effectively and achieve the Group's objectives without putting shareholder value at undue risk. The Group's capital structure comprises its equity (as set out in the Group Statement of Changes in Equity) and its net borrowings.

At 31 December 2016, the Group had committed corporate banking facilities of GBP400.0 million, expiring in March 2020, together with additional surety facilities of GBP50.0 million, backed by committed liquidity facilities, expiring in March 2018.

Issued at 31 December 2016 were letters of credit of GBP162.6 million (31 December 2015 - GBP154.2 million), related to future capital and loan commitments, and contingent commitments and performance and bid bonds of GBP6.5 million (31 December 2015 - GBP1.1 million).

The Group has requirements for both borrowings and letters of credit, which at 31 December 2016 were met by its GBP450.0 million committed facilities and related ancillary facilities and uncommitted cash backed facilities (31 December 2015 - GBP350.0 million). The committed facilities are summarised below:

 
                                                                          31 December 2016 
                                                                                   Letters of credit 
                                                                                      in issue/other         Total 
                                                   Total facilities   Loans drawn        commitments       undrawn 
                                                        GBP million   GBP million        GBP million   GBP million 
Committed corporate banking facilities                        400.0       (165.0)            (119.1)         115.9 
Surety facilities backed by liquidity facilities               50.0             -             (50.0)             - 
                                                                                   -----------------  ------------ 
Total committed Group facilities                              450.0       (165.0)            (169.1)         115.9 
                                                                                   -----------------  ------------ 
 
 
                                                                31 December 2015 
                                                                         Letters of credit 
                                                                            in issue/other         Total 
                                         Total facilities   Loans drawn        commitments       undrawn 
                                              GBP million   GBP million        GBP million   GBP million 
Committed corporate banking facilities              350.0        (19.0)            (155.3)         175.7 
                                                                         -----------------  ------------ 
Total committed Group facilities                    350.0        (19.0)            (155.3)         175.7 
                                                                         -----------------  ------------ 
 
   17   Deferred tax 

The movements in the deferred tax asset relating to other deductible temporary differences were:

 
                                           Year ended          Year ended          Year ended 
                                     31 December 2016    31 December 2015    31 December 2015 
                                            Statutory           Pro forma           Statutory 
                                          GBP million         GBP million         GBP million 
Opening asset                                     1.4                 1.5                   - 
Arising on acquisition                              -                   -                 1.5 
Charge to income - prior year                   (0.2)               (0.2)               (0.2) 
Credit to income - current year                 (0.2)                 0.1                 0.1 
Closing asset                                     1.0                 1.4                 1.4 
 

The Group has no losses within its entities which are consolidated but there are tax losses in investment entity subsidiaries which are held at FVTPL.

   18   Retirement benefit obligations 
 
                                    31 December   31 December 
                                           2016          2015 
                                    GBP million   GBP million 
Pension schemes                          (61.3)        (38.9) 
Post-retirement medical benefits          (8.0)         (7.3) 
                                   ------------  ------------ 
Retirement benefit obligations           (69.3)        (46.2) 
                                   ------------  ------------ 
 
   a)      Pension schemes 

The Group operates two defined benefit pension schemes in the UK (the Schemes) - The John Laing Pension Fund (JLPF) which commenced on 31 May 1957 and The John Laing Pension Plan (the Plan) which commenced on 6 April 1975. JLPF was closed to future accrual from 1 April 2011 and the Plan was closed to future accrual from September 2003. Neither Scheme has any active members, only deferred members and pensioners. The assets of both Schemes are held in separate trustee-administered funds.

UK staff employed since 1 January 2002, who are entitled to retirement benefits, can choose to be members of a defined contribution stakeholder scheme sponsored by the Group in conjunction with Legal and General Assurance Society Limited. Local defined contribution arrangements are available to overseas staff.

JLPF

An actuarial valuation of JLPF was carried out as at 31 March 2016 by a qualified independent actuary, Willis Towers Watson. At that date, JLPF was 85% funded on the technical provision funding basis. This valuation took into account the Continuous Mortality Investigation Bureau (CMI Bureau) projections of mortality.

The actuarial deficit of GBP171 million is to be repaid over seven years as follows:

 
By 31 March   GBP million 
2017                 24.5 
2018                 26.5 
2019                 29.1 
2020                 24.9 
2021                 25.7 
2022                 26.4 
2023                 24.6 
 

The next triennial actuarial valuation of JLPF is due as at 31 March 2019.

During the year ended 31 December 2016, John Laing made deficit reduction contributions of GBP18.1 million in cash (2015 - GBP127.4 million in a mixture of cash, JLEN shares and PPP assets). At 31 December 2016, JLPF's assets included PPP investments valued at GBP37.8 million (31 December 2015 - GBP41.4 million). The Company has guaranteed to fund any cumulative shortfall in forecast project yield payments for some of these PPP investments up until 2017, but considers it unlikely that a net shortfall will arise.

The liability at 31 December 2016 allows for indexation of deferred pensions and post 5 April 1988 GMP pension increases based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

The Plan

No contributions were made to the Plan in the year ended 31 December 2016 (31 December 2015 - none). At its last actuarial valuation as at 31 March 2014, the Plan had assets of GBP12.3 million and liabilities of GBP11.4 million resulting in an actuarial surplus of GBP0.9 million. The next triennial actuarial valuation of the Plan is due as at 31 March 2017.

An analysis of members of both Schemes is shown below:

 
31 December 2016   Deferred  Pensioners   Total 
JLPF                  4,385       3,883   8,268 
The Plan                109         328     437 
 
 
31 December 2015   Deferred  Pensioners   Total 
JLPF                  4,569       3,787   8,356 
The Plan                114         334     448 
 

The weighted average financial assumptions used in the valuation of JLPF and the Plan under IAS 19 at 31 December were:

 
                                                    31 December  31 December 
                                                           2016         2015 
                                                              %            % 
Discount rate                                              2.80         3.75 
Rate of increase in non-GMP pensions in payment            3.10         2.90 
Rate of increase in non-GMP pensions in deferment          2.10         2.00 
Inflation - RPI                                            3.20         3.00 
Inflation - CPI                                            2.10         2.00 
                                                    -----------  ----------- 
 

The major categories and fair value of assets held by the Schemes were as follows:

 
                                       31 December   31 December 
                                              2016          2015 
                                       GBP million   GBP million 
Bonds and other debt instruments             415.2         364.2 
Equity instruments                           374.7         337.1 
Aviva bulk annuity buy-in agreement          234.1         214.2 
Property                                       1.8           2.3 
Derivatives                                  (6.1)         (8.3) 
Cash and cash equivalents                     52.4           5.8 
UK PPP investments                            37.8          41.4 
                                      ------------  ------------ 
Total market value of assets               1,109.9         956.7 
                                      ------------  ------------ 
 

The amount of the JLPF deficit is highly dependent upon the assumptions above and may vary significantly from period to period. The impact of possible future changes to some of the assumptions is shown below, without taking into account any inter-relationship between the assumptions. In practice, there would be inter-relationships between the assumptions. The analysis has been prepared in conjunction with the Group's actuarial adviser.

