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FY2015 Annual Report · BAE Systems
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Annual Report 
2015

Welcome to the 
BAE Systems 
Annual Report 2015

Further information can be 
found online by visiting 
baesystems.com

Cautionary statement: All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this document, 
including, without limitation, those regarding the financial condition, results, operations and businesses of 
BAE Systems and its strategy, plans and objectives and the markets and economies in which it operates, are 
forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s assumptions 
made on the basis of information available to it at this time, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties 
and other important factors which could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of BAE Systems 
or the markets and economies in which BAE Systems operates to be materially different from future results, 
performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. BAE Systems plc and 
its directors accept no liability to third parties in respect of this report save as would arise under English law. 
Accordingly, any liability to a person who has demonstrated reliance on any untrue or misleading statement or 
omission shall be determined in accordance with Schedule 10A of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. 
It should be noted that Schedule 10A and Section 463 of the Companies Act 2006 contain limits on the 
liability of the directors of BAE Systems plc so that their liability is solely to BAE Systems plc.

Cover
Hawk aircraft at RAF Valley.

Strategic report | BAE Systems at a glance

(i)

At BAE Systems, we provide 
some of the world’s most 
advanced technology 
defence, aerospace and 
security solutions.

We employ a skilled workforce of 82,500 people1 in 
over 40 countries. Working with customers and local 
partners, our products and services deliver military 
capability, protect people and national security, and 
keep critical information and infrastructure secure.

1.  Including share of equity accounted investments.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | BAE Systems at a glance

Our  
business

(ii)

Sales1 by domain
BAE Systems has strong, established positions in the air, maritime  
and land domains, as well as a growing position in cyber security.

Air
 53%

Maritime
 28%

Land
 13%

Cyber
 6%

–  Supply of cyber, intelligence 
and security capabilities to 
US government agencies

–  Supply of defence-grade 
cyber solutions for the 
commercial market 

–  Supply of cyber, intelligence 
and security capabilities to 
UK and other government 
agencies

–  Manufacture, development, 

–  Design and manufacture 

–  Design, manufacture, 

upgrade and support of 
tracked and amphibious 
combat vehicles

–  Manufacture of ammunition 
and precision munitions for 
US, UK and other armed forces

–  Design and manufacture of 
artillery systems and missile 
launchers for US, UK and 
other armed forces

of complex warships

–  Design and manufacture 

of submarines

–  Provision of ship repair and 
modernisation services in 
the US

–  Provision of in-service 

support to surface ships 
and facilities management 
in the UK

–  Design and manufacture 
of naval gun systems, 
torpedoes, radars, and 
naval command and 
combat systems

upgrade and in-service support 
of Typhoon combat aircraft

–  Design and manufacture 
of avionics equipment for 
military aircraft

–  In-service support of Tornado 

combat aircraft

–  Design and manufacture 
of avionics equipment for 
commercial aircraft

–  Design and manufacture 
of missiles and missile 
systems through a 37.5% 
interest in MBDA

–  Manufacture, development, 

upgrade and in-service support 
of Hawk trainer aircraft

–  Design and manufacture of 

sub-assemblies and electronic 
systems for F-35 Lightning II 
combat aircraft

–  Development of next-generation 

unmanned air systems

G H

A

F

E

D

C

B

A Typhoon

B Defence avionics

C Tornado

D Commercial avionics

E Weapon systems

F Hawk

G F-35 Lightning II

H Other

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

E

D

F

C

A

B

D

A

C

A

C

B

B

A Complex warships

B Submarines

C US ship repair

D UK naval support

E Weapon systems

F Other

24%

21%

21%

12%

8%

14%

33%

21%

13%

8%

8%

7%

6%

4%

A Combat vehicles

B Munitions

C Weapon systems

D Other

44%

27%

5%

24%

A US government

B Commercial

C UK and other governments

61%

24%

15%

P(iv)
  Our key products and services

 
Strategic report | BAE Systems at a glance

Sales1 for 2015

 £17.9bn

(iii)

Sales1 by destination
BAE Systems has leading positions in its principal markets 
in the US, UK, Saudi Arabia and Australia.

Sales1 by activity
BAE Systems has a diverse portfolio, broadly balanced 
between an enduring services and support business, 
long-term platforms programmes, electronic systems, 
and activities in cyber and intelligence.

E

A

A US

B UK

C Saudi Arabia

D Australia

E Other2

36%

23%

21%

3%

17%

C

D

A

A Military and technical 
services and support

B Platforms

C Electronic systems

D Cyber

42%

37%

14%

7%

D

C

B

P11
  Our markets

B

P24
  Segmental performance

Employees1 by location

29,600

33,800

5,700

Employees1

 82,500

US
UK
Saudi Arabia
Australia
Other1

9,900

3,500

1.  Including share of equity accounted investments.
2. Includes £1.4bn (8%) of sales generated under the Typhoon workshare agreement with Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH.

P48
  Our people

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

 
 
 
(iv)

Strategic report | BAE Systems at a glance

Our key products 
and services

BAE Systems has strong, established positions supplying defence 
equipment, electronics and services, and cyber, intelligence and security 
solutions for governments. We also have a growing position in adjacent 
commercial markets, including avionics and cyber security.

Typhoon manufacture 
and development
Manufacture of major Typhoon 
assemblies. Aircraft assembly and 
expansion of the capabilities of aircraft 
in service with the Royal Air Force and 
Royal Saudi Air Force.

F-35 Lightning II design 
and manufacture
Design and manufacture of 
sub-assemblies, including the aft 
fuselage and empennage, in the 
UK and provision of equipment, 
including the electronic warfare 
suite, in the US. BAE Systems has a 
significant workshare on the world’s 
largest defence programme.

Unmanned and future air 
system capabilities
Development of future air system 
capabilities, including unmanned air 
systems, with the potential for a joint 
unmanned combat air system 
programme with France.

Air support and training
Provision of support to operational 
capability. The Group provides 
maintenance, support and training 
for Typhoon aircraft in service with 
the UK and Saudi Arabian air forces. 
Under the Saudi British Defence 
Co-operation Programme, the Group 
has contracts to provide manpower, 
logistics and training, as well as training 
aircraft, including Hawk, and upgrades 
to Tornado aircraft in Saudi Arabia. 
The Group provides support for Hawk 
aircraft in service in 14 countries.

Defence avionics equipment
Design and manufacture of avionics 
equipment across a range of US and 
other Western military aircraft 
programmes, including a leadership 
position in the electronic warfare 
market. BAE Systems has been selected 
by Boeing to design and manufacture 
a new electronic warfare system for 
the US Air Force’s F-15 fleet.

Commercial avionics 
equipment
Design and manufacture of avionics 
equipment across multiple commercial 
aircraft platforms, including engine and 
flight controls, and cabin and cockpit 
systems, together with aftermarket 
support services. BAE Systems is a 
major supplier to Boeing.

Complex warships
Design and manufacture of two 
65,000 tonne aircraft carriers and 
three Offshore Patrol Vessels for the 
Royal Navy, together with design, 
and anticipated manufacture, on 
the Royal Navy’s Type 26 frigate 
programme. The aircraft carriers 
are expected to complete sea trials 
in 2017 and 2019, respectively.

Submarines
Design and manufacture of seven 
Astute Class nuclear-powered attack 
submarines for the Royal Navy, together 
with design, and anticipated 
manufacture, of nuclear-powered 
submarines to carry the UK’s Trident 
nuclear deterrent. The third of class 
Astute boat, Artful, is now being 
operated by the Royal Navy, with the 
final boat expected to enter service 
towards the middle of the next decade.

Ship repair and naval support
Provision of naval and commercial ship 
repair and modernisation services in 
the US, UK and Australia, together with 
support to the navies of the US, UK and 
Australia. In the US, BAE Systems has 
facilities located on the East, West and 
Gulf coasts, as well as Hawaii, and is 
investing in new dry dock facilities at 
its San Diego shipyard to support 
the US Navy’s increased focus on 
Asia-Pacific operations.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Weapon systems
Design and manufacture of naval gun 
systems, torpedoes, radars, naval 
command and combat systems, artillery 
systems, missile launchers and, through 
a 37.5% interest in MBDA, missiles 
and missile systems.

Combat vehicles
Products and services include upgrade 
of US Army tracked vehicles, including 
Bradley Fighting Vehicles, design and 
manufacture of the US Army’s M109 
self-propelled howitzer and Armored 
Multi-Purpose Vehicle, design, 
manufacture and support of the 
CV90 combat vehicle for international 
customers, and vehicle upgrade and 
support to the British Army.

Cyber security
Delivery of a broad range of services 
to enable the US military and 
government to recognise, manage 
and defeat threats. Support to UK 
and other government agencies in 
their intelligence missions. Provision of 
defence-grade solutions for commercial 
cyber applications worldwide.

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

01

Contents

Strategic report
BAE Systems at a glance 

Our business 

Our key products and services 

Financial and operational highlights 

Chairman’s letter 

Group strategic framework 

How our business works 

Chief Executive’s review 

Financial review 

Guidance for 2016 

Segmental performance 

Electronic Systems 

Cyber & Intelligence 

Platforms & Services (US) 

Platforms & Services (UK) 

Platforms & Services (International) 

Responsible business 

How we manage risk 

Principal risks 

Directors’ report
Governance summary 

Board of directors 

Corporate governance report 

Audit Committee report 

Corporate Responsibility  
Committee report 

Nominations Committee report 

Remuneration Committee report 

Annual remuneration report 

Preface to the Directors’  
remuneration policy 

Directors’ remuneration policy 

Statutory and other information 

(i)

(ii)

(iv)

02

04

06

08

10

16

23

24

26

30

34

38

42

46

52

54

58

60

62

65

68

70

71

73

87

88

97

Independent Auditor’s report 

102

Financial statements
Index to the financial statements 

Investor resources
Shareholder information 

105

176

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Chairman’s 
letter
P04
  Read more

Financial and 
operational highlights

P02
  Read more

How our 
business works

P08
  Read more

Chief Executive’s 
review
P10
  Read more

Responsible 
business
P46
  Read more

Financial 
review
P16
  Read more

Segmental 
performance

P24
  Read more

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
02
Financial and 
operational highlights

In 2015, BAE Systems 
delivered another year 
of solid performance

– Sales1 increased by £1.3bn to £17.9bn, including a £0.8bn 
benefit to UK sales from increased aircraft deliveries to 
Saudi Arabia and sales from the trading of equipment 
on the European Typhoon programme and the increased 
activity across the naval business. Exchange translation 
added £0.2bn compared to prior year.

– Underlying EBITA2 reduced by £19m, to £1,683m, 

impacted by both the previously announced Typhoon 
production slowdown and Australian shipyard 
impairment and rationalisation charges. There was 
an exchange translation benefit of £15m.

– Underlying earnings3 per share was 2.2p higher than 
in 2014, at 40.2p, including a 2.6p benefit from the 
previously announced overseas tax provision release and 
an additional 1.7p benefit from a UK tax provision release.

– The large order backlog1,4 of £36.8bn underpins 

confidence in the future prospects for the business.

– Final dividend of 12.5p per share making a total of 20.9p 

per share for the year (an increase of 2% over 2014).

Sales1 

KPI

Underlying EBITA2 

KPI

Underlying earnings3 per share 

KPI

 £17,904m

£16,637m (2014)

 £1,683m

£1,702m (2014)

 40.2p

38.0p (2014)

Order backlog1,4

Operating profit

Basic earnings per share5

 £36.8bn

£40.5bn (2014)

 £1,502m

£1,300m (2014)

 29.0p

23.4p (2014)

Operating business cash flow6 

KPI

Net debt (as defined by the Group)7 

KPI

Dividend per share

 £681m

£1,191m (2014)

 £(1,422)m

£(1,032)m (2014)

 20.9p

20.5p (2014)

KPI   References to Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) throughout the Annual Report

1. Including share of equity accounted investments.
2. Earnings before amortisation and impairment of intangible assets, finance costs and taxation expense (EBITA) excluding non-recurring items (see page 17).
3. Earnings excluding amortisation and impairment of intangible assets, non-cash finance movements on pensions and financial derivatives, non-recurring items and, in 2014, 

a credit in respect of the re-assessment of existing tax provisions (see note 7 to the Group accounts).

4. Comprises funded and unfunded unexecuted customer orders, and is stated after the elimination of intra-group orders.
5. Basic earnings per share in accordance with International Accounting Standard 33, Earnings per Share.
6. Net cash inflow from operating activities after capital expenditure (net), financial investment and dividends from equity accounted investments.
7. Comprises cash and cash equivalents, less loans and overdrafts (including debt-related derivative financial instruments) and cash received on customers’ account (see page 19).

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

03

Operational and strategic highlights for 2015 include:

Major contracts received from the Royal Navy, 
including an £859m Type 26 frigate demonstration 
contract and the full £1.3bn contract for the 
fifth Astute Class submarine.

Selected by Boeing to develop and manufacture the next-generation 
digital electronic warfare system for the US Air Force’s Eagle Passive 
Active Warning Survivability System programme. The upgrade of 
up to 400 F-15 aircraft could be worth in excess of $1.0bn (£0.7bn) 
over the life of the programme. 

In Saudi Arabia, a contract was awarded for a further 22 Hawk 
aircraft, associated ground equipment and training aids.

Progressive expansion of the Typhoon aircraft’s capabilities, 
including the integration of the Captor E-Scan radar and 
additional weapons.

A $100m (£68m) 
capital investment 
programme underway 
at our San Diego, 
California, shipyard.

Further contracts received in support of the US combat vehicle industrial base, including 
$104m (£71m) for the engineering and manufacturing development phase as part of the 
competition for the Amphibious Combat Vehicle 1.1 programme.

Awarded a five-year contract by the US Army for 
the Enhanced Night Vision Goggle III and Family 
of Weapon Sights – Individual programme, with 
a potential value of $435m (£295m).

Sales growth of 31% 
in Applied Intelligence 
and increased 
investment to support 
the expansion of the 
commercial cyber 
security business.

P10
  Chief Executive’s review

P24
  Segmental performance

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

 
 
Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
04
Chairman’s 
letter

In a challenging and turbulent world, 
the Company delivered a robust and 
solid performance.

Undoubtedly, in 2015, defence became an increasingly 
important priority for many countries as the risk from 
terrorism and military aggression continued to grow. In 
this context, the nature of our relationships as a strategic 
supplier to the governments of the UK, US, Kingdom of 
Saudi Arabia and Australia were clearly raised in importance 
and tempo. These relationships form the bedrock of our 
business and we will continue to invest in strengthening 
and developing them in the year ahead.

Equally, our customers’ unrelenting demand for 
product excellence has continued to be matched by 
their requirement for competitive prices and unfailingly 
high service levels. The executive team has therefore been 
focused on managing our costs without compromising 
quality and service throughout the year. This has required 
an appropriate blend of seasoned experience and 
refreshed management endeavour, and the benefits of 
this approach have been evident across the organisation. 
By working with our customers in the spirit of partnership, 
with common objectives, greater transparency and 
constructive teamwork, our relationships have been 
strengthened and deepened. This style will be the 
hallmark of our business in the years ahead.

As we continue to develop our business and presence 
internationally, we have embraced the needs of our customers 
to establish and provide high-quality local employment 
and industrial capability, through partnerships and joint 
ventures for local manufacturing, services, procurement 
and product assembly. This strategy has been particularly 
evident in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and we believe 
that the expansion of our relationship in the Kingdom will 
go hand-in-hand with our commitment to developing 
greater local content. It is a partnership built over 50 years 
that we will seek to expand in both our interests. In India 
too, we have a long and successful record in manufacturing 
Hawk aircraft with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited that 
embodies Prime Minister Modi’s ‘Make in India’ strategy.

During the course of the year, I visited many of our 
businesses across the globe and was consistently impressed 
by the technical capabilities of our people, their enthusiasm 
for supplying and supporting those that protect us, and 
their pride in delivering world-class products and services.

I saw at first hand the training facilities and support we 
provide apprentices and graduates in the United Kingdom. 
Following a record intake of some 1,000 new graduates 
and apprentices in 2015, we will have around 2,000 UK 
apprentices and graduates in training by the end of 2016 as 
we continue to build our own pipeline of talent for the future.

I witnessed the progress we have made in a number of 
countries encouraging young people, and in particular 
female students, to consider engineering as a rewarding 
career and in promoting a more diverse workforce overall. 
I saw on site visits the achievements of young people 
who had made that choice and were now working on 
technological innovations in cyber security, electronics 
or the next generation of complex military platforms 
and services from submarines to unmanned aircraft.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

The value of these skills to the British economy was 
highlighted in an independent report produced by Oxford 
Economics1 which showed that BAE Systems accounts for 
1% of all UK exports, 45p in every £100 of Gross Domestic 
Product, with labour productivity more than double the 
national average. The report was clear that BAE Systems 
is an important British company at the heart of an 
important global industry.

Wherever BAE Systems people are working, their safety 
and welfare are our priority, and adherence to our high 
standards will remain a key focus and an integral part 
of our operating policies in every country whether in 
ownership or partnership. 

Similarly, our commitment to ethical behaviour wherever 
we operate is a principle that the Board reinforces through 
all its interaction with our people to ensure everyone in the 
organisation recognises that we are performance-driven, 
but values-led. In measuring our success, we are clear that 
we should be judged not simply on what we do, but also 
on how we do it.

Adherence to these principles is a vital part of our business 
culture which we believe is important to all our stakeholders.

Reflecting on the highlights of the year, we have enjoyed 
strong performance in our electronic systems business, 
growth in cyber security and solid achievements across the 
Company, including in our maritime, land vehicles, military 
air, international and services businesses. 

Our disappointments have been primarily limited to delays 
in some military aircraft orders, the absence of near-term 
Australian government orders to sustain our local 
shipbuilding capabilities and the identification of additional 
costs necessary to complete commercial ship construction 
contracts in the US.

Overall, we have been satisfied with our achievements in 
delivering sales of £17.9bn and underlying earnings per 
share of 40.2p, reassured by the strength of our order 
backlog of £36.8bn and pleased that future cash generation 
and robust prospects have facilitated a healthy dividend of 
20.9p per share.

Looking forward, recent financial commitments to 
the defence sector by the governments of our major 
customers provide welcome clarity and stability for our 
core programmes. We take none of this for granted. 
We are very aware of our responsibilities to work with 
vigour and rigour in designing, developing and providing 
the highest quality of products and services on time and 
to budget, offering both value for money and unrivalled 
capability to those that put their trust in us. The Board 
and the management team will respect that trust and 
strive to meet our obligations as a constructive partner.

With this in mind, we look forward to delivering a strong 
performance in the year ahead.

1. Based on 2013 data.

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

 “The Company 
delivered a robust and 
solid performance.”

Sir Roger Carr Chairman

Dividend (pence)

 20.9p
 +2%

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

05

20.9
20.5
20.1

19.5

18.8

The Board and directors
In June 2015, Carl Symon resigned from the Board having 
completed seven years’ service. Carl made a valuable 
contribution as both a non-executive director and chair 
of the Remuneration Committee, and we wish him well 
in his retirement. Paula Rosput Reynolds has now taken 
over the role of chair of the Remuneration Committee.

Elizabeth Corley has recently joined the Board as a 
non-executive director. Elizabeth will shortly step down 
from her current position as Chief Executive Officer of 
Allianz Global Investors. As a highly respected leader in 
the financial services industry and member of the Financial 
Reporting Council, Elizabeth will bring considerable 
business acumen, international perspective and strong 
governance credentials to the Board.

I am delighted that as part of our succession planning 
programme we have recently been able to announce the 
appointment of Charles Woodburn to the Board, in the 
newly-created role of Chief Operating Officer. Reporting to 
the Chief Executive, he will bring outstanding engineering 
credentials, valuable international experience and a fresh 
perspective to the Company’s operations and the Board. 

Led by our Senior Independent Director, Nick Rose, the 
Board has agreed to extend my term of appointment as 
Chairman until February 2020. I very much look forward to 
continuing to work with fellow directors and the executive 
team during this period.

Dividend 
The Board has recommended a final dividend of 12.5p 
per share making a total of 20.9p per share for the year, 
an increase of 2% over 2014. Subject to shareholder 
approval at the 2016 Annual General Meeting, the 
dividend will be paid on 1 June 2016 to holders of 
ordinary shares registered on 22 April 2016.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Sir Roger Carr Chairman

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
06
Group strategic 
framework

Our strategy sets out 
what we aim to achieve 
as a company.

Our vision is to be the premier international defence, 
aerospace and security company

Our mission is to safeguard and enhance our customers’ vital interests
and deliver sustainable growth in shareholder value

Our strategy
– Maintain and grow our defence businesses
– Continue to grow our business in adjacent markets
– Develop and expand our international business
– Inspire and develop our people to drive success
– Enhance overall financial performance and competitive positions

Strategic objectives

Continuously
improve
efficiency and
competitiveness

Continue to 
drive value from
our defence
platforms and
services

Accelerate
the growth of
our cyber,
intelligence
and security
business

Continue
to win new
international
orders

Continue to 
grow our
electronic
systems
business

Leverage our
technology and
engineering
capabilities

Our values are Trusted, Innovative and Bold

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

 
Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

07

Our strategy is guiding us through 
challenging market conditions. Government 
spending is still under pressure and competition 
is high across the world. We have responded 
by focusing on meeting our commitments 
to customers and on improving efficiency, 
affordability and financial performance.

All of these are essential to sustaining and winning 
new business. We have also continued to invest in our 
business and people and in the technology and skills 
we need to drive the business forward.

Our vision is to be the premier international defence, 
aerospace and security company.

Our mission recognises the important role we play in 
protecting and enhancing our customers’ vital interests, 
from defence and national security to critical infrastructure 
and commercial information.

Our strategy sets out five key longer-term areas of focus 
to help us achieve our vision. Maintaining and growing 
our defence businesses remains a core part of our strategy. 
We also continue to pursue growth in adjacent markets, 
including cyber security and commercial avionics. We are 
a trusted partner to the governments of a number of 
countries around the world and we continue to expand 
our international business. We will continue to support 
and develop our people and enhance competitiveness 
to drive success.

We define our strategic objectives, which set near-term 
priorities and help employees to align their personal 
objectives to the Group’s strategy.

Each year, the Group has an overall objective to meet 
its financial targets and each Executive Committee 
member has specific annual objectives in support of 
the Group’s strategy.

Our values define how we work and represent a clear 
definition of our corporate culture.

Our strategy in action
Throughout this report, we use case studies to demonstrate  
performance against our strategic objectives.

Continuously improve 
efficiency and 
competitiveness

Continue to drive value 
from our defence 
platforms and services

Accelerate the growth 
of our cyber, intelligence 
and security business

Continue to win new 
international orders

Continue to grow 
our electronic 
systems business

Leverage our technology 
and engineering 
capabilities

P13
   Major investments 
in naval facilities

P14
   Global footprint of 
the F-35 programme

P30
   Commercial 
cyber security

P42
   Saudi training 
partnership

P28
   Innovation in 

P26
   Advancing future 

electronic warfare

solutions

P41
   World-class 

manufacturing 
facilities

P36
   Amphibious Combat 
Vehicle 1.1 contract 
award

P32
   Maintaining 
space radars

P45
   MBDA export 

success

P29
   Commercial flight 
control electronics

P34
   Naval weapon 

technology

P38
   HM Naval Base 
Portsmouth 
modernisation

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

P44
   F-35 missile 
collaboration

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
08
How our 
business works

How we create value for our shareholders

We identify opportunities with customers • • •

–  We deliver advanced defence, aerospace and security solutions 

to many governments and customers around the world.

–  Our largest customers are governments, but we also sell to large 

prime contractors and commercial businesses.

–  We work with our customers to understand their requirements 

and to identify new business opportunities.

–  We take on and solve some of our customers’ most complex 

and challenging engineering and technology projects, including 
responding to urgent operational requirements for our 
government customers.

• • •  in our four  

principal markets• • •

US
UK
Saudi Arabia
Australia

• • •  and, increasingly, in  

international export markets•

P(iii)
  Sales by destination

Our value chain
Bidding and  
contracting
–  We assess opportunities and 

risk rigorously before deciding  
to bid. 

Designing, developing 
and manufacturing
–  We design, develop, build, 
test and deliver products  
and services.

–  Export contracts may include 

–  We engineer and 

agreeing industrial participation, 
skills or technology transfer 
arrangements.

manufacture some of the 
world’s most technologically 
advanced platforms, 
products and systems.

Support and  
sustainment
–  We provide through-life 

support, including 
maintenance, upgrade 
and training.

–  42% of our sales are 

services-related contracts.

–  Many of our platforms 

stay in service for decades.

Renewing and  
disposing
–  We may assist with disposal 
at the end of a product’s life, 
or re-contract to provide a 
new product, or both.

P(iii)
  Sales by activity

We report through five principal 
reporting segments
Electronic 
Systems

Cyber & 
Intelligence

Platforms & Services 
(US)

Platforms & Services 
(UK)

Platforms & Services 
(International)

P26
  See more

P30
  See more

P34
  See more

P38
  See more

P42
  See more

Through our capital allocation policy, we aim  
to deliver sustainable value for our shareholders by• • •

–  meeting our pension 

obligations

–  continuing to pursue 
organic investment 
opportunities

–  paying dividends in 
line with our policy 
of long-term 
sustainable cover

–  making accelerated returns 
of capital to shareholders 
when the balance sheet 
allows and only when the 
return from doing so is 
in excess of the Group’s 
Weighted Average Cost 
of Capital

–  investing in 

value-enhancing 
acquisitions

P16
  Financial review

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

09

Our business is enabled by our outstanding resources • • •

 Our people

 Our technology and engineering

 Our project management

 Our key relationships

We:
–  have 82,500 employees1 

worldwide 

–  have a diverse range of 

talented people

–  invest in education and training 

for our existing workforce
–  work with education sectors 
to help shape the workforce 
of the future

We:
–  focus on technology innovation 

We:
–  have comprehensive project 

and engineering excellence

management skills and processes 

Our policies and procedures 
require that we:
–  work with suppliers who 

–  have a Lifecycle Management 
process that promotes the 
application of best practice 
programme execution 

–  invest in next-generation 
research and technology 
programmes to improve the 
manufacturing and service of 
products, generating substantial 
intellectual property

–  spent £1,263m (2014 £1,343m) 
in 2015 on R&D, of which £168m 
(2014 £137m) was funded by 
the Group 

share our values and embrace 
our standards

–  set clear expectations for 

all suppliers

–  assess supplier performance 
and compliance with local 
legislation

–  work only with approved 

advisers

• • • supported by strong governance processes, • • •

Operational Framework
Our Operational Framework sets out 
how business is done across BAE Systems. 
It is based on principles of good governance, 
and details the values, policies and processes 
that are mandated, and how the Board 
delegates authority to the executive team.

• • • responsible trading principles • • •

Risk management
We have robust procedures for risk 
management and internal control to 
identify, analyse, evaluate and mitigate 
both financial and non-financial risks.

Code of Conduct
We manage our operations responsibly 
and conduct our business in an ethical way 
to earn and maintain our stakeholders’ trust.

1.
We understand and support 
our customers’ national security 
and other requirements.

2.
We work to BAE Systems’ values 
(Trusted, Innovative and Bold) in 
all that we do. 

3.
We assess carefully our products 
and services with the objective 
that neither BAE Systems nor our 
customers are exposed to 
significant reputational risk.

4.
We are as open as practicable 
about the nature of our business.

• • •and a focus on the wider impacts of our business •

Safety

Diversity

Resource efficiency

Community investment

To improve safety standards, 
we focus on raising awareness 
of our employees’ role in 
identifying, managing and 
reducing safety risks.

We are committed to creating 
an inclusive workplace where a 
diverse range of talented people 
can work together. 

We proactively manage the 
impact of our operations on 
the environment, with targets 
for the efficient use of resources 
set, and monitored, locally. 

We invest in the communities 
in which we operate through 
local recruitment, using local 
suppliers and supporting 
local charities.

P48
  Our people

P48
   Our people

P51
  Resource efficiency

P50
   Community investment

1. Including share of equity accounted investments.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

 
 
 
 
 “Another year of 
solid performance.”

Ian King Chief Executive

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
10
Chief Executive’s 
review

Overview and key business attributes
We have delivered another year of solid performance. 
BAE Systems has continued to demonstrate resilience 
in markets constrained by wider economic pressures.

Over the past several years, the Group has navigated 
through a period of constrained defence budgets. 
Where sales volumes have been challenged, we have 
taken actions to protect earnings and deliver attractive 
shareholder returns. The overall business environment 
positioned as 
is now improving and the Group is well positioned as 
we enter this phase. 

distinct 
Our business benefits from a number of distinct 
nd prospects.
attributes which underpin performance and prospects.

Geographic diversity
resence than 
BAE Systems has a broader geographic presence than 
its largest 
many of its defence industry peers, with its largest 
Australia. 
markets in the US, UK, Saudi Arabia and Australia. 
er remains 
Growing our international business further remains 
a key strategic objective.

Customer focus
rational 
Our businesses continue to focus on operational 
tments. In 
excellence to deliver on customer commitments. In 
f platforms 
addition to the design and production of platforms 
ensive support 
and equipment, we have established extensive support 
o customers 
services delivering long-term capability to customers 
ducts. In 2015, 
beyond the manufacturing phase of products. In 2015, 
approximately 
support and service activities generated approximately 
42% of sales.

Ethical business
g in international 
As a leading defence company operating in international 
responsible 
markets, we take pride in our culture of responsible 
aviour in all aspectcts s 
behaviour and recognise that ethical behaviour in all aspects 
ng success.
of our business is essential for our ongoing success.

Technology and innovation
e world’s most 
BAE Systems has developed some of the world’s most 
e to invest in 
innovative technologies and we continue to invest in 
future products 
research and development to generate future products 
esearch and 
and capabilities. This company-funded research and 
unded 
development often leads to customer-funded 
ature.
development activity as requirements mature.

ment 
Company-funded research and development 
as of the 
investment is more relevant in some areas of the 
oportionately 
Group’s activities and is, therefore, disproportionately 
mmercial 
focused in areas such as defence and commercial 
nd 
aerospace electronics, military aircraft and 
cyber security.

nnn 
Approximately 7% of sales is invested in 
hhh 
customer and company-funded research 
and development activities.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

11

US
The US remains the largest single 
defence market in the world, with fiscal 
year 2016 defence spending expected 
to be $581bn (£394bn). 

Whilst BAE Systems expects budget 
challenges to continue, further clarity 
regarding potential market improvement 
was gained after Congress reached 
agreement on a new budget deal that 
provides for defence and domestic 
programme spending above the Budget 
Control Act caps through 2017.

In addition to progressing US defence 
market programmes, the US business 
remains focused on delivering capabilities 
for application in the growing commercial 
aviation market, and continues to 
pursue near- and long-term US Foreign 
Military Sales and direct international 
sales opportunities.

UK
BAE Systems has a key role in supporting 
the UK armed forces across the air, 
maritime and land domains, and the 
nation’s security and intelligence 
capabilities in both government and 
commercial markets. 

The UK government’s actions to address 
programme priorities and its commitment 
to increase defence spending to 2% of 
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) have 
provided greater certainty and stability 
for core programmes. This has been 
reinforced by the 2015 Strategic Defence 
and Security Review announced in 
November, which provided further clarity 
on the UK government’s strategic priorities.

Saudi Arabia
Regional challenges continue to dictate 
that defence and security remain a high 
priority for Saudi Arabia.

The planned re-organisation of the 
Group’s portfolio of interests in a number 
of industrial companies in Saudi Arabia 
is intended to increase growth prospects 
and reinforce an ongoing commitment 
to support the national objectives of 
local skills and technology development, 
increasing employment and developing 
an indigenous capability. 

Australia
BAE Systems is the largest defence company 
in Australia spanning the air, maritime, 
land and cyber domains.

As part of the Australian Federal Budget 
announcements in May, the Australian 
government restated its commitment to 
increase defence spending to 2% of GDP 
within a decade.

Other key international markets
Oman and India remain key markets 
building on BAE Systems’ established 
relationships. 

BAE Systems is developing its position 
in Oman, building on a long history of 
relationships with the Omani armed forces. 

In India, BAE Systems continues to build 
on its long-standing relationship with 
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and is 
working to develop its 40% interest in 
the BAeHAL software joint venture. 

BAE Systems will continue to target 
opportunities in other international 
markets, including Asia and the 
Middle East.

Our markets

BAE Systems is well 
positioned to support its 
diverse customer base. 

The Group operates in four principal 
markets, identified as having a significant 
and sustained commitment to defence 
and security. These principal markets, 
the US, the UK, the Kingdom of Saudi 
Arabia and Australia, encourage 
investment to develop and sustain 
a domestic defence industrial capability. 
Through such investment, BAE Systems 
has established long-term and trusted 
customer relationships and is an 
established part of the defence industrial 
capability in each of those countries.

The Group’s strategy continues to focus 
on the importance of winning international 
business. BAE Systems has a strong 
international market presence with 
well-established relationships in key 
accessible markets.

Accessible global defence markets 
($bn)

1. US

2. UK

3. France

4. Japan

5. Saudi Arabia

6. India

7. Germany

8. South Korea

9. Australia

10. Brazil

67
57
51
50
47
44
34
33
31

581

Principal markets

Source: 2014 US defence budget as shown in the 
Department of Defense Fiscal Year 2016 Budget 
Request and, outside the US, IHS Jane’s Defence 
Budgets (based on 2014 total defence budgets and 
constant 2015 US dollars).

P(iii)
  Sales by destination

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

 
Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
12

Chief Executive’s review 
continued

2015 performance
US
In the US, President Obama signed the Bipartisan Budget 
Act of 2015, which lifts defence budget caps for fiscal 
years 2016 and 2017 by $33bn (£22bn) and $23bn (£16bn), 
respectively. This is expected to enhance the funding 
environment for the Group’s US businesses through 2017. 

The Group’s electronics businesses have performed well 
and remain well positioned to address current and evolving 
priority programme requirements. As a major supplier of 
electronics equipment on the F-35 Lightning II aircraft, 
including the electronic warfare system, BAE Systems is 
positioned to benefit from the commitment to progressive 
increases in production output over coming years to meet 
the requirements of US and international customers. 

In land, we continued to make good progress building 
on the award in 2014 of the Armored Multi-Purpose 
Vehicle (AMPV) programme and further order intake 
for M109A7 (Paladin) tracked artillery systems. These 
two programmes draw on commonality with the 
Bradley family of vehicles and underpin our strong 
franchise in tracked combat vehicles. The Group was 
also down-selected as one of two companies awarded 
a contract for the engineering and manufacturing 
development phase of a competition for the US Marine 
Corps’ Amphibious Combat Vehicle programme. 

