GLPR.L Regulatory News (GLPR)

For immediate release 14 March 2018

Global Ports Investments PLC

2017 Full-Year Results

Global Ports Investments PLC ("Global Ports" or the "Company", together with its subsidiaries and joint ventures, the "Group" or the "Global Ports Group"; LSE ticker: GLPR) today announces its operational results and publishes its consolidated financial statements for the twelve-month period ended 31 December 2017.

For the 2017 Full-Year Results presentation please click here

http://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/6647H_-2018-3-14.pdf .

For the Directors’ report and consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017 please click here

http://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/6647H_1-2018-3-14.pdf

For the Directors’ report and parent company financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017 please click here 

http://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/6647H_2-2018-3-14.pdf 

Certain financial information which is derived from the management accounts is marked in this announcement with an asterisk {*}. Information (including non-IFRS financial measures) requiring additional explanation or terms which begin with capital letters and the explanations or definitions thereto are provided at the end of this announcement. 

SUMMARY

Recovery in the Russian container market continued in the second half of 2017, posting 16% growth in volumes for the full year. This growth was principally driven by a revival in imports, due to improved consumer demand, along with increased containerisation of exports.

Against this backdrop, the Group continued to implement its strategy of harnessing the recovery of the container market, developing additional revenue streams, improving operational efficiency, maximising free cash flow generation and deleveraging.

The growth of Global Ports' Consolidated Marine Container Throughput accelerated to 11.8% in the second half of 2017, resulting in 6.8% growth for 2017 as a whole. This acceleration in growth has continued into 2018 with a 23% increase in Consolidated Marine Container Throughput in January-February 2018, outpacing the Russian container market growth of 16% for the same two-month period.

The Group also delivered a record 21.9% year-on-year increase in Consolidated Marine Bulk Cargo Throughput in 2017, which reached an all-time high of 2.7 million tonnes.

As a result of these operational achievements, Global Ports generated Revenue of USD 330.5 million, Gross profit of USD 182.0 million, Adjusted EBITDA of USD 201.6 million* and Free Cash Flow of USD 145.9 million* in 2017. The Group's Net Debt1 reduced by a further USD 81.4 million* over the period.

Group financial and operational highlights for Full-Year 2017

● The Russian container market sustained its recovery in the second half of 2017, resulting in 16% volume growth for 2017 as a whole. Total container throughput in the Russian container market reached 4.4 million TEU.

● The Group's Consolidated Marine Container Throughput increased 6.8% to 1,205 thousand TEU in 2017 compared to 1,128 thousand TEU in 2016. Throughput growth accelerated to 11.8% for the second half of 2017 over the comparable period last year.

● The Group focused on increasing bulk cargo volumes to improve the utilisation rates at its terminals. As a result, Consolidated Marine Bulk Throughput increased by 21.9% to 2.7 million tonnes in 2017, a record level in the Group's history, driven by growth in coal handling at VSC and bulk cargoes at PLP.

● Revenue in 2017 remained broadly flat at USD 330.5 million USD (0.3% decline compared to 2016) compared to USD 331.5 million in 2016. A 5.5% decrease in container revenue was largely offset by 22.7% growth in non-container revenue. The reduction in container revenue was driven by the 11.5% decline in Revenue per TEU as a result of pricing initiatives introduced at the beginning of the year.

● Total Operating Cash Costs increased 20.3% during 2017 primarily due to the appreciation of the Rouble against the US dollar. FX adjusted Total Operating Cash Costs2 increased by just 4.9% despite strong growth in container and bulk cargo volumes.

● Gross Profit in 2017 increased 25.2% to USD 182.0 million*.

● Adjusted EBITDA in 2017 decreased 10.1% to USD 201.6 million* mainly due to the decline in Revenue per TEU and the negative impact of the Russian rouble appreciation3 on the Group's largely RUB-denominated cost base when translated into US dollars.

● In the second half of 2017, adjusted EBITDA grew 7.2% to USD 104.3 million* compared to the first half of 2017 and the Adjusted EBITDA Margin improved to 62.1% versus 59.9% in 1H17 driven by the Group's volume recovery and strict cost control.

● The operating loss in 2017 amounted to USD 5.3 million as the Gross profit achieved of USD 182 million was absorbed by one-off non-monetary items such as Impairment, Loss from the Group's share of the result in joint ventures and Recycling of derivative losses previously recognised through other comprehensive income.

● The Group's capital expenditures on a cash basis were USD 28.0 million in 2017, in line with the Group's mid-term guidance of USD 25-35 million. Capital expenditure was focused on planned maintenance and an increase in annual capacity for coal handling at VSC from 1 million tonnes to 2.5 million tonnes.