 
                                       (Increase)/decrease 
                                     in pension liabilities at 
                                         31 December 2016 
                                     Increase in    Decrease in 
                                      assumption     assumption 
                                     GBP million    GBP million 
0.25% on discount rate                      45.8         (48.9) 
0.25% on inflation rate                   (34.1)           33.2 
1 year post retirement longevity          (43.7)           38.4 
 

Mortality

Mortality assumptions at 31 December 2016 were based on the following tables published by the CMI Bureau:

-- SAPS S2 normal (S2NA) year of birth tables for staff members with mortality improvements in line with CMI 2015 core projections with a long term trend rate of 1.25% per annum; and

-- SAPS S2 light (S2NA_L) year of birth tables for executive members with mortality improvements in line with CMI 2015 core projections with a long term trend rate of 1.25% per annum.

Mortality assumptions at 31 December 2015 were based on the following tables published by the CMI Bureau:

-- SAPS S2 normal (S2NA) year of birth tables for staff members with mortality improvements in line with CMI 2013 core projections with a long term trend rate of 1.0% per annum; and

-- SAPS S2 light (S2NA_L) year of birth tables for executive members with mortality improvements in line with CMI 2013 core projections with a long term trend rate of 1.0% per annum.

The table below summarises the weighted average life expectancy implied by the mortality assumptions used:

 
                                                      31 December  31 December 
                                                             2016         2015 
                                                            Years        Years 
Life expectancy - of member reaching age 65 in 2016 
Males                                                        22.4         22.3 
Females                                                      24.5         24.4 
Life expectancy - of member aged 65 in 2031 
Males                                                        23.6         23.4 
Females                                                      25.9         25.5 
                                                      -----------  ----------- 
 

Analysis of the major categories of assets held by the Schemes

 
                                           31 December 2016     31 December 2015 
                                          GBP million       %  GBP million       % 
Bond and other debt instruments 
UK corporate bonds                               80.9                114.0 
UK government gilts                             141.6                104.7 
UK government gilts - index linked              192.7                145.5 
                                          -----------  ------  -----------  ------ 
                                                415.2    37.3        364.2    38.1 
Equity instruments 
UK listed equities                              152.0                147.5 
European listed equities                         34.3                 28.7 
US listed equities                               73.8                 80.7 
Other international listed equities             114.6                 80.2 
                                          -----------  ------  -----------  ------ 
                                                374.7    33.8        337.1    35.3 
Aviva bulk annuity buy-in agreement             234.1    21.1        214.2    22.4 
Property 
Industrial property                               1.8                  2.3 
                                          -----------  ------  -----------  ------ 
                                                  1.8     0.2          2.3     0.2 
Derivatives 
Inflation swaps                                 (6.1)                (8.3) 
                                          -----------  ------  -----------  ------ 
                                                (6.1)   (0.5)        (8.3)   (0.9) 
Cash and equivalents                             52.4     4.7          5.8     0.6 
UK PPP investments                               37.8     3.4         41.4     4.3 
                                          -----------  ------  -----------  ------ 
Total market value of assets                  1,109.9   100.0        956.7   100.0 
                                          -----------  ------  -----------  ------ 
Present value of Schemes' liabilities       (1,171.2)              (992.9) 
                                          -----------          ----------- 
Deficit in the Schemes                         (61.3)               (36.2) 
Less unrecoverable surplus in the Plan*             -                (2.7) 
                                          -----------          ----------- 
Net pension liability                          (61.3)               (38.9) 
                                          -----------          ----------- 
 

* The surplus in the Plan, which at 31 December 2016 was GBP2.9 million, has been treated as recoverable for the first time in 2016.

Virtually all equity and debt instruments held by JLPF have quoted prices in active markets (Level 1). Derivatives can be classified as Level 2 instruments and property and PPP investments as Level 3 instruments. It is the policy of JLPF to use inflation swaps to hedge its exposure to inflation risk. The JLPF Trustee invests in return seeking assets, such as equity, property and PPP investments, whilst balancing the risks of inflation and interest rate movements through the annuity buy-in agreement, inflation swaps and interest rate hedging.

In February 2009, the JLPF Trustee entered into a bulk annuity buy-in agreement with Aviva to mitigate JLPF's exposure to changes in liabilities. At 31 December 2016, the underlying insurance policy was valued at GBP234.1 million (31 December 2015 - GBP214.2 million), being very substantially equal to the IAS 19 valuation of the related liabilities.

Analysis of amounts charged to operating profit

 
                          Year ended 
                         31 December                Year ended 
                                2016               31 December 
                                                          2015 
                           Statutory   Pro forma and statutory 
                         GBP million               GBP million 
Current service cost*          (1.6)                     (1.3) 
                        ------------  ------------------------ 
 

* The Schemes no longer have any active members. Therefore, under the projected unit method of valuation the current service cost for JLPF will increase as a percentage of pensionable payroll as members approach retirement. The current service cost has been included within administrative expenses.

Analysis of amounts charged to finance costs

 
                                     Year ended 
                                    31 December                Year ended 
                                           2016               31 December 
                                                                     2015 
                                      Statutory   Pro forma and statutory 
                                    GBP million               GBP million 
 Interest on Schemes' assets               35.3                      34.2 
Interest on Schemes' liabilities         (36.3)                    (36.6) 
                                   ------------  ------------------------ 
Net charge to finance costs               (1.0)                     (2.4) 
                                   ------------  ------------------------ 
 

Analysis of amounts recognised in Group Statement of Comprehensive Income

 
                                                                        Year ended     Year ended           Year ended 
                                                                       31 December    31 December          31 December 
                                                                              2016           2015                 2015 
                                                                         Statutory      Pro forma            Statutory 
                                                                       GBP million    GBP million          GBP million 
Return on Schemes' assets (excluding amounts included in interest 
 on Schemes' assets above)                                                   151.5         (23.0)               (23.7) 
Experience (loss)/gain arising on Schemes' liabilities                       (5.7)           15.6                 15.6 
Changes in financial assumptions underlying the present value of 
 Schemes' liabilities                                                      (185.6)           22.1                 46.0 
Changes in demographic assumptions underlying the present value of 
 Schemes' liabilities                                                        (1.1)              -                    - 
Recognition of surplus in the Plan at 31 December 2015                         2.7              -                    - 
Decrease in unrecoverable surplus                                                -            0.3                  0.3 
Actuarial (loss)/gain recognised in Group Statement of 
 Comprehensive Income                                                       (38.2)           15.0                 38.2 
 

The cumulative amount recognised in the Group Statement of Changes in Equity is GBPnil (31 December 2015 - GBP38.2 million gain).