Beyond the US market, FNSS, the Turkish land systems 
business in which BAE Systems holds a 49% interest, 
secured further international armoured vehicle orders 
in the year.

Important new business wins in key technology areas 
in 2015 included the Eagle Passive Active Warning 
Survivability System (EPAWSS) electronic warfare upgrade 
for US Air Force F-15 aircraft and electronics upgrades to 
US Special Operations Command C-130J aircraft.

We have a strong position in the Intelligence, Surveillance 
and Reconnaissance domain, providing customers with 
high-technology sensing solutions, including advanced 
geospatial intelligence capabilities.

We continue to perform in commercial electronics 
through our broadly-based flight and engine controls 
activities. Company-funded investment in innovative 
commercial aircraft cabin systems took an important step 
forward with the signing of the first IntelliCabin® in-flight 
entertainment system airline customer.

The US Navy is redeploying some ships consistent with 
its stated strategy, to include expanding operations in 
the Asia-Pacific region. As a leading supplier of ship 
repair services to the US Navy, BAE Systems is responding 
to these changes with a reduction in workforce at its 
Norfolk, Virginia, facility on the Atlantic coast and by 
investing in additional capacity at its San Diego shipyard. 
In 2016, the Group expects to deliver the remaining 
commercial ships currently under construction in 
Jacksonville, Florida, and Mobile, Alabama.

Whilst much of the Group’s US-based activity has proven 
resilient over recent years through the downturn in US 
defence spending, land programmes and manpower 
services have been disproportionately impacted. Both 
activities performed well in 2015, supporting expectations 
for an improved outlook going forward.

Following external interest in the Group’s US-based 
manpower and services activities, BAE Systems undertook 
a strategic review of the business. Recognising the 
performance of the business and its good order intake, 
the review concluded, in November, that greater value 
could be derived from retaining the businesses. 
Throughout the period, Intelligence & Security remained 
focused on providing leading-edge products and services 
to customers and delivered solid financial performance, 
winning re-compete awards and a number of new, 
multi-year service contracts.

UK
The Group’s UK businesses continued to perform well, 
benefiting from good programme execution and continuity 
in UK customer requirements. UK government commitments 
in July 2015 to protect defence and security spend, in a still 
tightly constrained UK economic environment, were helpful.

In November, the UK government published its Strategic 
Defence and Security Review (SDSR). The SDSR identified 
defence and security priorities and set out a plan to spend 
£178bn on defence equipment and support over the next 
ten years. 

A number of important SDSR commitments for 
BAE Systems included continued investment in expanding 
Typhoon capabilities and an extension of the aircraft’s 
expected service life until at least 2040. There was also 
a commitment to continued joint investment with France 
in the development of a future unmanned combat air 
capability. Also in the air domain, the SDSR identified an 
accelerated UK procurement of F-35 Lightning II aircraft. 
BAE Systems is a major participant in the F-35 programme, 
supplying airframe assemblies and electronics equipment.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

13

Our strategy in action
Continuously improve efficiency  
and competitiveness

Major investments 
in naval facilities

BAE Systems has agreed with the UK 
government an investment of more 
than £300m at its Barrow-in-Furness 
site to transform the UK’s submarine 
manufacturing facilities to accommodate 
build of the successor to the current 
Vanguard Class nuclear deterrent 
boats. It will involve the construction 
of new state-of-the-art facilities 
and the refurbishment of existing 
infrastructure, including an extension 
to the Devonshire Dock Hall in which 
the Astute Class submarines (pictured) 
are currently assembled.

In the US, BAE Systems is investing 
approximately $100m (£68m) to 
expand and complement its 
capabilities at its San Diego, California, 
shipyard to support the US Navy’s 
changing requirements resulting from 
its workload rebalancing from the 
Atlantic to the Pacific coasts.

The Group’s investment will enhance 
its ship repair, maintenance and 
modernisation services through the 
purchase of a new 55,000-ton lifting 
capacity dry dock and a range of 
infrastructure improvements.

The construction of the first new 
building, a £23m logistics facility, 
started in August and a £90m 
contract was placed at the end of 
2015 to build a new central yard 
complex where sections of new 
submarines will be outfitted.

  More online
  baesystems.com

In the maritime domain, the SDSR included a continued 
commitment to seven Astute Class submarines and the 
replacement of the four Vanguard Class submarines. 
The UK government reaffirmed its commitment to 
shipbuilding continuity providing clarity and future 
opportunities for the Group’s shipbuilding facilities and 
workforce in Scotland. A fleet of at least 19 frigates and 
destroyers is expected to be maintained, including eight 
Type 26 frigates. The government’s SDSR commitments 
also include a concept study followed by the design and 
build of a new class of lighter, flexible, general purpose 
frigates, in addition to two new Offshore Patrol Vessels.

In September, an agreement between Kuwait and Italy 
was announced relating to the supply of 28 Typhoon 
aircraft to the Kuwait Air Force. We continue to support 
the campaign, led by Finmeccanica, to achieve a formal 
contract. In November, BAE Systems announced a reduction 
in its build rate for Typhoon assemblies to ensure production 
continuity at competitive costs over the medium term. 
We also announced a proposal to reduce the workforce 
of the Military Air & Information business. 

The UK government continues to provide strong support 
for Typhoon and other export campaigns. Although there 
can be no certainty as to the timing of orders, discussions 
with current and prospective operators of the Typhoon 
aircraft continue to support our expectations for additional 
Typhoon contract awards.

Consistent with the Group’s focused investment in 
research and technology, in November, BAE Systems 
announced an agreement to acquire a 20% interest in 
Reaction Engines Limited (REL). REL is working on a 
radical new aerospace engine concept, SABRE™, which 
combines rocket and jet engine functions, made possible 
by exciting new heat exchanger technology. We expect 
our involvement to expedite transition of the concept to 
a working demonstration engine.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
14

Chief Executive’s review 
continued

Our strategy in action
Continue to drive value from our  
defence platforms and services

Global footprint of the 
F-35 programme

BAE Systems is a principal subcontractor on the 
world’s largest defence programme, the F-35 
Lightning II, with high-technology manufacturing, 
development and support activities carried out in 
the US, the UK and Australia.

In the US, BAE Systems is delivering significant 
elements of the F-35 programme, including 
the aircraft’s electronic warfare suite, 
vehicle management computer and active 
inceptor systems.

At BAE Systems’ advanced manufacturing 
facility in the UK (see page 41), the Group has 
several workshare areas, including manufacture 
of the aft fuselage, and vertical and horizontal 
tails. We are also providing integration support 
to enable operations from the UK’s new Queen 
Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers.

BAE Systems Australia produces titanium 
components for the F-35’s vertical tails, as well 
as specialist electronic warfare equipment for 
customers in the US.

  More online
  baesystems.com

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

International
We continued to deliver Typhoon aircraft to the Kingdom 
of Saudi Arabia during 2015 and the Group’s extensive 
in-Kingdom training and support activities are at a high 
tempo. The Royal Saudi Air Force has achieved high 
utilisation and aircraft availability across its Typhoon and 
Tornado fleets, operating under demanding conditions.

We reached agreement with the Saudi customer for 
the provision of a further 22 Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer 
aircraft, associated ground equipment and training aids 
for the Royal Saudi Air Force, which form part of an 
enhancement to the Kingdom’s pilot training capacity.

As the 50th anniversary of the relationship approaches, 
BAE Systems continues to address current and potential 
new requirements as part of the long-standing agreements 
between the UK government and the Kingdom.

In Australia, the second of the two Landing Helicopter 
Dock (LHD) ships was successfully delivered into service 
with the Royal Australian Navy. Whilst we welcomed the 
Australian government’s announcement of its intention 
to launch a naval shipbuilding strategy, the viability of 
the Williamstown, Melbourne, shipyard remains uncertain. 
With no near-term prospect of work beyond the LHD 
programme and Air Warfare Destroyer block manufacture, 
we announced further headcount reductions in November, 
together with other cost reduction measures across the 
Australian businesses. In addition, a non-cash impairment 
charge has been taken against the carrying value of the 
Williamstown facility.

In India, BAE Systems has a long-standing relationship with 
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Delivery of a second 
batch of HAL-assembled Hawk aircraft continues and 
negotiations are underway to agree a third batch. The 
Group has also commenced discussions with HAL for 
further co-development of Indian Hawk aircraft to meet 
potential requirements for new capabilities.

The Group continues to discuss the potential sale of M777 
howitzers, including prospective local arrangements for 
assembly, integration and testing, to address India’s large 
requirement for new-generation artillery systems.

BAE Systems is a 37.5% shareholder in the MBDA guided 
weapons business. MBDA continues to win significant 
order intake, including naval weapon systems and 
weapons awards in support of multiple combat aircraft 
types. The business expects to win further orders from 
recently announced, and anticipated, international sales of 
European combat aircraft. MBDA is expected to generate 
strong growth in later years from this rising order book. 

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

15

Cyber security
A substantial expansion of the Group’s Applied Intelligence 
business into commercial markets is underway, with 
significant recruitment and product development alongside 
integration of the former SilverSky business, acquired at 
the end of 2014. Sales growth is expected to continue, 
underpinned by continued good order intake as cyber 
security becomes an increasingly important part of 
government security and a core element of stewardship 
for commercial enterprises.

Acquisitions and disposals
In April, BAE Systems completed the sale of its 75% 
holding in BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa (Pty) 
Limited to Denel (SOC) Limited for cash consideration 
of 655 million Rand (£36m).

In June, we acquired Eclipse Electronic Systems, Inc. 
from Esterline Corporation. The Texas-based business 
provides advanced Intelligence, Surveillance and 
Reconnaissance products and services to the US 
defence and intelligence community. 

Balance sheet and capital allocation
The Group’s balance sheet continues to be managed 
conservatively in line with its policy to retain its 
investment grade credit rating and to ensure operating 
flexibility. Consistent with this approach, the Group 
meets pension obligations, pursues organic investment 
opportunities, plans to pay dividends in line with its 
policy of long-term sustainable cover of around two 
times underlying earnings and to make accelerated 
returns of capital to shareholders when the balance 
sheet allows and only when the return from doing so is in 
excess of the Group’s Weighted Average Cost of Capital. 
Investment in value-enhancing acquisitions is considered 
where market conditions are right and where they deliver 
on the Group’s strategy. 

The Group continues to fund the pension deficits of 
the UK schemes under funding agreements determined 
following the last UK valuations in 2014. The next 
valuations of the UK pension schemes are expected 
to begin in April 2017.

In February 2013, we initiated a share repurchase 
programme of up to £1bn over three years. As at 
31 December 2015, a total of 120.5 million shares had 
been purchased for £502m under the programme. 

Responsible business 
BAE Systems continues to instil responsible behaviour 
across the Group by supporting employees in making 
the right ethical decisions. During 2015, a revised Code 
of Conduct was launched and cascaded to employees 
via face-to-face briefings.

The safety of our employees, and anybody who works 
on, or visits, our sites, is a key priority. We provide training 
and tools to employees to help them understand the 
importance of a safe workplace. Senior leadership plays 
a key role in maintaining the focus on safety and leading 
through example.

We are saddened to report that, during 2015, there 
were two air incidents that resulted in seven fatalities, 
four of our employees and three from other companies. 
We have been supporting investigations with air accident 
authorities in Saudi Arabia and the US, and are carrying 
out internal reviews into the incidents.

Engaging and developing the skills and talent of our 
employees and future workforce to address our customers’ 
complex and challenging projects remained a key focus 
during 2015, including continuing to develop an inclusive 
and diverse work environment to help drive innovation. 

Looking forward 
BAE Systems has a large order backlog generated by a 
well-balanced portfolio of businesses serving the needs of 
customers in many of the world’s larger accessible markets.

Many contracts are multi-year and our current order 
backlog will deliver a significant proportion of our sales 
over the next five years, providing long-term visibility 
of revenues.

Having demonstrated good resilience through an extended 
period of economic challenge in many of its markets, the 
Group is well placed to continue to generate attractive 
returns for shareholders as defence budgets increase.

Ian King Chief Executive

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
16
Financial 
review

Peter Lynas Group Finance Director

Financial Key Performance Indicators

Sales1 
(£bn) 

Order intake1 
(£bn) 

 P17

 P18

 £17.9bn
 +8%

2015

2014

2013

 £14.9bn

17.9
16.6

18.2

2015

2014

2013

14.9
15.1

19.3

Target6 not achieved

UK executive directors’ 

 15%  annual bonus7

Underlying EBITA2 
(£m) 

Underlying earnings3 
per share (pence) 

 P17

 P18

 £1,683m
 -1%

 40.2p
 +6%

2015

2014

2013

1,683
1,702

1,925

2015

2014

2013

40.2
38.0

42.0

Target6 achieved

UK executive directors’ 

 40%  annual bonus7

Operating business  
cash flow4 (£m) 

 P19

Net debt (as defined  
by the Group)5 (£m) 

 P19

 £(1,422)m

1,191

2015

2014

2013

Target6 achieved

UK executive directors’ 

 25%  annual bonus7

(1,422)
(1,032)
(699)

 £681m

681

2015

2014

2013

147

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

 
 
 
Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

Income statement
Sales1 increased by £1.3bn to £17.9bn, including a £0.8bn 
benefit to UK sales from increased aircraft deliveries to 
Saudi Arabia and sales from the trading of equipment 
on the European Typhoon programme and the increased 
activity across the naval business. Exchange translation 
added £0.2bn compared to prior year.

Underlying EBITA2 decreased by £19m to £1,683m 
(2014 £1,702m), giving a return on sales of 9.4% 
(2014 10.2%), impacted by both the previously announced 
Typhoon production slowdown and Australian shipyard 
impairment and rationalisation charges. There was an 
exchange translation benefit of £15m.

Non-recurring items in 2015 of £26m includes 
research and development expenditure credits relating 
to 2013 and 2014 (£50m), partly offset by a loss on the 
disposal of the Group’s 75% shareholding in the Land 
Systems South Africa business (£24m).

Amortisation of intangible assets1 reduced to £108m 
(2014 £184m) due to acquired intangible assets fully 
amortising in 2014.

Impairment of intangible assets mainly comprises the 
impairment of goodwill in the US Intelligence & Security 
business reflecting lower growth assumptions. In 2014, 
goodwill impairment charges were taken against the 
carrying value of the US Support Solutions (£87m) and 
South African (£74m) businesses.

Finance costs1 were £409m (2014 £448m). The underlying 
interest charge, excluding pension accounting, and fair 
value and foreign exchange adjustments on financial 
instruments and investments, reduced to £194m (2014 
£204m) primarily from a lower level of net present value 
adjustments. Net interest expense on the Group’s pension 
deficit was higher at £200m (2014 £155m) mainly reflecting 
the increase in the deficit at the beginning of 2015.

Taxation expense1 reflects the Group’s underlying 
effective tax rate for the year of 21%, which excludes the 
change in accounting for UK research and development 
credits and the benefit of £134m arising from the 
adjustment of certain tax provisions. Including these items, 
the underlying effective tax rate is 14%. The calculation of 
the underlying effective tax rate is shown in note 6 to the 
Group accounts on page 120. The underlying effective tax 
rate for 2016 is expected to be around 22%, with the final 
rate dependent on the geographical mix of profits.

Looking beyond 2016, the effective tax rate will depend 
principally on whether there are any changes in tax 
legislation in the Group’s most significant countries of 
operation, the geographical mix of profits and the 
resolution of open issues. The Group does not expect the 
future rate to be materially impacted by the changes to 
the international tax landscape resulting from the package 
of measures developed under the OECD/G20 Base Erosion 
and Profit Shifting project and the investigations and 
proposals of the European Commission. However, the 
details of those are yet to be finalised and the Group will 
keep these under review.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

17

2015
£m

2014
£m

KPI

17,904

16,637

KPI

1,683

9.4% 

26

1,709

(108)

(78)

(409)

(171)

943

1,702

10.2% 

–

1,702 

(184)

(170)

(448)

(148)

752

16.6
0.4
0.2
0.2
0.1
0.2
0.2
17.9

2015

1.528

1.377

2.036

2014

1.647

1.241

1.827

£m

400

50

30

Income statement

Sales1

Underlying EBITA 2

 Return on sales

Non-recurring items

EBITA

Amortisation of intangible assets1

Impairment of intangible assets

Finance costs1

Taxation expense1

Profit for the year

Sales1 bridge (£bn)

2014

Typhoon equipment

Saudi aircraft deliveries

UK naval business

Applied Intelligence

Foreign exchange translation

Other

2015

 P112 Note 1 to the Group accounts

Exchange rates 
Average

£/$

£/€

£/A$

Sensitivity analysis

Estimated impact on sales1 of a ten cent 
movement in the average exchange rate

$

€

A$

1. Including share of equity accounted investments. 
2. Earnings before amortisation and impairment of intangible assets, finance costs and 

taxation expense (EBITA) excluding non-recurring items. 

3. Earnings excluding amortisation and impairment of intangible assets, non-cash finance 
movements on pensions and financial derivatives, non-recurring items and, in 2014, 
a credit in respect of the re-assessment of existing tax provisions (see note 7 to the 
Group accounts). 

4. Net cash inflow from operating activities after capital expenditure (net), financial 

investment and dividends from equity accounted investments.

5. Comprises cash and cash equivalents, less loans and overdrafts (including debt-related 
derivative financial instruments) and cash received on customers’ account (see page 19).

6. The target is the Group’s budget for the year, which represents the first year of the 

five-year Integrated Business Plan (see page 64).

7. 85% (including 5% relating to safety objectives – see page 46) of the UK executive 
directors’ bonuses are based on the achievement of objectives aligned to certain 
Executive Committee objectives measured on Group-level quantitative key performance 
indicators, with the remaining 15% based on the achievement of personal objectives 
aligned to the delivery of specific elements of the Group’s strategy measured using both 
quantitative and qualitative performance indicators (see page 76).

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
18

Financial review
continued

Order intake
Order intake represents the value of funded orders 
received from customers in the year. It is a measure of 
in-year performance and supports future years’ sales 
performance.

Order intake1 of £14.9bn was broadly similar to 2014 
(£15.1bn). Key awards included the UK Type 26 
demonstration phase contract (£0.9bn), weapons 
package agreements for Egypt and Qatar in MBDA as 
part of agreed export contracts for Rafale aircraft (£0.8bn), 
and further Hawk aircraft and associated equipment for 
Saudi Arabia.

Earnings per share
Underlying earnings3 per share for the year was 2.2p 
higher than in 2014, at 40.2p (2014 38.0p), including a 
2.6p benefit from the previously announced overseas tax 
provision release and an additional 1.7p benefit from a 
UK tax provision release.

Basic earnings per share, in accordance with International 
Accounting Standard 33, Earnings per Share, was 29.0p 
(2014 23.4p).

Earnings per share

Underlying earnings3 per share

KPI

Basic earnings per share

Underlying earnings3 per share bridge (pence)

2015

40.2p

29.0p

2014

38.0p

23.4p

2014

Lower charges in commercial shipbuilding

Australian rationalisation/impairment

Trading volumes (including Typhoon)

Pension costs

Tax rate

Overseas tax provision release

UK tax provision release

2015

 P122 Note 7 to the Group accounts

38.0
0.8
(1.3)
0.3
(0.9)
(1.0)
2.6

1.7
40.2

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

1. Including share of equity accounted investments. 
3. Earnings excluding amortisation and impairment of intangible assets, non-cash finance 
movements on pensions and financial derivatives, non-recurring items and, in 2014, 
a credit in respect of the re-assessment of existing tax provisions (see note 7 to the 
Group accounts). 

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

19

Cash flow

Cash inflow from operating activities 

Capital (expenditure)/proceeds (net) 

and financial investment

Dividends received from equity 

accounted investments 

Operating business cash flow4

KPI

Interest 

Taxation 

Free cash flow

Acquisitions and disposals

Cash classified as held for sale

Share repurchase programme

Other net sale of own shares

Equity dividends paid 

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

Cash flow from matured derivative 

financial instruments

Movement in cash collateral

Movement in cash received 
on customers’ account8

Total cash outflow

Foreign exchange translation

Other non-cash movements

Increase in net debt (as defined by the Group)

Opening net debt (as defined by the Group)

Net debt (as defined by the Group)

Debt-related derivative financial 

instrument assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Less: Cash classified as held for sale

Cash (as defined by the Group)

Loans – non-current

Loans and overdrafts – current

Debt (as defined by the Group)

Net debt (as defined by the Group)

KPI

2015
£m

924

2014
£m

913

(284)

215

41

681

(173)

(116)

392

16

–

(7)

8

(655)

(40)

12

3

–

(271)

(165)

46

(390)

(1,032)

(1,422)

63

1,191

(145)

(92)

954

(230)

(6)

(283)

2

(642)

(14)

8

10

1

(200)

(146)

13

(333)

(699)

(1,032)

53

10

2,537

2,314

–

(6)

2,590

2,318

(3,775)

(2,868)

(237)

(4,012)

(1,422)

(482)

(3,350)

(1,032)

Cash flow
Operating business cash flow4
Cash inflow from operating activities was £924m 
(2014 £913m), which includes cash contributions in respect 
of pension deficit funding, over and above service costs, 
for the UK and US schemes totalling £274m (2014 £391m).

The major advances received in 2012 on the Omani Typhoon 
and Hawk order, and the Saudi training aircraft contract, 
continue to be consumed. Advances were also utilised in 
the year on European Typhoon production. Costs are 
being incurred against provisions created in previous years, 
including the US commercial shipbuilding programmes and 
on UK rationalisation. The second of the two payments 
under the Salam price escalation settlement was received.

Net capital expenditure and financial investment was 
£284m. In 2014, there was a net cash inflow of £215m, 
which included the receipt of £418m in respect of the sale 
and leaseback of two properties in Saudi Arabia. 

Dividends received from equity accounted 
investments reduced by £22m to £41m (2014 £63m) 
reflecting a lower dividend from MBDA.

Interest payments were £28m higher at £173m (2014 
£145m) primarily reflecting the timing of interest payments 
on US dollar bonds and interest receipts in the UK.

The net cash inflow in respect of acquisitions and 
disposals of £16m includes £21m received in respect 
of the sale of the Group’s 75% shareholding in the Land 
Systems South Africa business, less £5m paid in respect 
of the acquisition of Eclipse Electronic Systems, Inc. 
In 2014, there was a net cash outflow of £230m 
comprising the acquisition of SilverSky (£147m) and 
Signal Innovations Group (£12m), together with an 
additional 59% shareholding in Saudi Development 
and Training Company (£71m).

During 2015, there was a cash outflow of £7m (2014 
£283m) under the share repurchase programme 
representing shares purchased and cancelled under the 
programme announced in February 2013. The return 
on investment from buying back the Group’s own shares 
reduces as the share price rises and, as a result, activity 
on the programme has been minimal in the year.

Equity dividends paid in 2015 includes payments 
in respect of the 2014 final (£389m) and 2015 interim 
(£266m) dividends.

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests increased 
to £40m (2014 £14m) reflecting higher dividends paid by 
both the Group’s 75%-owned South African business prior 
to disposal and a 51%-owned Saudi portfolio company.

Foreign exchange translation, primarily in respect 
of the Group’s US dollar-denominated borrowing, 
increased reported net debt by £165m.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

4. Net cash inflow from operating activities after capital expenditure (net), financial 

investment and dividends from equity accounted investments. 

8. Cash received on customers’ account is the unexpended cash received from customers 
in advance of delivery which is subject to advance payment guarantees unrelated to 
Group performance. It is included within trade and other payables in the Consolidated 
balance sheet.

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
20

Financial review
continued

Balance sheet
The £134m increase in intangible assets to £10.1bn 
(2014 £10.0bn) mainly reflects exchange translation (£257m), 
partly offset by amortisation and impairment (£182m).

Property, plant and equipment, and investment 
property increased to £1.8bn (2014 £1.7bn), including 
£32m of exchange translation.

Equity accounted investments and other investments 
increased to £256m (2014 £236m) reflecting the Group’s 
share of profit for the year (£110m), partly offset by exchange 
translation (£45m) and dividends received (£41m).

The £0.9bn reduction in the Group’s share of the pre-tax 
net pension deficit mainly reflects a decrease in liabilities 
due to a 0.3 percentage point increase in the real discount 
rate to 0.7% in the UK and a 0.4 percentage point increase 
in the nominal discount rate to 4.5% in the US.

In December 2015, BAE Systems, Airbus and the scheme 
trustees agreed to work towards the creation of a separate 
Airbus section of the BAE Systems Pension Scheme (Main 
Scheme) in 2016 with the allocation of the deficit to the 
BAE Systems and Airbus sections based on each member’s 
last employer. This allocation methodology has been 
reflected in the allocation of the IAS 19 pension deficit in 
the Main Scheme at 31 December 2015. The impact of 
this change on the amounts allocated at 31 December 
2015 is an increase of £187m (£153m post-tax) in the 
Group’s share of the reported IAS 19 deficit.

Details of the Group’s pension schemes are provided in 
note 20 to the Group accounts on page 139.

A net deferred tax asset of £0.9bn (2014 £1.2bn) relating 
to the Group’s pension deficit is included within net tax 
assets and liabilities.

There was a £0.6bn increase in working capital mainly 
reflecting a net reduction in advance contract funding 
and utilisation of provisions.

The Group expects to complete the disposal of Aircraft 
Accessories and Components Company during 2016 and, 
accordingly, it is classified as held for sale at 31 December 
2015 (£12m). The disposal of the Group’s 75% shareholding 
in the Land Systems South Africa business, which was held 
for sale at 31 December 2014 (£41m), was completed 
during 2015.

The Group’s net debt5 at 31 December 2015 is £1,422m, 
a net increase of £390m from the net debt position of 
£1,032m at the start of the year.

A $750m (£481m) 5.2% bond was repaid at maturity 
in August.

In December, BAE Systems issued $1.5bn (£1.0bn) of bonds 
in the US capital market comprising a $500m five-year bond 
at a 2.85% coupon, a $750m ten-year bond at a 3.85% 
coupon and a $250m 30-year bond maturing in 2044 
at a 4.75% coupon.

Cash and cash equivalents of £2,537m (2014 £2,314m) 
are held primarily for the repayment of debt securities, 
pension deficit funding, payment of the 2015 final 
dividend and management of working capital.

5. Comprises cash and cash equivalents, less loans and overdrafts (including debt-related 
derivative financial instruments) and cash received on customers’ account (see page 19).

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Balance sheet

Intangible assets 

Property, plant and equipment, and investment 

property 

Equity accounted investments and other investments

Other financial assets and liabilities, net 

Pension deficit, net (see below)

Tax assets and liabilities, net

Working capital 

Net assets held for sale

Net debt (as defined by the Group)

Net assets

2015
£m

10,117

2014
£m

9,983

1,818

1,718

256

(43)

236

(112)

(4,501)

(5,368)

661

865

(3,896)

(4,466)

12

(1,422)

3,002

53

(1,032)

1,877

Pension deficit, net (see above) 

4,501

5,368

Add back: Amounts allocated to equity accounted  
investments and other participating employers

Total IAS 19 deficit, net

1,053

5,554

1,444

6,812

6.8
(1.6)

4.0

3.8
3.8
3.8

Pension deficit bridge (£bn)

2014

Real discount rate

Actual return on assets

Deficit funding

Interest on liabilities

Other

2015

 P139 Note 20 to the Group accounts

Maturity of the Group’s borrowings (£bn)

(0.3)

(0.3)

1.1
(0.1)
5.6

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

2027

3.1

2.8

2.4

2.0
2.0

1.5

1.0
1.0

0.6*

*Repayable in 2041 (£268m) and 2044 (£363m).

 P137 Note 18 to the Group accounts

Exchange rates
Year end

£/$

£/€

£/A$

2015

1.474

1.357

2.027

2014

1.559

1.287

1.908

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

21

Critical accounting policies
Certain of the Group’s significant accounting policies 
are considered by the directors to be critical because of 
the level of complexity, judgement or estimation involved 
in their application and their impact on the consolidated 
financial statements:

Revenue and profit recognition
Revenue

£16.8bn (year ended 31 December 2015) 
See note 1 to the Group accounts

Carrying value of intangible assets
Intangible assets

£10.1bn (at 31 December 2015) 
See note 8 to the Group accounts

Valuation of retirement benefit obligations
Group’s share of 
IAS 19 deficit, net

£4.5bn (at 31 December 2015) 
See note 20 to the Group accounts

P106
  For more information

Capital
Objectives
Maintain the Group’s investment grade credit rating and 
ensure operating flexibility, whilst: meeting its pension 
obligations; pursuing organic investment opportunities; 
paying dividends in line with the Group’s policy of 
long-term sustainable cover of around two times 
underlying earnings; making accelerated returns of capital 
to shareholders when the balance sheet allows and only 
when the return from doing so is in excess of the Group’s 
Weighted Average Cost of Capital; and investing in 
value-enhancing acquisitions, where market conditions 
are right and where they deliver on the Group’s strategy.

Policies
The Group funds its operations through a mixture of 
equity funding and debt financing, including bank and 
capital market borrowings.

The capital structure of the Group reflects the judgement 
of the directors of an appropriate balance of funding 
required. Three credit rating agencies publish credit 
ratings for the Group:

Agency
Moody’s Investors 
Service
Standard & Poor’s 
Ratings Services
Fitch Ratings

Rating
Baa2

Outlook
Stable

BBB+

Negative

BBB+

Negative

Category
Investment  
grade
Investment  
grade
Investment  
grade

P150
  Note 22 to the Group accounts

Treasury
The Group’s treasury activities are overseen by the Treasury 
Review Management Committee (TRMC). Two executive 
directors are members of the TRMC, including the Group 
Finance Director who chairs the Committee. The TRMC 
also has representatives with legal and tax expertise. The 
Group operates a centralised treasury department that is 
accountable to the TRMC for managing treasury activities 
in accordance with the treasury policies approved by 
the Board.

Objectives/policies
Net debt
Maintain a balance between the continuity, flexibility and 
cost of debt funding through the use of borrowings from 
a range of markets with a range of maturities, currencies 
and interest rates, reflecting the Group’s risk profile.
–  Material borrowings are arranged by the central treasury 
department and funds raised are lent onward to operating 
subsidiaries as required.

Interest rates
Manage the exposure to interest rate fluctuations on 
borrowings through varying the proportion of fixed rate 
debt relative to floating rate debt with derivative instruments, 
including interest rate and cross-currency swaps.
–  A minimum of 50% and a maximum of 90% of gross 

debt is maintained at fixed interest rates.

Liquidity
Maintain adequate undrawn committed borrowing facilities.
–  An undrawn committed Revolving Credit Facility of £2bn 
contracted to December 2018 and £1.9bn contracted 
from December 2018 to December 2020 is available to 
meet expected general corporate funding requirements.

Monitor and control counterparty credit risk and credit 
limit utilisation.
–  The Group adopts a conservative approach to the 
investment of its surplus cash. It is deposited with 
financial institutions with the strongest credit ratings 
for short periods.

Currency
Reduce the Group’s exposure to transactional volatility 
in earnings and cash flows from movements in foreign 
currency exchange rates.
–  All material firm transactional exposures are hedged.
–  The Group does not hedge the translation effect of 

exchange rate movements on the income statements 
or balance sheets of foreign subsidiaries and equity 
accounted investments it regards as long-term 
investments.

P156
  Note 27 to the Group accounts

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

 
 
 
BAE Systems operates internationally and is subject to 
tax in many different jurisdictions. The Group employs 
professional tax managers and takes appropriate advice 
from reputable professional firms. The Group is routinely 
subject to tax audits and reviews which can take a 
considerable period of time to conclude. Provision is 
made for known issues based on management’s 
interpretation of country-specific legislation and the likely 
outcome of negotiations or litigation. The assessment 
and management of tax risks are regularly reviewed by 
the Audit Committee, as is the Group’s tax strategy.

Arm’s length principles are applied in the pricing of 
all intra-group transactions of goods and services in 
accordance with Organisation for Economic Co-operation 
and Development guidelines. Where appropriate, the 
Group engages with governments in relation to proposed 
legislation and tax policy. The Group endorses the 
statement of tax principles issued by the Confederation 
of British Industry in May 2013 (www.cbi.org.uk/
media/2051390/statement_of_principles.pdf).

P119
  Note 6 to the Group accounts

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
22

Financial review
continued

Tax strategy
The Group’s tax strategy is to:
–  ensure compliance with all applicable tax laws and 

regulations; and

–  manage the Group’s tax expense in a way that is 
consistent with its values and its legal obligations 
in all relevant jurisdictions.

The Group promotes collaborative professional working 
with tax authorities in order to build open, transparent 
and trusted relationships. As part of this, the Group 
engages in open and early dialogue to discuss tax 
planning, strategy, risks and significant transactions, 
and discloses any significant uncertainties in relation to 
tax matters. Queries and information requests by tax 
authorities are responded to in a timely fashion and the 
Group ensures that tax authorities are kept informed 
about how issues are progressing. The Group seeks to 
resolve issues in real-time and before returns are filed 
where possible. Fair, accurate and timely disclosures are 
made in tax returns, reports and documents that the 
Group files with, or submits to, tax authorities. Where 
disagreements over tax arise, the Group works 
proactively to seek to resolve all issues by agreement 
(where possible) and reach reasonable solutions.

Whilst the Group aims to maximise the tax efficiency of 
its business transactions, it does not use structures in its 
tax planning that are contrary to the intentions of the 
relevant legislature. The Group interprets relevant tax 
laws in a reasonable way and ensures that transactions 
are structured in a way that is consistent with a relationship 
of co-operative compliance with tax authorities. It also 
actively considers the implications of any planning for 
the Group’s wider corporate reputation.

The Group is open and transparent with regards to 
decision-making, governance and tax planning in its 
business, keeping tax authorities informed of who 
has responsibility, how decisions are reached, how 
the business is structured and where different parts 
of the business are located.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

 
23

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

Guidance 
for 2016

Group guidance 
In 2016, the Group’s underlying earnings1 per share are 
expected to be approximately 5% to 10% higher than the 
adjusted underlying earnings1 per share of 36.6p* in 2015.

 * Reported underlying earnings1 per share of 40.2p excluding the previously announced 

2.6p per share earnings benefit from an overseas tax provision release and an 
additional 1.7p per share earnings benefit from a UK tax provision release, and adjusting 
for a 0.7p per share benefit to an assumed US$1.45 to sterling translation rate.

Segmental guidance

Electronic Systems
–  Low single-digit sales2,3 growth is expected 
in 2016 with margins around the middle of 
an increased 13% to 15% guidance range.