● Net cash from operating activities decreased by USD 21.9 million, or 11.2%, from USD 195.8 million in 2016, to USD 173.9 million in 2017.

● Free Cash Flow remained strong at USD 145.9 million*, although this was 17.9% below the level generated in 2016. This decline was primarily due to a decrease in cash generated from operations from USD 218.7 million to USD 196.7 million. In the second half of 2017 the Group generated USD 75.6 million* of Free Cash Flow, 7.4% more than in the first half of 2017.

● The Group continued to deleverage and reduced Net Debt4 by a further USD 81.4 million* compared to 2016. The Group decreased its Total Debt by USD 70.2 million* during 2017 with Total Debt down more than USD 467 million* since the NCC Group acquisition at the end of 2013.

● In December 2017, the Moscow Arbitrage Court approved the terms of a settlement agreement between the Russian Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) and the Group's VSC, PLP and FCT terminals with respect to the findings of FAS in April 2017 that these terminals (as well as a number of other Russian terminal operators) were in breach of antimonopoly laws in relation to the pricing of stevedoring services in Russian ports. The terms of the settlement will not have any material impact on the Group's financial position or cash flow and will not negatively affect operating activities in any significant way.

● In line with previously disclosed statements made in March 2015, the Group continues to prioritise deleveraging over dividend distribution.

Mikhail Loganov, CEO of Global Ports Management, commented:

"The recovery in the Russian container market continues to gain momentum with December volumes at their highest levels since 2014 and with 2018 starting healthily. The combination of acceleration in our container volumes, strong growth in bulk cargo throughput, and strict cost control resulted in increased Adjusted EBITDA and an expansion of Adjusted EBITDA Margin for the Group in the second half of the year.

Balance sheet discipline continues to be critical for Global Ports and we remain highly focused on deleveraging. We reduced our net debt by another USD 81.4 million in 2017 and since the NCC acquisition, the Group's total debt position has been reduced by almost half a billion US dollars.

In 2018, we are continuing with our commercial efforts aimed at securing momentum for our container volume growth. Although we currently anticipate that this may result in a single digit decline in our revenue per TEU over the current year, this approach is gaining strong traction as our volume growth in the first two months of the year has outpaced the current level of market growth.

Looking forward, we are well placed to benefit from the continued expansion of Russia's undercontainerised market, supported by real wages growth and recovery in consumer sentiment."

Further information is available in the following Appendices:

● Appendix 1: Results of operations for Global Ports for the twelve months ended 31 December 2017;

● Appendix 2: Reconciliation of Additional data (Non IFRS) to the Consolidated Financial Information;

● Appendix 3: Definitions and Presentation of Information; and

● Appendix 4: Investor Presentation. http://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/6647H_-2018-3-14.pdf

Other

Pursuant to Article 2.1(i) (ii) of the Transparency Directive (2004/109/EC) and Rule 6.4.2 of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the UK Financial Services Authority, the Company confirms that it has chosen the United Kingdom as its Home State.

Downloads

The consolidated financial statements for the twelve months ended 31 December 2017 for Global Ports are available for viewing and downloading at www.globalports.com.

Analyst and Investor Conference call

The publication of these results will be accompanied by an analyst and investor conference call hosted by:

· Mikhail Loganov, Chief Executive Officer, Global Ports Management LLC;

· Alexander Roslavtsev, Chief Financial Officer, Global Ports Management LLC;

· Brian Bitsch, Chief Commercial Officer, Global Ports Management LLC;

· Arnout Dirk Lugtmeijer, General Manager of Vopak E.O.S.;

· Dirk van Assendelft, General Manager of Multi-Link Terminals;

· Alexander Iodchin, Managing Director of Global Ports Investments PLC.

Date: Tuesday, 14 March 2018

Time: 13.00 UK / 9.00 US (east coast) / 16.00 Moscow

To participate in the conference call, please dial one of the following numbers and ask to be put through to the "Global Ports" call:

Standard International Access: +44 (0) 20 3003 2666

UK Toll Free: 0808 109 0700

USA Toll Free: +1 866 966 5335

Russia Toll Free: 8 10 8002 4902044

ENQUIRIES

Global Ports Investor Relations

Mikhail Grigoriev / Tatiana Khansuvarova

+7 495 989 4769

+7 916 991 7396

Email: ir@globalports.com

Global Ports Media Relations

Anna Vostrukhova

+7 495 989 4769

E-mail: media@globalports.com 

Teneo Blue Rubicon

Zoё Watt / Doug Campbell

+44 20 7240 2486

E-mail: globalports@teneobluerubicon.com

NOTES TO EDITORS

Global Ports Investments PLC is the leading operator of container terminals in the Russian market.