Changes in present value of defined benefit obligations

 
                                                                                        2016         2015         2015 
                                                                                   Statutory    Pro forma    Statutory 
                                                                                 GBP million  GBP million  GBP million 
Opening defined benefit obligation                                                   (992.9)    (1,041.0)            - 
Arising on acquisition                                                                     -            -    (1,058.9) 
Current service cost                                                                   (1.6)        (1.3)        (1.3) 
Interest cost                                                                         (36.3)       (36.6)       (36.6) 
Experience (loss)/gain arising on Schemes' liabilities                                 (5.7)         15.6         15.6 
Changes in financial assumptions underlying the present value of Schemes' 
 liabilities                                                                         (185.6)         22.1         46.0 
Changes in demographic assumptions underlying the present value of Schemes' 
liabilities                                                                            (1.1)            -            - 
Benefits paid (including administrative costs paid)                                     52.0         48.3         42.3 
 
Closing defined benefit obligation                                                 (1,171.2)      (992.9)      (992.9) 
 

The weighted average life of JLPF liabilities at 31 December 2016 is 16.8 years (31 December 2015 - 15.3 years).

Changes in the fair value of Schemes' assets

 
                                                                                 31 December  31 December  31 December 
                                                                                        2016         2015         2015 
                                                                                   Statutory    Pro forma    Statutory 
                                                                                 GBP million  GBP million  GBP million 
Opening fair value of Schemes' assets                                                  956.7        866.4            - 
Arising on acquisition                                                                     -            -        861.1 
Interest on Schemes' assets                                                             35.3         34.2         34.2 
Return on Schemes' assets (excluding amounts included in interest on Schemes' 
 assets above)                                                                         151.5       (23.0)       (23.7) 
Contributions by employer                                                               18.4        127.4        127.4 
Benefits paid (including administrative costs paid)                                   (52.0)       (48.3)       (42.3) 
Closing fair value of Schemes' assets                                                1,109.9        956.7        956.7 
 

Analysis of the movement in the deficit during the year

 
 
                                          31 December    31 December    31 December 
                                                 2016           2015           2015 
                                            Statutory      Pro forma      Statutory 
                                          GBP million    GBP million    GBP million 
 
Opening deficit                                (38.9)        (174.6)              - 
Arising on acquisition                              -              -        (197.8) 
Current service cost                            (1.6)          (1.3)          (1.3) 
Finance cost                                    (1.0)          (2.4)          (2.4) 
Contributions                                    18.4          127.4          127.4 
Actuarial (loss)/gain                          (38.2)           14.7           37.9 
Closing deficit in Schemes                     (61.3)         (36.2)         (36.2) 
Less unrecoverable surplus in the Plan              -          (2.7)          (2.7) 
Pension deficit                                (61.3)         (38.9)         (38.9) 
 

History of the weighted average experience gains and losses

 
                                                                                Year ended    Year ended    Year ended 
                                                                               31 December   31 December   31 December 
                                                                                      2016          2015          2015 
                                                                                 Statutory     Pro forma     Statutory 
Difference between actual and expected returns on assets: 
Amount (GBP million)                                                                 151.5        (23.0)        (23.7) 
% of Schemes' assets                                                                  13.6           2.4           2.5 
Experience (loss)/gain on Schemes' liabilities: 
Amount (GBP million)                                                                 (5.7)          15.6          15.6 
% of present value of Schemes' liabilities                                             0.5           1.6           1.6 
Total amount recognised in the Group Statement of Comprehensive Income 
(excluding deferred 
tax): 
Amount (GBP million)                                                                (38.2)          15.0          38.2 
% of present value of Schemes' liabilities                                             3.3           1.5           3.8 
                                                                              ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 

b) Post-retirement medical benefits

The Company provides post-retirement medical insurance benefits to 62 former employees. This scheme, which was closed to new members in 1991, is unfunded.

The present value of the future liabilities under this arrangement has been assessed by the Company's actuarial adviser, Lane Clark & Peacock LLP, and has been included in the Group Balance Sheet under retirement benefit obligations as follows:

 
                                                                    31 December  31 December               31 December 
                                                                           2016         2015                      2015 
                                                                      Statutory    Pro forma                 Statutory 
                                                                    GBP million  GBP million               GBP million 
Post-retirement medical liability - opening                               (7.3)        (8.2)                         - 
                                          - arising on acquisition            -            -                     (8.2) 
Other finance costs                                                       (0.3)        (0.3)                     (0.3) 
 
Contributions                                                               0.5          0.4                       0.4 
Experience (loss)/gain*                                                   (0.2)          0.4                       0.4 
Changes in financial assumptions underlying the present value of 
 scheme's liabilities*                                                    (0.9)          0.4                       0.4 
Changes in demographic assumptions underlying the present value of 
liabilities*                                                                0.1            -                         - 
 
Curtailment and settlements                                                 0.1            -                         - 
Post-retirement medical liability - closing                               (8.0)        (7.3)                     (7.3) 
 

* These amounts are actuarial (losses)/gains that go through the Group Statement of Comprehensive Income.

The annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of medical benefits was assumed to be 5.2% in 2016 (2015 - 5.0%). It is expected to increase in 2017 and thereafter at RPI plus 2.0% per annum (2015 - at RPI plus 2.0% per annum).

Medical cost inflation has a significant effect on the liability reported for this scheme. A 1% change in assumed medical cost inflation would result in the following liability at 31 December 2016:

 
                                     1% increase   1% decrease 
                                     GBP million   GBP million 
Post-retirement medical liability          (8.9)         (7.3) 
                                    ------------  ------------ 
 

Life expectancy also has a significant effect on the liability reported for this scheme. A one-year increase or decrease in life expectancy would result in the following liability at 31 December 2016:

 
                   1% increase   1% decrease 
                   GBP million   GBP million 
Life expectancy          (8.7)         (7.4) 
                  ------------  ------------ 
 
   19   Provisions 
 
                                At 1 January                    Credit/(charge) to Group                At 31 December 
                                        2016  Reclassification          Income Statement      Utilised            2016 
                                 GBP million       GBP million               GBP million   GBP million     GBP million 
Retained liabilities                   (4.2)                 -                     (0.7)           3.4           (1.5) 
Employee related liabilities           (0.1)                 -                       0.1             -               - 
Total provisions                       (4.3)                 -                     (0.6)           3.4           (1.5) 
                                ------------                                                            -------------- 
Classified as: 
Continuing operations                  (0.1)             (4.2)                     (0.6)           3.4           (1.5) 
Discontinued operations                (4.2)               4.2                         -             -               - 
Provisions on continuing 
operations are analysed as: 
Non-current provisions                 (0.1)                                                                     (1.5) 
                                ------------ 
                                       (0.1)                                                                     (1.5) 
 
 
                             At 1 January    Arising on     Unwinding    Credit to Group                At 31 December 
                                     2015   acquisition   of discount   Income Statement      Utilised            2015 
                              GBP million   GBP million   GBP million        GBP million   GBP million     GBP million 
Retained liabilities                    -         (8.8)             -                2.2           2.4           (4.2) 
Employee related 
 liabilities                            -         (0.1)             -                  -             -           (0.1) 
Onerous property leases                 -         (2.0)             -                  -           2.0               - 
Total provisions                        -        (10.9)             -                2.2           4.4           (4.3) 
Classified as: 
Continuing operations                   -         (2.1)             -                  -           2.0           (0.1) 
Discontinued operations                 -         (8.8)             -                2.2           2.4           (4.2) 
Provisions on continuing 
operations are analysed as: 
Non-current provisions                            (2.1)                                                          (0.1) 
                                                  (2.1)                                                          (0.1) 
 

During the year, provisions relating to retained liabilities were reclassified from discontinued operations to continuing operations as they are no longer sufficiently material to show separately as discontinued operations.