Cyber & Intelligence
Comprising the US Intelligence & Security 
sector (70%3 of Cyber & Intelligence sales 
in 2015) and Applied Intelligence:

–  Low single-digit sales2 growth is expected 
in 2016 with stable sales in Intelligence & 
Security and good double-digit growth in 
Applied Intelligence. 

–  Margins are expected to improve to within 
a 7% to 9% range, following the high 
product development investment in the 
Applied Intelligence business in 2015.

Platforms & Services (US)
–  Sales2 are expected to be some 10% lower, 
including a reduction in naval ship repair 
activity as the pivot of the fleet to the West 
coast takes place.

–  Another year of margin improvement, to 

a range of 7% to 8%, is expected in 2016, 
absent further charges on commercial 
shipbuilding contracts.

Platforms & Services (UK)
–  Sales2 are expected to be slightly lower in 

line with planned lower Typhoon deliveries. 
Increased submarine programme activity 
is expected to offset reducing aircraft 
carrier sales.

–  Margins are expected to be at the lower 

end of a 10% to 12% range. 

Platforms & Services 
(International)
–  Sales2 are expected to grow around 5% in 

2016 with increased Typhoon aircraft support.

–  Margins are expected to be at the lower 

end of a 10% to 12% range. 

HQ
–  HQ costs are expected to be similar to 

those in 2015. Underlying finance costs 
are expected to increase by £35m in 2016. 
The underlying effective tax rate remains 
dependent on the geographical mix of 
profits, but is expected to increase slightly 
to around 22%.

1. Earnings excluding amortisation and impairment of intangible assets, non-cash 

finance movements on pensions and financial derivatives, non-recurring items and, 
in 2014, a credit in respect of the re-assessment of existing tax provisions (see note 7 
to the Group accounts). 

2. Including share of equity accounted investments. 
3. Adjusted for the transfer of the GEOINT-ISR (Geospatial Intelligence – Intelligence, 

Surveillance and Reconnaissance) business to Electronic Systems.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

For further information visit 
investors.baesystems.com

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
24
Segmental 
performance

We report our performance through 
five principal reporting segments:
– Electronic Systems
– Cyber & Intelligence
– Platforms & Services (US)
– Platforms & Services (UK)
– Platforms & Services (International)

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

25

P26
  Electronic Systems

P30
  Cyber & Intelligence

P34
  Platforms & Services (US)

P38
  Platforms & Services (UK)

P42
  Platforms & Services (International)

Segmental performance at a glance 

Electronic Systems

Cyber & Intelligence

Platforms & Services (US) 

Platforms & Services (UK)

Platforms & Services (International)

HQ*

Less: Intra-group

Total

Number of
employees1

12,400

12,900

11,500

29,600

13,600

2,500

KPI

Sales1
£m

2,638

1,848

2,779

7,405

3,742

237

(745)

KPI
Underlying
EBITA2
£m

396

145

177

721

335

(91)

Return
on sales
%

15.0

7.8

6.4

9.7

9.0

KPI
Cash
flow3
£m

323

93

100

220

164

(219)

KPI
Order
intake1
£m

2,523

2,029

2,737

4,944

3,046

231

(589)

82,500

17,904

1,683

9.4

681

14,921

Order
backlog1,4

£bn

4.2

2.4

3.9

17.8

10.2

–

(1.7)

36.8

*HQ comprises the Group’s head office activities, together with a 49% interest in Air Astana.

1. Including share of equity accounted investments.
2. Earnings before amortisation and impairment of intangible assets, finance costs and taxation expense (EBITA) excluding non-recurring items (see page 17).
3. Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities after capital expenditure (net), financial investment and dividends from equity accounted investments.
4. Comprises funded and unfunded unexecuted customer orders.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
26

Segmental performance

Electronic 
Systems

Electronic Systems, with 12,400 employees1, 
comprises the US and UK-based electronics 
activities, including electronic warfare systems, 
electro-optical sensors, military and commercial 
digital engine and flight controls, next-generation 
military communications systems and data links, 
persistent surveillance capabilities, and hybrid 
electric drive systems.

Electronic Combat includes the 
Electronic Protection, Electronic 
Warfare and Electronic Attack 
product lines, and provides a 
depth of capability in integrated 
electromagnetic systems for airborne 
applications, mission planning and 
battle management solutions, secure 
networked communications and 
navigation systems, radio frequency 
communication and data links.

Survivability, Targeting & Sensing 
exploits the electro-optical and 
infrared spectrum to provide 
leading threat warning and infrared 
countermeasures systems, precision 
guidance and seeker solutions, 
advanced targeting solutions, head-up 
displays and state-of-the-art tactical 
imaging systems.

Intelligence, Surveillance & 
Reconnaissance addresses the market 
for actionable intelligence through 
innovative technical solutions for 
airborne persistent surveillance, 
identification systems, signals 
intelligence, underwater and surface 
warfare solutions, and space products.

Controls & Avionics addresses the 
military and commercial aircraft 
electronics markets, including 
fly-by-wire flight controls, full authority 
digital engine controls, flight deck 
systems, cabin management systems 
and mission computers.

HybriDrive® Solutions delivers electric 
propulsion and power management 
performance, with innovative 
products and solutions that advance 
vehicle mobility, efficiency and 
capability in the transit, military, 
marine and rail markets.

Our strategy in action
Leverage our technology  
and engineering capabilities

 Advancing future solutions

Electronic Systems’ research and advanced technology arm 
develops agile, innovative solutions to solve mission-critical customer 
challenges. The majority of the 150 active programmes are funded 
by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and 
other US Department of Defense research laboratories. The focus 
is to develop innovative concepts and transition them to support 
programmes of record, such as the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile 
programme, which uses BAE Systems’ advanced long-range sensors 
as the missile’s eyes and ears to enable the attack of targets within a 
group of enemy ships protected by sophisticated air defence systems.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

27

Operational and strategic highlights
– Selected for the Eagle Passive Active Warning 
Survivability System programme with Boeing, 
potentially worth over $1.0bn (£0.7bn) over the life 
of the programme, to upgrade up to 400 US Air 
Force F-15 aircraft

– Delivered the first international order for the Advanced 

Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS™)

– Awarded a five-year contract for the US Army’s 

Enhanced Night Vision Goggle III and Family of Weapon 
Sights – Individual programme, with a potential value 
of $435m (£295m)

– Acquired Eclipse Electronic Systems, Inc., a provider 

of leading-edge communications intelligence receivers 
and services

– Selected by Boeing to provide the entire flight control 
electronics suite on the next-generation 777X aircraft 
programme following the award, in 2015, for the 
remote electronic units

– Opened a state-of-the-art aviation technology 
manufacturing facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Financial performance

Sales1

Underlying EBITA2

Return on sales

Cash inflow3

Order intake1

Order backlog1,4

KPI

KPI

KPI

KPI

2015

2014

£2,638m £2,415m

£396m

15.0%

£323m

£373m

15.4%

£246m

£2,523m £2,341m

£4.2bn

£3.9bn

–  Sales1 compared to 2014 increased marginally to $4.0bn (£2.6bn). 
The commercial areas of the business now amount to 23% having 
seen sales growth in the year of 7%. On the defence side, sales were 
stable with growth on the F-35 Lightning II programme offsetting 
contracts completing in 2014.

–  The return on sales achieved of 15.0% benefited from continued 

strong programme execution and risk retirement. Last year’s return 
on sales of 15.4% included a 0.5 percentage point non-recurring 
gain from a contract pricing settlement.

–  Cash3 conversion of underlying EBITA2 for the year was at 89%, 

excluding pension deficit funding.

–  Order backlog1,4 was sustained at $6.1bn (£4.2bn) benefiting from 
awards for Enhanced Night Vision Goggles, F-15 electronic warfare 
upgrades, production of P-8A Poseidon mission computers and 
F-35 Lightning II Low-Rate Initial Production Lots 9 to 11.

Sales1 by domain (%)

Land

9%

Maritime

 3%

Air

 88%

 Sales1 by line of business (%)

Controls & Avionics/
HybriDrive® Solutions

 28%

Electronic
Combat

 36%

Intelligence, 
Surveillance 
& Reconnaissance

  14%

Survivability,
Targeting & Sensing

22%

 Sales1 analysis: Defence and commercial (%)

Commercial

 23%

Defence

 77%

1. Including share of equity accounted investments.
2. Earnings before amortisation and impairment of intangible assets, finance 

costs and taxation expense (EBITA) excluding non-recurring items.

3. Net cash inflow from operating activities after capital expenditure (net), 
financial investment and dividends from equity accounted investments.

4. Comprises funded and unfunded unexecuted customer orders.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
28

Segmental performance 
Electronic Systems

Our strategy in action
Continue to grow our electronic 
systems business

Innovation in 
electronic warfare

BAE Systems has an extensive electronic 
warfare heritage, with more than 60 years’ 
experience integrating and fielding some 
of the most advanced US electronic 
warfare technologies. 

BAE Systems has been selected to develop 
and manufacture an all-digital electronic 
warfare system, the Eagle Passive Active 
Warning Survivability System, for the US 
Air Force’s F-15 aircraft. It will replace the 
aircraft’s legacy-1980s Tactical Electronic 
Warfare Suite, and leverages the technology 
and capabilities of the Digital Electronic 
Warfare System and the F-35 Lightning II 
programmes.

  More online
  baesystems.com

Electronic Systems continues to deliver on 
Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System 
(APKWS™) Full-Rate Production Lots 3 and 4, 
now worth a total of $115m (£78m) with the 
US Navy. BAE Systems received customer 
recognition for the completion of the 5,000th 
production unit during September and the 
first Foreign Military Sales order of 110 
systems for Jordan was completed in October. 
The US Army acquired an initial quantity of 
APKWS™ laser-guided rockets from the 
US Navy for use in ongoing operations.

The business continues to perform on the 
Terminal High-Altitude Area Defence Full-Rate 
Production contract, valued at $340m (£231m), 
for 307 infrared missile seekers supporting both 
the US government and Foreign Military Sales. 

A five-year, Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite 
Quantity (IDIQ) contract to support the 
US Army’s Enhanced Night Vision Goggle III 
and Family of Weapon Sights – Individual 
programme was awarded to BAE Systems in 
March. The contract has a potential value of 
approximately $435m (£295m). The programme 
has commenced initial deliveries to support 
user evaluation and reliability testing.

The next-generation Striker® II helmet-mounted 
display has completed initial flight trials, 
successfully demonstrating the performance 
of the integrated digital night vision camera.

The business was unsuccessful in bidding 
for the US Army’s Common Infrared 
Countermeasures programme.

Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance 
The business continues to provide Airborne 
Surveillance capability for the US Air Force 
and US Army based on two wide-area, 
high-resolution imaging sensor systems – the 
Airborne Wide Area Persistent Surveillance 
System, which has been operational for more 
than 28,000 hours in theatre, and the 
Autonomous Real-time Ground Ubiquitous 
Surveillance – Imaging System. 

The business provides state-of-the-art 
processing capabilities for the US Navy’s P-8A 
Poseidon programme, which has entered 
Full-Rate Production, and delivered 35 mission 
computer and display systems during the 
year. Four systems were purchased by 
Australia in 2015.

Electronic Systems continues to provide Signals 
Intelligence capability for the US Army and 
other US Department of Defense customers. 
BAE Systems was awarded $28m (£19m) for 
additional enhancements to the existing 
two-year contract valued in excess of $95m 
(£64m) to provide Tactical Signals Intelligence 
Payloads and associated equipment for the 
US Army’s Gray Eagle unmanned aircraft. 
Deliveries of pods and ground stations have 
commenced.

In June, BAE Systems completed the 
acquisition of Eclipse Electronic Systems, Inc., 
a Texas-based provider of highly-advanced 
Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance 
products and services to the US defence and 
intelligence community. 

Operational performance
Electronic Combat
Electronic Systems has sustained its leadership 
position in the US electronic warfare market 
and production is ramping up across a number 
of programmes. Low-Rate Initial Production 
hardware deliveries on the F-35 Lightning II 
programme continue with Lot 8 and 9 
deliveries, and Lot 10 deliveries expected to 
commence in 2016. The business has received 
initial funding for Lot 11, with negotiations 
anticipated in 2016.

The business is under contracts, from Boeing 
and Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex, 
totalling over $1.0bn (£0.7bn) to install the 
Digital Electronic Warfare System (DEWS) on 
84 new F-15 aircraft, upgrade 70 existing F-15 
aircraft with DEWS and provide spare units 
and modules for an international customer. 
Hardware and software deliveries, and system 
verification testing remain on schedule.

BAE Systems has been selected by 
Boeing to develop and manufacture the 
next-generation digital electronic warfare 
system for the US Air Force’s Eagle Passive 
Active Warning Survivability System 
programme to upgrade up to 400 F-15 
aircraft. The programme could be worth 
over $1.0bn (£0.7bn) over its life.

BAE Systems was selected by the US Special 
Operations Command to develop a new 
electronic warfare system for its fleet of 
C-130J aircraft. The initial contract, worth 
more than $20m (£14m), is the first phase of 
a multi-phase programme to provide product 
development and platform integration work 
over the next 12 months. The lifecycle value 
of the contract could exceed $400m (£271m).

Due to the sensitive nature of electronic 
combat systems and technology, many of 
the business’s programmes are classified. As 
a world leader in electronic warfare systems, 
the business continues to experience growth 
in this increasingly important area.

Survivability, Targeting & Sensing
The US Army continues to field the 
third-generation upgrade to its Common 
Missile Warning Systems and has placed 
its first Foreign Military Sales orders for 
systems to Qatar, the Republic of Korea, 
Indonesia and Turkey. 

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

29

Looking forward
In the US, further clarity regarding 
potential market improvement 
was gained after Congress reached 
agreement on a new budget deal 
that provides for defence and 
domestic programme spending 
above the Budget Control Act caps 
through 2017. 

Whilst the longer-term outlook 
retains some uncertainty, 
Electronic Systems remains well 
positioned to address changing 
US Department of Defense priorities. 
Its focus remains on maintaining a 
diverse portfolio of defence and 
commercial products and capabilities 
for US and international customers, 
while sustaining its emphasis on 
cost reduction, and research 
and development.

The business expects to benefit 
from its franchise positions, 
particularly on the F-35 Lightning II 
and F-15 programmes, and its ability 
to apply innovative technology 
solutions that meet defence 
customers’ changing requirements. 
In the commercial aviation market, 
Electronic Systems’ technology 
innovations are enabling the business 
to renew long-standing customer 
positions and win new business.

On the F-35 Lightning II programme, 
BAE Systems completed Low-Rate Initial 
Production (LRIP) Lot 7 deliveries of 38 
production shipsets, plus spares, of the vehicle 
management computer and active inceptor 
system equipment to Lockheed Martin. Both 
systems are currently in production for LRIP 
Lot 8 and under contract for LRIP Lot 9.

HybriDrive® Solutions
With the recent delivery of its 5,000th 
hybrid propulsion system, the business 
is continuing to meet the needs of an 
environmentally-conscious global transit bus 
market with its new anti-idling technology 
and zero-emission drive modes. Cities including 
London, Paris, Boston and Seattle are now 
using engine-off technology to save fuel, 
reduce noise and improve local air quality.

Other
In July, the Communications & Control line 
of business was realigned across the three 
remaining defence businesses.

From 2016, Cyber & Intelligence’s Geospatial 
Intelligence – Intelligence, Surveillance and 
Reconnaissance business will be reported in 
Electronic Systems.

Controls & Avionics
BAE Systems is a major supplier to Boeing 
for flight controls, and cabin and flight deck 
systems. In February, the Group was selected 
to provide the remote electronic units on 
Boeing’s next-generation 777X aircraft 
programme. With this new award, BAE Systems 
will now provide the entire flight control suite 
for 777X aircraft. Delivery of subsystems for 
the first 737 MAX test aircraft was completed 
on schedule.

FADEC Alliance, a joint venture between 
FADEC International (the Group’s joint venture 
with Sagem) and GE Aviation, completed 
certification of the full authority digital engine 
controls on the Leap engine for the Airbus 
A320neo aircraft.

The business completed certification of the 
flight control electronics for the Embraer 
Legacy 500 and Bombardier CSeries aircraft, 
and its flight control electronics enabled first 
flights of the Gulfstream G500 and Embraer 
KC-390 aircraft.

Vistara, an Indian airline, became the launch 
customer for BAE Systems’ IntelliCabin® 
wireless in-flight entertainment system. 
The first installation of the system was 
certified in January 2016.

A new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility 
in Fort Wayne, Indiana, officially opened in 
September for the production of commercial 
aircraft electronics.

Our strategy in action
Continue to grow our electronic 
systems business

Commercial 
flight control 
electronics

  More online
  baesystems.com

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Electronic Systems is both a supplier of 
high-technology equipment for defence 
electronics capabilities and is growing in 
adjacent commercial aerospace markets. 

BAE Systems is a leading supplier of engine 
controls, including for GE engines, and, 
through a joint venture, for the CFM family 
of engines. The Group has a strong franchise 
position, providing flight control electronics 
for many Boeing and other aircraft platforms. 

In 2015, BAE Systems was selected by Boeing 
to provide the remote electronic units for the 
777X aircraft. In combination with the prior 
year award to provide the integrated flight 
control electronics on the 777X, BAE Systems 
will be providing the complete suite of flight 
control electronics for the next-generation 
platform’s fly-by-wire system.

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
30

Segmental performance

Cyber & 
Intelligence

Cyber & Intelligence, with 12,900 employees1, 
comprises the US-based Intelligence & Security 
business and UK-headquartered Applied 
Intelligence business, and covers the Group’s 
cyber security, secure government, and 
commercial and financial security activities.

Applied Intelligence collects, manages 
and exploits information to provide 
intelligence enabling government and 
commercial customers to maintain 
security, manage risk and optimise 
performance. 

Alongside its secure government-
focused activities, the business is 
a supplier of solutions that combine 
large-scale data exploitation, 
intelligence-grade security and 
services and solutions integration 
to commercial customers, with a 
focus on financial services, 
telecommunications, and energy 
and utility companies. 

Primary operations are located in 
the UK, Denmark, Ireland, Australia, 
Malaysia and the US.

Intelligence & Security delivers a 
broad range of services to the US 
military and government.

GEOINT-ISR develops and supports 
mission software and systems for US 
intelligence and defence customers, 
leveraging domain expertise in 
geospatial, Intelligence, Surveillance 
and Reconnaissance (ISR) and 
mission management.

Global Analysis & Operations 
provides innovative, mission-enabling 
analytic solutions and support to the 
US government.

Integrated Electronics & Warfare 
Systems provides systems engineering, 
integration and through-life support 
services for US defence and coalition 
partner customers.

IT Solutions delivers operational secure 
solutions that enable US national 
security customers to perform 
operations and protect their data 
and networks.

Our strategy in action
Accelerate the growth of our cyber,  
intelligence and security business

 Commercial cyber security

Growth in the cyber security domain has been achieved by 
accelerating technology and market positions through targeted 
acquisitions. The core of this strategy was the acquisition in 2008 
of Detica plc to complement and expand the Group’s capabilities 
in cyber security for governments. Whilst this continues to be a 
growth activity, with high technical barriers to entry, commercial 
markets offer higher growth opportunities. 

BAE Systems has developed a range of product and service offerings, 
building on our capabilities in the secure-government environment 
and establishing channels to take defence-grade cyber solutions to 
commercial customers.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

31

Sales1 by business (%)

Applied
Intelligence

 25%

Intelligence
& Security

 75%

 Sales1 analysis: Intelligence & Security (%)

IT Solutions

20%

GEOINT-ISR

20%

Government
 100%

Global Analysis
& Operations

 14%

Integrated Electronics 
& Warfare Systems

 46%

 Sales1 analysis: Applied Intelligence (%)

International Services
& Solutions

 26%

Commercial Solutions

 34%

Government 
(security)
 40%

Commercial
60%

UK Services

40%

1. Including share of equity accounted investments.
2. Re-presented for the reallocation of the Integrated Electronics & Warfare 
Systems activities from Platforms & Services (US) to Cyber & Intelligence. 
3. Earnings before amortisation and impairment of intangible assets, finance 

costs and taxation expense (EBITA) excluding non-recurring items.

4. Net cash inflow from operating activities after capital expenditure (net), 
financial investment and dividends from equity accounted investments.

5. Comprises funded and unfunded unexecuted customer orders.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Operational and strategic highlights
Intelligence & Security
– Strategic review of manpower and services businesses 

determined that retaining the businesses delivers 
greater value

– Secured a ten-year contract with an expected value of 
over $1.0bn (£0.7bn) to provide information technology 
services to high-priority US government agencies

– Secured a five-year, $278m (£189m) re-compete award 

to provide logistics and sustainment engineering 
services for radar, optical and telemetry systems

Applied Intelligence
– Integration of the acquired SilverSky business 

substantially completed

– Significant investment in engineering capabilities and 

product development

– Strong performance in commercial cyber security 

products, with multi-year contracts awarded

– Launch and initial take-up of cloud-based cyber security 

products in Europe, Canada and Asia-Pacific

– Continued growth of security and digital services 

projects in government and critical national 
infrastructure in the UK and internationally

Financial performance

Sales1

Underlying EBITA3

Return on sales

Cash inflow4

Order intake1

Order backlog1,5

KPI

KPI

KPI

KPI

2015

20142

£1,848m £1,658m

£145m

7.8%

£93m

£153m

9.2%

£125m

£2,029m £1,784m

£2.4bn

£2.0bn

–  In aggregate, sales1 increased by 3% to $2.8bn (£1.8bn). The US 

business saw just a 1% decrease largely in government IT services. 
Growth in the Applied Intelligence business was at 31%, of which 
13% came from the acquisition of SilverSky and 18% organically, 
largely from non-UK government customers.

–  The return on sales reduced to 7.8% (2014 9.2%) due to a higher 

level of costs expensed in Applied Intelligence as the business focuses 
on further growth.

–  Cash4 conversion of underlying EBITA3 for the year was at 82%, 

excluding pension deficit funding.

–  In aggregate, order backlog1,5 increased to $3.5bn (£2.4bn). Order 

backlog in the US business grew by 13% largely on imagery analysis 
and cyber support awards. In the Applied Intelligence business, order 
backlog increased by 21% over the year driven mainly by international 
and commercial awards.

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
32

Segmental performance 
Cyber & Intelligence

Operational performance
Intelligence & Security
GEOINT-ISR (Geospatial Intelligence – 
Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance)
Intelligence & Security continues to mature its 
capabilities in software-based data analytics 
with an emphasis on big data, production, 
automation and efficiencies to help the 
intelligence and defence communities 
transform data into actionable intelligence.

The business continues to build on its legacy of 
support to the National Geospatial-Intelligence 
Agency. Under the Consolidated Library 
programme, the business was awarded a 
15-month, $18m (£12m) contract for a Flexible 
Content Management System that provides 
new flexible and adaptable capabilities that 
can be deployed to enhance intelligence 
collection and tradecraft. 

Since winning the Geospatial Data Services 
Foundational GEOINT Content Management 
programme in 2014, the business has been 
awarded orders valued at over $104m (£71m). 

The business is performing well on two new 
contracts awarded in 2015 to assist new US 
intelligence community customers with the 
development of advanced GEOINT data 
processing and next-generation geospatial 
intelligence data collection solutions.

The Mobility Air Force Automated Flight 
Planning Service programme is developing 
advanced mission planning software for 
US Air Force non-combat aircraft. The software 
generates four-dimension optimised flight 
plans to minimise fuel consumption and take 
advantage of new and evolving air space 
regulations. The latest software version has 
been delivered to the customer for formal 
qualification testing and is on track to be 
operational in 2016.

Signal Innovations Group, Inc., acquired 
in 2014, has been integrated into the 
Geospatial eXploitation Products business. 
The new organisation is combining enhanced 
full motion video imagery capabilities with 
existing geospatial analytic software products 
to pursue new opportunities in the US 
intelligence and defence communities.

From 1 January 2016, the GEOINT-ISR 
business will be managed and reported 
within Electronic Systems. 

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Global Analysis & Operations
In full motion video and intelligence, 
surveillance and reconnaissance analysis, 
the business has more than 500 analysts 
globally sustaining mission critical activities 
on programmes worth over $400m (£271m).

IT Solutions
Intelligence & Security was selected to 
provide information technology services to 
the US government in a single-award contract 
with a potential value of over $1.0bn (£0.7bn) 
over a ten-year period. 

The business secured a five-year re-compete 
contract worth up to $145m (£98m) to 
provide counter-terrorism analysis services.

Integrated Electronics & Warfare Systems
The business secured a five-year, $278m 
(£189m) re-compete award to provide logistics 
and sustainment engineering services for 
US Department of Defense radar, optical and 
telemetry systems used by the Department 
of Defense, Department of Energy and NASA, 
as well as international government agencies.

On the US Air Force’s Intercontinental 
Ballistic Missile Integration Support Contractor 
programme, the business has been awarded 
$174m (£118m) in additional engineering 
scope change proposals in 2015. Since 
assuming control of the programme in 2014, 
the team has supported five successful missile 
test launches.

The business was awarded a five-year US 
Marine Corps Air Traffic Control and Landing 
Systems re-compete contract, with a potential 
total value of $77m (£52m). 

The US Army awarded BAE Systems a five-year 
contract, potentially worth $76m (£52m), to 
test Command, Control, Communications, 
Computers and Intelligence (C4i) systems for 
tactical vehicles, and then prototype, engineer 
and upgrade more than 2,000 vehicles per year.

The business secured a five-year re-compete 
award with a potential ceiling value of 
$47m (£32m) to continue its support of the 
US Department of Homeland Security Office 
of Biometric Identity Management with 
large-scale, mission-critical fingerprint analysis 
and verification services.

The business was selected for three important 
Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) 
contracts in the year. Under the Network 
Operations and Infrastructure and Application 
Services Full and Open multiple-award 
contracts, the business is pursuing task orders 
to expand its IT services footprint with the US 
Air Force. The third IDIQ contract award 
positions the business to pursue task orders 
for mission support services to the Federal 
Bureau of Investigation.

Applied Intelligence
Applied Intelligence’s markets are highly 
competitive with fast-changing customer 
requirements. It typically faces competition 
from multiple vendors. Whilst it has won 
positions on a number of framework 
agreements, business tendered under 
these contracts is still competitive. Whilst 
continuing to grow in the UK market, it 
was disappointing to note the loss in the 
Metropolitan Police Service Integration and 
Applications Management competition this 

Our strategy in action
Accelerate the growth of our cyber,  
intelligence and security business

Maintaining 
space radars

  More online
  baesystems.com

The US Air Force has awarded BAE Systems 
a five-year contract for the Instrumentation 
Radar Support Programme (IRSP) to 
provide multiple agencies with a wide 
range of radar support services. IRSP, a 
government-administered co-op programme 
that BAE Systems has managed since 1985, 
was established to provide support to 
several agencies with similar radar, 
telemetry and optical tracking systems, 
as well as compatible missions. Currently, 
IRSP supports more than 500 systems with 
work ranging from logistical upgrades to 
complete depot-level overhauls.

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

33

Looking forward
Intelligence & Security 
In the US, further clarity regarding 
potential market improvement 
was gained after Congress reached 
agreement on a new budget deal 
that provides for defence and 
domestic programme spending 
above the Budget Control Act caps 
through 2017. 

In April, BAE Systems announced 
that it had engaged advisers to 
support a strategic assessment of 
the Intelligence & Security sector’s 
Global Analysis & Operations, 
Integrated Electronics & Warfare 
Systems and IT Solutions businesses. 
The review determined that retaining 
the businesses within BAE Systems, Inc. 
delivers greater value.

Following a period of market 
contraction in the US government 
services sector, the Group believes 
the outlook is now stabilising.

Intelligence & Security has reduced 
costs to address government 
budgets, whilst pursuing growth 
opportunities, particularly in critical, 
mission-focused areas.

Applied Intelligence 
Applied Intelligence has invested 
in engineering and product 
development and the sales team 
to grow further its order backlog 
and pipeline of opportunities 
from commercial and government 
customers in North America, Europe, 
Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. 

year. The business continues to focus on 
delivering a value-for-money service to all 
its current and prospective customers in this 
area of government business.

The strategy for the Applied Intelligence 
business is to create market-leading positions 
in the commercial cyber security market and 
increasing the scale of systems and service 
integration contracts to the UK government 
and for government customers overseas.

The integration of the SilverSky business in the 
US, acquired in 2014 to accelerate the drive 
into the commercial cyber security market, has 
been a success and is substantially completed.

During the year, the business has invested in 
engineering and product development and 
the sales team to support growth. In 2015, 
Applied Intelligence recruited 1,200 employees, 
including 700 engineers.

Commercial Solutions
Commercial Solutions focuses on the 
provision of cyber security, counter-fraud 
and compliance software and solutions, 
primarily to commercial organisations. 

The sale of products and services which provide 
multi-year or recurring revenue streams has 
continued to grow. Applied Intelligence’s 
cloud-based e-mail protection products, 
launched in Europe, Canada and Asia-Pacific 
during the year, have been deployed by a 
leading international airline and a leading 
UK media producer and broadcaster.

New managed security services awards include 
a three-year contract to provide advanced 
threat detection services to an international 
law firm and a three-year networking security 
monitoring services contract with one of the 
main national UK television broadcasters.

The CyberReveal™ threat analytics solution, 
which defends organisations against 
sophisticated cyber attacks, continues to 
receive orders from both new and existing 
customers, including major financial 
institutions in Europe and North America.

During the year, new NetReveal® wins 
included Metro Bank in the UK to provide a 
range of anti-money laundering services and 
a large credit union in the US to provide an 
enterprise fraud solution. Growth in existing 
accounts has included the procurement of a 
trade finance fraud solution by a large 
financial institution. The year also saw the 
successful implementation of a managed 
fraud analytics platform for Canadian National 
Insurance Crime Services (CANATICS), the 
largest insurance consortium in Canada.

UK Services
UK Services is a provider of systems integration 
and consulting services to UK government, 
national security customers and critical national 
infrastructure providers, with a particular focus 
on digital, data analytics and cyber security. 
The business has continued to grow.

The business has strengthened its relationship 
with Network Rail, being awarded a three-year 
contract for its business intelligence IT portfolio, 
winning a contract to provide cyber security 
systems integration services to help mitigate the 
cyber threats to the UK’s national rail network 
and winning a contract to support the digital 
enablement of the UK rail network as part of 
Network Rail’s Digital Railway Initiative.

Demand for Applied Intelligence’s cyber 
security services continues, with contracts 
awarded for a cyber security and information 
assurance managed service at the Ministry of 
Justice, for digital identity and fraud analytics 
at the Department for Work and Pensions and 
to provide cyber threat intelligence strategy 
consulting services for a major international 
financial services group. The business has 
also been awarded a position on the 
UK government’s Defence Science and 
Technology Laboratory framework for 
electronic warfare and cyber research.

Applied Intelligence’s digital and data 
transformation business continues to grow, 
with new contracts including a data migration 
strategy project for the Atomic Weapons 
Establishment, a secure, cloud-based, 
open-source IT platform for Lloyd’s Register 
and a digital capability assessment project for a 
leading UK television and broadband provider in 
support of its digital transformation programme.

International Services & Solutions
International Services & Solutions focuses on 
cyber and communications intelligence services 
and solutions for international governments 
and communications service providers, pulling 
through Applied Intelligence’s commercial 
product-based solutions where relevant.

The business continues to see demand in 
Asia-Pacific and the Middle East in support 
of protection against national threats. In 
Europe, the business was awarded a contract 
to provide a long-term government partner 
with a solution to investigate new concepts 
for situational awareness using the 
IntelligenceReveal™ all-source analysis solution. 

In the second half of the year, the business 
won major contracts to provide integrated 
intelligence solutions to support the missions 
of South European and Asian customers. It 
also won a substantial cyber security services 
contract in Asia to build an advanced Security 
Operations Centre.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
34

Segmental performance

Platforms & 
Services (US)

Platforms & Services (US), with 11,500 employees1 
and operations in the US, UK and Sweden, 
produces combat vehicles, weapons and munitions, 
and delivers US-based services and sustainment 
activities, including ship repair and the management 
of government-owned munitions facilities.

US Combat Vehicles focuses on a 
portfolio of tracked combat vehicles, 
amphibious vehicles, accessories, 
protection systems and tactical 
support services for the US military 
and international customers.

Weapon Systems and Munition 
Operations focuses on naval weapons, 
artillery, advanced weapons, 
precision munitions, high explosives 
and propellants for US, UK and 
international customers.

Services include complex munition 
site management for the US Army’s 
Holston and Radford facilities.

US Ship Repair and Modernisation 
is a major provider of non-nuclear 
ship repair, modernisation, overhaul 
and conversions to the US Navy, 
government and commercial maritime 
customers. It has operations in seven 
US shipyards on the Atlantic, Gulf of 
Mexico and Pacific coasts, as well as 
in Hawaii. 

BAE Systems Hägglunds focuses 
on the tracked vehicle market for 
Swedish and international customers.

FNSS, BAE Systems’ Turkish joint 
venture, produces and upgrades 
tracked and wheeled military 
vehicles for domestic and 
international customers.

Our strategy in action
Leverage our technology  
and engineering capabilities

 Naval weapon technology

BAE Systems today produces a comprehensive range of naval 
armaments providing capabilities for US and overseas navies. 
In addition to these current systems, the Group is developing 
new technologies, such as the Hyper Velocity Projectile and the 
Electromagnetic Railgun in partnership with the US Navy. The 
Electromagnetic Railgun is a revolutionary, long-range weapon 
technology that uses high-power electromagnetic energy instead 
of explosive chemical propellants, reducing the hazards of high 
explosives on the ship and unexploded ordnance on the battlefield.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

35

Sales1 by domain (%)

Air

 1%

Land

51%

Maritime

48%

 Sales1 by line of business (%)

FNSS

 3%

BAE Systems
Hägglunds

 9%

US Combat
Vehicles

 26%

US Ship 
Repair and 
Modernisation

 38%

Weapon Systems 
and Munition
Operations

 24%

 Sales1 analysis: Platforms and services (%)

Services

 78%

Platforms

22%

1. Including share of equity accounted investments.
2. Re-presented for the reallocation of the Integrated Electronics & Warfare 
Systems activities from Platforms & Services (US) to Cyber & Intelligence. 
3. Earnings before amortisation and impairment of intangible assets, finance 

costs and taxation expense (EBITA) excluding non-recurring items.

4. Net cash inflow from operating activities after capital expenditure (net), 
financial investment and dividends from equity accounted investments.