Global Ports' terminals are located in the Baltic and Far East Basins, key regions for foreign trade cargo flows. Global Ports operates five container terminals in Russia (Petrolesport, First Container Terminal, Ust-Luga Container Terminal5 and Moby Dik6 in the Russian Baltics, and Vostochnaya Stevedoring Company in the Russian Far East) and two container terminals in Finland7 (Multi-Link Terminals in Helsinki and Kotka). Global Ports also owns inland container terminals Yanino Logistics Park8 and Logistika-Terminal9, both located in the vicinity of St. Petersburg, and has a 50% stake in the major oil products terminal Vopak E.O.S.10 in Estonia.

Global Ports' Revenue for 2017 was USD 330.5 million and Adjusted EBITDA was USD 201.6 million*. Consolidated Marine Container Throughput was 1,205 thousand TEU in 2017.

Global Ports' major shareholders are Transportation Investments Holding Limited (operating under the brand name of N-Trans), one of the largest private transportation and infrastructure groups in Russia (30.75%), and APM Terminals B.V. (30.75%), whose core expertise is the design, construction, management and operation of ports, terminals and inland services. APM Terminals operates a global terminal network of 76 ports and 117 inland services facilities, giving the company a global presence in 59 countries. 20.5% of Global Ports shares are traded in the form of global depositary receipts listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (LSE ticker: GLPR).

For more information please see: www.globalports.com

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

Some of the information in these materials may contain projections or other forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future financial performance of Global Ports. You can identify forward looking statements by terms such as "expect", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "intend", "will", "could," "may" or "might" or the negative of such terms or other similar expressions. Global Ports wishes to caution you that these statements are only predictions and that actual events or results may differ materially. Global Ports does not intend to update these statements to reflect events and circumstances occurring after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Many factors could cause the actual results to differ materially from those contained in projections or forward-looking statements of Global Ports, including, among others, general political and economic conditions, the competitive environment, risks associated with operating in Russia and market change in the industries Global Ports operates in, as well as many other risks related to Global Ports and its operations. 

Appendix 1: Results of operations for Global Ports for the twelve months ended 31 December 2017

The financial information presented in this appendix is extracted from the consolidated financial statements of Global Ports for the twelve-month period ended 31 December 2017, prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union ("IFRS"). This appendix also includes certain non-IFRS financial information, identified using capitalised terms below. For further information on the calculation of such non-IFRS financial information, see Appendix 3 (Definitions and Presentation of Information) and the section entitled "Non-IFRS Measures: Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin" below. Readers of this appendix should read the entire announcement together with the Global Ports Group Condensed Consolidated Financial Information (unaudited) also released on the date hereof, and not just rely on the summary information set out below.

Certain financial information which is derived from the management accounts is marked in this announcement with an asterisk {*}.

Rounding adjustments have been made in calculating some of the financial and operational information included in this presentation. As a result, numerical figures shown as totals in some tables may not be exact arithmetic aggregations of the figures that precede them.

Operating Information

The table below sets out the container and bulk cargo throughput of the Group's terminals for the periods indicated. Gross throughput is shown on a 100% basis for each terminal, including terminals held through joint ventures and accounted for using the equity method.

The Russian container market continued its rapid recovery in the second half of 2017 rising 16.2% y-o‑y which resulted in 16.0% growth for full year 2017 compared to 2016. The main driver of this growth was a 20.0% increase in the handling of laden import containers. Throughput of laden export containers at Russian terminals also continued to grow rapidly (+12.2% y-o-y), mainly due to increased exports and the wider use of containers in Russia.

Overall marine container throughput by Russian terminals reached 4.43 million TEU in 2017 compared to 3.82 million TEU for 2016. As a result of market growth, average container handling capacity utilisation11 for the market improved to approximately 60% in December 2017 compared to 47% in 2016.

Container throughput in the Far East and South of Russia demonstrated higher growth rates of 26.8% y‑o-y and 19.7% y-o-y respectively, underpinned by the shortage of shipping capacity on the Asia-Europe route that is handled through the Baltic Basin. The Russian Baltic Basin, where six of the Group's seven marine terminals are located, remains the key container gateway to Russia handling 50.3% of the total containers in Russia in 2017, although with a slower growth rate of 10.7% y-o-y.