Provisions of GBP1.5 million as at 31 December 2016 (31 December 2015 - GBP4.2 million) relate to retained liabilities from the sale of the Laing Construction business in 2001.

   20   Share capital 
 
                                    31 December   31 December 
                                           2016          2015 
                                            No.           No. 
Authorised: 
Ordinary shares of GBP0.10 each     366,923,076   366,923,076 
                                   ------------  ------------ 
Total                               366,923,076   366,923,076 
                                   ------------  ------------ 
 
 
                                                                     31 December 2016            31 December 2015 
                                                                          No.  GBP million            No.  GBP million 
Allotted, called up and fully paid: 
 Statutory 
At 1 January - 366,923,076 ordinary shares of GBP0.10 each 
 (2015 - 100,000,000 ordinary shares 
 of GBP0.00000001 each)                                           366,923,076         36.7    100,000,000            - 
Issue of 100,000,000 ordinary shares of GBP0.00000001 each                  -            -    100,000,000            - 
Conversion of 200,000,000 ordinary shares of GBP0.00000001 
each to 20 ordinary shares of GBP0.10 each                                  -            -  (199,999,980)            - 
Issue of 299,999,980 ordinary shares of GBP0.10 each                        -            -    299,999,980         30.0 
Issue of 66,923,076 ordinary shares of GBP0.10 each                         -            -     66,923,076          6.7 
                                                                 ------------ 
At 31 December                                                    366,923,076         36.7    366,923,076         36.7 
                                                                 ------------ 
 
 
Pro forma 
At 1 January - 300,000,000 ordinary shares of GBP0.10 each     300,000,000  30.0 
Issue of 66,923,076 ordinary shares of GBP0.10 each             66,923,076   6.7 
At 31 December                                                 366,923,076  36.7 
 

The Company has one class of ordinary shares which carry no right to fixed income.

   21   Share premium 

On 26 January 2015 the Company allotted to its shareholder 100,000,000 ordinary shares of GBP0.00000001 each credited as fully paid to rank pari passu with its existing ordinary shares. On 27 January 2015 all the ordinary shares were consolidated into 20 ordinary shares of GBP0.10 each, each share having the same rights and being subject to the same restrictions (except as to nominal value) as the existing ordinary shares of GBP0.00000001 each in the Company as set out in its Articles. On the same day the Company allotted and issued to its shareholder a further 299,999,980 ordinary shares of GBP0.10 each at a premium of GBP2.00 per share, each to rank pari passu with the existing ordinary shares of GBP0.10 each in the capital of the Company. In addition, the Company undertook a reduction of its share premium account by GBP500 million.

On 17 February 2015, the Company issued 66,923,076 new ordinary shares of GBP0.10 each at a premium of GBP1.85 per share in connection with admission of its shares to listing.

 
 
                                                   31 December 2016       31 December 2015 
                                                      Statutory        Pro forma     Statutory 
                                                        GBP million  GBP million   GBP million 
 
Opening balance                                               218.0        100.0             - 
Premium arising on issue of equity shares                         -        123.8         723.8 
Reduction of share premium account                                -            -       (500.0) 
Costs associated with the issue of equity shares                  -        (5.8)         (5.8) 
Closing balance                                               218.0        218.0         218.0 
 
   22   Net cash outflow from operating activities 
 
                                                                              Year ended     Year ended     Year ended 
                                                                             31 December    31 December    31 December 
                                                                                    2016           2015           2015 
                                                                               Statutory      Pro forma      Statutory 
                                                                             GBP million    GBP million    GBP million 
Profit before tax from continuing operations                                       192.1          100.9           97.5 
 
Adjustments for: 
Finance costs                                                                       10.3           11.3           11.3 
Discontinued operations' cash flows                                                    -            1.1            1.1 
Unrealised profit arising on changes in fair value of investments in 
 project companies (note 
 11)                                                                             (218.8)        (133.1)        (129.7) 
Depreciation of plant and equipment                                                  0.6            0.7            0.7 
Amortisation of intangible assets                                                    0.2            0.5            0.5 
Share-based incentives                                                               2.0            0.7            0.7 
Contribution to JLPF                                                              (18.4)         (47.5)         (47.5) 
Decrease in provisions                                                             (2.8)          (1.9)          (1.9) 
Operating cash outflow before movements in working capital                        (34.8)         (67.3)         (67.3) 
Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables                                   1.2          (1.0)          (1.0) 
Decrease in trade and other payables                                               (3.5)          (2.2)          (2.2) 
Net cash outflow from operating activities                                        (37.1)         (70.5)         (70.5) 
 
   23   Guarantees, contingent assets and liabilities and other commitments 

At 31 December 2016, the Group had future equity and loan commitments in PPP and renewable energy projects of GBP186.3 million (31 December 2015 - GBP278.1 million) backed by letters of credit of GBP162.6 million (31 December 2015 - GBP154.2 million) and collateralised cash of GBP23.7 million (31 December 2015 - GBP123.9 million).

As stated in note 18 a), the Company has provided guarantees in respect of certain PPP investments transferred to JLPF in settlement of prior annual contribution obligations. Guarantees are provided to fund any cumulative shortfall in forecast yield payments from these PPP investments up until 2017, and the maximum exposure at 31 December 2016 was GBPnil (31 December 2015 - GBP0.3 million).

The Group has given guarantees to lenders of a normal trading nature, including performance bonds, some of which may be payable on demand.

Claims arise in the normal course of trading which in some cases involve or may involve litigation. Full provision has been made for all amounts which the Directors consider are likely to become payable on account of such claims.

The Group had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases for land and buildings, falling due as follows:

 
                                              31 December   31 December 
                                                     2016          2015 
                                              GBP million   GBP million 
Within one year                                       1.0           0.9 
In the second to fifth years inclusive                3.0           3.3 
After five years                                      2.8           4.0 
                                                      6.8           8.2 
 
   24   Transactions with related parties 

Group

Details of transactions between the Group and its related parties are disclosed below.