5. Comprises funded and unfunded unexecuted customer orders.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Operational and strategic highlights
– Award of a five-year contract worth up to 

$332m (£225m) to perform technical support for 
the US Army’s Bradley Fighting Vehicle and M113 
family of vehicles

– Low-Rate Initial Production contract options awarded, 
worth $245m (£166m), for US Army M109A7 (Paladin)
self-propelled howitzers

– Contract worth $104m (£71m) awarded for the 

engineering and manufacturing development phase 
of the competition for the Amphibious Combat 
Vehicle 1.1 programme

– Secured naval gun system contracts with the US, 

Canada and Brazil

– FNSS received a new export order for the PARS 

wheeled armoured vehicle

– Continued challenges on commercial shipbuilding 

programmes

– Workforce reductions announced in commercial 

shipbuilding, ship repair and BAE Systems Hägglunds

– Sale of 75% interest in Land Systems South Africa 

completed

Financial performance

Sales1

Underlying EBITA3

Return on sales

Cash inflow4

Order intake1

Order backlog1,5

KPI

KPI

KPI

KPI

2015

20142

£2,779m £2,689m

£177m

6.4%

£100m

£117m

4.4%

£147m

£2,737m £2,565m

£3.9bn

£4.7bn

–  Sales1 reduced by 4% to $4.2bn (£2.8bn), or by just 1% on a 

like-for-like basis after adjusting for exchange translation and the 
South African business disposal. Higher than expected sales were 
seen on both ship repair activity and munitions volume.

–  The business has delivered an improved return on sales of 6.4% 

(2014 4.4%). Whilst further charges had to be taken in the year on 
the commercial shipbuilding programmes, these were partly offset 
by improvements to the Radford munitions contract.

–  Cash4 conversion of underlying EBITA3 was impacted by the 

utilisation of provisions on commercial shipbuilding programmes 
and of customer advances on the CV90 Norway contract, as well as 
the investment in the new floating dry dock facilities in San Diego.

–  Order backlog1,5 reduced to $5.8bn (£3.9bn) largely for the trading 
out of the five-year Multi-Ship, Multi-Option contracts in the ship 
repair business and the CV90 Norway programme.

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
36

Segmental performance 
Platforms & Services (US)

Operational performance
As the US defence market stabilises, the 
business retains its focus on sustaining its 
franchise programmes and building a strong 
domestic and international pipeline, whilst 
optimising competitiveness by shaping and 
scaling operations.

US Combat Vehicles
In May, the US Army awarded BAE Systems 
a contract worth $110m (£75m) to convert 
36 M88A1 recovery vehicles to the M88A2 
Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Utility Lift 
Evacuation System (HERCULES) configuration. 
The M88 plays an important role in 
maintaining the combat vehicle industrial 
base, with the first vehicle delivery scheduled 
for 2017. In October, BAE Systems received 
awards worth $31m (£21m) from the US Army 
to produce six M88A2 HERCULES vehicles and 
associated spare parts for the Australian 
government, as well as an additional vehicle 
and parts for the US Marine Corps.

Work has commenced on the US Army’s 
Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) 
programme and a preliminary design review 
was completed in June. BAE Systems is 
producing 29 vehicles under the engineering 
and manufacturing development phase. The 
total potential contract value for the initial 
programme phases is $1.2bn (£0.8bn), 
including options to produce 289 vehicles 
under Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP). 
Anticipated full-rate production is expected 
to approach 3,000 vehicles.

The business was awarded a $29m (£20m) 
follow-on contract for trade studies and 
analysis related to the future infantry fighting 
vehicle. Under the contract, BAE Systems will 
develop concepts that span from modernising 
the Bradley vehicle to a new design, and will 
capitalise on technology created under the 
Ground Combat Vehicle programme.

In July, the US Army awarded BAE Systems a 
five-year contract worth up to $332m (£225m) 
to support ongoing service and improvements 
for the Bradley Fighting Vehicle and the M113 
family of vehicles.

The business was notified in August that the 
Lockheed Martin Joint Light Tactical Vehicle 
team, of which BAE Systems was a member, 
was not selected for the LRIP contract. This 
competition outcome is currently in litigation.

In October, the business was awarded the 
final LRIP contract options, worth $245m 
(£166m), for the M109A7 self-propelled 
howitzers (Paladin) and their associated 
ammunition carriers. In March, the business 
delivered the first vehicles to the US Army 
under the previously awarded $335m (£227m) 
LRIP contract. The US Army’s total acquisition 
objective is for 581 vehicle sets.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Our strategy in action
Continue to drive value from our  
defence platforms and services

Amphibious  
 Combat Vehicle 1.1 
contract award

  More online
  baesystems.com

During the fourth quarter, BAE Systems 
completed contractor testing of six Bradley 
Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) 2 vehicles. 
Efforts are now underway to build an 
additional ten vehicles for US Army testing, 
with deliveries to begin in 2016. The Bradley 
ECP 2 programme helps to restore automotive 
performance to the Bradleys with a modified 
engine and transmission, and an upgraded 
generator and power distribution system.

In November, the US Marine Corps awarded 
BAE Systems, along with partner IVECO 
Defence, a contract worth $104m (£71m) 
for the engineering and manufacturing 
development phase of the Amphibious 
Combat Vehicle 1.1 programme. The award 
is one of two contracts for this phase, during 
which the BAE Systems team will produce 
16 prototypes for Marine Corps testing. 
This competition outcome is currently 
being protested.

In 2015, BAE Systems was awarded two 
international Assault Amphibious Vehicle 
(AAV) contracts: an $82m (£56m) contract 
for the Brazilian Marine Corps under the 
US government’s Foreign Military Sales 
programme to upgrade 23 vehicles, with 
deliveries expected in 2017; and an award 
from another international customer for 
advance work related to an expected 
production order for AAVs in 2016.

Weapon Systems and Munition Operations
In May, BAE Systems was awarded a contract 
for five Bofors 40 Mk4 naval guns for the 
Brazilian Navy. Series production of the guns 
has commenced, including local content in 
Brazil. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2016.

BAE Systems’ solution for the Amphibious 
Combat Vehicle 1.1 programme has been 
designed to fulfil the complex mission of 
deploying US Marines from ship to shore 
to complete their mission objectives. 

BAE Systems and IVECO Defence have 
joined forces to present an 8x8 platform 
capable of performing open-ocean ship 
launch and recovery operations, while 
offering a unique mix of true open-ocean 
amphibious capability, land mobility, 
survivability, payload and growth 
potential to accommodate evolving 
operational needs.

In 2015, BAE Systems was awarded 
a contract for the engineering and 
manufacturing development phase 
of the programme as one of two 
competitive bids down-selected.

BAE Systems continues to work with the 
governments of India and the US to secure 
an award for M777 155mm lightweight 
howitzers. BAE Systems has proposed the 
establishment of an assembly, integration and 
test facility in partnership with an Indian 
company, which supports the Indian prime 
minister’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. 

In August, the business was awarded a 
contract to deliver up to six modified 25mm 
Mk 38 machine gun systems for the Royal 
Canadian Navy’s Arctic Offshore Patrol Ship 
programme. Also in August, the US Navy 
awarded BAE Systems an $80m (£54m) 
contract to upgrade six Mk 45 naval guns 
to the Mod 4 configuration, with an option 
for four additional guns for an additional 
$50m (£34m) expected to be exercised 
in 2016.

In September, the business confirmed its 
selection by the UK Ministry of Defence as 
the preferred bidder to provide the gun 
system, known as the Maritime Indirect Fires 
System, for the Type 26 frigate. Subject to 
contract award, the business will provide the 
integrated gunnery system, which includes the 
Mk 45 Mod 4 naval gun system, along with an 
automated ammunition handling system, gun 
fire control system and qualified ammunition.

BAE Systems is executing on the re-baselined 
Archer artillery system for the Swedish 
government. The business delivered the first 
system in September, with deliveries planned 
to continue at a rate of two guns per month 
during 2016.

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

37

BAE Systems Hägglunds
Series production has commenced on the 
$865m (£587m) contract for CV90 Infantry 
Fighting Vehicles to Norway. The business 
completed BvS10 vehicle deliveries to Sweden 
in 2015 and will continue to execute retrofitting 
and provide spare parts and documentation.

In September, the business launched a 
new vehicle based on the BvS10 called the 
BvS10 BEOWULF, a highly mobile, modular 
and fully-amphibious vehicle with an 
impressive payload.

At the September Defence and Security 
Equipment International trade show in 
London, BAE Systems launched its BattleView 
360 system that employs cutting-edge display 
and sensor technology to improve situational 
awareness for soldiers inside combat vehicles.

In 2015, the business completed 130 
redundancies related to the unsuccessful 
CV90 Armoured Personnel Carrier bid in 
Denmark. With two major production 
programmes winding down, in the first 
quarter of 2016, the business initiated an 
additional redundancy notification that 
could impact up to 150 employees during 
the second half of the year.

FNSS
FNSS, the Turkish land systems joint venture, 
has continued production under the $524m 
(£356m) programme to produce 259 8x8 
wheeled armoured vehicles for the Royal 
Malaysian Army. 

FNSS received a new export order for the PARS 
wheeled armoured vehicle. Under this new 
contract, FNSS will deliver the PARS vehicle to 
its new customer in multiple configurations.

Production is underway on a contract to 
upgrade M113 tracked armoured personnel 
carriers for the Royal Saudi Land Forces.

Four competitive proposals have been 
submitted for combat vehicle programmes 
in Turkey and the Middle East, with award 
decisions expected in 2016 or 2017.

Business disposal
In April, the Group completed the sale of its 
shareholding in Land Systems South Africa.

Looking forward
In the US, further clarity regarding 
potential market improvement 
was gained after Congress reached 
agreement on a new budget deal 
that provides for defence and 
domestic programme spending 
above the Budget Control Act caps 
through 2017. 

The business is underpinned by 
strong positions on key franchise 
programmes. These include, in the 
land domain, the US Army’s AMPV, 
Bradley and Paladin programmes, 
and the CV90 for Norway. In the 
maritime domain, the Group has a 
strong position on naval gun 
programmes and US Navy ship repair. 
Some near-term reduction in ship 
repair and construction activity is 
anticipated as commercial shipbuilding 
contracts are completed and with 
expected changes to the basing of 
US Navy ships. Actions to address 
reduced workload at the Group’s 
US East and Gulf coast shipyards 
are underway alongside measures 
to support anticipated subsequent 
expansion of ship repair operations 
in San Diego, California.

The business continues to pursue 
a range of domestic and international 
opportunities in combat vehicles, 
weapon systems and maritime 
support services. 

BAE Systems continues its partnership with 
the US Navy on the development of the Hyper 
Velocity Projectile and an Electromagnetic 
Railgun. 

BAE Systems continues to manage operations 
at the Holston and Radford Army ammunition 
plants, receiving a $50m (£34m) contract for 
the continued production of MK 90 propellant 
grains, as well as a $30m (£20m) contract to 
modernise the Insensitive Munitions ingredient 
facility at Holston. In September, the business 
received $35m (£23m) in closing an historical 
pricing agreement. The business remains 
focused on enhancing performance under 
major facility modernisation contracts.

US Ship Repair and Modernisation
In the first quarter of 2015, BAE Systems 
announced a $100m (£68m) capital 
improvement programme at its San Diego, 
California, shipyard, principally for the 
construction of a new dry dock in anticipation 
of increased activity to support the US Navy’s 
re-balance to the Pacific coast (see page 13). 

In the second half of 2015, the business 
received a number of fixed-price orders as 
the US Navy began to transition its contracting 
strategy for ship modernisation and repair. 
For over a decade, the Navy had awarded 
Multi-Ship, Multi-Option cost-plus contracts, 
which effectively bundled the maintenance 
of a class of ships into one multi-year contract. 
Starting on the East coast in the first half of 
2016, the Navy is expected to award Indefinite 
Delivery, Indefinite Quantity repair orders 
with fixed-price terms on a ship-to-ship basis. 
During the year, the ship repair business 
received a total of $1.2bn (£0.8bn) in orders 
from the US Navy. 

The Jacksonville, Florida, shipyard delivered 
its third Platform Support Vessel (PSV) during 
the summer for service in the Gulf of Mexico. 
In early 2016, the business delivered the 
fourth and final ship of the PSV class to the 
customer. Four additional ships are in various 
stages of construction in Jacksonville, Florida, 
and Mobile, Alabama, and the business 
expects to deliver these ships in 2016. The 
commercial shipbuilding business continued 
to experience challenges in the year, taking 
a $73m (£48m) charge against ongoing 
contracts, principally driven by the Mobile 
shipbuilding programmes. 

The business is responding to lower demand 
due to declining US Navy ship repair and 
commercial shipbuilding and repair work by 
reducing workforce numbers. Redundancies 
initiated in 2015 could impact approximately 
1,100 employees in Norfolk, Virginia, and 
Jacksonville, Florida, through the first quarter 
of 2016. 

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
38

Segmental performance

Platforms & 
Services (UK)

Platforms & Services (UK), with 29,600 employees1, 
comprises the Group’s UK-based air, maritime, combat 
vehicle, munitions and shared services activities.

Military Air & Information includes 
programmes for the production of 
Typhoon combat and Hawk trainer 
aircraft, F-35 Lightning II manufacture, 
support and upgrades for Typhoon, 
Tornado and Hawk aircraft, and 
development of next-generation 
Unmanned Air Systems and defence 
information systems.

Maritime programmes include the 
manufacture of two Queen Elizabeth 
Class aircraft carriers, three River Class 
Offshore Patrol Vessels and seven 
Astute Class submarines for the Royal 
Navy, the design of the Successor 
submarine and Type 26 frigate, and 
in-service support, including the 
five-year contract secured in 2014 for 
the delivery of services at HM Naval 
Base Portsmouth.

Combat Vehicles (UK) provides 
upgrades and support to the British 
Army and international customers.

Munitions focuses on the design, 
development and manufacture of 
a comprehensive range of products, 
servicing its main customer, the 
UK Ministry of Defence, as well as 
international customers. Munitions 
also develops and manufactures 
cased-telescoped weapons and 
ammunition through its CTA 
International joint venture. The 
business is a principal supplier of 
general munitions to the British 
armed forces.

Our strategy in action
Continue to drive value from  
our defence platforms and services

HM Naval Base Portsmouth 
modernisation

HM Naval Base Portsmouth is undergoing a 15-year transformation. 
As part of the Maritime Support Delivery Framework contract, 
BAE Systems will deliver service improvements and modernise the 
base. The business is working with the Royal Navy to prepare for 
the arrival of the UK’s two new aircraft carriers and future platforms. 
The two 65,000-tonne ships, which are currently under construction, 
will be based in Portsmouth and will be the largest vessels in service 
with the Royal Navy.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

39

Sales1 by domain (%)

Land

4%

Air

57%

Maritime

 39%

 Sales1 by line of business (%)

Combat
Vehicles
(UK)

 1%

Munitions

3%

Military Air
& Information

59%

Maritime

 37%

 Sales1 analysis: Platforms and services (%)

Services

 34%

Platforms

 66%

1. Including share of equity accounted investments.
2. Earnings before amortisation and impairment of intangible assets, finance 

costs and taxation expense (EBITA) excluding non-recurring items.

3. Net cash inflow from operating activities after capital expenditure (net), 
financial investment and dividends from equity accounted investments.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Operational and strategic highlights
– The Strategic Defence and Security Review announced 

in November 2015 provided clarity, continuity and 
stability for the UK business

– Contracts awarded for the expansion of Typhoon’s 

capabilities

– £203m of F-35 Lightning II Lot 9 Low-Rate Initial 

Production orders received

– £859m demonstration phase contract awarded for 

the Type 26 frigate programme

– Full £1.3bn contract awarded for the fifth Astute Class 

submarine

– Artful, the third Astute Class submarine, accepted by 

the Royal Navy in November

– Third and final Khareef Class corvette accepted by 

the Royal Navy of Oman

– €188m (£139m) contract award for 515 cased-telescopic 
cannons for the Ministry of Defence secured by our 
50% joint venture, CTA International

Financial performance

Sales1

Underlying EBITA2

Return on sales

Cash inflow3

Order intake1

Order backlog1

KPI

KPI

KPI

KPI

2015

2014

£7,405m £6,623m

£721m

9.7%

£220m

£772m

11.7%

£173m

£4,944m £5,386m

£17.8bn

£20.1bn

–  Sales1 of £7.4bn were 12% higher than 2014. The increase came 
from a higher number of Saudi aircraft deliveries, trading of Radar 
and Defensive Aids Sub-System equipment on the European 
Typhoon Tranche 3 programme and the increasing activity in the 
Submarines business.

–  The return on sales was at 9.7% (2014 11.7%). An impact from lower 
pension discount rates has been that the service cost charged to the 
income statement increases and, in 2015, that amounted to 0.5 
percentage points of margin compared with 2014. In addition, the 
2015 result includes the in-year impact from the announced Typhoon 
production slowdown decision.

–  Cash performance was as expected with a cash inflow3 of £220m 

(2014 £173m). Consumption of customer advances occurred on the 
Omani, Saudi and European Typhoon contracts. There have also been 
rationalisation costs charged against provisions created in prior years.

–  Order backlog1 reduced to £17.8bn (2014 £20.1bn) primarily from 
trading on the Typhoon aircraft and aircraft carrier programmes.

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
40

Segmental performance 
Platforms & Services (UK)

Operational performance
Military Air & Information
In the year, 18 Typhoon aircraft were 
delivered from the UK final assembly facility, 
of which 12 were delivered to Saudi Arabia. 
Cumulative aircraft deliveries to the UK, 
Germany, Italy and Spain total 227 of the 
contracted 236 Tranche 2 aircraft and 22 
of the contracted 88 Tranche 3 aircraft. The 
2014 issues delaying acceptance of Typhoon 
Tranche 3 aircraft from the Group’s partners 
in Germany, Italy and Spain were resolved. 

The Oman Typhoon and Hawk aircraft 
programme continues to meet all contractual 
milestones and is on track for commencement 
of deliveries in 2017. 

In order to meet existing and anticipated 
orders and delivery schedules, BAE Systems 
is reducing the rate of Typhoon major unit 
production. This will help reduce production 
discontinuity and provide a more sustainable 
and competitive position for Typhoon 
manufacturing in the years ahead. The action 
involves a proposed workforce reduction of 
up to 371 roles. 

Typhoon’s capabilities continue to expand 
with the integration of the Captor E-Scan 
radar and Brimstone 2 missile. 

BAE Systems continues to successfully support 
its UK and European customers’ Typhoon and 
Tornado aircraft in delivering their operational 
commitments. The business supports its UK 
customer through availability-based service 
contracts, and contract extensions totalling 
£147m were received in the year.

On the F-35 Lightning II programme, 
BAE Systems completed delivery of 43 aft 
fuselage assemblies for the Low-Rate Initial 
Production (LRIP) Lot 8 contract. A £203m 
contract on LRIP Lot 9 for 57 aircraft sets 
was received in the year, with 11 aft fuselage 
assemblies completed. The forward price for 
LRIP Lot 10 for 94 aircraft sets has been agreed, 
with full contract award for both Lots 9 and 
10 anticipated during 2016. A proposal for 
LRIP Lot 11 has been submitted to Lockheed 
Martin in advance of negotiations 
commencing in 2016.

Support continues to be provided to users 
of Hawk trainer aircraft around the world. In 
2015, the Indian Navy and Air Force received 
five and 15 Hawk aircraft, respectively, built 
under the Batch 2 licence for 57 aircraft by 
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. An order for 
a further 20 Hawk aircraft from the Indian 
Air Force is currently being negotiated.

Orders for £255m were received in the year 
for continued support to the RAF advanced 
jet training facility in North Wales. 

Working jointly with Dassault Aviation, 
progress is being made in maturing and 
demonstrating critical technology and 
operational aspects for an unmanned 
combat air system. 

Taranis, the stealthy unmanned combat air 
vehicle demonstrator designed and built by 
BAE Systems with UK industry partners and 
the Ministry of Defence, has successfully 
completed further phases of flight trials in 
the year. 

During 2015, the business concluded 236 
management redundancies following the 
announcement in October 2014, with a 
further 204 potential redundancies mitigated 
through redeployment within either the 
business or the wider Group.

In October, BAE Systems agreed to invest 
£20.6m in Reaction Engines Limited (REL) 
to acquire 20% of its share capital and also 
enter into a working partner relationship. 
REL is a privately-held company based in the 
UK developing the technologies needed for 
SABRE™ (Synergetic Air-Breathing Rocket 
Engine), a new aerospace engine class.

Maritime
The consolidation of BAE Systems’ UK 
shipbuilding operations into Glasgow 
concluded in 2015. 

Following completion of the assessment phase 
contract for the Type 26 frigate in March, an 
£859m demonstration phase contract was 
secured, covering detailed design activities and 
enabling BAE Systems to subcontract for key 
equipment with companies throughout the 
supply chain. The programme continues to 
employ over 1,000 employees.

The government’s reaffirmed commitment 
to shipbuilding continuity in November’s 
UK Strategic Defence and Security Review 
provides clarity and future opportunities for 
the Group’s shipbuilding facilities and workforce 
in Scotland. This includes maintaining a fleet 
of 19 frigates and destroyers, including eight 
Type 26 frigates and a planned concept study 
followed by the design and build of a new 
class of lighter, flexible, general purpose 
frigates. There is also a commitment to build 
two additional Offshore Patrol Vessels.

On the aircraft carrier programme, 
HMS Queen Elizabeth commenced the 
commissioning of its key systems, which 
will continue through to the second half 
of 2016. Construction of HMS Prince of 
Wales continued, with the integration of 
the bow, forward island and bridge during 
the year. The final manufacturing block 
was delivered to Rosyth in December.

HMS Forth, the first of a second batch of 
River Class Offshore Patrol Vessels for the 
Royal Navy, is planned for delivery in 2017. 
The construction of HMS Medway, the 
second ship, commenced in June and the 
third ship, HMS Trent, in October. This 
programme supports shipbuilding skills 
and provides the springboard to transform 
the business between the carrier programme 
and the start of manufacture for the Type 26 
frigate programme. 

Following successful sea trials, final acceptance 
of the third and final Khareef Class corvette 
for the Royal Navy of Oman was achieved 
during the second half of the year.

Under the five-year, £600m Maritime Support 
Delivery Framework contract, secured in 2014, 
the business provides services at HM Naval 
Base Portsmouth and support to half of the 
Royal Navy’s surface fleet. The provision of 
services under the contract progresses well 
with cost savings remaining on target.

BAE Systems manages the support, 
maintenance and upgrade of the Royal Navy’s 
fleet of Type 45 destroyers.

Successful completion of the first in-water trials 
was achieved on the £270m Spearfish torpedo 
upgrade programme. The demonstration 
phase of the contract is planned to complete 
in 2019 prior to full manufacture.

The first phase of the joint UK and 
French Maritime Mine Counter Measures 
demonstrator programme, which may form 
the basis of a future Royal Navy unmanned 
system to combat the threat of underwater 
sea mines, progresses. 

Following handover and customer 
acceptance in November, Artful, the third 
Astute Class attack submarine, is now being 
operated by the Royal Navy. Good progress 
continues on the remaining four boats. The 
full £1.3bn contract for the fifth boat was 
secured in November and further limit of 
liability funding of £30m for the seventh 
boat was also received. 

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

41

During recent years, as part of its 
commitment to the largest defence 
programme in the world, over £500m has 
been invested at Samlesbury, UK, (of which 
over £150m has been contributed by the 
Group) in the latest technology, facilities 
and people to deliver aircraft sets for the 
F-35 Lightning II programme. 

The investment includes a titanium 
machining facility for complex parts, 
extended manufacturing facilities, 
state-of-the-art production lines and 
a new office building.

In December, work began on the final 
phase of the F-35 assembly facility at 
Samlesbury. The 4,300m² expansion is 
due to be completed in 2017 and will enable 
the manufacture of up to 160 aircraft sets 
per annum, an increase of approximately 
250% from current levels.

Munitions
Negotiations on the pricing for the next five 
years of the 15-year Munitions Acquisition 
Supply Solution partnering agreement with 
the Ministry of Defence, secured in 2008, 
continue.

A €188m (£139m) contract for 515 
cased-telescopic cannons for the Ministry 
of Defence was secured in March by 
CTA International, a 50% joint venture 
between BAE Systems and Nexter.

Looking forward
Platforms & Services (UK) has a 
strong order backlog of long-term 
committed programmes and an 
enduring support business. The 
Strategic Defence and Security 
Review announced in November 
2015 provided clarity, continuity 
and stability for the UK business.

In Military Air & Information, sales 
are underpinned by Typhoon and 
F-35 Lightning II aircraft production 
and in-service support. There are 
opportunities to secure future 
Typhoon export sales, supported 
by the announcement made in 
September relating to the supply of 
28 aircraft for the Kuwait Air Force.

In Maritime, sales are underpinned 
by the design and subsequent build 
of the Successor submarine and 
Type 26 frigates, and the build of 
the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft 
carriers, River Class Offshore Patrol 
Vessels and Astute Class submarines. 
The through-life support of existing 
and new platforms, together with 
their associated command and 
combat systems, provides a 
sustainable business in technical 
services and mid-life upgrades.

Combat Vehicles (UK) continues to 
pursue obsolescence management 
and upgrade programmes. 

The Munitions business is underpinned 
by the 15-year Munitions Acquisition 
Supply Solution partnering agreement 
with the Ministry of Defence secured 
in 2008. 

With the aim of continuously 
improving business delivery and 
efficiency, the Combat Vehicles (UK) 
and Munitions businesses, with effect 
from 1 January 2016, merged to form 
one business, BAE Systems Land (UK). 

Our strategy in action
Continuously improve efficiency  
and competitiveness

World-class 
manufacturing 
facilities

  More online
  baesystems.com

The Successor submarine, the replacement 
for the Vanguard Class fleet, continues to 
advance functional and spatial design as the 
programme approaches its production stage. 
Preparations include a major programme of 
building works to ensure the Barrow site 
will be ready to begin manufacturing when 
the anticipated UK Ministry of Defence’s 
investment decision is approved in 2016 
(see page 13). At 31 December, BAE Systems 
has almost 8,000 employees and contractors 
in the Submarines business. 

Combat Vehicles (UK)
The final five Terrier combat engineering 
vehicles were completed in the year. 

A £7m contract for the assessment phase of 
the upgrade to the British Army land bridging 
system was secured in December.

Other orders totalling £50m for ongoing 
support to the previously supplied armoured 
and bridging vehicles were received in 
the year. 

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
42

Segmental performance

Platforms & Services  
 (International)

Platforms & Services (International), with 13,600 
employees1, comprises the Group’s businesses 
in Saudi Arabia, Australia and Oman, together 
with its 37.5% interest in the pan-European 
MBDA joint venture.

In Saudi Arabia, the business provides 
operational capability support to the 
country’s air and naval forces through 
UK/Saudi government-to-government 
contracts. Contracts include multi-year 
agreements, such as the Saudi British 
Defence Co-operation Programme 
and Salam Typhoon programme.

In Australia, the business delivers 
production, upgrade and support 
programmes for customers in the 
defence and commercial sectors 
across the air, maritime and land 
domains. Services contracts include 
the provision of sustainment, 
training solutions and upgrades.

In Oman, the business is developing 
its position building on a long history 
of relationships with the Omani 
armed forces through the provision, 
support and upgrade of defence 
platforms and cyber security services. 
Business generated in Oman is 
executed through the Group’s 
relevant reporting segments.

MBDA is a leading global prime 
contractor of missiles and missile 
systems across the air, maritime 
and land domains.

Our strategy in action
Continue to win new  
international orders

 Saudi training partnership

The Royal Saudi Air Force continues to invest in training and 
associated equipment. The Group provides technician, officer and 
aircrew training both in Saudi Arabia and the UK, and is delivering 
new training equipment to the latest standard. As at 31 December, 
a total of 46 of the 55 Pilatus PC-21 aircraft had been delivered to 
replace the ageing Pilatus PC-9 aircraft. Production of the 22 Hawk 
Advanced Jet Trainer aircraft, ordered in 2012, is currently in the 
advanced stages with deliveries commencing in 2016.

An order for an additional 22 Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer aircraft, 
associated ground equipment and training aids was secured during 
the year, and is the latest example in the Group’s long-term 
partnership to meet the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s future aircrew 
training needs.

The Hawk trainer aircraft gives trainee fast jet pilots access to the 
very latest in advanced emulation for radar, weapons and defensive 
aids training to enable a smooth transition to front-line aircraft, 
including Typhoon.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

43

Sales1 by domain (%)

Land

9%

Maritime

15%

Air

76%

Saudi Arabia

 66%

 Sales1 by line of business (%)

MBDA

18%

Australia

16%

 Sales1 analysis: Platforms and services (%)

Services

 65%

Platforms

 35%

1. Including share of equity accounted investments.
2. Earnings before amortisation and impairment of intangible assets, finance 

costs and taxation expense (EBITA) excluding non-recurring items.

3. Net cash inflow from operating activities after capital expenditure (net), 
financial investment and dividends from equity accounted investments. 

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Operational and strategic highlights
– 12 Typhoon aircraft delivered to Saudi Arabia in 

the year

– Continued support to the operational capabilities of 

the Royal Saudi Air Force and Royal Saudi Naval Forces

– Contract awarded in Saudi Arabia for a further 22 

Hawk aircraft

– Re-organisation of portfolio of interests in industrial 

companies in Saudi Arabia progressed

– Customer acceptance of the second of two Landing 

Helicopter Dock ships in Australia

– Headcount reductions and an impairment of assets 

at the Williamstown shipyard

– Announced a consolidation of Australian operating 
divisions to reduce management costs and remain 
competitive

– The UK and French governments signed a treaty 

relating to complex weapons technology

– MBDA secured weapons package orders with Egypt 
and Qatar worth €1.1bn (£0.8bn) as part of agreed 
export contracts for Rafale aircraft

Financial performance

Sales1

Underlying EBITA2

Return on sales

Cash inflow3

Order intake1

Order backlog1

KPI

KPI

KPI

KPI

2015

2014

£3,742m £3,572m

£335m

9.0%

£164m

£366m

10.2%

£881m

£3,046m £3,398m

£10.2bn

£11.6bn

–  Sales1 of £3.7bn were 5% up over 2014, or 9% on a constant 

currency basis, due to higher levels of support to the Salam Typhoon 
aircraft now in service and higher volumes of weapon systems.

–  Underlying EBITA2 of £335m (2014 £366m) is after charges totalling 

£53m in respect of the impairment and rationalisation in the 
Australian business.

–  There was an operating cash inflow3 of £164m (2014 £881m) 
which includes the second payment under the Salam Variation 
of Price agreement. However, some £200m of receivables were 
collected in December 2014, ahead of the contracted 2015 dates. 
In addition, customer advances were utilised against the Saudi 
aircraft training programme.

–  Order backlog1 continues to reduce as the 2013 awards of the 

five-year support contracts in Saudi Arabia trade out.

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
44

Segmental performance 
Platforms & Services (International)

Operational performance
Saudi Arabia
On the Salam Typhoon programme, 
12 aircraft were delivered in the year and, 
as at 31 December, 57 aircraft had been 
delivered to the Royal Saudi Air Force. 
Work on enhancing Typhoon’s air-to-ground 
capability is progressing to schedule.

The Typhoon support contracts are operating 
well with all Key Performance Indicators 
meeting contractual levels.

Through the Saudi British Defence Co-operation 
Programme, the business continues to support 
the operational capabilities of the Royal Saudi 
Air Force (RSAF) and Royal Saudi Naval Forces. 
The modernisation of the RSAF’s training 
aircraft fleet has been extended with an 
agreement for the supply of a further 22 Hawk 
aircraft, associated ground equipment and 
training aids. The original contract continues 
on schedule, with all 22 Hawk aircraft in 
advanced stages of production and the first 
aircraft having flown in September. Deliveries 
are due to commence in 2016. As at 31 
December, a total of 46 of the 55 Pilatus PC-21 
aircraft had been delivered. Training and 
support under five-year contracts continues. 

The upgrade of Tornado aircraft and associated 
equipment procurement continues.

Under the Royal Saudi Naval Forces’ Minehunter 
mid-life update programme, acceptance of the 
second ship is now expected in 2016 following 
the delayed completion of sea trials during the 
year. The third ship is due to be initiated into 
the upgrade programme in 2016. However, 
delivery timescales will be impacted by 
previous programme delays. 

The planned re-organisation of the Group’s 
portfolio of interests in a number of industrial 
companies in Saudi Arabia continues. Riyadh 
Wings Aviation Academy LLC has contracted 
to acquire a 49% shareholding in a Group 
subsidiary, Overhaul and Maintenance 
Company. The re-organisation supports 
BAE Systems’ strategy to expand the customer 
base of its In-Kingdom Industrial Participation 
programme, promoting training, development 
and employment opportunities in line with 
the Saudi National Objective. As part of the 
re-organisation, the business plans to transfer 
a material proportion of its Saudi-based 
workforce to one of the local Saudi industrial 
companies. Work is ongoing to secure the 
necessary regulatory and stakeholder 
approvals to allow this to commence. 

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Our strategy in action
Leverage our technology  
and engineering capabilities

F-35 missile 
collaboration

BAE Systems Australia is supporting Norway’s 
Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS to 
develop guidance technology for the Joint 
Strike Missile being designed for the F-35A 
Joint Strike Fighter.

The Passive RF Sensor, developed by 
BAE Systems’ Advanced Technologies team 
in Adelaide, with the support of the 
Australian government, will increase the 
survivability of the missile and the aircraft 
by increasing the range at which targets 
can be engaged. The production of sensors 
is expected to provide long-term work for 
the business.

Image courtesy of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS

  More online
  baesystems.com

The In-Kingdom Industrial Participation 
programme continues to progress, with the 
Al Salam Aircraft Company being accredited 
as a repair agent for Typhoon windscreens 
and transparencies. Advanced Electronics 
Company, in which BAE Systems has a 
50% shareholding, has secured further 
accreditations as a repair agent for Typhoon 
avionics equipment and produced critical 
avionics for use on the Hawk trainer aircraft. 
These capability transfer successes 
demonstrate BAE Systems’ long-standing 
commitment to the development and growth 
of the Saudi Arabian aerospace industry, 
which plays a significant and increasing role 
in the delivery of its contracts in the country.

Australia
The second and final Landing Helicopter Dock 
warship, HMAS Adelaide, was accepted by 
the Australian customer in October and was 
commissioned into the fleet in December. 
In-service support to both Landing Helicopter 
Dock ships is provided by BAE Systems under 
a four-year contract. 