The Group's Consolidated Marine Container Throughput increased 6.8% to 1,205 thousand TEU in the reporting period compared to 1,128 thousand TEU in 2016. Following the introduction of pricing initiatives at the beginning of 2017, the Group delivered 2% growth in container volumes in the first half of 2017, with growth accelerating to 11.5% y-o-y in the second half of 2017 and [20.2%] in January-February 2018.

Traditional Ro-Ro handling increased 59.2% to 23.9 thousand units in the 2017, from 15.0 thousand units in 2016. The key driver of such growth was the export of Kamaz vehicles to Asia.

The Group's car handling volumes were broadly flat y-o-y, decreasing by 1.0% to 95 thousand cars. The Group's volumes were impacted by Toyota's decision to start local production of one of their models which had previously been imported as well as PLP's continued focus on the premium car segment.

The Group continued to focus on increasing bulk cargo volumes in 2017 to improve the utilisation rates at its terminals. As a result, Consolidated Marine Bulk Throughput increased by 21.9% (485 thousand tonnes) to 2,695 thousand tonnes. The growth in Consolidated Marine Bulk Throughput was primarily driven by growth in export coal handling at VSC and an increase in scrap metal and other export bulk cargo handling at PLP.

In response to high demand for coal handling services the Group increased its coal handling capacity at VSC in 2017 which has already reached its planned high utilisation levels. The Group have no plans to increase coal capacity at VSC further given the strong recovery of the container market.

Results of operations of Global Ports for the twelve-month period ended 31 December 2017 and 2016.

The following table sets out the principal components of the Group's consolidated income statement and certain additional non-IFRS data of the Group for the twelve months ended 31 December 2017 and 2016.

Revenue

The following table sets forth the components of the consolidated Revenue for the twelve months of 2017 and 2016.

In 2017 revenue was broadly flat, decreasing by USD 1.0 million or 0.3% y-o-y to USD 330.5 million12. The decline in container handling revenue was offset by an increase in other revenue.

Revenue from container handling declined 5.5%, or USD 15.0 million to USD 254.8 million*. This decline was driven by a 11.5%* fall in consolidated Revenue per TEU due to pricing initiatives introduced at the beginning of the year, which was partially offset by the Group's 6.8% growth in consolidated container throughput.

Other revenue increased by 22.7%, or USD 14.0 million, to USD 75.7 million*, driven by coal and other cargo handling. Revenue from other services, primarily related to Russian rouble-priced railway services at VSC13, grew along with higher volumes of services provided by VSC due to increased container throughput. Ro-ro cargo handling volumes also grew by 59.2% in the period.

The share of non-container revenue in consolidated revenue of the Group increased from 18.6%* in the 2016 to 22.9%* in 2017.

In order to increase the attractiveness of its ports, in 2017 Global Ports introduced Russian rouble-based pricing for services offered to Russian freight-forwarders and cargo owners.

Cost of sales

The following table sets out a breakdown by expense of the Cost of sales for 2017 and 2016:

Cost of sales decreased by USD 37.6 million, or 20.2%, from USD 186.1 million in 2016 to USD 148.5 million in 2017. The decrease was primarily driven by a significant reduction in the non-cash property, plant and equipment impairment charge of USD 11.4 million (versus USD 67.5 million in 2016). Cash Cost of Sales increased by 22.7% from USD 71.0 million* in 2016 to 87.1 million* in 2017. Property, plant and equipment depreciation increased by 8.0% from USD 34.3 million in 2016 to USD 37.0 million in 2017, primarily driven by the appreciation of the Russian rouble mentioned below.

The increase in the Cash Cost of Sales was largely driven by the 14.6% appreciation of the average exchange rate of the Russian rouble against the US dollar in 2017. As the significant majority of the Group's Cash Cost of Sales items are Rouble-denominated, the volatility of the exchange rate has a significant impact on costs presented in US dollars. Cash Cost of Sales adjusted for foreign exchange rate change grew 6.9%*14 on the back of 6.8% growth in container throughput and 21.9% growth in Consolidated Marine Bulk Throughput.

Impairment of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

The Group follows its accounting policies to test goodwill and other non-financial assets for possible impairment or reversal of impairment. For LT, the inland terminal near St.-Petersburg, the fair value of property, plant and equipment has been assessed using comparative market method taking into account the agreement for its sale signed in August 2017. Based on the procedure above the impairment charges of USD 11.4 million for LT were recognised. This impairment charge was fully allocated to property, plant and equipment.

Gross profit

Gross profit increased by USD 36.6 million, or 25.2%, from USD 145.4 million in 2016 to USD 182.0 million in 2017. This decrease was due to the factors described above.