Trading transactions

The Group has entered into the following trading transactions with project companies in which the Group holds interests:

 
                                       Year ended    Year ended 
                                      31 December   31 December 
                                             2016          2015 
                                      GBP million   GBP million 
Services income*                             18.0          13.5 
Amounts owed by project companies             1.6           3.1 
Amounts owed to project companies           (0.6)         (0.7) 
 

* Services income is generated from project companies through management services agreements and recoveries of bid costs on financial close.

Investment transactions

 
                                                            Year ended    Year ended 
                                                           31 December   31 December 
                                                                  2016          2015 
                                                           GBP million   GBP million 
Net cash transferred to investments at FVTPL (note 11)          (73.4)        (54.0) 
 

Transactions with other related parties

There were no transaction with other related parties during the year ended 31 December 2016.

In the year ended 31 December 2015, the Group transferred ownership of shares in JLEN and shares in a PPP project company to JLPF as partial consideration for agreed deficit reduction contributions. More details are set out in note 11.

Remuneration of key management personnel

The remuneration of the Directors of John Laing Group plc together with other members of the Executive Committee, who were the key management personnel of the Group for the period of the financial statements, is set out below in aggregate for each of the categories specified in IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures:

 
                                                  Year ended    Year ended 
                                                 31 December   31 December 
                                                        2016          2015 
                                                 GBP million   GBP million 
Cash basis 
Short-term employee benefits                             2.8           3.0 
Post-employment benefits                                 0.2           0.2 
Cash payments under long-term incentive plan             1.9           1.9 
Social security costs                                    0.7           0.7 
                                                         5.6           5.8 
Award basis 
Short-term employee benefits                             2.8           3.0 
Post-employment benefits                                 0.2           0.2 
Awards under long-term incentive plan                    1.0           2.6 
Social security costs                                    0.4           0.7 
                                                         4.4           6.5 
 

In addition to the above amounts, GBP44,231 (2015 - GBPnil) was paid to Nalon Management Services Limited, of which Phil Nolan is a director, for services in the period prior to the Company's IPO in February 2015.

   25   Events after balance sheet date 

On 2 March 2017, the Group disposed of its investment in the A1 Gdansk project in Poland for proceeds of EUR137.3 million.

ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)

Re-presented financial statements

Income Statement for the year ended 31 December 2015

 
                                Pro forma IFRS Group                     Re-presented income  Re-presented income 
                                    Income Statement  Adjustments                  statement  statement line items 
                                         GBP million  GBP million                GBP million 
 
Fair value movements -                                                                        Fair value movements - 
investment portfolio                           132.1            -                      132.1  investment portfolio 
Fair value movements -                                                                        Fair value movements - 
 other                                         (6.7)     (0.8)(a)                      (7.5)  other 
Investment fees from                                                                          Investment fees from 
 projects                                        7.7            -                        7.7  projects 
Net gain on investments 
 at fair value through 
 profit or loss                                133.1        (0.8)                      132.3 
 
IMS revenue                                     13.4            -                       13.4  IMS revenue 
PMS revenue                                     17.0            -                       17.0  PMS revenue 
Recoveries on financial                                                                       Recoveries on financial 
 close                                           3.4            -                        3.4  close 
Other income                                     0.7   (0.7)(a,c)                          - 
Other income                                    34.5        (0.7)                       33.8 
 
Total income                                   167.6        (1.5)                      166.1 
 
Cost of sales                                  (0.1)       0.1(c)                          - 
Cost of sales                                  (0.1)          0.1                          - 
 
Third party costs                              (6.9)       0.3(c)                      (6.6)  Third party costs 
Staff costs                                   (31.8)     (0.7)(a)                     (32.5)  Staff costs 
General overheads                             (11.7)            -                     (11.7)  General overheads 
Other net costs                                (3.4)     (0.2)(c)                      (3.6)  Other net costs 
Pension and other charges                      (1.5)       1.5(b)                          - 
Administrative expenses                       (55.3)          0.9                     (54.4) 
 
EBIT                                           112.2        (0.5)                      111.7 
 
Finance charges                               (11.3)     4.7(a,b)                      (6.6)  Finance charges 
                                                                                              Pension and other 
Pension and other charges                          -     (4.2)(b)                      (4.2)  charges 
Finance costs                                 (11.3)          0.5                     (10.8) 
 
Profit before tax                              100.9            -                      100.9 
 

Notes:

a) Adjustments comprise: GBP2.0 million interest income reclassified from 'fair value movements - other' to 'finance costs'; GBP0.7 million cost in respect of the IFRS 2 charge for share-based incentives reclassified from 'fair value movements - other' to 'staff costs'; GBP0.5 million fee income from project company shown as 'other income' in Group Income Statement reclassified to 'fair value movements - other' in re-presented income statement.

b) Under IAS 19, the costs of the pension schemes comprise a service cost of GBP1.5 million, included in administrative expenses in the Group Income Statement, and a finance charge of GBP2.7 million, included in finance costs in the Group Income Statement. These amounts are combined together under management reporting.

c) Other small reclassifications: (i) GBP0.1 million costs shown as 'cost of sales' in the Group Income Statement reclassified to 'other net costs'; (ii) GBP0.3 million of cost recoveries in 'other income' in the Group Income Statement offset against 'third party costs' in the re-presented income statement; (iii) other net costs of GBP0.1 million reclassified from 'other income' to 'other net costs'.

Balance sheet as at 31 December 2015

 
                                                   31 December 2015 
                                                                      Re-presented Balance    Re-presented balance 
                           IFRS Group Balance Sheet   Adjustments            Sheet            sheet line items 
                                 GBP million          GBP million         GBP million 
Non-current assets 
Intangible assets                               0.2       (0.2)(c)                         - 
Plant and equipment                             1.0       (1.0)(c)                         - 
Investments at FVTPL                          965.3     (123.9)(a)                     841.4  Portfolio book value 
                                                  -       123.9(b)                     123.9  Cash collateral balances 
                                                                                              Non-portfolio 
                                                  -         0.5(a)                       0.5  investments 
Deferred tax assets                             1.4       (1.4)(c)                         - 
                                                  -       5.6(c,e)                       5.6  Other long term assets 
                                              967.9            3.5                     971.4 
 
Current assets 
Trade and other 
 receivables                                    8.3       (8.3)(d)                         - 
                                                                                              Cash and cash 
Cash and cash equivalents                       1.1         4.4(a)                       5.5  equivalents 
                                                9.4          (3.9)                       5.5 
Total assets                                  977.3          (0.4)                     976.9 
 
Current liabilities 
                                                                                              Working capital and 
                                                  -  (22.1)(b,d,e)                    (22.1)  other balances 
Current tax liabilities                       (2.7)         2.7(d)                         - 
Borrowings                                   (14.9)       (4.1)(e)                    (19.0)  Cash borrowings 
Trade and other payables                     (19.6)        19.6(d)                         - 
                                             (37.2)          (3.9)                    (41.1) 
Liabilities directly 
 associated with assets 
 classified as held for 
 sale                                         (4.2)         4.2(d)                         - 
Net current liabilities                      (32.0)          (3.6)                    (35.6) 
 