Construction of ship blocks for the Air 
Warfare Destroyer (AWD) programme at 
the Williamstown shipyard continues, with 
production complete and acceptance 
achieved on 18 of the 21 contracted blocks 
at 31 December.

There is no contracted shipbuilding 
programme for the Williamstown shipyard 
following completion of the Landing 
Helicopter Dock programme in 2015 and 
delivery of the remaining AWD blocks in 
early 2016. As a result, BAE Systems 
announced, on 12 November, workforce 
reductions of up to 340 shipbuilding roles, 
of which 200 had been completed as at 
31 December, with the remainder in the 

first half of 2016. Rationalisation and 
restructuring charges relating to these 
workforce reductions totalling A$37m (£18m) 
have been taken. In addition, a non-cash 
impairment charge of A$48m (£24m) has 
been taken against the carrying value of the 
Williamstown facility. 

The fourth of the seven Anzac Class frigates 
to be modernised under the current Anti-Ship 
Missile Defence programme was accepted in 
September as planned. The fifth and sixth 
ships are undergoing their refits at the 
Henderson shipyard and are scheduled for 
acceptance during 2016.

BAE Systems has been selected as the 
Asia-Pacific regional prime contractor to 
undertake airframe maintenance, repair and 
overhaul for the F-35 Lightning II programme. 
This represents a significant growth opportunity 
and is expected to underpin the Group’s 
aerospace sustainment activities in Australia 
over the next decade and beyond.

Negotiations have been completed with the 
Commonwealth on a revised delivery schedule 
for the delayed JP 2008 Phase 3F programme 
for enhanced satellite communications services 
to the Australian Defence Force. 

In September, the business submitted its 
proposal for the multi-billion Australian dollar 
Land 400 Phase 2 Combat Reconnaissance 
Vehicle programme to the Commonwealth. 
The successful tenderers are participating in 
funded risk mitigation trials during 2016.

On 12 November, further headcount reductions 
were announced as part of a restructuring to 
improve efficiency and management costs 
that reduced the number of operating divisions 
from three to two.

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

45

Looking forward
In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 
the Group expects to sustain its 
long-term presence through 
delivering current programmes 
and industrialisation, and developing 
new business in support of the 
Saudi military forces. The planned 
re-organisation of the Group’s 
portfolio of interests in a number of 
industrial companies in Saudi Arabia 
is intended to increase growth 
prospects and reinforce an ongoing 
commitment to support the national 
objectives of local skills and 
technology development, increasing 
employment and developing an 
indigenous defence industry.

In Australia, the 2015 Federal 
Budget statement confirmed the 
government’s commitment to 
increasing annual defence expenditure 
to 2% of Gross Domestic Product 
within a decade of the budget. 
The Group continues to reinforce 
its commitment to Australia and is 
exploring further opportunities to 
provide leading defence capabilities 
across all domains.

In Oman, the business continues 
to provide support to its products 
in service to position for future 
requirements. The Typhoon and 
Hawk aircraft programme is on 
track for commencement of 
deliveries in 2017.

MBDA continues to build on the 
effective partnerships it has established 
with its domestic customers and has 
secured export opportunities that 
underpin future growth.

MBDA
Following completion of the Meteor 
development programme at the end of 2014, 
deliveries of production-standard missiles 
ordered by the six partner nation customers 
and first export customer continue to plan. 

MBDA has secured a contract, worth 
£89m to BAE Systems, for the UK Advanced 
Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) 
development and production programme.

The German government has announced 
its intention to buy the Medium Extended 
Air Defence System (MEADS) missile defence 
system being developed by MBDA in 
partnership with Lockheed Martin. Contract 
signature is expected in 2016, subject to 
German political approval. This decision 
provides an opportunity for MEADS to 
compete for significant export opportunities 
worldwide. 

In November, a treaty was signed between 
the UK and French governments under which 
both countries committed to principles of 
inter-dependency and joint sovereignty in the 
field of key complex weapons technology.

MBDA has been awarded weapons package 
orders, worth €1.1bn (£0.8bn) to BAE Systems, 
as part of agreed export contracts for 
Rafale aircraft in Egypt and Qatar.

A significant number of ground-based air 
defence export campaigns continue to be 
pursued in central Europe and the Gulf region.

BAE Systems holds a 37.5% interest in 
MBDA. Formed in 2001, MBDA is today 
one of the world’s largest guided 
weapons producers. 

The business aligns pan-European 
government requirements and harnesses 
some of the highest technology to achieve 
programmes of sufficient scale to compete 
successfully across multiple international 
markets. MBDA produces a wide range 
of defence systems for air, naval and land 
force applications. Many of these systems 
have applications across multiple competing 
defence platforms. 

MBDA has been awarded significant 
weapons package orders as part of agreed 
export contracts for Rafale aircraft in Egypt 
and Qatar.

Oman
The two major contracts in Oman, the Typhoon 
and Hawk aircraft programme and the 
Khareef Class corvette programme, are being 
undertaken by Platforms & Services (UK). 

The Typhoon and Hawk programme continues 
to meet all contracted milestones.

The third of three Khareef Class corvettes 
achieved final acceptance during the year.

BAE Systems has provided a significant 
proportion of Oman’s in-service military 
equipment and the Group works closely 
with the Omani armed forces in supporting 
this equipment.

The business continues to fulfil its industrial 
participation obligations in Oman through 
delivery of an agreed training and knowledge 
transfer programme. An expansion of this 
programme has been contracted and, when 
delivered, will satisfy all of the Group’s 
outstanding industrial participation obligations.

Our strategy in action
Continue to win new  
international orders

MBDA export 
success

  More online
  baesystems.com

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
46
Responsible 
business

Non-financial Key Performance Indicators

Trust and integrity   P48

Ethics enquiries1

 1,148

Dismissals for reasons relating 
to unethical behaviour1

2015

2014

257

286

Our people   P48

Safety

Diversity

Recordable 
Accident Rate 
(per 100,000 
employees)1

 732
 15% improvement

2015

2014

732

863

Target achieved

UK executive directors’ 

 5%  annual bonus2

Male
 60,000

Total
employees1,3
75,000

Female
15,000

Resource efficiency   P51

Total greenhouse gas emissions 
(tonnes C02e)1

Total greenhouse gas emissions 
per employee3 (tonnes C02e)

 1,352,200
 +1%

2015

2014

1,352,200
1,336,751

 18
 0%

2015

2014

18
18

1. See summary of Deloitte LLP assurance on page 51.
2. 85% (including 80% relating to financial objectives – see page 16) of the UK executive 

directors’ bonuses are based on the achievement of objectives aligned to certain 
Executive Committee objectives measured on Group-level quantitative key performance 
indicators, with the remaining 15% based on the achievement of personal objectives 
aligned to the delivery of specific elements of the Group’s strategy measured using both 
quantitative and qualitative performance indicators (see page 76).

3. Excluding share of equity accounted investments.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

 
Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

47

We are a business that operates responsibly and  
with integrity, delivering on customer requirements  
– a trusted partner.

Responsible business priorities

2015 priorities

2015 progress

2016 direction

Trust and integrity
Roll out refreshed Code 
of Conduct.

Refreshed Code of Conduct 
rolled out across the Group via 
face-to-face briefings.

Roll out Code of Conduct 
refresher training across the 
Group.

Implement Ethical Leadership 
Group (NAVEX Global) 
recommendations to ensure 
continued improvement.

Continue to drive alignment 
and integration of the business 
conduct programme with 
human resources, legal and 
audit activities.

Our people
Continue drive towards a 
world-class level of safety 
performance.

Achieve a 10% reduction 
(15% stretch target) in the 
Recordable Accident Rate.

Maintain focus on, and 
management and reduction 
of, significant safety risk.

Continue to drive a strong 
safety culture through 
communication, awareness 
and visible leadership. 

All businesses to continue to 
drive a diversity and inclusion 
agenda to address business 
needs and strategic aims.

Resource efficiency
All businesses to continue 
to drive improvements in 
management of materials 
and resources.

Continued to progress Ethical 
Leadership Group (NAVEX 
Global) recommendations to 
drive continuous improvement 
of business conduct programme.

Integrated business conduct 
training and reporting with 
Human Resources, Legal and 
Internal Audit departments.

Sadly, during 2015, there were 
two air incidents that resulted 
in seven fatalities, four of our 
employees and three from 
other companies.
The Group achieved a 15% 
reduction in the Recordable 
Accident Rate1.
The number of major injuries1 
across the Group increased 
by 21% (see page 49).

All businesses set diversity and 
inclusion plans to address 
specific issues or strategic aims.

Continue to instil responsible 
behaviour across the Group.

Further integrate the business 
conduct programme across 
Group functions.

Continue to drive towards 
a world-class level of safety 
performance.

Achieve a 10% reduction in 
the Recordable Accident Rate.

Continue to focus on 
management and reduction 
of significant safety risk.

Continue to drive a strong 
safety culture through 
communication, awareness 
and visible leadership.

All businesses to continue to 
drive a diversity and inclusion 
agenda to address business 
needs and strategic aims.

All businesses set and met 
improvement targets for 
energy, water and waste, 
except where additional work 
opportunities and extremes 
of climate impacted.

All businesses to continue 
to drive improvements in 
management of materials 
and resources.

For further information, see our 
Corporate responsibility summary 
www.baesystems.com/crsummary

1. See summary of Deloitte LLP assurance on page 51.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Responsible business in action
Increasing the recruitment  
talent pool

Global support for 
STEM education

Engineering skills are vital to BAE Systems 
and companies in the global supply 
chain. The Group is reliant on a pipeline 
of young talent having studied Science, 
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics 
(STEM) subjects. BAE Systems has 
introduced a number of initiatives which 
support the promotion of STEM subjects 
and careers for young people in the 
markets in which it operates. 

In 2015, the US businesses continued to 
support the National Math and Science 
Initiative and invested in hands-on 
activities to engage and inspire students, 
including ongoing support of FIRST 
Robotics team competitions.

In the UK, BAE Systems has committed 
£80m a year to skills development and 
is supporting the ‘Your Life’ campaign, 
a partnership between educators, 
industry and government to boost 
female participation in technology 
and engineering. In addition, over the 
last two years, the Group has taken its 
schools roadshow into 500 schools, 
engaging with 120,000 young people 
aged 10 to 13.

In Saudi Arabia, BAE Systems has 
developed close ties with King Saud 
University, working with it to create 
an extensive scholarship programme. 
We also sponsor a graduation award 
for engineering students and support 
a lecture series on advanced 
manufacturing led by our engineers.

In Australia, BAE Systems is a major 
sponsor of two FIRST Robotics teams. As 
well as technical skills, students develop 
teamwork, problem solving and critical 
thinking skills through the programme.

In the United Arab Emirates, BAE Systems 
recently formed a five-year Student 
Co-operative Agreement with Mubadala 
to offer Emirati students an intensive 
18-week aerospace and security internship 
programme in the UK. In Oman, Qatar 
and Bahrain, groups of our graduates and 
apprentices have been leading STEM 
workshops with schools and universities.

  More online
  baesystems.com

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
48

Responsible business 
continued

Introduction
The Group views Corporate Responsibility 
(CR) as an important enabler in achieving 
sustainable growth in shareholder value by:

–  instilling responsible behaviour to be a 

trusted partner;

–  supporting customer confidence in our 
business by continuously improving 
standards of safety for employees and 
those using our products;

–  developing an inclusive, diverse workplace 
to drive innovation and performance; and

–  proactively managing the environmental 
impacts of our facilities and products to 
improve efficiencies and cost savings.

These key enablers are supported by good 
relationships with our customers, business 
partners and communities. 

The Group also has programmes in place to 
support sustainable long-term performance 
by managing non-financial risks that can 
impact delivery of contracts, reputation and 
shareholder value.

We set CR priorities for the Group, which 
are enacted at local level. These translate 
into business conduct, safety, diversity and 
environment objectives.

Trust and integrity
Managing our operations responsibly and 
conducting our business in an ethical way 
supports the Group in earning and maintaining 
our customers’ trust. Our governance system 
is fundamental to how we do business and 
guides the Group in how to conduct 
business responsibly. 

We continue to instil responsible behaviour 
across the Group by supporting employees to 
make the right ethical decisions. The launch, 
in early 2015, of our revised Code of Conduct 
gave managers an opportunity to engage 
directly with employees on ethical dilemmas 
that can take place every day. The Code was 
rolled out to employees via face-to-face 
briefings. Employees also received compliance 
training throughout the year appropriate 
to their job role, including training on 
export controls.

We expanded our Ethics Officer network, 
which supports our Ethics Helpline by 
providing employees across our sites with 
guidance and support or somewhere to report 
concerns. During 2015, we received 1,148 
ethics queries via our Ethics Officer network 
and helpline1, with the number of queries 
being raised face-to-face via our Ethics Officer 
network at 51%. The total number of queries 
raised is a good indicator that policies and 

processes are working and highlight 
awareness created via the Code of Conduct 
and compliance training. The number of 
queries raised directly with Ethics Officers 
and the Group’s anonymity rate indicates 
that employees feel more comfortable raising 
concerns and that they have trust in the 
Group’s system for addressing concerns.

Our governance framework covers the products 
we make and export. Our Responsible Trading 
Principles, Product Trading Policy and Pursuit 
of Export Opportunities Policy help employees 
to make informed decisions about the 
business opportunities we pursue and to 
address any responsible trading risks. Our 
Procurement Policy specifically addresses 
ethical standards in the Group’s supply chain.

During 2015, the Group continued to progress 
recommendations from NAVEX Global’s 2014 
independent assessment of our business 
conduct programme, focusing on supporting 
middle managers in developing the right 
culture to drive responsible behaviours and 
integrating functional programmes on 
responsible behaviour to leverage engagement 
opportunities with employees.

BAE Systems is committed to respecting 
the human rights of our employees in the 
workplace. We will encourage our suppliers 
and business partners to adopt the same or 
similarly high standards of ethical behaviour.

Our people
The diversity, skills and innovation of our 
people drives performance across the Group. 

We are committed to creating a diverse and 
inclusive work environment where a diverse 
range of talented people can work together 
to ensure business delivery. We are creating 
this environment by striving to build a 
diverse workforce from entry level to senior 
management which reflects the populations 
that we recruit from.

Engaging and developing our workforce for 
current and future business is key to successfully 
delivering our strategy and customer 
commitments. We are continuously looking 
to attract, recruit, develop and reward people 
of the highest calibre.

We want every employee to fulfil their 
potential while contributing to the success of 
the Group. We do this through our career 
frameworks, comprehensive development 
programmes and the breadth of our 
operations around the world that enable 
employees to make the most of their talents. 
Our focus is on continuous professional 
development that supports personal and 
professional growth.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Enquiries to Ethics Helpline1

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

1,148

1,037
1,043
1,024
1,011

All enquiries reported to Ethics Officers and via 
the Ethics Helpline were reviewed and reported 
either to the Ethics Review Committee or, in 
BAE Systems, Inc., to the Ethics Review 
Oversight Committee.

2015 enquiries to Ethics Helpline1

542

1

2

3

4

5

217

170

102
117

1 Guidance and advice

2 Employee relations and conduct

3 Management practices

4 Accounting charges practices

5 Other

Almost half of the ethics contacts received are 
requests for guidance and advice. We encourage 
employees to contact us as early as possible 
when a potential incident can still be prevented 
by timely advice.

Anonymity rate

 26%

The percentage of employees raising ethics 
queries anonymously compares favourably 
with peer companies.

Age diversity1,2

50 – 59
years
 24,000

60 years
and older
 7,000

24 years and
younger
 5,000

25–34
years
 14,000

35– 49
years
 25,000

Our workforce demographic is similar to 
comparable business sectors. We sustain our 
workforce capabilities by attracting high-calibre 
people with a diverse range of experience, 
growing their skills and knowledge.

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

49

Responsible business in action
Increasing the recruitment  
talent pool

Investing in skills 
in the UK

During 2015, we recruited 724 apprentices 
and higher-level apprentices, and 292 
graduates to support the talent pipeline 
in the UK.

UK apprentice and higher-level 
apprentice recruitment

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

724

583

387

291
277

There has been significant growth in the last two 
years in apprentice recruitment. This relates in 
particular to growth in apprentice recruitment at 
our Submarines business linked to the Successor 
submarine programme and growth in higher/
degree apprenticeships (which comprised 123 of 
our record 724 intake in 2015).

UK graduate recruitment

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

292

275

312

247

291

BAE Systems’ graduate recruitment has remained 
relatively stable over the last five years, with our 
Applied Intelligence business taking approximately 
half our intake each year.

  More online
  baesystems.com

The Group has a number of programmes in 
place to improve diversity and inclusion across 
the business, including Executive Committee 
sponsored work streams to foster a culture 
of inclusion, accelerate the development of 
high-potential women and increase leadership 
diversity. This is underpinned by activities 
across the Group to improve diversity and 
inclusion locally.

This progress represents the eighth consecutive 
year of improvement. However, major injuries 
are not decreasing at the same rate, with the 
severity of injuries increasing. During 2015, the 
number of major injuries1 increased by 21%. 
The Group is reviewing root cause analysis of 
major injuries and will continue to focus on 
risk reduction and embedding safety culture 
to drive improvements.

To support our operations and the industry 
sectors, we partner with the education 
system in countries to ensure the future 
workforce has the core skills and capabilities 
to develop careers and support industrial 
strategies. We place particular emphasis on 
encouraging young people to pursue careers 
in Science, Technology, Engineering and 
Mathematics (STEM) (see page 47).

The safety of our employees, and anybody 
who works on, or visits, our sites, remains a 
priority for the Group. During 2015, the Group 
continued to focus on raising awareness of 
employees’ role in identifying, managing and 
reducing safety risks. Throughout the year, 
employees were encouraged to review work 
processes to design out potential accidents 
and suggest improvements to drive standards 
of safety across the Group.

The Group uses the Recordable Accident Rate 
to measure workplace injuries. This metric, 
along with the number of major injuries, is 
used to determine an element of executive 
bonus (see page 76). During 2015, the 
Recordable Accident Rate1 decreased by 
15%, consistent with the stretch target set. 

We are saddened to report that, during 2015, 
there were two air incidents that resulted in 
seven fatalities, four of our employees and 
three from other companies. We have been 
supporting investigations with air accident 
authorities in Saudi Arabia and the US, and are 
carrying out internal reviews into the incidents.

We are committed to creating environments 
that enable employees to contribute to 
improving business performance through 
our engagement activities, including regular 
feedback to support their success, and drive 
responsible behaviour and safe working 
practices. We seek to listen to employees’ 
views and opinions, and keep them informed 
about what is happening across the business 
through a variety of media, including e-enabled 
channels, leadership blogs, newsletters, 
management and team meetings, monthly 
team briefs, and the intranet. Employees also 
have the opportunity to provide feedback via 
our engagement surveys.

The Group welcomes employees becoming 
shareholders in BAE Systems and offers 
a number of employee share plans to 
support this.

Gender diversity data as at 31 December 2015

Number 
of males

Number 
of females

Total 
number

Male 
%

Female 
%

Board

Executive Committee

Senior managers3
Employees in senior executive positions4

Directors of subsidiary companies 

(excluding employees in senior executive positions)

Total senior managers4

Total employees1,2

7

9

244

79

323

2

2

38

12

50

9

78

11

82

282

87

91

373

87

87

60,000

15,000 75,000

80

22

18

13

13

13

20

1. See summary of Deloitte LLP assurance on page 51.
2. Excluding share of equity accounted investments and rounded to the nearest thousand employees.
3. Senior managers are defined as employees who have responsibility for planning, directing or controlling the activities 

of the Group or a strategically significant part of the Group and/or who are directors of subsidiary companies.

4. Excludes executive directors.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
50

Responsible business 
continued

Responsible business in action
Improving environmental 
performance

Cost and energy 
saving initiatives

Almost 12,000 solar panels are 
now live at three BAE Systems sites 
in the UK and Sweden, reducing 
the Group’s carbon footprint and 
delivering savings for customers.

In Portsmouth, UK, almost 2,000 solar 
panels have been installed as part of 
a project to create an energy-efficient 
base for the Royal Navy. The solar 
panel system will transform buildings 
into clean energy producing facilities 
and is expected to generate energy 
savings of more than £1m over the 
next 20 years. 

In Samlesbury, UK, where 
components for Typhoon, Hawk 
and F-35 Lightning II aircraft are 
manufactured, nearly 9,000 solar 
panels have been installed.

The panels will provide nearly a fifth of 
the facility’s peak electrical consumption 
and will eliminate 1,500 tonnes of 
carbon emissions each year. The panels 
are part of an extensive programme of 
investment in renewable technology 
that has gone into the development of 
the advanced manufacturing centre. 

Solar panels have transformed the 
new headquarters of the Swedish 
business at Örnsköldsvik into a 
powerful solar generator. At 2,500m2, 
it is the largest façade-mounted solar 
plant in Scandinavia. The 1,465 solar 
panels will generate an estimated 
370 kW at peak production, thus 
annually producing an estimated 
312 MWh of energy and reducing 
carbon emissions by 187 tonnes.

  More online
  baesystems.com

Key relationships
Strong business relationships with suppliers, 
business partners and local communities are 
key to our success.

We depend on almost 27,000 suppliers to 
support our business and provide innovative 
and cost-effective products. Our relationships 
with suppliers are often long term due to 
the length of our product lifecycles, so we 
aim to build relationships with suppliers who 
share our values and who embrace standards 
of ethical behaviour consistent with our own. 
The Group sets expectations for its suppliers 
within contracts and within its Supplier 
Principles – Guidance for Responsible Business 
being launched in 2016, including standards 
on ethical conduct, health and safety, 
environment, and human rights. 

We also require our suppliers to comply 
with local legislation. Compliance to required 
standards is evaluated during the supplier 
selection process and, for existing suppliers, 
as part of ongoing quality and approvals 
assurance.

Our policies and procedures require that 
we only work with advisers who have been 
approved via our due diligence process and 
authorised by an external panel. Advisers with 
whom the Group has an ongoing relationship 
go through this process every two years. We 
continue to work with peers across the defence 
industry to improve ethical standards. During 
2015, we continued to participate in the 
International Forum on Business Ethical 
Conduct’s industry working group.

We continue to strengthen relationships 
and invest in the communities in which we 
operate. This is done via local recruitment and 
employment, contracting with local suppliers 
where possible, the taxes we pay and by 
supporting local charities and not-for-profit 
organisations.

Globally, we and our employees, through 
the Community Investment programme, 
contributed more than £11m1 during 2015 
to local, national and international charities 
and not-for-profit organisations.

1. See summary of Deloitte LLP assurance on page 51.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

51

Deloitte LLP assurance
Deloitte LLP has provided limited 
assurance on the following 
performance indicators at 
Group level:

Ethics – employee and third-party 
enquiries to Ethics Helpline and 
dismissals for reasons relating to 
unethical behaviour;

Safety – Recordable Accident Rate 
and the number of major injuries 
recorded;

Diversity – total employees split 
by gender and age;

Community – total Community 
Investment programme donations 
(£); and

Environment – greenhouse 
gas emissions.

  More online
To see Deloitte LLP’s  
Unqualified Assurance  
Statement visit  
www.baesystems.com/
deloitteassurancestatement

To see our Basis of  
Reporting 2015 visit  
www.baesystems.com/2015crdata

Resource efficiency
The Group is committed to minimising the 
environmental impact of our operations, 
whilst innovating to strive to minimise the 
environmental impact of our products.

We have 82,500 employees1, across over 
500 sites internationally, so our focus is 
to proactively manage the impact of our 
operations on the environment. Our primary 
impacts relate to energy used for heating 
and lighting of our facilities. We do not 
manufacture raw materials, so have relatively 
few energy-intensive processes.

Each of our businesses sets clear targets 
to use resources efficiently with a focus 
on reducing energy and water consumption, 
and waste generated. Environmental 
management systems are used to monitor 
and manage targets and impacts. Reducing 
these impacts will reduce the Group’s 
environmental footprint and cut costs from 
purchased energy, raw materials and waste.

During 2015, businesses across the Group 
identified projects to improve environmental 
performance, including the installation of solar 
energy panels (see page 50), new LED lighting 
and water efficiency systems.

The majority of our greenhouse gas emissions 
come from the energy we use across our 
facilities. The Group’s greenhouse gas 
emissions2 increased by 1% in 2015 largely 
due to increased activity at some of our larger 
sites. This includes the bi-annual running of a 
high-energy test facility at Barrow-in-Furness, 
UK, and diesel usage for sea trials of the 
Landing Helicopter Dock in Australia.

From designing submarines with better waste 
compacting systems to helping customers 
make vehicles last longer, our engineers work 
to reduce environmental impacts across the 
product lifecycle. This includes reducing the 
environmental impacts of our products during 
design, research and development, minimising 
waste materials during manufacturing, and 
helping to reduce the impact of our products 
when they are used, upgraded or disposed of. 

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Greenhouse gas emissions 
data for the period 1 November 
to 31 October (tonnes CO2e)

Combustion of fuel within BAE Systems 
facilities and vehicles (Scope 1)2

2015

2014

596,515
585,233

Electricity and steam purchased for 
BAE Systems use (Scope 2)2

2015

2014

607,876
594,866

Business travel in non-BAE Systems 
vehicles (Scope 3)2

2015

2014

147,809
156,652

Methodology
The greenhouse gas emissions data is reported 
in line with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol 
Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard 
‘Operational Control’ approach, and emission factors 
for fuels and electricity are taken from the 
UK government’s Department for Environment 
Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), published at  
www.ukconversionfactorscarbonsmart.co.uk/

The CO2e associated with carbon dioxide, methane 
and nitrous oxide is reported. Greenhouse gas 
emissions associated with hydrofluorocarbons, 
perfluorocarbons and sulphur hexafluoride are 
estimated to be immaterial to total emissions and 
are, therefore, not reported.

The principal record of the Group’s worldwide facilities 
is its legal department’s Global Property Database.

Greenhouse gas emissions are primarily calculated 
from energy consumption records reported via the 
Group’s global environmental database. Where 
actual usage data is not available for facilities and 
residences within the Global Property Database, 
an estimated consumption is used based on the 
type of building.

Greenhouse gas emissions related to business travel 
include air travel data for the majority of the global 
business and rail data for business units operating in 
the UK and US. These data are taken from suppliers’ 
procurement records.

Emissions from joint ventures and pension scheme 
properties not occupied by the Group are not included.

1. Including share of equity accounted investments.
2. See summary of Deloitte LLP assurance above.

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
52
How we 
manage risk

Effective management of risks 
and opportunities is essential 
to the delivery of the Group’s 
strategic objectives and the 
creation of sustainable 
shareholder value.

Board
The Board has overall responsibility for 
determining the nature and extent of the risk 
it is willing to take, and ensuring that risks are 
managed effectively across the Group.

Risk is a regular agenda item at Board meetings 
and the Board reviews risk as part of its annual 
strategy review process. This provides the 
Board with an appreciation of the key risks 
within the business and oversight of how 
they are being managed.

The Board delegates oversight of certain risk 
management activities to the Audit and 
Corporate Responsibility committees as follows.

Audit Committee
The Audit Committee monitors the Group’s 
key risks identified by the risk assessment 
processes and reports its findings to the Board 
twice a year. It is also responsible for reviewing 
in detail the effectiveness of the Group’s 
system of internal control policies, and 
procedures for the identification, assessment 
and reporting of risk.

Corporate Responsibility Committee
The Corporate Responsibility Committee 
monitors the Group’s performance in managing 
the Group’s significant non-financial risks, 
including those arising in respect of business 
conduct, health and safety, and the 
environment. The Committee reports its 
findings to the Board on a regular basis.

Approach
The Group’s approach to risk management 
is aimed at the early identification of key risks, 
mitigating the effect of those risks before 
they occur and dealing with them effectively 
if they crystallise.

The Group is committed to the protection of 
its assets, which include human, intellectual 
and physical property, and financial resources, 
through an effective risk management process, 
underpinned where appropriate by insurance.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Reporting within the Group is structured so 
that key issues are escalated through the 
management team and ultimately to the 
Board where appropriate. The underlying 
principles of the Group’s risk management 
policy are that risks are monitored 
continuously, associated action plans reviewed, 
appropriate contingencies provisioned and 
this information reported through established 
management control procedures.

The Board has conducted a review of the 
effectiveness of the Group’s systems of risk 
management and internal control processes, 
including financial, operational and compliance 
controls and risk management systems, in 
accordance with the UK Corporate Governance 
Code. The Company has developed a system 
of internal controls that was in place throughout 
2015 and to the date of this report.

As with any system of internal control, the 
policies and processes that are mandated in 
the Operational Framework are designed to 
manage rather than eliminate the risk of failure 
to achieve business objectives and can only 
provide reasonable, and not absolute, assurance 
against material misstatement or loss.

Financial and non-financial risks
Financial risks expose the Group to potential 
costs which are quantifiable on the basis 
that their probability and impact can be 
understood adequately and related to the 
financial statements.

Non-financial risks cannot be assessed readily 
in financial terms and, therefore, cannot be 
reflected reliably in the financial statements.

Process
Businesses
The responsibility for risk identification, 
analysis, evaluation and mitigation rests 
with the line management of the businesses. 
They are also responsible for reporting and 
monitoring key risks in accordance with 
established processes under the Group’s 
Operational Framework.

The Group’s risk management process is set out 
in the Risk Management Policy, a mandated 
policy under the Operational Framework, and, 
in respect of projects, in the Lifecycle 
Management Framework, a core business 
process under the Operational Framework. 
Further guidance is provided by a Risk 
Management Maturity self-assessment tool.

Identified risks are documented in risk 
registers showing: the risks that have been 
identified; characteristics of the risk; the basis 
for determining mitigation strategy; and 
what reviews and monitoring are necessary. 
Each risk is allocated an owner who has 
authority and responsibility for assessing 
and managing it.

Project risks are reported and monitored in 
Group-mandated format Contract Review 
Packs, which are reviewed by management 
at monthly Contract Reviews. The financial 
performance of projects is reported and 
monitored using Contract Status Reports, 
which form part of the Contract Review Pack. 
These include programme margin metrics, 
which are reviewed regularly by the Executive 
Committee and Board. Project margin is 
recognised after making suitable allowances 
for technical and other risks related to 
performance milestones yet to be achieved.

In addition, every six months, the businesses 
complete an Operational Assurance Statement 
(OAS), which is a mandated policy under the 
Operational Framework. The OAS is in two 
parts: a self-assessment of compliance with 
the Operational Framework; and a report 
showing the key financial and non-financial 
risks for the relevant business. Together with 
reviews undertaken by Internal Audit and 
the work of the external auditors, the OAS 
forms the Group’s process for reviewing the 
effectiveness of the system of internal controls.

Executive Committee
The key financial and non-financial risks 
identified by the businesses from the risk 
assessment processes are collated and reviewed 
by the Executive Committee to identify those 
issues where the cumulative risk, or possible 
reputational impacts, could be significant.

Management responsibility for the management 
of the Group’s most significant non-financial 
risks is determined by the Executive Committee. 
The OAS and non-financial risk registers are 
reviewed regularly by the Executive Committee 
to monitor the status and progression of 
mitigation plans, and these key risks are 
reported to the Board on a regular basis.

Principal risks
The Board has carried out a robust assessment 
of the principal risks facing the Company, 
including those that would threaten its 
business model, future performance, solvency 
and liquidity. Such risks have been identified 
as principal based on the likelihood of 
occurrence and the potential impact on the 
Group, and have been identified through the 
application of the policies and processes 
outlined above. These risks, together with 
details of how they are being mitigated and 
managed, are detailed on pages 54 to 57. 

As a result of its assessment of the Group’s 
principal risks, the Board has determined 
that the principal risks are consistent with 
the 2014 Annual Report.  

P54
  Principal risks

 
Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

53

Risk management framework

Board
Overall responsibility for risk management

Monitoring

Audit Committee
Operational Assurance Statement Risk Register 
Non-financial Risk Register

Corporate Responsibility Committee
Non-financial Risk Register 

Monitoring and reporting

Monitoring and reporting

Monitoring and reporting

Executive Committee
Operational Assurance Statement Risk Register 
Non-financial Risk Register

Monitoring and reporting

Businesses

Integrated Business Plan – Core Business Process*
Annual long-term strategy and five-year plan for each business

Operational Assurance Statement – Mandated Policy*
Six-monthly management self-assessment of compliance with the Operational Framework and summary of key risks

Chief Executive’s Business Review – Core Business Process*
Quarterly top-level review of the key operational, financial and non-financial performance issues within the business,  
and significant forthcoming bids and events

Quarterly Business Review – Core Business Process* 
Quarterly management review of the performance of each of the Group’s businesses against their objectives, measures and milestones

Lifecycle Management Contract Review – Core Business Process* 
Monthly management review of project performance and issues to ensure that appropriate decisions and actions are taken

Monitoring and reporting

Business Risk
Risk Management Policy – Mandated Policy*

1. Identification
Financial and non-financial risks 
recorded in risk registers

2. Analysis
Risks analysed for impact and probability  
to determine gross exposure 

4. Mitigation
Risk owners identified and action plans implemented
Robust mitigation strategy subject to regular and rigorous review

3. Evaluation
Risk exposure reviewed 
and risks prioritised

P62
  Operational Framework

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

*As defined in the Group’s Operational Framework.

 
Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
54
Principal 
risks

Risks are identified as principal based on the likelihood 
of occurrence and the potential impact on the Group. 
The Group’s principal risks are identified below, together 
with a description of how we mitigate those risks.

1. Defence spending
The Group is dependent on defence spending.

Description

Impact

Mitigation

Lower defence spending by the Group’s 
major customers could have a material 
adverse effect on the Group’s future results 
and financial condition.

In 2015, 92% of the Group’s sales were 
defence-related.

Defence spending by governments can 
fluctuate depending on political considerations, 
budgetary constraints, specific threats and 
movements in the international oil price.

There have been constraints on government 
expenditure in a number of the Group’s principal 
markets, in particular in the US and UK.

With the Eurozone area experiencing financial 
difficulties, affordability continues to be a key 
focus for customers.

Some countries’ economies may be influenced 
by oil prices, with consequent reduced defence 
spending.

The business is geographically spread across 
US, UK and international defence markets:
–  In the US, further clarity regarding potential 

market improvement was gained after Congress 
reached agreement on a new budget deal that 
provides for defence and domestic programme 
spending above the Budget Control Act caps 
through 2017. 