Administrative, selling and marketing expenses

Administrative, selling and marketing expenses increased by USD 6.1 million, or 16.5%, from USD 36.7 million in 2016 to USD 42.7 million in 2017. This was primarily due to an increase of USD 3.9 million in Staff costs, a USD 0.7 million increase in Operating lease costs as well as an increase of USD 1.3 million in Other expenses which were partially offset by a USD 0.5 million decrease in Taxes. As a substantial part of the Group's Administrative, selling and marketing expenses are Russian rouble-denominated, the volatility of the exchange rate has a significant impact on costs presented in US dollars. The average exchange rate of the Russian rouble appreciated against the US dollar by 14.6% in the 2017 compared to 2016. Administrative, selling and marketing expenses adjusted for foreign exchange rate change increased by 0.9%*13 in 2017.

Share of profit/(loss) of joint ventures accounted for using the equity method

The Group's share of loss from joint ventures increased from USD 40.4 million in 2016 to USD 73.3 million in 2017. This result was principally due to unfavourable results from Vopak E.O.S (Estonia), which were caused primarily by a structural deterioration of the business environment in which the terminal operates, which is heavily dependent on the flows of Russian oil products. As a result, the Group has taken an impairment charge of USD 71.6 million on its investment. The investment in Vopak E.O.S has been impaired to the carrying amount of USD 7.3 million.

Other gains/(losses)-net

Other gains/(losses) amounted to a net loss of USD 71.3 million in 2017, compared to a loss of USD 68.8 million in 2017. This was primarily due to an increase in the recycling of derivative losses previously recognised through other comprehensive income from USD 63.2 million in 2016 to USD 69.6 in 2017. The nature of this loss is the following: upon acquisition of NCC at the end of 2013 the Group designated an acquired derivative as a cash flow hedge instrument on one of NCC's loans. At the end of 2015 the Group partly restructured its debt portfolio. In the course of this restructuring this loan has been terminated. This resulted in the termination of the cross-currency interest rate swap arrangement explained above. The termination of the cross-currency interest rate swap arrangement together with the settlement of the related loan led to the cancellation of the related cash flow hedge and non-cash loss recycling in the Group's consolidated income statement during the contractual maturity of the settled loan. As of 31 December 2017 the loss was recycled in full.

Operating profit/(loss)

The Group's operating loss increased by USD 4.9 million from USD 0.5 million in 2016 to USD 5.4 million in 2017 due to the factors described above.

Finance income/(costs)-net

Finance income/(costs) -net changed from income of USD 110.3 million in 2016 to a cost of USD 18.8 million in 2017. This move was primarily due to the decrease in foreign exchange gains on financing activities from USD 142.6 million in 2016 to USD 27.9 million in 2017. This was a result of a lower appreciation of the Russian rouble, which in turn led to reduced gains from the translation of US dollar-denominated borrowings in the Group's subsidiaries. Further, a lower positive change in the fair value of derivative instruments15 of USD 42.1 million in 2017 compared to a positive change of USD 64.4 million in 2016 contributed to the movement in finance income/(costs) -net.

Profit/(loss) before income tax

Profit/(loss) before income tax decreased from a profit of USD 109.9 million in 2016 to a loss of USD 24.1 million due to the factors described above.

Income tax expense

In 2017, the income tax expense was USD 28.8 million, compared to USD 48.6 million in 2016. The difference in the effective tax rate from the normally applicable Russian statutory tax rate of 20% was largely driven by the effect of expenses and losses not deductible for tax purposes, withholding tax on undistributed profits and non‑taxable results of joint ventures.

Profit/(loss) for the period

The company reported a loss of USD 53.0 million in 2017 compared to a profit of USD 61.3 million in 2016 due to the factors described above.

Liquidity and capital resources

General

As at 31 December 2017, the Group had USD 130.4 million in cash and cash equivalents.

The Group's liquidity needs arise primarily in connection with repayments of principal and interest payments, and the capital investment programmes and ongoing operating costs of its operations. In 2017 the Group's liquidity needs were met primarily by cash flows generated from its operating activities. The management of the Group expects to fund its liquidity requirements in both the short and medium term with cash generated from operating activities and borrowings.

As a result of the shareholding or joint venture agreements at Moby Dik, the Finnish Ports, Yanino and Vopak E.O.S., the cash generated from the operating activities of each of the entities in those businesses is not freely available to fund the other operations and capital expenditures of the Group or any other businesses within the Group and can only be lent to an entity or distributed as a dividend with the consent of the other shareholders to those arrangements.

As of 31 December 2017, the Group had USD 996.4 million of total borrowings16, of which USD 49.5 million comprised current borrowings and USD 946.8 million comprised non‑current borrowings. As at 31 December 2017, the Group had no undrawn borrowing facilities. See also "-Capital resources".