Non-current liabilities 
Retirement benefit 
 obligations                                 (46.2)         7.3(f)                    (38.9)  Pension deficit (IAS 19) 
                                                                                              Other retirement benefit 
                                                  -       (7.3)(f)                     (7.3)  obligations 
Provisions                                    (0.1)         0.1(d)                         - 
                                             (46.3)            0.1                    (46.2) 
Total liabilities                            (87.7)            0.4                    (87.3) 
 
Net assets                                    889.6              -                     889.6 
 

Notes:

a) Investments at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL) comprise: portfolio valuation of GBP841.4 million, non-portfolio investments of GBP0.5 million and other assets and liabilities within recourse investment entity subsidiaries of GBP123.4 million (see note 11 to the Group financial statements). Re-presented cash and cash equivalents increased from GBP1.1 million on the Group Balance Sheet because of the inclusion of available cash balances in recourse group investment subsidiaries of GBP4.4 million excluding cash collateral balances of GBP123.9 million.

b) Other assets and liabilities within recourse investment entity subsidiaries of GBP123.4 million referred to in note (a) include (i) cash and cash equivalents of GBP128.3 million, of which GBP123.9 million is held to collateralise future investment commitments, and (ii) negative working capital and other balances of GBP4.9 million.

c) Intangible assets, plant and equipment and deferred tax assets are combined as other long term assets.

d) Trade and other receivables, current tax liabilities, trade and other payables, liabilities directly associated with assets classified as held for sale and provisions are combined as working capital and other balances.

e) Borrowings comprise cash borrowings of GBP19.0 million net of unamortised financing costs of GBP4.1 million, with the non-current portion of GBP3.0 million re-presented as other long term assets and the current portion of GBP1.1 million re-presented as working capital and other balances.

f) Total retirement benefit obligations are shown in their separate components as per note 18 to the Group financial statements.

Details of investments in project companies

Details of the Group's investments in project companies as at 31 December 2016 broken down by infrastructure sector are as follows:

 
                                                                                     Period of concession 
                                                                                         or estimated 
                                                                                        operating life 
                                                                                                            Equity 
                                                                                                            committed / 
                                                                                     Start                  invested 
Sector          Company name          Project name       % owned  Description         date   No. of years   (par value) 
 
Social 
Infrastructure 
 
Health          Alder Hey (Special    Alder Hey            40%    Design, build,     July         30        <GBP10 
                Purpose Vehicle)      Children's                  finance and        2015                   million 
                Limited               Hospital                    operate new 
                                                                  hospital in 
                                                                  Liverpool costing 
                                                                  GBP167 million. 
                SA Health             New Royal          17.26%   Design, build,      Nov         35        GBP25 - 
                Partnership Nominees  Adelaide Hospital           finance and        2011                   GBP50 
                Pty Limited                                       operate new                               million 
                                                                  hospital in 
                                                                  Adelaide, South 
                                                                  Australia costing 
                                                                  AUD $1,850 
                                                                  million. 
 
Justice and     Securefuture Wiri     Auckland South       30%    Design, build,     Sept         28        GBP10 - 
Emergency       Limited               Corrections                 finance and        2012                   GBP25 
Services                              Facility                    operate a 960                             million 
                                                                  place prison at 
                                                                  Wiri, South 
                                                                  Auckland, New 
                                                                  Zealand 
                                                                  costing NZD $270 
                                                                  million. 
 
Defence         Defence Support       DARA Red Dragon     100%    Design, build and   Aug         16        <GBP10 
                 (St Athan) Limited                               finance aircraft   2003                   million 
                                                                  maintenance 
                                                                  facilities at RAF 
                                                                  St. Athan costing 
                                                                  GBP89 million. 
 
Regeneration    Regenter Myatts       Lambeth Housing      50%    Build and           May         25        <GBP10 
                Field North Limited                               refurbish,         2012                   million 
                                                                  finance and 
                                                                  operate social 
                                                                  housing in 
                                                                  Lambeth costing 
                                                                  GBP72.6 million. 
 
Other           Westadium Project Co  New Perth Stadium    50%    Design, build,      Aug         28        GBP25 - 
accommodation   Pty Limited                                       finance,           2014                   GBP50 
                                                                  maintenance and                           million 
                                                                  operation of new 
                                                                  Perth Stadium in 
                                                                  Western Australia 
                                                                  comprising total 
                                                                  expenditure of 
                                                                  AUD $1.0 billion. 
 
Environmental 
 
Waste and       INEOS Runcorn (TPS)   Manchester Waste   37.43%   Design, build,      Apr         25        GBP10 - 
biomass         Limited               TPS Co                      finance and        2009                   GBP25 
                                                                  operate a waste                           million 
                                                                  CHP plant in 
                                                                  Runcorn costing 
                                                                  GBP233 million. 
                Viridor Laing         Manchester Waste     50%    Design, build and   Apr         25        GBP25 - 
                (Greater Manchester)  VL Co                       commission 42      2009                   GBP50 
                Limited                                           facilities                                million 
                                                                  comprising waste 
                                                                  processing and 
                                                                  recycling 
                                                                  services 
                                                                  in the Greater 
                                                                  Manchester area 
                                                                  with construction 
                                                                  costing GBP401 
                                                                  million. 
                Speyside Renewable    Speyside Biomass   43.35%   Design, build,      Aug         33        GBP10 - 
                Energy Partnership                                finance and        2014                   GBP25 
                Limited                                           operate a 15 MW                           million 
                                                                  biomass CHP plant 
                                                                  in Speyside. 
                Cramlington           Cramlington         44.7%   Design, build,     Sept         22        GBP25 - 
                Renewable Energy      Biomass                     finance and        2015                   GBP50 
                Developments Limited                              operate a 28 MW                           million 
                                                                  biomass CHP plant 
                                                                  in Cramlington. 
 