–  In the UK, the Strategic Defence and Security 
Review announced in November provides 
clarity, continuity and stability for the business. 
An increased budget for defence equipment 
overall includes significant investments in 
military aerospace, maritime, cyber and 
intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance 
capabilities and ongoing support for 
defence exports.

–  In Saudi Arabia, regional tensions continue to 
dictate that defence remains a high priority.

The diverse product and services portfolio is 
marketed across a range of defence markets.

BAE Systems has a growing portfolio of 
commercial businesses, including commercial 
avionics and the commercial areas of the Applied 
Intelligence business. Sales in commercial 
markets represented 8% of the Group’s sales 
in 2015.

2. Government customers
The Group’s largest customers are governments.

Description

Impact

Mitigation

Deterioration in the Group’s principal 
government relationships resulting in the 
failure to obtain contracts or expected funding 
appropriations, adverse changes in the terms 
of its arrangements with those customers or 
their agencies, or the termination of contracts 
could have a material adverse effect on the 
Group’s future results and financial condition.

Government customers have sophisticated 
procurement and security organisations with 
which the Group can have long-standing 
relationships with well-established and 
understood terms of business.

In the event of a customer terminating a 
contract for convenience, the Group would 
typically be paid for work done and 
commitments made at the time of termination.

The Group has long-standing relationships 
and security arrangements with a number of 
its government customers, including its three 
largest customers, the governments of the 
UK, US and Saudi Arabia, and their agencies. 
It is important that these relationships and 
arrangements are maintained.

In the defence and security industries, 
governments can typically modify contracts 
for their convenience or terminate them at 
short notice. Long-term US government 
contracts, for example, are funded annually 
and are subject to cancellation if funding 
appropriations for subsequent periods are 
not made.

The Group’s performance on its contracts with 
some government customers is subject to 
financial audits and other reviews which can 
result in adjustments to prices and costs.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

55

3. International market
The Group operates in an international market.

Description

Impact

Mitigation

BAE Systems is an international company 
conducting business in a number of regions, 
including the US and the Middle East.

The occurrence of any such events could have a 
material adverse effect on the Group’s future 
results and financial condition.

The risks of operating in some countries include: 
political changes impacting the business 
environment; economic downturns, political 
instability and civil disturbances; changes in 
government regulations and administrative 
policies; the imposition of restraints on the 
movement of capital; the introduction of 
burdensome taxes or tariffs; and the inability to 
obtain or maintain the necessary export licences.

The Group is exposed to translational volatility 
arising from movements in currency exchange 
rates, particularly in respect of the US dollar, 
Euro, Saudi Riyal and Australian dollar.

The Group has a balanced portfolio of businesses 
across a number of markets internationally.

The Group’s policy is to hedge all material firm 
transactional exposures.

The Group’s contracts are often long-term in 
nature and, consequently, it may be able to 
mitigate these risks over the terms of those 
contracts.

Political risk insurance is held in respect of 
export contracts not structured on a 
government-to-government basis.

4. Competition in international markets
The Group’s business is subject to significant competition in international markets.

Description

Impact

Mitigation

The Group’s business plan depends upon its 
ability to win and contract for high-quality new 
programmes, an increasing number of which are 
expected to be in markets outside the UK and US.

The Group’s business and future results may 
be adversely impacted if it is unable to compete 
adequately and obtain new business in the 
markets in which it operates.

The Group has an international, multi-market 
presence, a balanced portfolio of businesses, 
leading capabilities and a track record of 
delivery on its commitments to its customers.

The Group is dependent upon UK and US 
government support in relation to a number 
of its business opportunities in export markets.

The Group continues to invest in research and 
development, and to reduce its cost base and 
improve efficiencies, to remain competitive.

In the UK, export contracts can be structured 
on a government-to-government basis and 
government support can also involve military 
training, ministerial support for promotional 
activities and financial support through UK 
Export Finance. In the US, most of the Group’s 
defence export sales are delivered through 
the Foreign Military Sales process, under which 
the importing government contracts with the 
US government.

5. Laws and regulations
The Group is subject to risk from a failure to comply with laws and regulations.

Description

Impact

Mitigation

The Group operates in a highly-regulated 
environment across many jurisdictions and 
is subject, without limitation, to regulations 
relating to import-export controls, money 
laundering, false accounting, anti-bribery and 
anti-boycott provisions. It is important that the 
Group maintains a culture in which it focuses 
on embedding responsible business behaviours 
and that all employees act in accordance with 
the requirements of the Group’s policies, 
including the Code of Conduct, at all times. 

Export restrictions could become more stringent 
and political factors or changing international 
circumstances could result in the Group being 
unable to obtain or maintain necessary export 
licences.

Failure by the Group, or its sales representatives, 
marketing advisers or others acting on its 
behalf, to comply with these regulations could 
result in fines and penalties and/or the suspension 
or debarment of the Group from government 
contracts or the suspension of the Group’s 
export privileges, which could have a material 
adverse effect on the Group.

Reduced access to export markets could have 
a material adverse effect on the Group’s future 
results and financial condition.

BAE Systems has a well-established legal and 
regulatory compliance structure aimed at ensuring 
adherence to regulatory requirements and 
identifying any restrictions that could adversely 
impact the Group’s activities.

Internal and external market risk assessments 
form an important element of ongoing 
corporate development and training processes.

A uniform global policy and process for the 
appointment of advisers engaged in business 
development is in effect.

The special compliance officer, appointed 
pursuant to commitments concerning ongoing 
regulatory compliance made in the course of 
the 2011 settlement with the US Department 
of State, concluded his monitorship in May 2014 
and, at the invitation of BAE Systems, agreed to 
remain in a limited capacity for a limited further 
period of time.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
56

Principal risks 
continued

6. Contract risk and execution
The Group has many contracts, including a small number of large contracts and fixed-price contracts.

Description

Impact

Mitigation

The inability of the Group to deliver on its 
contractual commitments, the loss, expiration, 
suspension, cancellation or termination of 
any one of its large contracts or its failure 
to anticipate technical problems or estimate 
accurately and control costs on fixed-price 
contracts could have a material adverse 
effect on the Group’s future results and 
financial condition.

In 2015, 48% of the Group’s sales were 
generated by its 12 largest programmes. 
At 31 December 2015, the Group had seven 
programmes with order backlog in excess 
of £1bn.

A significant portion of the Group’s revenue 
is derived from fixed-price contracts. Actual 
costs may exceed the projected costs on which 
the fixed prices are agreed and, since these 
contracts can extend over many years, it can be 
difficult to predict the ultimate outturn costs.

It is important that the Group maintains a 
culture in which it delivers on its projects 
within tight tolerances of quality, time and 
cost performance in a reliable, predictable 
and repeatable manner.

Contract-related risks and uncertainties 
are managed under the Group’s mandated 
Lifecycle Management process.

A significant proportion of the Group’s largest 
contracts are with the UK Ministry of Defence. 
In the UK, development programmes are 
normally contracted with appropriate levels 
of risk being initially held by the customer and 
contract structures are used to mitigate risk on 
production programmes, including where the 
customer and contractor share cost savings 
and overruns against target prices.

The Group has a well-balanced spread of 
programmes and significant order backlog 
which provides forward visibility.

The Group has limited exposure to fixed-price 
design and development activity which is in 
general more risk intensive than fixed-price 
production activity.

Robust bid preparation and approvals processes 
are well established throughout the Group, with 
decisions required to be taken at the appropriate 
level in line with clear delegations of authority.

7. Contract cash profiles
The Group is dependent on the award timing and cash profile of its contracts.

Description

Impact

Mitigation

The Group’s profits and cash flows are 
dependent, to a significant extent, on the 
timing of, or failure to receive, award of 
defence contracts and the profile of cash 
receipts on its contracts.

Amounts receivable under the Group’s defence 
contracts can be substantial and, therefore, the 
timing of, or failure to receive, awards and 
associated cash advances and milestone payments 
could materially affect the Group’s profits and 
cash flows for the periods affected, thereby 
reducing cash available to meet the Group’s 
cash allocation priorities, potentially resulting in 
the need to arrange external funding and 
impacting its investment grade credit rating.

The Group’s balance sheet continues to be 
managed conservatively in line with its policy 
to retain an investment grade credit rating and 
to ensure operating flexibility.

The Group monitors a rolling forecast of its 
liquidity requirements to ensure that there is 
sufficient cash to meet its operational needs 
and maintain adequate headroom.

8. Pension funding
The Group has an aggregate funding deficit in its defined benefit pension schemes.

Description

Impact

Mitigation

In aggregate, there is an actuarial deficit 
between the value of the projected liabilities of 
the Group’s defined benefit pension schemes 
and the assets they hold.

The deficits may be adversely affected by 
changes in a number of factors, including 
investment returns, long-term interest rate and 
price inflation expectations, and anticipated 
members’ longevity.

Further increases in pension scheme deficits 
may require the Group to increase the amount 
of cash contributions payable to these schemes, 
thereby reducing cash available to meet the 
Group’s other cash allocation priorities.

In December 2015, BAE Systems, Airbus and 
the scheme trustees agreed to work towards 
the creation of a separate Airbus section of the 
BAE Systems Pension Scheme (Main Scheme) 
in 2016 with the allocation of the deficit to 
the BAE Systems and Airbus sections based on 
each member’s last employer. This allocation 
methodology is considered to represent a better 
estimate of the deficit allocation and has been 
reflected in the allocation of the IAS 19 pension 
deficit in the Main Scheme at 31 December 
2015. The impact of this change on the 
amounts allocated at 31 December 2015 is an 
increase of £187m (£153m post-tax) in the 
Group’s share of the reported IAS 19 deficit.

 Following triennial funding valuations of the 
Group’s UK pension schemes during 2014, 
where appropriate, revised deficit recovery 
plans have been agreed which run until 2026.

Growth of the defined benefit pension 
liabilities is expected to be curtailed as, in 
the UK, new employees have been offered 
defined contribution benefits since April 2012 
and, in the US, with effect from January 2013, 
employees no longer accrue salary-related 
benefits in defined benefit schemes.

In 2013, the trustees of a number of UK pension 
schemes entered into arrangements to insure 
against longevity risk for current pensioners, 
covering a total of £4.4bn of liabilities, and, in 
2014, 38% of eligible Main Scheme pensioners 
opted to exchange future increases on part of 
their pensions for higher non-increasing pensions.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

57

9. Information technology security
The Group could be negatively impacted by information technology security threats.

Description

Impact

Mitigation

The security threats faced by the Group 
include threats to its information technology 
infrastructure, unlawful attempts to gain access 
to its proprietary or classified information and 
the potential for business disruptions associated 
with information technology failures.

Failure to combat these risks effectively could 
negatively impact the Group’s reputation 
among its customers and the public, cause 
disruption to its business operations, and 
could result in a negative impact on the 
Group’s future results and financial condition.

The Group has a broad range of measures 
in place, including appropriate tools and 
techniques, to monitor and mitigate this risk.

10. People
The Group’s strategy is dependent on its ability to recruit and retain people with appropriate talent and skills.

Description

Impact

Mitigation

The loss of key employees or inability to attract 
the appropriate people on a timely basis, could 
adversely impact its ability to deliver its strategy, 
meet the business plan and, accordingly, have 
a negative impact on the Group’s future results 
and financial condition.

Delivery of the Group’s strategy and business 
plan is dependent on its ability to compete to 
recruit and retain people with appropriate 
talent and skills, including those with innovative 
technological capabilities.

With constraints on defence spending in its 
UK and US markets, the Group’s business plan 
is targeting an increasing level of business in 
international export markets. It is important 
that the Group recruits and retains management 
with the necessary international skills and 
experience in the relevant jurisdictions.

The Group recognises that its employees are 
key to delivering its strategy and business 
plan, and focuses on developing the existing 
workforce and hiring talented people to meet 
current and future requirements.

The Group has well-established graduate 
recruitment and apprenticeship programmes 
and, in order to maximise the contribution that 
its workforce can make to the performance of 
the business, has an effective through-career 
capability development programme.

In order to seek to maximise its talent pool, 
the Group is committed to creating a diverse 
and inclusive environment for its employees.

BAE Systems continues to embed its ethics 
programme globally, driving the right 
behaviours by supporting employees in 
making ethical decisions and embedding 
responsible business practices.

Additional risks and uncertainties currently unknown to the Group, or which the Group currently deems immaterial, may also have an adverse 
effect on the business or financial condition of the Group.

Strategic report
The Strategic report was approved by the board of directors on 17 February 2016.

David Parkes
Company Secretary

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

How the Company has 
applied the principles of the 
UK Corporate Governance 
Code (2014) (the Code)

The Company was compliant with the 
provisions of the Code throughout 2015 
and the Board has applied its principles in 
its governance structure and operations.

The Code

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
58
Governance 
summary

This section of the report details the arrangements the Board has put 
in place to help ensure that it fulfils the obligations it has for the good 
governance of the Company. The detail can be found in the following 
pages, but I would like to highlight briefly two important matters; 
diversity and our approach to board evaluation. 

I’m pleased to report that we have exceeded the target set by the 
Board back in 2011, when it committed to an aspirational target of 
at least 25% of its membership being women by 2015 – the figure 
is currently 30%. The Company and I have always been supportive 
of the Women on Boards initiative led by Lord Davies, which has been 
successful in promoting greater diversity across UK listed company 
boardrooms. Diversity, in all its aspects, is an important element in the 
composition of any board and we will ensure that it continues to be an 
important part of our succession planning activity.

In pursuit of achieving the highest standards of governance, during 
the course of the year, the Board completed a formal and structured 
internal review of process and practice to determine areas for 
improvement. The review concluded that sound progress had been 
made in deepening the Board’s understanding of the business and 
strengthening engagement in assessing both performance and 
strategic direction. Areas for improvement included the need to 
develop a better understanding of competitors, a more granular 
awareness of our offset policy and greater visibility of high-potential 
members of the management team. The dynamic and effectiveness 
of the Board were assessed to be good, and the contribution and 
enthusiasm of Board members was judged to be strong. 

This year, the annual board evaluation is being undertaken by an 
external facilitator.

The following report details how the Board has applied the principles 
in the UK Corporate Governance Code (2014) and complied with its 
provisions. However, I and all Board members are very much aware of 
the need to ensure that our governance structure, and all that we do 
as a company, is underpinned by the right business culture. As I have 
emphasised elsewhere in these reports, from the Board downwards, 
it is not just what we do, but how we do it.

Sir Roger Carr Chairman

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

59

P60 
P62

P62

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

 “The Listing Rules require companies to apply the Main Principles 
and report to shareholders on how they have done so. The principles 
are the core of the Code and the way in which they are applied 
should be the central question for a board...”
The UK Corporate Governance Code

Leadership

An effective board collectively responsible for the long-term success 
of the company.

Board of directors 
Board effectiveness

A clear division of responsibilities at the head of the company between 
the running of the board and the executive. No one individual should have 
unfettered powers of decision.

The chairman is responsible for leadership of the board and ensuring its 
effectiveness on all aspects of its role.

The Board and its responsibilities

The Board and its responsibilities

P62

Non-executive directors should constructively challenge and help develop 
proposals on strategy.

How we manage risk 
The Board and its responsibilities

P52 
P62

Effectiveness

The board and its committees should have the appropriate balance of skills, 
experience, independence and knowledge of the company to enable them 
to discharge their respective duties and responsibilities effectively.

Nominations Committee report 
Board of directors

There should be a formal, rigorous and transparent procedure for the 
appointment of new directors to the board.

Nominations Committee report 
Governance summary

All directors should be able to allocate sufficient time to the company to 
discharge their responsibilities effectively.

All directors should receive induction on joining the board and should regularly 
update and refresh their skills and knowledge.

Board attendance table 
Board effectiveness

Board effectiveness

The board should be supplied in a timely manner with information in a form 
and of a quality appropriate to enable it to discharge its duties.

Board effectiveness

The board should undertake a formal and rigorous annual evaluation of its 
own performance and that of its committees and individual directors.

Board effectiveness 
Governance summary

All directors should be submitted for re-election at regular intervals, subject 
to continued satisfactory performance.

The Board and its responsibilities 
Board effectiveness

Accountability

The board should present a fair, balanced and understandable assessment of 
the company’s position and prospects.

The board is responsible for determining the nature and extent of the principal 
risks it is willing to take in achieving its strategic objectives. The board should 
maintain sound risk management and internal control systems.

The board should establish formal and transparent arrangements for 
considering how they should apply the corporate reporting, risk management 
and internal control principles, and for maintaining an appropriate relationship 
with the company’s auditors. 

Remuneration

Strategic report 
Risk management, viability 
assessment and going concern

How we manage risk

Audit Committee report

P70 
P60

P70 
P58

P62 
P62

P62

P62

P62 
P58

P62 
P62

P(i) 

P64

P52

P65

Executive directors’ remuneration should be designed to promote the long-term 
success of the company. Performance-related elements should be transparent, 
stretching and rigorously applied.

There should be a formal and transparent procedure for developing policy on 
executive remuneration and for fixing the remuneration packages of individual 
directors. No director should be involved in deciding his or her own remuneration.

Remuneration Committee report

P71

Remuneration Committee report

P71

Relations with shareholders

There should be a dialogue with shareholders based on the mutual understanding 
of objectives. The board as a whole is responsible for ensuring that a satisfactory 
dialogue with shareholders takes place.

Shareholder engagement

The board should use general meetings to communicate with investors and to 
encourage their participation.

Shareholder engagement

P64

P64

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

 
Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
60
Board of directors

Our business is led by our board of directors 
(the Board) whose biographical details can 
be found below.

Chairman

Board composition

Board diversity

Executive
 3

Female
 3

Non-executive
 7

Male
 7

P62
  Board members’ attendance at scheduled meetings

  More online
  baesystems.com

Executive directors

Sir Roger Carr 
Chairman
Appointed to the Board: 2013  Nationality: UK

Skills and experience
Having joined the Board on 1 October 2013 as 
Chairman designate, Sir Roger was appointed 
Chairman on 1 February 2014. He was chairman of 
the board of Centrica plc from 2004 until 31 December 
2013. Previous senior appointments include chairman 
of Cadbury plc, President of the Confederation of 
British Industry and Deputy Chairman of the Court 
of the Bank of England. Throughout his career, he has 
served on a number of external committees, including 
the Higgs Committee on Corporate Governance, 
Business for New Europe and the Prime Minister’s 
Business Advisory Group.

Other appointments
Vice Chairman of the BBC Trust, a senior adviser 
to Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, a fellow of the Royal 
Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures 
and Commerce, an honorary fellow of the Institute 
of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators, and a 
visiting fellow to the Saïd Business School, Oxford.

Other past appointments
Chairman of Thames Water plc and Mitchells & Butlers plc.

Committee membership
Chairman of the Nominations Committee and the 
Non-Executive Directors’ Fees Committee.

Ian King 
Chief Executive
Appointed to the Board: 2007  Nationality: UK

Skills and experience
Appointed as Chief Executive in 2008 having been 
originally appointed to the Board as Chief Operating 
Officer, UK and Rest of the World. He was previously 
Group Managing Director of the Company’s Customer 
Solutions & Support business and, prior to that, Group 
Strategy and Planning Director. Prior to the BAe/MES 
merger, he was Chief Executive of Alenia Marconi 
Systems, having previously served as Finance Director 
of Marconi Electronic Systems.

Other past appointments
Non-executive director and senior independent director 
of Rotork plc.

Committee membership
Non-Executive Directors’ Fees Committee.

Jerry DeMuro
President and Chief Executive Officer 
of BAE Systems, Inc.
Appointed to the Board: 2014  Nationality: US

Skills and experience
Appointed to the Board on 1 February 2014 as President 
and Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems, Inc., 
Jerry DeMuro is an experienced US executive who 
has worked in the national security, technology and 
aerospace industry for over 30 years. Most recently, 
he served as executive vice president and corporate 
vice president of General Dynamics’ Information 
Systems and Technology Group. Earlier in his career, 
he spent almost a decade as an acquisition official 
at the US Department of Defense.

Other appointments
Non-executive director of Aero Communications, Inc.

Committee membership
Non-Executive Directors’ Fees Committee.

Peter Lynas
Group Finance Director
Appointed to the Board: 2011  Nationality: UK

Skills and experience
Peter Lynas, a qualified accountant, was appointed 
to the Board as Group Finance Director in 2011. He 
previously served for a number of years as Director, 
Financial Control, Reporting & Treasury. He joined 
GEC-Marconi in 1985 having previously worked for 
other companies in the UK and Europe. After 
progressing through a number of positions, he was 
appointed Finance Director of GEC’s Marconi Electronic 
Systems business, which was subsequently acquired 
by British Aerospace in 1999 to become BAE Systems.

Other appointments
Non-executive director of SSE plc and chairman of 
its audit committee.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

 
Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

61

Non-executive directors

Elizabeth Corley CBE 
Non-executive director
Appointed to the Board: 2016  Nationality: UK

Harriet Green OBE 
Non-executive director
Appointed to the Board: 2010  Nationality: UK

Chris Grigg 
Non-executive director
Appointed to the Board: 2013  Nationality: UK

Skills and experience
Elizabeth Corley was appointed to the Board on 
1 February 2016. She has served as Chief Executive 
Officer of Allianz Global Investors since 2012 and will 
be stepping back from this role to take on a position 
with AllianzGI as vice chair on a part-time non-executive 
basis with effect from March 2016. Prior to joining 
Allianz in 2005, she spent 11 years working at Merrill 
Lynch Investment Managers (formerly Mercury Asset 
Management). She was previously a partner with 
Coopers & Lybrand.

Other appointments
Non-executive director of Pearson plc, the UK Financial 
Reporting Council and the supervisory board of Euler 
Hermes, a member of the European Securities and 
Markets Authority’s stakeholder group, and an 
advisory council member of TheCityUK.

Committee membership
Nominations Committee and Remuneration Committee.

Skills and experience
Harriet Green is Vice President and General Manager, 
Internet of Things, Commerce and Education at IBM. 
She previously served as Chief Executive Officer and 
executive director of Thomas Cook Group plc and, 
prior to that, was Chief Executive Officer and executive 
director of Premier Farnell plc. She is a member of the 
British Chambers of Commerce’s International Advisory 
Council and has served as a member of the Prime 
Minister’s Business Advisory Group.

Other past appointments
Non-executive director of Emerson Electric Co. and 
senior vice president of Arrow Electronics, Inc.

Committee membership
Corporate Responsibility Committee and Nominations 
Committee.

Skills and experience
Chris Grigg is Chief Executive of The British Land 
Company PLC and has more than 30 years’ experience 
in the financial and real estate industries in a range of 
leadership roles. Prior to joining British Land as its Chief 
Executive in 2009, he was an executive with Barclays 
Bank and previously spent over 20 years at Goldman 
Sachs where he rose to the position of partner.

Committee membership
Corporate Responsibility Committee and Nominations 
Committee.

Paula Rosput Reynolds 
Non-executive director
Appointed to the Board: 2011  Nationality: US

Skills and experience
Paula Rosput Reynolds is Chief Executive Officer and 
President of the business advisory group, PreferWest 
LLC. She had previously spent over 20 years in the 
energy sector, culminating in her appointment as 
President and Chief Executive Officer of AGL Resources 
in 2002. She subsequently served as President and 
Chief Executive Officer of Safeco Corporation, an 
insurance company located in Seattle. She was then 
appointed as Vice Chairman and Chief Restructuring 
Officer of American International Group, Inc. (AIG) 
from October 2008 to September 2009.

Other appointments
Non-executive director of BP p.l.c. and TransCanada 
Corporation.

Other past appointments
Non-executive director of Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc., 
Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, Delta Air Lines, Inc. 
and Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.

Committee membership
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee, and member 
of the Audit Committee and Nominations Committee.

Nick Rose 
Non-executive director and 
Senior Independent Director
Appointed to the Board: 2010  Nationality: UK

Skills and experience
Nick Rose held the position of Chief Financial Officer 
of Diageo plc for over ten years until October 2010 
where, in addition to his finance responsibilities, he 
was also responsible for supply, procurement, strategy 
and IT on a global basis. His financial experience has 
encompassed a number of roles at Diageo, including 
group treasurer and group controller, having spent 
his earlier career with Ford Finance.

Other appointments
Chairman of Williams Grand Prix Holdings PLC, 
non-executive director and senior independent 
director of BT Group plc, and adviser to CCMP 
Capital Advisors, LLC.

Other past appointments
Chairman of Edwards Group Limited, and non-executive 
director of Moët Hennessy SNC and Scottish Power plc.

Committee membership
Chairman of the Audit Committee, and member of the 
Nominations Committee and Remuneration Committee.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Ian Tyler 
Non-executive director
Appointed to the Board: 2013  Nationality: UK

Skills and experience
Ian Tyler served as Chief Executive of Balfour Beatty plc 
for a period of eight years, stepping down from that 
position in 2013. A Chartered Accountant, he joined 
Balfour Beatty as Finance Director in 1996 having spent 
his earlier career in a variety of finance roles.

Other appointments
Chairman of Cairn Energy PLC and Bovis Homes 
Group PLC, and non-executive director of Mediclinic 
International plc.

Other past appointments
Non-executive director of Cable & Wireless 
Communications Plc and VT Group plc.

Committee membership
Chairman of the Corporate Responsibility Committee, 
and member of the Audit Committee and Nominations 
Committee.

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
62
Corporate governance 
report

Mediclinic International plc. During 2015, 
he retired as a non-executive director 
of Cable & Wireless Communications. With 
effect from 24 February 2016, he will be 
appointed Chairman of AWE, a non-listed 
company. Given the significant changes, the 
Chairman led an assessment of Mr Tyler’s 
commitments and it was agreed that they 
would not impact his ability to fulfil his 
commitments to the Company. It was agreed 
that the matter would be further reviewed in 
12 months’ time.

The Board has adopted robust processes 
for dealing with potential conflicts of 
interest. All directors declare their interests 
on appointment and any subsequent changes 
are required to be notified to the Company 
and an assessment made as to any potential 
conflicts. All directors’ interests are reviewed 
on an annual basis and formally noted by 
the Board.

In general, non-executive directors help 
constructively challenge and develop the 
Company’s strategy, scrutinise the 
performance of management in meeting 
agreed goals and objectives, and monitor 
the reporting of performance. The Board 
considers all of the non-executive directors, 
with the exception of the Chairman, to be 
independent for the purposes of the Code.

All directors seek election on an annual basis 
at the Annual General Meeting.

Attendance by individual directors at meetings 
of the Board and its committees in 2015 is 
shown below.

Board effectiveness
This section considers the effectiveness of the 
board of directors and the way in which the 
provisions of the Code have been addressed.

Annual evaluation 
The Board’s evaluation in respect of 
performance in 2015 is being undertaken 
by an external facilitator, Independent Board 
Evaluation. The facilitator has no other 
connection with the Company. 

The 2015 evaluation is underway and is a 
full evaluation of the Board, its committees 
and individual Board members based on 
face-to-face interviews with directors and 
regular contributors to Board meetings. 
In addition, the facilitator has observed 
Board and committee meetings. The results 
of the assessment as they apply to the Board 
will be discussed collectively and objectives 
agreed for 2016. The Chairman will meet 
with each director to provide feedback on 
individual performance. Feedback on the 
Chairman’s own performance will be provided 
by the Senior Independent Director, Nick Rose. 

Following the evaluation undertaken last 
year, the Board agreed a number of objectives 
aimed at further improving its effectiveness. 
These included objectives concerning Board 
succession planning, how Board members 
develop their understanding of the business 
and use this to develop future strategy, and 
the use of modern technology to improve 
the efficiency and effectiveness of reporting. 
Good progress was made against these 
objectives during the year.

Attendance by individual directors at meetings of the Board and its committees in 2015

Director

Sir Roger Carr

Jerry DeMuro

Harriet Green

Chris Grigg

Ian King

Peter Lynas

Paula Rosput Reynolds

Nick Rose

Carl Symon

Ian Tyler

Board

Audit  
Committee

Corporate 
Responsibility 
Committee

Nominations 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

8/8

7/8

8/8

8/8

8/8

8/8

8/8

8/8

3/3

7/8

–

–

–

–

–

–

5/5

5/5

–

5/5

–

–

4/4

–

–

–

–

–

–

4/4

5/5

–

5/5

5/5

–

–

5/5

5/5

1/1

5/5

–

–

–

4/4

–

–

2/2

4/4

2/2

–

The Board and its responsibilities
The Board has adopted a governance 
structure based on the principles of the 
UK Corporate Governance Code (2014) 
(the Code), which includes the following 
governance principles:
Strategy – reviewing and agreeing strategy 
for the Company;
Performance – overseeing the performance 
of the Group and also evaluating its own 
performance;
Standards and values – setting standards 
and values to guide the affairs of the Group;
Oversight – monitoring the effectiveness 
of the Company’s risk management and 
internal control systems; and
People – ensuring the Group is managed 
by individuals with the necessary skills and 
experience, and that appointments to the 
Board are managed effectively.

Pursuant to these principles, the Board has 
put in place a detailed governance framework, 
the Operational Framework, which includes 
the Company’s Code of Conduct. It sets out 
how we do business across BAE Systems and 
encapsulates the Company’s values, policies 
and processes, together with clear levels of 
delegated authority aimed at ensuring that 
all of its employees and businesses act in a 
clear, accountable and consistent manner.

There is a clear division of responsibility at 
the head of the Company and these are 
detailed in the Board Charter. The Chairman 
leads the Board and is responsible for ensuring 
that it discharges its duties effectively. The 
Chief Executive is responsible for the 
implementation and delivery of the strategy 
agreed by the Board.

The Senior Independent Director acts as a 
sounding board for the Chairman and acts 
as an intermediary for the other directors 
when necessary. He is also available to 
shareholders if they have concerns which 
cannot be addressed through the normal 
channels. The Company Secretary is 
responsible to the Board for ensuring that 
board procedures are complied with.

As required by the Code, the Company 
ensures that all non-executive directors 
have sufficient time to fulfil their obligations. 
This is assessed when a director is appointed 
and also in the event of there being a material 
change to an individual’s circumstances. 
During the year, such an assessment was 
undertaken for Ian Tyler. Mr Tyler is currently 
chairman of Cairn Energy and Bovis Homes 
Group and a non-executive director of 

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

63

Board committees

Board of directors

 P60

Audit
Committee 

Nick Rose 
(Chairman)

Paula Rosput Reynolds

Ian Tyler

 P65

Corporate
Responsibility 
Committee

Ian Tyler 
(Chairman)

Harriet Green

Chris Grigg

 P68 

Nominations
Committee 

 P70

Remuneration
Committee 

 P71

Paula Rosput Reynolds 
(Chairman)

Elizabeth Corley

Nick Rose

Sir Roger Carr 
(Chairman)

Elizabeth Corley

Harriet Green

Chris Grigg

Paula Rosput Reynolds

Nick Rose

Ian Tyler

Board induction
An induction programme is agreed for all 
new directors aimed at ensuring they are 
able to develop an understanding and 
awareness of the Company’s core processes, 
its people and businesses. In addition, as part 
of the induction process, new directors will 
typically visit the Group’s principal operations 
in order to meet employees, and gain an 
understanding of the Group’s products and 
services. Ongoing training is provided for the 
Board and individual directors as required.

Information for the Board
The Chairman, with the assistance of the 
Company Secretary, is responsible for ensuring 
that directors are supplied with information 
in a timely manner that is in a form and of 
a quality appropriate to enable them to 
discharge their duties. 

In the normal course of business, such 
information is provided by the Chief Executive 
in a regular report to the Board that includes 
information on operational matters, strategic 
developments, reports on the performance 
of Group operations, financial performance 
relative to the business plan, business 
development, corporate responsibility and 
investor relations.

Risk management, internal control 
and viability assessment
Principal risks
Details of how the Company manages 
risks can be found on pages 52 and 53 of the 
Strategic report. This section of the report 
includes details of how the Board and its 
committees maintain oversight of the key risks 
within the business and how these are being 
managed. It also describes the Company’s 
approach to risk management and the 
processes used to identify, analyse, evaluate 
and mitigate risks. These processes are the 
basis of the Company’s risk management and 
internal control systems, and the Board 
regularly reviews both the output from them 
and their effectiveness. 

The Board has completed a robust assessment 
of the principal risks facing the Company and 
these are detailed on pages 54 to 57.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

 
Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
64

Corporate governance report 
continued

Viability assessment
As required by the provisions of the Code, 
the Board has undertaken an assessment of 
the future prospects of the Company taking 
account of the Company’s current position 
and principal risks. This assessment was made 
using the Company’s core business processes, 
including the following:

Integrated Business Plan (IBP) – the IBP 
represents a common process with standard 
outputs and requirements that produces an 
integrated strategic and business plan for 
the Group and also for each of its businesses. 
The plan is reviewed each year by the Board 
as part of its strategy review process. Once 
approved by the Board, the IBP is cascaded 
down across all the Company’s businesses 
and provides the basis for setting all detailed 
financial budgets and strategic actions that 
are subsequently used by the Board to 
monitor performance. 

Risk management – as detailed above, 
the Company has developed a structured 
approach to the management of risk and 
the principal risks identified are considered as 
part of the Board’s annual review of the IBP.

Liquidity analysis – based on the financial 
output from the IBP, the Board regularly 
reviews an analysis looking at the forecast 
working capital requirements, cash flow, and 
committed borrowing and other funding 
facilities available to the Company over the 
five-year period covered by the IBP. This analysis 
includes ‘stress testing’ of the Company’s 
liquidity under severe, but plausible, scenarios 
as developed from the IBP.

In addition to the above, the Board’s review 
of the effectiveness of the Company’s risk 
management and internal control systems 
(see below) is important to the viability 
statement. As such, systems are designed to 
ensure that the information used for business 
planning processes is accurate and robust. 
Directors have also reviewed the Company’s 
insurance arrangements and the level of cover 
these provide.

In undertaking its review of the IBP in 2015, 
the Board considered the prospects of the 
Company over the one and five-year periods 
covered by the process. The one-year planning 
period has a greater level of certainty and is, 
therefore, used to set detailed budgetary 
targets at all levels across the Group – it is also 
used by the Remuneration Committee to set 
targets for the annual incentive. The five-year 
period provides less certainty of outcome, but 
provides a robust planning tool against which 
long-term decisions can be made concerning, 
among other things, strategic priorities, 
funding requirements, capital expenditure and 
resource planning. On the basis of this and 

other matters considered and reviewed by 
the Board during the year, the Board has 
reasonable expectations that the Company 
will be able to continue in operation and meet 
its liabilities as they fall due over the periods 
used for the assessment. In doing so, it is 
recognised that such future assessments are 
subject to a level of uncertainty that increases 
with time and, therefore, future outcomes 
cannot be guaranteed or predicted with 
certainty. Also, this assessment was made 
recognising the principal risks that could have 
an impact on the future performance of the 
Company (see pages 54 to 57).