Cash flows

The following table sets out the principal components of the Group's consolidated cash flow statement for 2017 and 2016.

Net cash from operating activities

Net cash from operating activities decreased by USD 21.9 million, or 11.2%, from USD 195.8 million in 2016, to USD 173.9 million in 2017. The decrease in net cash from operating activities was primarily due to a USD 22.0 million, or 10%, decline in the cash generated from operations in 2017 compared to 2016, which was partially offset by the USD 5.5 million or 103.8% increase in Dividends received from joint ventures. This growth was driven by a dividend payment declared by VEOS previously and paid in 2017..

Net cash used in investing activities

Net cash used in investing activities increased by USD 9.0 million, or 35.2%, from USD 25.6 million in 2016 to USD 34.6 million in 2017. This increase was primarily driven by a USD 10.0 million or 55.4% increase in Purchases of property, plant and equipment from USD 18.0 million in 2016 to USD 28.0 million in 2017. Purchases of property, plant and equipment were in line with the previously announced mid-term CAPEX guidance of USD 25-35 million. The Group's modern and already well-invested terminals allow for lower capital investments without compromising the efficiency and safety of the operations. Capital expenditure was focused on planned maintenance and an increase in capacity for coal handling at VSC from 1 million tonnes to 2.5 million tonnes. Purchases of intangible assets increased from USD 0.1 million in 2016 to USD 1.8 million in 2017. The primary use of these investments were: (a) an upgrade of the IT platform for the terminal operation system at PLP and (b) advance payments for a new ERP platform.

Net cash used in financing activities

Net cash used in financing activities decreased by USD 46.7 million, or 26.6%, from USD 175.9 million in 2016 to USD 129.1 million 2017. The decrease in net cash used in financing activities was primarily due to the decrease in net proceeds and repayment of borrowings and finance lease principal payments by USD 56.0 million or 48.1% from USD 116.2 million in 2016 to USD 60.3 million in 2017. This decrease is in line with the Group's debt repayment schedule.

Capital resources

The Group's financial indebtedness consists of bank borrowings, bonds, loans from third parties, finance leases liabilities and net derivative financial instruments and reached USD 996.4 million as at 31 December 2017. As of that date, all of the Group's borrowings were secured by equity interests in certain Group members or by guarantees and suretyships granted by certain Group members. Certain of these borrowings contain covenants requiring the Group and the borrower to maintain specific indebtedness to Adjusted EBITDA and other ratios, as well as covenants having the effect of restricting the ability of the borrower to transfer assets, make loans and pay dividends to other members of the Group.

The weighted average interest rate of the Group's debt portfolio is 6.8%, including the effects of swap arrangements.

As at 31 December 2017, the Group had leverage of Net debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio of 4.3* (compared to a ratio of 4.2* as at 31 December 2016 and 4.4* as at 30.06.2017).

The following table sets out the maturity profile of the Group's total borrowings (including finance leases) and net derivative financial instruments as at 31 December 2017.

As at 31 December 2017, the carrying amounts of the Group's borrowings were denominated in the following currencies:

As at 31 December 2017, the carrying amounts of a majority of the Group's borrowings denominated in Russian roubles, in the amount of USD 267.8 million, were swapped into US dollars. 

Appendix 2: Reconciliation of Additional data (Non IFRS) to the Consolidated Financial Information for the twelve-month period ended 31 December 2017

Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Profit for the period

Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA Margin

Reconciliation of Total Operating Cash Costs to Cost of sales and administrative, selling and marketing expenses

Reconciliation of Cash Costs of Sales to Cost of sales

Reconciliation of Cash Administrative, Selling and Marketing Expenses to Administrative, selling and marketing expenses

Reconciliation of Net Debt and Total Debt to borrowings

Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow to Net cash from operating activities

Appendix 3: Definitions and Presentation of Information

DEFINITIONS

Terms that require definitions are marked with capital letters in this announcement and the definitions of which are provided below in alphabetical order.

The non-IFRS financial measures defined below are presented as supplemental measures of the Group's operating performance, which the Group uses as key performance indicators of the Group's business and to provide a supplemental tool to assist in evaluating current business performance. The Group believes these metrics are frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies in the Russian market and global ports sector. These non-IFRS financial measures are measures of the Group's operating performance that are not required by, or prepared in accordance with, IFRS. All of these non-IFRS financial measures have limitations as analytical tools, and investors should not consider any one of them in isolation, or any combination of them together, as a substitute for analysis of the Group's operating results as reported under IFRS and should not be considered as alternatives to revenues, profit, operating profit, or any other measures of performance derived in accordance with IFRS or as alternatives to cash flow from operating activities or as measures of the Group's liquidity. In particular, the non IFRS financial measures should not be considered as measures of discretionary cash available to the Group businesses.