Wind            Rammeldalsberget      Rammeldalsberget    100%    Design, build,      Nov         24        GBP10 - 
                Vindkraft AB          wind farm                   finance and        2014                   GBP25 
                                                                  operate six 2.5                           million 
                                                                  MW turbines in 
                                                                  Sweden 
                Glencarbry Windfarm   Glencarbry wind     100%    Design, build,      Jan         26        GBP10 - 
                Limited               farm                        finance and        2016                   GBP25 
                                                                  operate seven 3.3                         million 
                                                                  MW and five 2.5 
                                                                  MW turbines in 
                                                                  Ireland 
                Kabeltrasse Morbach   Horath wind farm   81.82%   Design, build,      Nov         24        GBP10 - 
                GmbH & Co KG                                      finance and        2016                   GBP25 
                                                                  operate nine 3.3                          million 
                                                                  MW turbines in 
                                                                  Germany 
                HWF 1 Pty Limited     Hornsdale wind       30%    Design, build,      Aug         26        GBP10 - 
                                      farm (Phase 1)              finance and        2015                   GBP25 
                                                                  operate 32                                million 
                                                                  turbines to give 
                                                                  100 MW total 
                                                                  installed 
                                                                  capacity in 
                                                                  Australia. 
                HWF 2 Pty Limited     Hornsdale wind       20%    Design, build,     June         26        < GBP10 
                                      farm (Phase 2)              finance and        2016                   million 
                                                                  operate 32 
                                                                  turbines to give 
                                                                  100 MW total 
                                                                  installed 
                                                                  capacity in 
                                                                  Australia. 
                Kiata Wind Farm Pty   Kiata wind farm     72.3%   Design, build,      Nov         26        GBP10 - 
                Limited                                           finance and        2016                   GBP25 
                                                                  operate a nine                            million 
                                                                  turbine 30 MW 
                                                                  windfarm in 
                                                                  Australia 
                Llynfi Afan           Llynfi wind farm    100%    Design, build,     June         26        GBP10 - 
                Renewable Energy                                  finance and        2016                   GBP25 
                Park Limited                                      operate twelve 2                          million 
                                                                  MW turbines in 
                                                                  Wales. 
                Société     Pasilly wind farm   100%    Design, build,      Dec         26        < GBP10 
                d'Exploitation du                                 finance and        2015                   million 
                Parc Eolien Du                                    operate ten 2 MW 
                Tonnerois                                         turbines in 
                                                                  France. 
                Svartvallsberget SPW  Svartvallsberget    100%    Design, build,      Mar         26        GBP10 - 
                AB                    wind farm                   finance and        2013                   GBP25 
                                                                  operate ten 2 MW                          million 
                                                                  turbines in 
                                                                  Sweden 
                Klettwitz Shipkau     Klettwitz wind      100%    Design, build,      Oct         25        GBP25 - 
                Nord Beteiligungs     farm                        finance and        2015                   GBP50 
                GmbH                                              operate the                               million 
                                                                  re-powering of a 
                                                                  windfarm with 27 
                                                                  turbines to give 
                                                                  89 MW total 
                                                                  installed 
                                                                  capacity 
                AEM Wind LLC          Sterling wind       92.5%   Design, build,      Oct         31        GBP10 - 
                                      farm                        finance and        2016                   GBP25 
                                                                  operate 13 2.3 MW                         million 
                                                                  turbines in New 
                                                                  Mexico, USA 
                Parc Eolien des       St Martin wind      100%    Design, build,      Nov         27        < GBP10 
                Courtibeaux SAS       farm                        finance and        2016                   million 
                                                                  operate five 2.05 
                                                                  MW turbines in 
                                                                  France 
                Parc Eolien des       Sommette wind       100%    Design, build,     Sept         27        GBP10 - 
                Tournevents du Cos    farm                        finance and        2016                   GBP25 
                SAS                                               operate nine 2.4                          million 
                                                                  MW turbines in 
                                                                  France 
                OWP                   Nordergründe    30%    Design, build,      Aug         26        GBP25 - 
                Nordergründe     offshore wind               finance and        2016                   GBP50 
                GmbH & Co. KG         farm                        operate 18                                million 
                                                                  offshore 6.2 MW 
                                                                  turbines in the 
                                                                  German North Sea 
 
Transport 
 
Other           CountyRoute (A130)    A130                100%    Design, build,      Feb         30        < GBP10 
                plc                                               finance and         2000                  million 
                                                                  operate the A130 
                                                                  bypass linking 
                                                                  the A12 and A127 
                                                                  in Essex at a 
                                                                  cost of GBP76 
                                                                  million. 
                Gdansk Transport      A1 Gdansk Poland   29.69%   Design, build,      Aug         35        GBP10 - 
                Company SA                                        finance and        2004                   GBP25 
                                                                  operate the A1                            million 
                                                                  motorway in 
                                                                  Poland in two 
                                                                  phases at a cost 
                                                                  of EUR651 
                                                                  million for phase 
                                                                  1 and EUR900 
                                                                  million for phase 
                                                                  2. 
                I-4 Mobility          I-4 Ultimate         50%    Design, build,     Sept         40        GBP10 - 
                Partners Op Co LLC                                finance and        2014                   GBP25 
                                                                  operate 21 miles                          million 
                                                                  of the I-4 
                                                                  Interstate in 
                                                                  Florida, US at a 
                                                                  cost 
                                                                  of USD $2.32 
                                                                  billion. 
                I-77 Mobility         I-77 Managed         10%    Design, build,      May         53        GBP10 - 
                Partners LLC          Lanes                       finance and        2015                   GBP25 
                                                                  operate 25.9                              million 
                                                                  miles of the I-77 
                                                                  Interstate in 
                                                                  Charlotte, North 
                                                                  Carolina, 
                                                                  US at a cost of 
                                                                  USD $665 million. 
                Severn River          Severn River         35%    Design, build,      Apr   The earlier of  GBP10 - 
                Crossing Plc          Crossing                    finance and        1992    30 years or    GBP25 
                                                                  operate a second             until a      million 
                                                                  crossing over the         pre-determined 
                                                                  Severn River plus            level of 
                                                                  operate and                  revenue 
                                                                  maintain existing            achieved 
                                                                  crossing. 
                                                                  Construction cost 
                                                                  approximately 
                                                                  GBP320 million. 
                MAK Mecsek Autopalya  M6 Hungary           30%    Design,             Apr         27        GBP10 - 
                Koncesszios Zrt.                                  construction,      2010                   GBP25 
                                                                  refurbishment,                            million 
                                                                  operation, 
                                                                  maintenance and 
                                                                  financing of 48 
                                                                  km section 
                                                                  of M6 expressway 
                                                                  and 32 km of M60 
                                                                  expressway at a 
                                                                  cost of EUR886 
                                                                  million. 
                Parkway A6 BV         A6                   85%    Design, build,      Nov         23        < GBP10 
                                                                  finance, manage    2016                   million 
                                                                  and maintain for 
                                                                  a 20 year 
                                                                  operational 
                                                                  period the A6 
                                                                  Almere 
                                                                  highway in the 
                                                                  greater Amsterdam 
                                                                  region. 
                A1 Mobil GmbH & Co.   A1 Germany          42.5%   Construct and       Aug         30        GBP25 - 
                KG                                                operate the A1     2008                   GBP50 
                                                                  Autobahn between                          million 
                                                                  Bremen and 
                                                                  Hamburg in 
                                                                  Germany at a cost 
                                                                  of EUR417.1 
                                                                  million. 
                A-Lanes A15 BV        A15 Netherlands      28%    Design, build,      Dec         25        GBP10 - 
                                                                  finance and        2010                   GBP25 
                                                                  maintain the A15                          million 
                                                                  highway south of 
                                                                  Rotterdam (about 
                                                                  40 km) at a 
                                                                  construction cost 
                                                                  of EUR727 
                                                                  million. 
                City Greenwich        City Greenwich       5%     Construction and    Oct         25        GBP10 - 
                Lewisham Rail Link    Lewisham (DLR)              operation of       1996                   GBP25 
                plc                                               infrastructure on                         million 
                                                                  Lewisham 
                                                                  extension of the 
                                                                  Docklands Light 
                                                                  Railway (DLR) at 
                                                                  a cost of GBP205 
                                                                  million. 
                Aylesbury Vale        Aylesbury Vale       50%    Construction and    Aug         21        <GBP10 
                Parkway Limited       Parkway                     operation of the   2007                   million 
                                                                  Aylesbury Vale 
                                                                  Parkway Station. 
                                                                  Construction cost 
                                                                  GBP15.5 
                                                                  million. 
                John Laing Rail       Coleshill Parkway   100%    Construction and    Mar         21        <GBP10 
                Infrastructure                                    operation of the   2006                   million 
                Limited                                           Coleshill Parkway 
                                                                  Station. 
                                                                  Construction cost 
                                                                  GBP7.1 million. 
                Denver Transit        Denver Eagle P3      45%    Design, build,      Aug         34        GBP10 - 
                Partners LLC                                      finance,           2010                   GBP25 
                                                                  maintenance and                           million 
                                                                  operation of 
                                                                  passenger rail 
                                                                  systems in 
                                                                  Denver, Colorado. 
                                                                  Construction cost 
                                                                  USD $1.27 
                                                                  billion. 
                ALTRAC Light Rail     Sydney Light Rail   32.5%   Design, build,      Feb         19        GBP50 - 
                Partnership                                       finance, operate   2015                   GBP100 
                                                                  and maintain the                          million 
                                                                  CBD and South 
                                                                  East Light Rail 
                                                                  and to operate 
                                                                  and maintain the 
                                                                  Inner West Light 
                                                                  Rail in Sydney, 
                                                                  Australia. 
                Croydon and Lewisham  Croydon &            50%    Installation and    Apr         25        <GBP10 
                Lighting Services     Lewisham Street             maintenance of     2011                   million 
                Limited               Lighting                    street lighting. 
                                                                  Programme cost 
                                                                  GBP74.2 million. 
 