Risk management and internal control
The Board is responsible for the Company’s 
risk management and internal control systems. 
Details of these systems and how they operate 
can be found on pages 52 and 53 of the 
Strategic report. These include ongoing 
processes for identifying, analysing, evaluating 
and managing the principal risks faced by the 
Company, which have been in place throughout 
the year and up to the date of this report. 
The Board has reviewed the effectiveness of 
the Company’s risk management and internal 
control systems, and believes that they accord 
with the Financial Reporting Council’s Guidance 
on Risk Management, Internal Control and 
Related Financial and Business Reporting.

The Board has delegated to the Audit 
Committee responsibility for reviewing in 
detail the effectiveness of the Company’s risk 
management and internal control systems. 
Having undertaken such reviews, the Audit 
Committee reports to the Board on its 
findings so that the Board as a whole can take 
a view on this matter. In order to assist the 
Board and the Audit Committee in this review, 
the Company has developed the Operational 
Assurance Statement (OAS) process (as 
detailed on page 52). Part of this requires that 
a return is completed every six months by each 
operational and functional business head, 
reporting their formal review against such 
matters as compliance with law and 
regulations, ethical business conduct, financial 
controls, risk management, compliance with 
business planning processes, health and 
safety, conflicts of interest, delegated 
authorities, appointment of advisers and 
product safety. Where simple yes/no answers 
are not appropriate, an assessment of 
compliance is required to be made against 
structured qualitative guidance.

The twice-yearly OAS assessment process 
is owned by the Company’s Internal Audit 
function, which provides assurance as to 
the accuracy of returns relative to the 
findings of audit work undertaken during 
the year. The returns are also shared with 
the Company’s auditors.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

A separate OAS return is required to be 
completed by the most senior BAE Systems 
employee responsible for joint ventures and 
BAE Systems employees on the boards of these 
companies are required to exert such influence 
as the Company may have to encourage the 
adoption of a governance structure that is 
substantially equivalent to that mandated for 
the Group for wholly-owned or controlled 
parts of the Group.

Going concern
Accounting standards require that directors 
satisfy themselves that it is reasonable for 
them to conclude whether it is appropriate 
to prepare financial statements on a going 
concern basis and the Code requires that, if 
appropriate, this report includes a statement 
to that effect. Following review, the directors 
have concluded that it is appropriate to 
adopt the going concern basis for these 
financial statements and have not identified 
any material uncertainties concerning the 
Company’s ability to do so in the 12-month 
period from the date of approving them. For 
this reason, they continue to adopt the going 
concern basis in preparing the accounts. 

Shareholder engagement
The Company has a well-developed investor 
relations programme managed by the Chief 
Executive, Group Finance Director and Investor 
Relations Director. In addition, the Chairman 
is available to meet with major shareholders 
and is in regular contact with them so as to 
keep them informed of progress on corporate 
governance matters. In order to assist in 
developing an understanding of the views 
of major shareholders, each year the 
Company commissions a survey of investors 
undertaken by external consultants. 

The results of the survey are presented to 
the Board. 

The Board uses the Company’s Annual 
General Meeting to communicate with 
investors. The meeting provides all 
shareholders with the opportunity to vote 
on the resolutions put to shareholders either 
electronically via the Company’s website or 
by post. All resolutions detailed in the Notice 
of Meeting are voted on by way of a poll so 
as to ensure that all votes are counted on 
the basis of one vote for every share held. 
The results of the voting on all resolutions 
are published on the Company’s website. 

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

Audit Committee 
report

Nick Rose 
Chairman of the Audit Committee

Members

Nick Rose (Chairman)

Paula Rosput Reynolds

Ian Tyler

Governance
The Audit Committee was in place throughout 2015 and held five meetings, 
plus one joint meeting with the Corporate Responsibility Committee. All its 
members are independent in accordance with the provisions of the Code. 

Summary of responsibilities
–  Reviewing the effectiveness of the Group’s financial reporting, internal control 
policies, and procedures for the identification, assessment and reporting of risk

–  Monitoring the integrity of the Group’s financial statements 

–  Monitoring the role and effectiveness of the Internal Audit function

–  Approving an annual programme of internal audit work and reviewing 

the output

–  Making recommendations to the Board on the appointment of the Auditors

–  Agreeing the scope of the Auditors’ annual audit programme and reviewing 

the output

–  Approving the audit fee

–  Keeping the relationship with the Auditors under review

–  Assessing the effectiveness of the audit process

–  Developing and implementing policy on the engagement of the Auditors 

to supply non-audit services

The Committee’s full Terms of Reference, which are reviewed each year by 
the Board, are available on the Company’s website.

Attendance at meetings
The Committee invites the following to its regular meetings:

–  Chairman; Chief Executive; Group Finance Director; and Director, Financial 

Control and Reporting;

–  Internal Audit Director, together with other senior members of the Internal 

Audit function, as appropriate;

–  Other representatives from businesses and functions, as appropriate; and

–  The senior KPMG partner responsible for the BAE Systems audit, together 

with other senior audit partners, as appropriate.

The Committee holds private sessions with the Auditors and Internal Audit 
Director without management present, and the Committee Chairman meets 
privately with both internal and external audit.

Reporting to the Board
The Committee Chairman provides regular updates to the Board on the key 
issues discussed at the Committee’s meetings.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

65

Dear Shareholders,
One of the recurring themes across the Audit 
Committee’s deliberations throughout the 
year under review has been forward-looking 
assurance – and how, as part of our 
consideration of the effectiveness of internal 
controls, can we best ensure that our focus 
is not only on current performance of the 
internal control and risk management systems, 
but also forward-facing towards potential 
future areas of risk.

This ongoing dialogue at Committee meetings 
has supplemented the Board’s discussions on 
risk and has led to management demonstrating 
to the Committee how a number of risk 
indicators currently in use across the business 
could be used holistically as an additional tool 
for focus on future assurance. This will help 
inform us in a number of areas, not least of 
which is the Committee’s oversight of the 
annual Internal Audit assurance programme 
and its resourcing.

Internal control and risk
The Board has delegated to the Committee 
responsibility for reviewing in detail the 
effectiveness of the Company’s risk 
management and internal control system. 
The Committee’s review of internal controls 
has encompassed a review of the reports 
relating to the six-monthly Operational 
Assurance Statements (OAS), which are 
submitted by each business or function as 
a mandated policy under the Group-wide 
Operational Framework, and controls reports 
and audit reports from both internal and 
external auditors. 

As ever, a key controls focus for the 
Committee is the controls environment 
surrounding the Company’s Lifecycle 
Management (LCM) process. LCM is integral 
to the successful execution of the Group’s 
projects and programmes, and of particular 
importance in the early identification of 
programme risk and the determination of 
profit recognition or provisioning. We have 
discussed the outputs of general financial 
and LCM controls testing, and any required 
improvement actions, with management, 
and internal and external audit, with a view 
to ensuring the ongoing robustness of 
programme execution and risk mitigation. 

The Committee values meeting with operational 
management on a face-to-face basis to discuss 
the internal control environment within that 
particular business, and to seek feedback from 
both internal and external audit during such 
sessions. In 2015, we focused on our Saudi 
Arabian business in terms of both our main 
business and also our portfolio of interests 
in industrial companies in Saudi Arabia (our 
Kingdom Partner Companies (KPCs)) which are 
being reorganised as a result of our enhanced 
relationship with Riyadh Wings. This gave us 

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
66

Audit Committee report 
continued

the opportunity to discuss the wider business 
environment and its complexities, as well as 
to review the governance alignment with our 
Operational Framework by the individual KPCs. 

The defence industry is a highly-regulated 
environment where export control laws and 
regulations place significant obligations on 
the Company. We have a well-established 
legal and regulatory compliance structure 
aimed at ensuring adherence to regulatory 
requirements. In addition to receiving regular 
reporting on export control compliance under 
the OAS process and internal audit output, the 
Group General Counsel reports to the 
Committee on an annual basis in this regard. 
We considered this in more detail during 2015 
by reviewing with senior management from 
the Group’s Military Air & Information 
business how one of our larger businesses 
manages export control compliance. This 
engagement with management enabled us to 
better understand process and procedures, 
along with IT enablement, communication 
and training across a substantial workforce. 

We have reviewed the ongoing effectiveness 
of the Company’s risk management processes 
as part of our wider review of internal controls. 
As part of the work that we originally 
undertook in the fourth quarter of 2014 at 
the Board’s request for the Committee to 
review the Company’s principal risks, we 
subsequently met in 2015 with the Director 
of Insurable Risk Services for a review of the 
Group’s insurance arrangements. This helped 
us to gain a better understanding of the 
Group’s global insurance risk model and 
principles of insurance purchase, as well as 
giving us an overview of claims in recent years.

Financial reporting
The Committee reviews all significant issues 
concerning the financial statements. The 
principal matters we considered concerning 
the 2015 financial statements were:

Recognition of profit and provisioning: We 
reviewed key estimates and judgements prior 
to publication of the financial statements. 
Our review included the key estimates and 
assumptions applied in determining the 
financial status of the more significant 
programmes, including Typhoon, UK aircraft 
carrier programme, Astute and Successor 
submarine programmes, Radford Army 
Ammunition Plant contract, losses on US 
commercial shipbuilding contracts, and Landing 
Helicopter Dock programme in Australia. The 
review of Australia shipbuilding also included 
a A$48m (£24m) impairment charge relating 
to shipyard assets in Williamstown.

Goodwill: We considered the level of goodwill 
held on the Group’s balance sheet in respect 
of a number of past major transactions and 
whether, given the future prospects of these 

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

businesses, the value of goodwill held on the 
balance sheet remains appropriate. The 
methodology for impairment testing used 
by the Group is set out in note 8 to the Group 
accounts on page 124. 
–  Impairments: the Group has incurred a 
goodwill impairment of £75m relating to 
the US Intelligence & Security business 
reflecting lower growth assumptions. 

Pensions: Recognising the scale of the Group’s 
pension obligation, we reviewed the key 
assumptions supporting the valuation of the 
retirement benefit obligation. This included a 
comparison of the discount and inflation rates 
used against externally-derived data. We 
reviewed the methodology used to allocate a 
proportion of the retirement benefit obligation 
to equity accounted investments and other 
participating employers, and concluded that 
this was appropriate with reference to 
agreements between the Company and those 
companies. We also considered the adequacy 
of disclosures in respect of the sensitivity of the 
deficit to changes in these key assumptions. 
In particular, the Committee reviewed and 
agreed the allocation of the deficit between 
BAE Systems and Airbus. 

Taxation: Whilst tax policy is ultimately a matter 
for the Board’s determination, we reviewed 
the Group’s tax strategy as set out on page 
22. On a twice-yearly basis, we reviewed the 
Group’s tax charge and tax provisions. We 
also reviewed the basis for the overseas tax 
provision release of 2.6p per share and the 
UK tax provision release of 1.7p per share.

The Committee also agreed the parameters 
of, and reviewed the supporting report for, the 
going concern statement and the statement 
on the Board’s assessment of the prospects of 
the Company on the one and five-year periods 
used in the Integrated Business Plan.

An intrinsic requirement of a group’s financial 
statements is for the report and accounts, 
taken as a whole, to be fair, balanced and 
understandable. The co-ordination and review 
of the Group-wide input into the Annual Report 
is an extensive exercise performed within an 
exacting time frame which runs alongside the 
formal audit process undertaken by the Auditors.

The process to ensure that the Committee, 
and then the Board, are satisfied with the 
overall fairness, balance and clarity of the 
document has been underpinned by:
–  comprehensive guidance issued to all the 

contributors at operational level;

–  a verification process dealing with the 

factual content of the reports;

–  comprehensive reviews undertaken at 

different levels in the Group that aim to 
ensure consistency and overall balance; and

–  comprehensive review by the directors 

and the senior team.

External audit
As we have previously reported, KPMG LLP 
and their legacy predecessors have been in 
place as the Company’s auditors since 1981 
without re-tender and we have initiated an 
audit re-tendering process for the 2018 
accounts, 2017 being the last year of the 
current audit engagement partner. There are 
no contractual obligations that would restrict 
the selection of a different auditor and we 
undertook to use our regular reviews of auditor 
effectiveness to assess whether an earlier date 
for a re-tender would be desirable. I am 
pleased to report that our review of auditor 
effectiveness for 2015 – referred to below 
– concluded that KPMG remain effective. 

Mindful of the fact that we are a large and 
relatively complex Group, operating in 
a number of international jurisdictions, we 
are keen to provide a sufficient time period 
for participants in the tender to familiarise 
themselves with our business and assess the 
key risk areas prior to them delivering their 
final audit proposal for our consideration. 
On current timings, the Committee expects 
to have completed the competitive tender 
process by mid-2017 enabling us to make 
a recommendation to the Board on the 
appointment of a new audit firm which 
would then be subject to shareholder approval 
at the 2018 Annual General Meeting (AGM). 
We believe this time frame to be in the best 
interests of shareholders as it allows sufficient 
time for a thorough tender process and 
subsequent transition. 

Given the length of their current incumbency 
as our Auditors, KPMG will not be invited to 
tender, but are fully committed to providing 
a smooth transition to the incoming auditor 
from mid-2017, when their successor is 
selected, through to them stepping down 
as our outgoing Auditors at the 2018 AGM, 
a period which will cover both our 2017 
half-year review and full-year audit.

As I noted above, we undertook an annual 
review of the effectiveness of the Auditors. 
This encompassed a Group-wide evaluation 
at management and functional level, together 
with input from each of the Committee 
members. The evaluation covered areas such 
as: understanding of the Group’s risks and 
opportunities to facilitate the development 
of an appropriate audit plan; the robustness 
of audit processes; objectivity; the quality of 
communications; and the ability to provide a 
seamless service across differing jurisdictions. 
We have provided feedback to the Auditors 
on the evaluation. We have also discussed 
with KPMG the need to ensure the continuity 
and quality of audit during the tendering 
period, particularly given the necessary rotation 
of significant partners off the account in the 
interim, and have agreed with them a 
transition plan that includes partner rotation. 

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

67

On the basis of the review following the 2015 
year-end audit, the Committee has proposed to 
the Board that it recommend that shareholders 
support the re-appointment of KPMG LLP at 
the 2016 AGM.

New EU regulations on non-audit services 
become effective from June 2016 which may 
be impacted by UK legislation prior to that date. 
We will be keeping this under review, not only 
with respect to the non-audit services currently 
provided by KPMG, but also with regard to 
any such services currently provided by audit 
firms who participate in our audit re-tender. 
Our present Non-Audit Services Policy, and 
how auditor objectivity and independence 
are safeguarded, are discussed opposite.

Internal Audit
Internal Audit plays an integral role in the 
Company’s governance structure and provides 
regular reports to the Committee, including 
the outputs of the twice-yearly OAS process 
and the tracking of remedial action in the case 
of any control failures. Our forward-looking 
assurance theme has been carried over into 
this area of reporting too in order to enable 
us to get a feel for areas where there may be 
emerging risk that has not yet been identified 
as such. 

The annual internal audit programme is 
agreed jointly by the Audit and Corporate 
Responsibility committees to ensure that the 
over-arching internal audit programme includes 
the assessment of the effectiveness of key 
areas of ethical and reputational risk, as well 
as financial risk. The assurance programme 
covers a broad range of audits covering areas 
such as mandated governance, OAS outputs, 
risk register findings, change programmes, and 
areas relating to responsible behaviour and 
non-financial risk, as well as accommodating 
ad hoc internal audit requests. The Committee 
considered the output from the 2015 annual 
internal audit programme of assurance twice 
during the year. 

During the year under review, we took the 
opportunity when we were in the US to meet 
with the Group’s US Vice President, Internal 
Audit, who briefed us on the approach to 
internal audit in that jurisdiction.

We monitor the effectiveness of the Internal 
Audit function on an annual basis and, this 
year, we revised the format and content of 
the evaluation tool enabling us to elicit a wider 
range of responses across areas including the 
role of internal audit, audit planning, people 
and skilling, processes, execution and reporting. 
Feedback was requested from the various 
heads of the Audit Review Boards across the 
Group and other senior business leaders as 
well as from the external auditors. The 
Committee is mindful of the need for the 
Internal Audit function to operate with 

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

the appropriate level of independence, 
be suitably skilled and resourced, ensure 
that its recommendations are actionable 
and acted on, and be able to escalate 
matters to the Committee if required. 
The output of the evaluation was discussed 
with the Internal Audit Director and the 
Committee concluded that the Internal 
Audit function remains effective.

In 2013, I reported that the Internal 
Audit function had undergone an External 
Quality Assessment, the output of which 
had been positive. Since then, the function 
has been building further on its effectiveness 
in a number of areas, including the attainment 
of external accreditation by individual internal 
audit managers. One key value-add in recent 
years has been to include the audit of our 
culture as a part of the internal audit process. 
The feedback from this latest evaluation will 
be incorporated into the next phase of the 
function’s continuous improvement plan. 

Other key areas
During the year, the Committee has:
–  agreed the Auditors’ terms of engagement 

and the audit fee;

–  reviewed and agreed the scope of the 
external audit plan with the Auditors;
–  considered the accounting, financial 
control and audit issues reported by 
the Auditors that flowed from the 
audit work;

–  reviewed the confirmation and information 
received from KPMG on the arrangements 
that it has in place to safeguard its 
independence and objectivity;

–  reviewed and discussed on a quarterly 
basis the nature and level of non-audit 
fees, and undertaken an annual review 
of the Non-Audit Services Policy which 
we concluded was still appropriate 
(see above); 

–  reviewed the effectiveness of the 
Company’s helpline procedures in 
respect of the reporting of possible 
accounting, financial control or other 
financial irregularities, which form 
part of our wider Ethics Helpline 
procedures, and concluded that the 
procedures continue to work  
effectively; and

–  reviewed on a twice-yearly basis 

the procedures for the identification, 
assessment and reporting of risk, 
one of the reviews having been 
undertaken jointly with the Corporate 
Responsibility Committee.

Nick Rose
Chairman of the Audit Committee

Auditor independence  
– Non-Audit Services Policy

The Committee has a formal policy 
governing the engagement of the 
Auditors to provide non-audit services 
which we review on an annual basis. The 
Policy prohibits certain activities from 
being undertaken by the Auditors such 
as: book-keeping and work relating to 
the preparation of accounting records and 
financial statements that will ultimately 
be subject to external audit; financial 
information system design and 
implementation; internal auditing; and 
any work where a mutuality of interest is 
created that could compromise the 
independence of the Auditors. The Policy 
also places restrictions on the employment 
of former employees of the Auditors.

Recognising that the Auditors are best 
placed to undertake certain work of 
a non-audit nature, the Policy permits 
the provision of Audit-Related Services 
and Permitted Non-Audit Services up 
to limits that are pre-approved by the 
Committee, with specific approvals 
required beyond such limits by the 
Committee. A copy of the policy is 
available on the Company’s website, 
baesystems.com. 

Details of fees payable to the Auditors are 
set out on page 116. In 2015, non-audit 
fees represented 44% of the audit fee. The 
principal non-audit services provided by the 
Auditors related to M&A, tax compliance 
and advisory services, the interim review 
and equity advisory services.

Competition & Markets Authority 
Audit Order

The Committee has complied with the 
provisions of the Competition & Markets 
Authority Audit Order in setting out on 
page 66: (i) the financial year in which the 
Company will next complete a Competitive 
Tender Process (Tender); and (ii) the 
reasons as to why completing a Tender 
in that year is in the best interests of the 
Company’s members.

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
68
Corporate Responsibility  
Committee report

Ian Tyler 
Chairman of the Corporate 
Responsibility Committee

Members

Ian Tyler (Chairman)

Harriet Green

Chris Grigg

Governance
The Corporate Responsibility Committee was in place throughout 2015 and 
held four meetings. All its members are independent in accordance with the 
provisions of the Code.

Summary of responsibilities
–  Assisting the Board in overseeing the development of strategy, and policy 

on social, environmental and ethical matters

–  Keeping under review the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control 
policies and procedures for the identification, assessment, management 
and reporting of reputational and other non-financial risks 

–  Monitoring and reviewing the role and effectiveness of the Company’s 

Internal Audit function in relation to corporate responsibility 

–  Providing oversight of the Company’s compliance with corporate 

responsibility-related policies and procedures

–  Reviewing audit and assurance reports produced by the corporate 

responsibility assurer

–  Overseeing and supporting key stakeholder engagement on social, 

environmental and ethical issues 

–  Making proposals to the Remuneration Committee regarding appropriate 

corporate responsibility-related performance objectives for executive directors 

–  Reviewing the Company’s arrangements for employees to obtain further 

advice on ethical issues in confidence 

–  Ensuring that the Code of Conduct is regularly reviewed and reflects best 

practice for such codes

–  Ensuring the Company’s Annual Report includes an examination of ethical 

business conduct within the Company

Attendance at meetings
The Committee invites the following to its regular meetings:

–  Chairman; Chief Executive; Managing Director Corporate Responsibility; 

Group General Counsel; and Internal Audit Director.

Reporting to the Board
The Committee Chairman provides regular updates to the Board on the key 
issues discussed at the Committee’s meetings.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Dear Shareholders,
This is my second report as Chairman of the 
Corporate Responsibility Committee. During 
2015, the Committee has continued to provide 
oversight of corporate responsibility-related 
matters, with a particular focus on ethics and 
safety. This will remain our focus in 2016 and 
I am pleased that Chris Grigg has joined the 
Committee recently to assist us with this 
work. He will bring different skills and his 
own experiences which will no doubt further 
broaden our debate and bring fresh challenge 
to our discussions. In this report, I review the 
key areas of work that the Committee 
undertook during the year, throughout 
which I am pleased to report that the 
Committee continued to enjoy a constructive 
and open engagement with the Chief 
Executive and senior management.

Last year, I reported on the survey that had 
been undertaken by Ethical Leadership Group 
(NAVEX Global) and the way in which the 
findings of this report had been implemented. 
This is not an activity that we review once 
and then put aside until it is time for a formal 
review; rather the Committee will continue 
to review how management is embedding 
our principles of responsible behaviour across 
the business. 

This year, the Committee undertook a deep 
dive into culture and behaviour across the 
business. As well as progress on the actions 
from the Ethical Leadership Group (NAVEX 
Global) report, the Committee also considered 
the results of a Company-wide employee 
engagement survey. The survey provided a 
helpful insight into responsible business 
matters at all organisational levels, and also 
gave us an indication of where the Company 
sits against global norms. From such surveys, 
we gain a good indication of our strengths 
and also the areas that we need to focus on 
for further improvement. It is important that 
we continue to use tools such as this to gain 
an understanding of such matters and thereby 
assist in providing us with an indication of the 
underlying culture of the business concerning 
corporate responsibility-related matters. More 
work on this will be undertaken in 2016. 

The Committee supports the work that the 
Company undertakes to continue to embed 
the Code of Conduct in the culture of the 
Company. The Code was updated in 2014 
and issued to employees during 2015, and 
is the key reference point for how we do 
business and how we expect our employees 
to behave. This is reinforced through the 
formal training that accompanies any updates 
to the Code and employees are encouraged 
to use the Code as a way to discuss issues 
that may concern them. 

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

69

Performance against safety objectives 
forms part of the Annual Incentive Plan 
that is operated for the executive directors 
and is also an equal part of the incentive 
arrangements for all senior executives in 
the Company. These objectives measure 
performance not only against key safety 
indicators, but also improvements in 
behavioural safety and action taken to 
eliminate safety risks. Our safety culture 
was a particular focus of the Committee 
during 2015 and will continue to be so 
throughout 2016. As part of a deep dive 
review, the Committee reviewed the way 
in which culture interacts with safety and 
how lessons learned from other sites can 
be shared with other parts of the business 
quickly and effectively. 

The Committee also carried out a review 
of our product safety policy, which is aimed 
at ensuring that we have a robust approach 
to product safety across the Group, including 
compliance with contractual, legal and 
regulatory requirements. Finally, the 
Committee took time in 2015 to look at our 
commercial arrangements and the processes 
we have in place governing how we contract 
with customers and the behaviours we expect 
to see from our employees when dealing 
with commercial arrangements. 

During 2016, we will continue to undertake 
deep dive reviews into the priority areas and 
to receive updates on progress against our 
objectives for safety, ethics behaviour, and 
diversity and inclusion. Also in 2016, the 
Committee plans to carry out another site 
visit to support its understanding of the 
culture of the business and the challenges 
it faces.

Ian Tyler
Chairman of the Corporate 
Responsibility Committee

Responsible business in action
Developing first-hand understanding 
of corporate responsibility

Visit to Mobile 
and Norfolk 
shipyards, US

For a number of years, the Committee 
has included a whole-day visit to one 
of the Company’s sites as part of its 
annual schedule of activities. These 
visits have proved to be a valuable 
means for Committee members to 
develop a first-hand understanding of 
the Company’s approach to corporate 
responsibility and to take a deeper look 
into certain matters. In August last year, 
the members of the Committee visited 
two US shipyards in Mobile, Alabama, 
and Norfolk, Virginia, to gain a more 
detailed understanding of the approach 
to safety at these sites. The Committee 
chose to visit these two locations 
recognising the challenging safety 
environment in which they operate. 
The directors spoke to a cross-section 
of employees in the yards and spent 
time with management, learning 
about safety performance and the 
actions being taken to embed the 
right safety culture.

  More online
  baesystems.com

For a number of years, the Committee has 
monitored the development and roll-out of 
a system of ethics officers. There are now over 
160 ethics officers across the Group and these 
employees continue to provide a first point 
of contact for any ethical issues or concerns 
that employees may have. In addition, the 
Company has had an Ethics Helpline managed 
by a third party for a number of years, providing 
a means by which employees can raise matters 
of concern in confidence and, if the individual 
wishes, anonymously. The Committee 
monitors the number and nature of calls to 
the helpline and also ensures that it remains 
effective. The majority of issues raised through 
the Ethics Helpline are usually managed by 
local management in the first instance, but 
there is an escalation process that ensures 
that the most serious issues are brought to 
the attention of the Committee.

A key focus for the Company is ensuring that 
we have a diverse and inclusive workforce. 
Therefore, we monitor where we are currently 
and, more importantly, the actions that we 
can take to improve the levels of diversity and 
inclusion across the Company. A critical part of 
this is the need to continue to make progress 
in developing a talent pipeline which will allow 
us to build the right leadership team in the 
future and allow talented people to reach 
senior positions. The work that is done with 
schools and universities supports our aim to 
encourage diversity in the engineering sector. 
This is discussed in more detail in the 
Responsible business section of the report.

We are saddened to report that, during 2015, 
there were two air incidents that resulted in 
seven fatalities, four of our employees and 
three from other companies. The Company 
has been supporting investigations with air 
accident authorities in Saudi Arabia and the 
US, and are carrying out internal reviews into 
the incidents.

The safety of our employees and all those 
working on our sites continues to be another 
key focus for the Committee, and an important 
part of the work we undertook during the 
year was to identify a credible, realistic and 
readily reproducible safety benchmark that 
will allow us to compare our performance 
relative to organisations that are world class in 
terms of safety. The Committee will monitor 
the work being undertaken by each of our 
businesses as they seek to achieve the 
world-class level of safety performance 
represented by this benchmark. The drive to 
improve safety will always be with us as we 
seek to continually improve performance 
and we recognise that progress needs to 
be measured over a number of years, but 
with annual goals to monitor progress 
towards the agreed benchmark.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
70
Nominations 
Committee report

Sir Roger Carr 
nnss 
Chairman of the Nominations 
Committee

Members

Sir Roger Carr (Chairman)

Elizabeth Corley

Harriet Green

Chris Grigg

Paula Rosput Reynolds

Nick Rose

Ian Tyler

Carl Symon was a member of the Committee up to 12 June 2015.

Governance
The Nominations Committee was in place throughout 2015 and held five 
meetings during the year. It is chaired by the Chairman of the Company. 
Whilst he is not deemed to be independent, the other members of the 
Committee are independent non-executive directors in accordance with 
the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code.

Summary of responsibilities
–  Reviewing the balance of skills, experience, diversity (including gender), 
knowledge and independence, and recommending any changes to the 
Board’s membership that it believes are necessary or desirable as a result 
of such review

–  Planning the orderly succession of new directors to the Board by reviewing 

on a regular basis the Company’s senior management resource

–  Identifying and nominating for the Board’s approval suitable candidates to 

fill any vacancies for non-executive or executive directors

–  Recommending to the Board the membership and chairmanship of the 

Audit, Corporate Responsibility and Remuneration committees

–  Nominating suitable candidates for the role of Senior Independent Director

–  Reviewing, and making recommendations to the Board on, the re-appointment 
of non-executive directors at the conclusion of their specific terms of office, 
having given due regard to their performance and ability to continue to 
contribute to the Board

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Dear Shareholders,
Throughout last year, the Nominations 
Committee was engaged in developing a 
deeper engagement with management in 
understanding the depth of management 
resources across the Group. In particular, work 
was undertaken to provide a more focused 
approach to identifying and developing those 
individuals with the potential to take on the 
most senior roles at Executive Committee and 
Board level. As part of this work, it is important 
that all directors have the opportunity to meet 
senior executives on a regular basis, and 
changes have been made to the Board’s 
annual programme to provide more 
interaction with senior executives, both 
formally and informally.

As a result of the work we have undertaken in 
the last 18 months, I believe our management 
development and succession plans are more 
robust and insightful. However, we will 
continue to work with the executive team to 
refine our approach to talent management 
and make sure that the high-potential people 
we employ at all levels throughout the 
Company have the opportunity to develop 
and succeed.

As part of our succession planning 
programme, I am pleased that we have 
been able to announce recently that Charles 
Woodburn will be joining the Board and 
Executive Committee in the newly-created 
role of Chief Operating Officer. Charles has 
outstanding engineering credentials with 
proven international industrial experience 
and will strengthen and broaden the strategic 
and operational capabilities of the business. 
The Committee engaged the recruitment 
consultants Spencer Stuart and MWM 
Consulting to assist with its search activities.

The Committee is also tasked with ensuring 
that we have independent non-executive 
directors with the right mix of skills, knowledge 
and experience. In 2015, the members of the 
Committee identified Elizabeth Corley as an 
excellent candidate for appointment to the 
Board based on her high standing within the 
financial services industry and, more recently, 
her non-executive role with the Financial 
Reporting Council. I’m very pleased that she 
has joined the Board – increasing the number 
of independent non-executive directors to 
six and the women on the Board to 30%. 
During 2016, the Nominations Committee 
will be looking to make at least one more 
non-executive appointment.

Sir Roger Carr
Chairman of the Nominations Committee

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

Remuneration  
Committee report

Paula Rosput Reynolds 
Chairman of the Remuneration 
Committee

Members

Paula Rosput Reynolds (Chairman)

Elizabeth Corley

Nick Rose

Carl Symon served as Chairman until 12 June 2015. Chris Grigg served as a 
member of the Committee throughout 2015 until 16 February 2016. Elizabeth 
Corley joined the Committee on 1 February 2016.

Governance
The Remuneration Committee was in place throughout 2015 and held four 
meetings. All its members are independent in accordance with the provisions 
of the Code.

The Chief Executive and the Company’s Chairman attend Committee meetings 
by invitation only. They do not attend where their individual remuneration is 
discussed and no director is involved in deciding his own remuneration.

Summary of responsibilities
–  Agreeing a policy for the remuneration of the Chairman, executive directors, 
members of the Executive Committee (EC), the Company Secretary and other 
senior executives

–  Within the agreed policy, determining individual remuneration packages for 

the Chairman, executive directors and EC members

–  Agreeing the policy on terms and conditions to be included in service 

agreements for the Chairman, executive directors, EC members, the Company 
Secretary and other senior executives, including termination payments and 
compensation commitments, where applicable

–  Approving any employee share-based incentive schemes and any performance 

conditions to be used for such schemes

–  Determining any share scheme performance targets

The Committee’s full Terms of Reference, which are reviewed each year by the 
Board, are available on the Company’s website.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

71

Dear Shareholders,
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present 
the Remuneration Committee’s report for 2015. 
I assumed the chairmanship in June 2015 and, 
with the support of my fellow committee 
members, have undertaken an immersion in 
the history, policies and practices relating to 
remuneration. Like my Board colleagues, I am 
keenly aware of the sensitivity of investors and 
the public regarding remuneration. We are 
equally sensitive to these concerns and, at all 
times, seek to balance views about excessive or 
inappropriate remuneration with the legitimate 
need for incentives to drive value creation within 
the agreed-upon risk parameters. 

We were pleased by the level of shareholder 
support received for our 2014 Remuneration 
Committee report, our second year of reporting 
under the new reporting regulations. The 
Committee has previously stated that it does not 
intend to make any revisions to the Directors’ 
remuneration policy (the Policy) ahead of the 2017 
AGM. I am confirming that, for 2016, no revisions 
are proposed to our executive remuneration 
framework which would constitute a change 
to the Policy. 

The Committee did undertake a thorough 
review of the effectiveness of our current 
remuneration framework in 2015 and concluded 
that some modest changes in compensation 
design and levels were warranted. Therefore, 
while remaining within the bounds of the agreed 
policy, described below are the changes to the 
executive remuneration framework proposed 
for 2016. In line with our commitment to 
continued transparency and engagement with 
our shareholders, we have consulted with our 
major shareholders on these proposed changes 
for 2016. 

Context to the Committee’s decisions
Our remuneration strategy is designed to motivate 
our key talent to achieve the Company’s strategic 
objectives, deliver on customer commitments, 
lead and inspire employees, and drive value for 
our shareholders. It recognises the need to be 
competitive in those markets in which we operate 
and compete for talent. A core design objective 
is to balance short-term and long-term incentives, 
focused on Group performance, business segment 
performance and leadership behaviours that 
underpin a Total Performance culture. 

The focus of changes to our reward framework 
in recent years has been to build more direct 
alignment with shareholder value creation and 
to reduce the complexity of our long-term 
incentive arrangements.

We believe the approval of the single Long-Term 
Incentive (LTI) plan at the 2014 AGM achieved 
simplification of our arrangements. The focus for 
2015 has been on ensuring that our long-term 
incentives are appropriately rewarding our 
executive team only when their performance 

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
72

Remuneration Committee report 
continued

delivers tangible business results in line with 
the Group’s strategy. As noted below, the 
focus of 2016 is essentially unchanged, but 
certain modest adjustments are being 
implemented to improve the effectiveness of 
the rewards structure.