Adjusted EBITDA (a non-IFRS financial measure) for Global Ports Group is defined as profit for the period before income tax expense, finance (income)/costs-net, depreciation of property, plant and equipment, amortisation of intangible assets, share of profit/(loss) of joint ventures accounted for using the equity method, other gains/(losses)-net and impairment of goodwill and property, plant and equipment and intangible assets.

Adjusted EBITDA Margin (a non-IFRS financial measure) is calculated as Adjusted EBITDA divided by revenue, expressed as a percentage. 

Average Storage Capacity is a storage capacity available at Vopak E.O.S. oil products terminals, averaged for the beginning and end of the year.

Baltic Sea Basin is the geographic region of northwest Russia, Estonia and Finland surrounding the Gulf of Finland on the eastern Baltic Sea, including St. Petersburg, Ust-Luga, Tallinn, Helsinki and Kotka.

Cash Costs of Sales (a non-IFRS financial measure) are defined as cost of sales, adjusted for depreciation and impairment of property, plant and equipment, amortisation and impairment of intangible assets.

Cash Administrative, Selling and Marketing Expenses (a non-IFRS financial measure) are defined as administrative, selling and marketing expenses, adjusted for depreciation and impairment of property, plant and equipment, amortisation and impairment of intangible assets.

CD Holding group consists of Yanino Logistics Park (an inland terminal in the vicinity of St. Petersburg), CD Holding and some other entities. The results of CD Holding group are accounted in the Global Ports' financial information using the equity method of accounting (proportionate share of net profit shown below Adjusted EBITDA).

Consolidated Inland Bulk Throughput is defined as combined bulk throughput by consolidated inland terminals: LT.

Consolidated Inland Container Throughput is defined as combined container throughput by consolidated inland terminals: LT.

Consolidated Marine Bulk Throughput is defined as combined marine bulk throughput by consolidated terminals: PLP, VSC, FCT and ULCT.

Consolidated Marine Container Throughput is defined as combined marine container throughput by consolidated marine terminals: PLP, VSC, FCT and ULCT.

Container Throughput in the Russian Federation Ports is defined as total container throughput of the ports located in the Russian Federation, excluding half of cabotage cargo volumes. Respective information is sourced from ASOP ("Association of Sea Commercial Ports", www.morport.com).

Far East Basin is the geographic region of southeast Russia, surrounding the Peter the Great Gulf, including Vladivostok and the Nakhodka Gulf, including Nakhodka on the Sea of Japan.

First Container Terminal (FCT) is located in the St. Petersburg harbour, Russia's primary gateway for container cargo and is one of the first specialised container terminals to be established in the USSR. The Global Ports Group owns a 100% effective ownership interest in FCT. The results of FCT are fully consolidated.

Finnish Ports segment consists of two terminals in Finland, MLT Kotka and MLT Helsinki (in the port of Vuosaari), in each of which Container Finance currently has a 25% effective ownership interest. The results of the Finnish Ports segment are accounted in the Global Ports' financial information using equity method of accounting (proportionate share of net profit shown below EBITDA).

Free Cash Flow (a non-IFRS financial measure) is calculated as Net cash from operating activities less Purchase of PPE.

Functional Currency is defined as the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates. The functional currency of the Company and certain other entities in the Global Ports Group is US dollars. The functional currency of the Global Ports Group's operating companies for the years under review was (a) for the Russian Ports segment, the Russian rouble, (b) for Oil Products Terminal segment, and for the Finnish Ports segment, the Euro.

Gross Container Throughput represents total container throughput of a Group's terminal or a Group's operating segment shown on a 100% basis. For the Russian Ports segment it excludes the container throughput of the Group's inland container terminals - Yanino and Logistika Terminal.

Logistika Terminal (LT) is an inland container terminal providing a comprehensive range of container freight station and dry port services at one location. The terminal is located to the side of the St. Petersburg - Moscow road, approximately 17 kilometres from FCT and operates in the Shushary industrial cluster. The Global Ports Group owns a 100% effective ownership interest in LT17. The results of LT are fully consolidated.

MLT Group consists of Moby Dik (a terminal in the vicinity of St. Petersburg) and Multi-Link Terminals Oy (a terminal operator in Vuosaari near Helsinki, and Kotka, also in Finland). The results of MLT group are accounted for in the Global Ports' financial information using equity method of accounting (proportionate share of net profit shown below EBITDA).