Rolling stock   Agility Trains West   IEP (Phase 1)        30%    Delivery and        May         41        GBP50 - 
                Limited                                           maintenance of     2012                   GBP100 
                                                                  intercity train                           million 
                                                                  services on the 
                                                                  Great Western 
                                                                  Main Line (UK) 
                                                                  using 
                                                                  a fleet of new 
                                                                  Super Express 
                                                                  Trains and 
                                                                  maintenance 
                                                                  facilities. 
                                                                  Construction cost 
                                                                  GBP1.8 billion. 
                Agility Trains East   IEP (Phase 2)        30%    Delivery and        Apr         41        GBP50 - 
                Limited                                           maintenance of     2014                   GBP100 
                                                                  intercity train                           million 
                                                                  services on the 
                                                                  East Coast Main 
                                                                  Line (UK) using 
                                                                  a fleet of new 
                                                                  Super Express 
                                                                  Trains and 
                                                                  maintenance 
                                                                  facilities. 
                                                                  Construction cost 
                                                                  GBP1.6 billion. 
                NGR Project Company   New Generation       40%    Provision and       Jan         32        GBP10 - 
                Pty Limited           Rolling stock               maintenance of 75  2014                   GBP25 
                                                                  new six-car                               million 
                                                                  trains for 
                                                                  Queensland Rail, 
                                                                  Australia. 
                                                                  Construction 
                                                                  cost AUD $1.8 
                                                                  billion. 
 

Shareholder Information

Financial Diary

 
7 March 2017  Full Year Results Presentation 
11 May 2017   Annual General Meeting 
19 May 2017   Payment of Final Dividend 
August 2017   Announcement of Half Year Results 
October 2017  Interim Dividend expected to be paid 
 

Registered Office and Advisers

Secretary and Registered Office

C Cattermole

1 Kingsway

London WC2B 6AN Registered No: 05975300

Auditor

Deloitte LLP

2 New Street Square

London EC4A 3BZ

Solicitors

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP

65 Fleet Street

London EC4Y 1HS

Principal Group Banks

Barclays Bank PLC

1 Churchill Place

London E14 5HP

HSBC Bank plc

60 Queen Victoria Street

London EC4N 4TR

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited

40 Bank Street

London E14 5EJ

The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Limited

Ropemaker Place

25 Ropemaker Street

London EC2Y 9AN

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation

99 Queen Victoria Street

London EC4V 4EH

Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank

Broadwalk House

5 Appold Street

London EC2A 2DA

Joint Stockbrokers

Barclays Bank PLC

5 The North Colonnade

Canary Wharf

London E14 4BB

HSBC Bank plc

8 Canada Square

London E14 5HQ

Independent Valuers

KPMG LLP

15 Canada Square

Canary Wharf

London E14 5GL

Registrars

Equiniti

Aspect House

Spencer Road

Lancing

West Sussex BN99 6DA

Please contact the Registrars at the address above to advise of a change of address or for any enquiries relating to dividend payments, lost share certificates or other share registration matters. The Registrars provide on-line facilities at www.shareview.co.uk. Once you have registered you will be able to access information on your John Laing Group plc shareholding, update your personal details and amend your dividend payment instructions on-line without having to call or write to the Registrars.

Registrars Queries

Information on how to manage your shareholdings can be found at https://help.shareview.co.uk. The pages at this web address provide answers to commonly asked questions regarding shareholder registration, links to downloadable forms and guidance notes.

If your question is not answered by the information provided, you can send your enquiry via secure email from the pages at https://help.shareview.co.uk. You will be asked to complete a structured form and to provide your Shareholder Reference, name and address. You will also need to provide your email address if this is how you would like to receive your response.

Alternatively you can telephone: 0371 384 2030. Lines are open 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday.

Calls from overseas: +44 121 415 7047.

Company Website

The Company's website at www.laing.com contains the latest information for shareholders, including press releases and an updated financial diary. Email alerts of the latest news, press releases and financial reports about John Laing Group plc may be obtained by registering for the email news alert service on the website.

Share Price Information

The latest price of the Company's ordinary shares is available on www.laing.com. Alternatively click on www.londonstockexchange.com. John Laing's ticker symbol is JLG. John Laing is classified in the Speciality Finance Sector of Financial Services on The London Stock Exchange. It is recommended that you consult your financial adviser and verify information obtained from these services before making any investment decision.

Dividends

Shareholders who wish to have their dividends paid directly into a bank or building society account should contact the Registrars.

Share Dealing Services

The Registrars offer a real-time telephone and internet dealing service for the UK. Further details including terms and rates can be obtained by logging on to the website at www.shareview.co.uk/dealing or by calling 03846 037 037. Lines are open between 8am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

FR FMGGFVNVGNZG

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

March 07, 2017 02:02 ET (07:02 GMT)

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