Moby Dik (MD) is located on the St. Petersburg ring road, approximately 30 kilometres from St. Petersburg, at the entry point of the St. Petersburg channel. It is the only container terminal in Kronstadt. The Global Ports Group owns a 75% effective ownership interest in MD, Container Finance LTD currently has a 25% effective ownership interest. The results of MD are accounted for in the Global Ports' financial information using the equity method of accounting (proportionate share of net profit shown below EBITDA).

Net Debt (a non-IFRS financial measure) is defined as a sum of current borrowings and non-current borrowings, derivative financial instruments less cash and cash equivalents and bank deposits with maturity over 90 days.

Oil Products Terminal segment consists of the Group's 50% ownership interest in Vopak E.O.S. (in which Royal Vopak currently has a 50% effective ownership interest). The results of the Oil Products Terminal segment are consolidated in the Global Ports' financial information using the equity method of accounting (proportionate share of net profit shown below EBITDA).

Petrolesport (PLP) is located in St. Petersburg harbour, Russia's primary gateway for container cargo. The Group owns a 100% effective ownership interest in PLP. The results of PLP are fully consolidated.

Ro-Ro, roll on-roll off is cargo that can be driven into the belly of a ship rather than lifted aboard. Includes cars, buses, trucks and other vehicles.

Revenue per TEU is defined as the Global Ports Group's Consolidated container revenue divided by total container marine throughput.

Russian Ports segment consists of the Global Ports Group's interests in PLP (100%), VSC (100%), FCT (100%), ULCT (80%) (in which Eurogate currently has a 20% effective ownership interest), Moby Dik (75%), Yanino (75%) (in each of Moby Dik and Yanino Container Finance currently has a 25% effective ownership interest), and Logistika Terminal (100%). The results of Moby Dik and Yanino are accounted for in the Global Ports' consolidated financial information using the equity method of accounting (proportionate share of net profit shown below EBITDA).

TEU is defined as twenty-foot equivalent unit, which is the standard container used worldwide as the uniform measure of container capacity; a TEU is 20 feet (6.06 metres) long and eight feet (2.44 metres) wide and tall.

Total Debt (a non-IFRS financial measure) is defined as a sum of current borrowings, non-current borrowings and derivative financial instruments related to borrowings.

Total Operating Cash Costs (a non-IFRS financial measure) is defined as Global Ports Group's cost of sales, administrative, selling and marketing expenses, less depreciation and impairment of property, plant and equipment, less amortisation and impairment of intangible assets.

Ust Luga Container Terminal (ULCT) is located in the large multi-purpose Ust-Luga port cluster on the Baltic Sea, approximately 100 kilometres westwards from St. Petersburg city ring road. ULCT began operations in December 2011. The Global Ports Group owns an 80% effective ownership interest in ULCT, Eurogate, the international container terminal operator, currently has a 20% effective ownership interest. The results of ULCT are fully consolidated.

Vopak E.O.S. includes AS V.E.O.S. and various other entities (including an intermediate holding) that own and manage an oil products terminal in Muuga port near Tallinn, Estonia. The Group owns a 50% effective ownership interest in Vopak E.O.S.. The remaining 50% ownership interest is held by Royal Vopak. The results of Vopak E.O.S. are accounted for in the Global Ports' financial information using the equity method of accounting (proportionate share of net profit shown below EBITDA).

Vostochnaya Stevedoring Company (VSC) is located in the deep-water port of Vostochny near Nakhodka on the Russian Pacific coast, approximately eight kilometres from the Nakhodka-Vostochnaya railway station, which is connected to the Trans-Siberian Railway. The Group owns a 100% effective ownership interest in VSC. The results of VSC are fully consolidated.

Weighted average effective interest rate is the average of interest rates weighted by the share of each loan in the total debt portfolio.

Yanino Logistics Park (YLP) is the first terminal in the Group's inland terminal business and is one of only a few multi-purpose container logistics complexes in Russia providing a comprehensive range of container and logistics services at one location. It is located approximately 70 kilometres from the Moby Dik terminal in Kronstadt and approximately 50 kilometres from PLP. The Global Ports Group owns a 75% effective ownership interest in YLP, Container Finance LTD currently has a 25% effective ownership interest. The results of YLP are accounted for in the Global Ports' financial information using the equity method of accounting (proportionate share of net profit shown below EBITDA).

Appendix 4: Investor Presentation

An investor presentation is available here http://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/6647H_-2018-3-14.pdf or at www.globalports.com