Earnings per Share (EPS) performance 
condition applicable to LTI grants 
Following consultation with our major 
shareholders at the beginning of 2015, a 
performance range of 3% to 7% average 
annual growth was set for the EPS performance 
condition with 25% vesting at threshold. The 
changes were reflective of the inherently 
challenging market conditions in the defence 
sector, the impact of pivotal orders on the 
overall results, and to ensure alignment with 
shareholder interests and market practice. 

The Committee stated at the time it made 
these changes that it would consider the 
performance condition again for 2016. 
The Committee carefully reviewed how 
the business plan approved by the Board 
would be translated into targets that are 
appropriately challenging, aligned with 
shareholder expectations and would provide 
a meaningful incentive for executives to drive 
performance. Taking account of the continued 
market conditions and outlook, including the 
continued dependency on winning a number 
of pivotal orders, the Committee believes that 
this performance range and vesting profile 
should continue to apply for awards of 
Performance Shares to be granted in 2016. 
These conditions will be reviewed at the end 
of 2016 to ensure the reward remains aligned 
with the challenge for 2017.

The EPS performance condition will continue 
to be subject to the same ‘quality of earnings’ 
performance hurdle as applies to the Total 
Shareholder Return (TSR) condition, namely 
awards will not vest unless the Board is 
satisfied that there has been a sustained 
improvement in the underlying financial 
performance of the Company (taking account 
of items such as cash, order book, risk and 
project performance). This condition ensures 
that the effort to achieve one year’s EPS and 
other financial measures does not come at the 
expense of the long-term capacity of the 
Company to produce future value.

TSR condition applicable to LTI grants
The Committee has also considered whether 
the current TSR metric applicable to 
Performance Shares and Share Options remains 
appropriate. No changes are proposed to the 
current TSR vesting scale, with no vesting 
below median, 25% vesting for median 
performance, 100% vesting if the Company’s 
TSR is in the top quintile and vesting on a 
straight-line basis for intermediate performance.

The current methodology considers 
BAE Systems’ TSR performance against a 
peer group of 13 other defence and security 
companies, of which more than two-thirds 
are drawn from the US. The Committee 
reviewed this methodology in some detail 
because it was concerned that: (i) the 
comparator group was not fully reflective of 
the interests of investment decisions of the 
majority of our shareholder base; and (ii) the 
comparator group was not well matched to 
the particular dynamics of BAE Systems’ 
defence business. The Committee believes 
it should continue to evaluate performance 
against our industry peers worldwide and 
sought advice from its independent 
consultants on how BAE Systems’ performance 
might also be measured relative to peers listed 
in the UK. As it reviewed the results of the 
analysis, the Committee decided that applying 
a ‘split’ TSR measure would provide a more 
balanced assessment. Consequently, for 2016, 
the Committee is proposing to base 50% of 
the TSR measure on the current peer 
comparator group and 50% on a TSR 
percentile ranking against the companies in 
the FTSE 100 index. Each element will be 
considered independently of the other, with the 
overall vesting outcome reflecting the average 
result of the two assessments.

Business performance in 2015
In 2015, BAE Systems continued to perform 
robustly under challenging conditions. Page 
16 sets out the performance against 2015 
financial key performance indicators, with 
order intake, underlying earnings per share 
and net debt determining 80% of the UK 
executive directors’ annual bonus, and safety 
and key strategic objectives determining the 
remaining 20%. In summary, for the purpose 
of the annual bonus:

–  Order intake at £14.9bn was similar to 2014, 

although below threshold performance.

–  Underlying earnings per share included a 

4.3p benefit from tax provision releases and 
increased to 40.2p, which was between 
target and stretch performance.

–  Net debt of £1,422m, a net increase of 

£390m from 2014, resulted in performance 
between target and stretch.

–  Whilst the Group achieved a 15% reduction 
in the Recordable Accident Rate, this was 
not achieved across all businesses and so 
resulted in performance between target and 
stretch. The number of major injuries 
increased by 21%.

No LTI awards made to the current executive 
directors have vested based on performance 
over the three-year period 2013 to 2015 
due to:

–  TSR performance being below the median 

performance of companies in our 
comparator group; and

–  EPS growth being below the 5% per annum 
requirement with 2015 performance being 
impacted by the Typhoon production 
slowdown and Australian shipyard 
impairment and rationalisation charges.

Decisions for 2015
–  2015 annual bonus pay-outs for the 

executive directors ranged from 72.4% 
to 85.7% of maximum.

–  Performance Share Plan (PSP) awards 

granted in March 2013 to UK executive 
directors will lapse in 2016 as the TSR and 
EPS performance measures were not met. 
–  Share options granted in March 2013 to the 

executive directors will lapse as the TSR 
condition was not met.

–  Share Matching Plan (SMP) matching award 
granted in March 2013 will lapse in 2016 as 
the EPS condition was not met.

–  First awards granted in Spring 2015 of 

Performance Shares, Share Options and 
(to US executive director only) Restricted 
Shares under the single umbrella LTI plan.
–  Application of a performance range of 3% 
to 7% average annual EPS growth with 
25% vesting at threshold to LTI awards.

–  Strengthened malus and clawback 

provisions applicable to the executive 
directors and members of the Executive 
Committee reflecting the changes in the 
2014 UK Corporate Governance Code.

Key changes for 2016
–  For the first time since 2012, the salary of 
the Chief Executive Officer is increased by 
2% with effect from 1 January 2016. 
–  To recognise the skills, experience and 

performance of the Group Finance Director 
and President and Chief Executive Officer 
of BAE Systems, Inc., increases of 2.5% will 
apply to their base salaries with effect from 
1 January 2016.

–  Proposal to base 50% of the TSR measure 
on the current peer comparator group and 
50% on a TSR percentile ranking against the 
companies in the FTSE 100 index.

–  Performance range of 3% to 7% average 
annual EPS growth with 25% vesting at 
threshold will continue to apply to 2016 
LTI awards. 

–  A Chief Operating Officer has been newly 
appointed, effective in the second quarter 
of 2016, and the details of his remuneration 
package are set out on page 75.

On behalf of the Board

Paula Rosput Reynolds
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

Annual remuneration report
for the year ended 31 December 2015

73

This section details the remuneration of the executive 
and non-executive directors (including the Chairman) 
during the financial year ended 31 December 2015 and 
will be proposed for an advisory vote by shareholders 
at the 2016 Annual General Meeting (AGM). It has 
been prepared on the basis prescribed in the Large 
and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts 
and Reports) (Amendment) Regulations 2013.

Directors’ remuneration in the year ending 31 December 2016

For the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, the Directors’ remuneration policy 
(the Policy) took legal effect on 1 January 2015. The Policy has been operating 
in practice since the date of its approval on 7 May 2014 at the 2014 AGM. The 
remuneration for 2016 will be implemented as follows:

–  The salary of the Chief Executive Officer is being increased by 2% with effect 

from 1 January 2016.

–  The salaries of the Group Finance Director and President and Chief Executive 
Officer of BAE Systems, Inc. are being increased by 2.5% with effect from 
1 January 2016. 

–  The performance measures and weightings for 2016 for the Annual Incentive 

and Long-Term Incentives are set out on page 87.

–  The Committee is of the view that bonus targets for the Annual Incentive are 
commercially sensitive and that it would be detrimental to the Company to 
disclose them in advance. The targets will be disclosed retrospectively after 
the end of the relevant financial year. 

–  A new Chief Operating Officer has been appointed as an executive director. 

His remuneration package is structured in line with the Directors’ remuneration 
policy and is set out on page 75. 

–  The fee structure for non-executive directors has been reviewed by the 

Non-Executive Directors’ Fees Committee and remains unchanged for 2016.

Contents
Directors’ remuneration in the 
year ending 31 December 2016 

Single total figure of remuneration:
–  for the Chairman and  

non-executive directors 
–  for the executive directors 

Annual bonus 

Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)  
performance 

Total Shareholder Return (TSR) 
performance and Chief Executive pay 

Relative importance of spend on pay 

Pension entitlements 

Share interests:
–  scheme interests awarded during 

the financial year 

–  description of share plans and 

summary of performance conditions 
–  statement of directors’ shareholdings 

and share interests 

Statement of voting on the 2014 
Annual remuneration report 

Remuneration Committee composition 
and advisers 

73

74
74

76

77

78

78

79

80

81

82

85

86

Non-Executive Directors’ Fees Committee  86

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
74

Annual remuneration report 
continued

Single total figure of remuneration

Single total figure of remuneration for the Chairman and non-executive directors

Chairman
Sir Roger Carr1
Sir Richard Olver2
Non-executive directors
P M Anderson3

H Green

C M Grigg

P Rosput Reynolds

N C Rose
C G Symon4

I P Tyler

Fees

2015
£’000

650

n/a

n/a

75

75

85

120

43

95

2014
£’000

602

60

84

75

75

75

120

95

85

Benefits

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

Other

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

Total

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

–

n/a

n/a

8

2

7

2

4

2

–

1

1

–

–

1

1

1

1

–

n/a

n/a

4

9

23

4

14

9

–

–

23

9

9

23

9

23

9

650

n/a

n/a

87

86

115

126

61

106

602

61

108

84

84

99

130

119

95

1. Appointed to the Board in 2013 and as Chairman on 1 February 2014.
2. Retired from the Board on 1 February 2014.
3. Retired from the Board on 31 December 2014.
4. Retired from the Board on 12 June 2015.

Chairman
Sir Roger Carr was appointed to the Board as Chairman designate on 1 October 2013 at a fee of £75,000 per annum (pro-rata) until 
1 February 2014 when he succeeded Sir Richard Olver as Chairman. His annual fee thereafter was £650,000 per annum (pro-rata). This 
fee will not be reviewed during his initial three-year term as Chairman. Sir Richard Olver’s pro-rated fee and benefit figures for the period 
from 1 January to 1 February 2014 are given in the table above; the benefit figure relates to private use of a chauffeur-driven car.

Non-executive directors
The fee structure for 2015 for the non-executive directors on a per annum basis was as follows: (i) Chairman, Audit Committee: 
£100,000; (ii) Chairman, Corporate Responsibility Committee: £95,000; (iii) Chairman, Remuneration Committee: £95,000; (iv) Other 
non-executive directors: £75,000; and (v) Additional fee for Senior Independent Director: £20,000. These amounts are shown in the 
‘Fees’ column above. A travel allowance of £4,500 per meeting is also paid on each occasion that a non-executive director’s travel 
necessitates air travel of more than five hours (one way) to the meeting location, subject to a maximum of six travel allowances per year. 
These amounts are shown in the ‘Other’ column. The amounts in the ‘Benefits’ column relate to travel expenses and subsistence.

The above table has been subject to audit. 

Single total figure of remuneration for the executive directors
Base salary

Taxable benefits1

Bonus2

LTIP3,7

Pension4

Other5

Total

I G King

P J Lynas

J DeMuro†6

L P Hudson††7

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

2015
£’000

963

557

637

n/a

963

546

529

56

47

39

23

n/a

45

46

22

20

1,569

1,610

659

1,223

n/a

651

671

60

–

–

–

n/a

690

391

–

261

349

396

10

n/a

2014
£’000

210

369

9

–

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

2015
£’000

2014
£’000

1

–

657

n/a

1

–

2,929

3,519

1,651

2,003

575

2,550

1,806

–

n/a

397

†  Jerry DeMuro was appointed to the Board on 1 February 2014.
††  Linda Hudson retired from the Board on 1 February 2014.

1.   The benefits received by Ian King include the provision of a car allowance and the private use of a chauffeur-driven car (2015 £47k; 
2014 £45k). The benefits received by Peter Lynas include the provision of a car allowance and the private use of a chauffeur-driven 
car (2015 £17k; 2014 £18k). In addition, Peter Lynas received a second residence allowance of £22k (2014 £28k) on the basis 
disclosed in previous years. Jerry DeMuro’s benefits include private use of a chauffeur-driven car and parking (2015 £4k, 2014 £2k); 
medical and dental benefits (2015 £11k; 2014 £9k); insured life and disability benefits (2015 £7k; 2014 £6k); and the private use 
of a company aircraft (2015 £1k; 2014 £5k). Linda Hudson’s benefits for her period of service as an executive director in 2014 
included the provision of a cash allowance for a car and parking and the private use of a chauffeur-driven car (£5k); medical and 
dental benefits (£288); insured life and disability benefits (£1k); and the private use of a company aircraft (£14k).

2.   Further detail on bonus payments is provided on page 76. One-third of the net bonus paid to Ian King, Peter Lynas and Jerry 

DeMuro will be deferred compulsorily into BAE Systems shares for a three-year period, without additional performance conditions.

3.   This column relates to the estimated or actual value of Long-Term Incentive Plans for which the performance period ended in the 
relevant financial year. The 2013 PSPEPS and 2013 SMP awards (for which the performance periods ended on 31 December 2015) 
did not meet their EPS performance condition and will lapse. The 2013 PSPTSR and ExSOP2012 awards (for which the performance 
periods also ended on 31 December 2015) did not meet their TSR performance condition and will lapse. The prior year figures 
relate to the 2012 PSPTSR and ExSOP2012 (for which the performance period ended on 31 December 2014), which exceeded the 
threshold TSR level and vested at 26.7%.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

75

4.  The figures in this column have been calculated in line with the method set out in Section 229 of the Finance Act 2004 using a 

capitalisation factor of 20 to assess the increase in the value of the pension promise over the year, net of inflation. Therefore, these 
figures are sensitive to salary increases and Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation as follows:
–  Salary increase: Pensionable salary is averaged over three years. The figures for Peter Lynas reflect the salary increase he received 

in 2015.

–  CPI inflation: In a year with high CPI inflation, the increase in the value of the pension promise would be lower than in a year 

with lower CPI inflation.

5.  This column includes (i) for Ian King, the value of Free Share awards under the UK all-employee Share Incentive Plan (SIP) and 
Matching Shares under voluntary investment in the SIP (for Peter Lynas, the value of his Free Share awards under the SIP was 
£469); and (ii) for Jerry DeMuro, the value of the 2015 grant of Restricted Shares. This award formed part of Jerry DeMuro’s 
2015 LTIP allocation but is required to be reported under ‘Other’ as it has no performance conditions attached; his prior year 
figure relates to a similar award in 2014 under the Restricted Share Plan (RSP).

6.  As previously reported, Jerry DeMuro was appointed to succeed Linda Hudson as President and Chief Executive Officer of 

BAE Systems, Inc. on 1 February 2014 and joined the Board as an executive director on the same date. His salary on appointment 
was $950,000 per annum, with a maximum bonus opportunity of 225% of salary, of which one-third will be deferred in shares for 
a period of three years. He also receives LTIP awards at the levels contained within the executive directors’ policy table. His pension 
arrangements are set out on page 79.

7.   Linda Hudson retired from the Board on 1 February 2014 and her leaving arrangements were reported in the Company’s 2014 

Annual Report. 
–  As previously reported, outstanding awards made under the Company’s LTIPs were subsequently time pro-rated and, where 

appropriate, will vest on the normal vesting dates subject to meeting the requirements of any applicable performance conditions. 
The value of Long-Term Incentive Plan awards attributed to Linda Hudson in 2015 was £123,562. 

–  Linda Hudson was a member of a US retirement plan which provides a cash sum at retirement equal to a percentage of 

career average pay. As reported last year, after her departure from the company she received full payment of her qualified 
and non-qualified pension benefits. A further payment of $72,518 was made to Linda Hudson in 2015 in connection with 
an under-payment on the encashment of the non-qualified pension benefit to which she was entitled.

–  Linda Hudson served as a non-executive director of BAE Systems, Inc. from the end of May 2014 until 24 April 2015. For the 

period from 1 January 2015 to 24 April 2015, the fee paid to her in this regard was $31,667.

The above table has been subject to audit.

Appointment of Chief Operating Officer
As announced on 15 February 2016, Charles Woodburn has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer, effective in the second 
quarter of 2016, and will join the Board as an executive director on the same date. His salary on appointment is £750,000. His 
ongoing remuneration package and benefits will be structured in line with the Directors’ remuneration policy approved by 
shareholders. He will be eligible to participate in the Annual Incentive Plan with an on-target opportunity of 100% of base salary 
(maximum 200%), with one-third of the net amount of any bonus payable deferred into BAE Systems shares for a period of three 
years. He will also receive annual LTIP awards at the following levels: Performance Share award of 230% of salary and Share Option 
award of 300% of salary, as described on pages 81 and 82. Additionally, he will be eligible to join the BAE Systems Defined 
Contribution (DC) retirement plan as described below. 

In accordance with the Directors’ remuneration policy, the Company will buy out certain bonus and long-term incentives previously 
awarded by Charles Woodburn’s current employer and forfeited as a consequence of joining BAE Systems. The Committee’s approach 
to compensating him for these was based on not over-paying on recruitment and taking account of the performance conditions and 
vesting dates associated with the incentives being forfeited on leaving the previous employer. He will be entitled to the following 
awards which take into account the fair value of the awards being forfeited and significantly extend the vesting/holding period of 
the incentives being given up:
(i)   a cash payment of £1,620,000 in respect of incentives earned and payable within six months, of which 50% of this net amount must 
be used to purchase BAE Systems shares within 120 days following payment. These shares must continue to be held in accordance 
with BAE Systems Minimum Shareholding Requirement (which has been set at 200% in respect of his appointment); and

(ii)   a one-off grant of Performance Shares equal to 266% of salary, subject to the same performance conditions applicable to awards 

made under the LTIP as set out on page 81 with vesting in equal tranches of one-third in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Charles Woodburn’s service contract with BAE Systems requires a minimum of 12-months’ notice of termination by either party and 
contains mitigation provisions enabling a reduction in any phased payments in the event that he finds alternative employment during 
the notice period.

He will be eligible to participate in the BAE Systems DC retirement plan, which is a defined contribution arrangement for senior 
executives. The plan has a core employee contribution level of 4% of salary and a Company contribution of 14%. If he chooses to 
contribute a further 1% or 2% of his basic salary, the Company’s contribution will be increased to 16% and 19%, respectively. In the 
event that the contributions will mean that the Annual Allowance (AA) is breached, he will be provided with the pension benefit up 
to the AA limit and the balance of the contributions will be paid as a salary supplement. Salary supplements will be paid in line with 
the contributions that would be payable to the DC retirement plan, assuming that the employee would have paid sufficient 
contributions to have secured the maximum employer matching. 

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
76

Annual remuneration report 
continued

Annual bonus
Bonuses for the 2015 year are paid in March 2016. The breakdown of bonus measures, achievement and pay-out 
for each executive director is shown below. One-third of the net bonus payment is subject to compulsory deferral 
into BAE Systems shares for a three-year period, for which there is no additional performance condition.

Chief Executive

Measures

Financial Group EPS

Group cash

Group order intake

Personal

Safety

Key strategic objectives

Group Finance Director

Measures

Financial Group EPS

Group cash

Group order intake

Personal

Safety

Key strategic objectives

Weight (as a 
percentage of 
target)

Actual performance against targets set

Below

Threshold

Target

Stretch

40.0

25.0

15.0

5.0

15.0

Weight (as a 
percentage of 
target)

Actual performance against targets set

Below

Threshold

Target

Stretch

40.0

25.0

15.0

5.0

15.0

President and Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems, Inc.

Measures

Financial Group EPS

Group cash

Group order intake

BAE Systems, Inc. profit

BAE Systems, Inc. cash

BAE Systems, Inc. order intake

Personal

Safety

Key strategic objectives

Weight (as a 
percentage of 
target)

Actual performance against targets set

Below

Threshold

Target

Stretch

13.3

8.3

5.0

26.7

16.7

10.0

5.0

15.0

Threshold 
for 2015

Target 
for 2015

Stretch 
for 2015

Actual
performance4

38.5p

39.5p

41.5p

40.8p

£(2,150)m £(1,946)m £(1,535)m £(1,630)m

n/a

£17.5bn

£18.2bn

£14.1bn

See note 1 below

See note 2 below

Total bonus (as a percentage of maximum)

Threshold 
for 2015

Target 
for 2015

Stretch 
for 2015

Actual
performance4

38.5p

39.5p

41.5p

40.8p

£(2,150)m £(1,946)m £(1,535)m £(1,630)m

n/a

£17.5bn

£18.2bn

£14.1bn

See note 1 below

See note 2 below

Total bonus (as a percentage of maximum)

Threshold 
for 2015

Target 
for 2015

Stretch 
for 2015

Actual
performance4

38.5p

39.5p

41.5p

40.8p

£(2,150)m £(1,946)m £(1,535)m £(1,630)m

n/a

£17.5bn

£18.2bn

£14.1bn

$1,005.5m $1,022.9m $1,075.2m $1,102.6m

$1,238m $1,310m $1,448m

$1,661m

n/a

$9.9bn

$10.4bn

$10.3bn

See note 3 below

See note 2 below

Total bonus (as a percentage of maximum)

Percentage 
of maximum 
opportunity

82.5%

88.5%

0.0%

85.0%

77.5%

72.4%

Percentage 
of maximum 
opportunity

82.5%

88.5%

0.0%

85.0%

87.5%

73.9%

Percentage 
of maximum 
opportunity

82.5%

88.5%

0.0%

100.0%

100.0%

85.5%

37.5%

87.5%

85.7%

1. Whilst the Group achieved a 15% reduction in the Recordable Accident Rate, this was not achieved across all businesses and so resulted in performance 
between target and stretch. The other elements of the objective relating to reduction in significant risk rating and driving improvements in behavioural 
safety were achieved.

2. Outcome determined by the Committee based on performance against a combination of base and premier objectives relating to the delivery of the 

Group’s strategic objectives and demonstration of leadership behaviours.

3. The US business did not meet the 10% target for reduction in the Recordable Accident Rate. The other elements of the objective relating to reduction 

in significant risk rating and driving improvements in behavioural safety were achieved.

4. Adjusted to be on a like-for-like basis with the targets.

The above table has been subject to audit.

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77

Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) performance
Annual average EPS growth

Outperformance of performance conditions ending on 31 December 2015

Threshold

Maximum

2015 EPS requirement

Annual average EPS growth

Relative TSR against comparator group

44.6p

5%

51.6p

11%

Actual

40.1p

<5%

Percentage of  
maximum achieved

0%

Outperformance of performance conditions ending on 31 December 2015

Threshold

Maximum

Actual

Percentage of  
maximum achieved

TSR against comparator group

122.5%

166.1%

68.5%

0%

The following awards had performance periods that ended on 31 December 2015:

2013 Performance Share Plan (PSP) 
–  Performance conditions: half on relative TSR against comparator group, half on EPS growth of 5% to 11% per annum. 
The TSR performance condition ended on 31 December 2015 which resulted in nil vesting and, accordingly, the TSR 
portion will lapse. The EPS growth was not achieved and, accordingly, this portion will lapse. 

2013 Executive Share Option Plan (ExSOP2012)
–  Performance condition: relative TSR against comparator group. The TSR performance condition ended on 31 December 

2015 and the option will lapse as the performance condition was not met.

2013 Share Matching Plan (SMP)
–  2:1 match on shares deferred from 2012 annual incentive based on a performance condition of EPS growth of 5% to 

11% per annum. The EPS growth was not achieved and, accordingly, this award will lapse.

A summary of TSR performance to 31 December 2015 on outstanding TSR-related LTIP awards is illustrated in the 
chart below.

The dark grey boxes show the range of TSR required for 25% vesting to full vesting and the orange boxes show 
BAE Systems’ TSR. The proportion that would vest is shown in the boxes at the top of the chart.

TSR performance under the TSR-related awards as at 31 December 2015 (%)

0% vesting

0% vesting

0% vesting

175%

150%

125%

100%

75%

50%

25%

0%

25 March 2013
award

26 March 2014
award

25 March 2015
award

Median to top 20% TSR
BAE Systems’ TSR

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
78

Annual remuneration report 
continued

TSR performance and Chief Executive pay
The graph below shows the value by 31 December 2015, on a TSR basis, of £100 invested in BAE Systems on 31 December 
2008 compared with the value of £100 invested in the FTSE 100 index, including the effect of dividends. The FTSE 100 
is considered to be an appropriate comparator for this purpose as it is a broad equity index of which BAE Systems is a 
constituent member and reflects the interests of investment decisions of the majority of our shareholder base. The 
equivalent data is shown for the sectoral TSR comparator group of other international defence companies.

Value at 31 December 2015 of £100 investment at 31 December 2008 (£)

BAE Systems
FTSE 100
Sectoral TSR comparator group

£300

£250

£200

£150

£100

£50

£0

Change in Chief Executive’s 
remuneration over seven years
Chief Executive’s single figure (£’000)

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

4,030

4,810

4,613

2,574

2,499

3,519

2,929

Bonus paid as a percentage of maximum

83.0% 71.0% 68.6% 55.6% 53.4% 74.3% 72.4%

LTI as a percentage of maximum vesting

65.5% 57.6% 44.3%

nil

nil

16.8%

nil

Note: Total remuneration includes the value of share plans vesting that were granted prior to appointment as Chief Executive.

The percentage change from 2014 to 2015 in remuneration of the Chief Executive and average UK employee was 
as follows:

Salary

Benefits

Bonus

Change in
Chief Executive’s
remuneration
%

0

+2.6

−2.5

Change in
average UK employee1
remuneration
%

+2.6

+2.6

−26.9

1. The BAE Systems UK employee population has been chosen as this employee comparator group reflects the local employment conditions of the 

Chief Executive for the purpose of this comparison.

Relative importance of spend on pay
The following charts set out underlying EBITA1, amounts paid in returns to shareholders, total employee costs and 
average headcount for the years ended 31 December 2014 and 2015.

Underlying EBITA1 (£m)

Returns to shareholders2 (£m)

 -1%

2015

2014

 -28%

2015

2014

1,683
1,702

Total employee costs (£m)

Average headcount3 (’000)

 +5%

2015

2014

 -1%

2015

2014

5,052

4,827

662

925

76
77

1. Earnings before amortisation and impairment of intangible assets, finance costs and taxation expense (EBITA) excluding non-recurring items (see page 17).
2. Includes share buyback of £7m (2014 £283m).
3. Excluding share of equity accounted investments.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

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79

Pension entitlements
Total pension entitlements

Director

Ian King

Peter Lynas

Jerry DeMuro

Age

59

57

60

Normal 
retirement
age

Accrued
benefit at

Accrued
benefit at

1 January 20151,2
£ per annum

31 December 20151,2,3

£ per annum

62

62

65

794,973

409,350

8,601

826,209

436,487

51,291

Figures in the remuneration table on page 74

Added pension
 value received in 
the year from 
defined 
benefit
scheme2
£

Added pension 
value received in 
the year from 
defined 
contribution 
scheme
£

349,169

395,573

–

–

–

10,233

Total
£

349,169

395,573

10,233

1. Accrued benefits are reduced if they are taken before the normal retirement date of the scheme. In addition, a longevity adjustment factor applies 

to UK pension accrued after 5 April 2006.

2. The defined benefit figure includes both funded and unfunded arrangements for Ian King and Peter Lynas.
3. Accrued benefit for Ian King and Peter Lynas is annual pension payable on retirement. Accrued benefit for Jerry DeMuro will be the total value of his 

401(k) account, including both employee and company contributions as well as investment returns.

The above table has been subject to audit.

The current UK executive directors are members of the BAE Systems Executive Pension Scheme (ExPS) and the BAE Systems 
2000 Pension Plan (2000 Plan) which together provide a pension for executive directors payable at 62 of 1/30th of 
three-year final average salary for each year of service subject to the payment of members’ contributions (currently 8%). 
Benefits paid prior to age 62 will be subject to actuarial reduction.

The ExPS tops up the underlying employee plan to provide a target benefit for executive directors payable from normal 
retirement age of 1/30th of Final Pensionable Pay (FPP) for each year of ExPS pensionable service (subject to a maximum 
of two-thirds of FPP). FPP is defined as annual base salary averaged over the last 12 months prior to leaving service in 
respect of service accrued to 5 April 2006 and 36 months prior to leaving in respect of service from 6 April 2006. The 
ExPS also provides a lump sum death-in-service benefit equal to four times base salary at date of death, and a spouse’s 
death-in-service pension equal to two-thirds of the prospective pension at normal retirement age. Children’s allowances 
are also payable, usually up to the age of 18. Spouses’ pensions and children’s allowances are also payable upon death 
in retirement and death after leaving the Company’s employment with a deferred pension. Once in payment, pensions 
are increased annually by the rise in the Retail Prices Index subject to a maximum increase of 5% per year in respect of 
pre-6 April 2006 service and 2.5% per year in respect of service from 6 April 2006.

The review of pension policies carried out in 2010 by the Committee concluded that the pension benefits should 
continue to be based on the Company’s registered pension schemes and that, in appropriate circumstances, the 
Company will continue to have the option to offer an unfunded pension promise so as to mitigate the impact of further 
reductions to the Lifetime Allowance (introduced in 2006) and the impact of the reduced Annual Allowance. The current 
UK executive directors were given the choice to remain in the current arrangement and pay the increased tax or to take 
an unfunded promise; they both elected for the latter. The Committee has decided that in cases where the Company 
is to pay an unfunded promise, executives will be given the choice to commute some or all of the benefit for a taxable 
lump sum, or take it as pension. Where an unfunded pension is taken, ten years after retirement, the executive will be 
given a further opportunity to commute the residual value of the unfunded pension for a lump sum.

As stated above, Ian King and Peter Lynas already have an unfunded promise from the Company arising from the 2006 
changes to the taxation of pension benefits, which has been extended to cover the reduced Annual Allowance at no 
additional cost to the Company.

Ian King and Peter Lynas are both members of the 2000 Plan, applicable to former employees of Marconi Electronic 
Systems (MES), and members of the ExPS with a normal retirement age of 62. The 2000 Plan provides a pension of 
1/50th of Final Pensionable Earnings (FPE) for each year of pensionable service, payable from a normal retirement age 
of 65 and members pay contributions of 8% of Pensionable Earnings. FPE under the 2000 Plan is the best consecutive 
three-year average of base salary and bonus in the ten Plan Years prior to leaving, less an offset for State pensions. 
The Company decided in 2006 to limit pensionable bonuses in the 2000 Plan in the 2006/07 Plan Year to 20% of 
base salary and to 10% of base salary for the 2007/08 Plan Year and thereafter. However, there is a guarantee that 
the FPE figure for benefits in respect of service prior to 6 April 2007 will not be less than the FPE figure at 5 April 2007 
to ensure that employees do not lose the benefit of contributions paid on past bonuses. Ian King and Peter Lynas joined 
the ExPS in 1999. Therefore, their individual total pensions are the sum of their 2000 Plan benefits plus the top up 
from the ExPS, most of which is provided through the unfunded promise referred to above.

Jerry DeMuro participates in a Section 401(k) defined contribution arrangement set up for US employees in which 
the company will match his contributions up to a maximum contribution of 6% of salary, up to US regulatory limits 
(for 2016 $265,000). In 2015, the company paid contributions of $15,080 into this arrangement.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

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80

Annual remuneration report 
continued

External directorships
Fees retained in 2015 by executive directors during the period in which they served in that capacity in respect of 
non-executive directorships were: Peter Lynas £75,063 in respect of his directorship of SSE plc; and Jerry DeMuro 
$50,000 in respect of his directorship of Aero Communications, Inc. These amounts are not included in the 
remuneration table on page 74.

Share interests
Scheme interests awarded during the financial year

Percentage 
of interests 
receivable 
if minimum 
performance 
achieved

25%

25%

25%

25%

25%

25%

25%

25%

25%

n/a

Type of interest

Date of grant

Number 
of shares

Basis of award

Face value
of award1
£

Exercise 
price
£

Date to which 
performance 
is measured

Performance  
condition

Scheme

Ian King

LTIP PSTSR

LTIP PSEPS

Performance 
Shares/nil 
cost option

Performance 
Shares/nil 
cost option

25.03.15

221,900

125% of salary

1,203,808

25.03.15

221,901

125% of salary

1,203,813

nil

nil

LTIP SO

Share option

25.03.15

532,562

300% of salary

2,889,149

5.43

Peter Lynas

LTIP PSTSR

LTIP PSEPS

Performance 
Shares/nil 
cost option

Performance 
Shares/nil 
cost option

25.03.15

110,373

107.5% of salary

598,773

25.03.15

110,373

107.5% of salary

598,773

nil

nil

LTIP SO

Share option

25.03.15

308,018

300% of salary

1,670,998

5.43

Jerry DeMuro

LTIP PSPTSR

LTIP PSEPS

Performance 
Shares

Performance 
Shares

25.03.15

146,620

121% of salary

795,414

25.03.15

146,621

121% of salary

795,419

n/a

n/a

LTIP SO

Share option

25.03.15

472,579

390% of salary

2,563,741

5.43

Three years 
to 31.12.17

TSR/secondary 
financial measure

Three years 
to 31.12.17

EPS/secondary 
financial measure

Three years 
to 31.12.17

TSR/secondary 
financial measure 

Three years 
to 31.12.17

TSR/secondary 
financial measure

Three years 
to 31.12.17

EPS/secondary 
financial measure

Three years 
to 31.12.17

TSR/secondary 
financial measure 

Three years 
to 31.12.17

Three years 
to 31.12.17

Three years 
to 31.12.17

TSR/secondary 
financial measure

EPS/secondary 
financial measure

TSR/secondary 
financial measure 

LTIP RS

Retention

25.03.15

121,174

100% of salary

657,369

n/a

n/a

n/a

The table above has been subject to audit.

1. The value of the award is calculated on the date of grant by reference to the middle market quotation at the close of the preceding day.

Key: LTIP – Long-Term Incentive Plan. PS – Performance Shares. SO – Share Options. RS – Restricted Shares.

Note: Performance Shares and Restricted Shares – Shares under award attract dividends prior to vesting. Performance Shares are intended to be free share 
awards and are structured as a nil cost option to give the participant more flexibility as to the timing of the benefit. For the US executive director, awards 
of Performance Shares are classified as contingent awards (rather than share options) and are deliverable on the third, fourth and fifth anniversary of 
grant, subject to attainment of the performance condition.

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81

Description of share plans and summary of performance conditions
PSP/LTIP Performance Shares
Shares under award vest after satisfaction of the three-year performance condition. Shares under award attract dividends 
prior to vesting. Awards that vest are exercisable in three equal tranches between the third and seventh anniversary of 
vesting (being capable of exercise on a phased basis from the third, fourth and fifth anniversary of grant). For US 
participants, the awards are automatically delivered at the end of years three, four and five, subject to the performance 
condition being achieved. From 2015, shares will be awarded under the Long-Term Incentive Plan (a single umbrella plan) 
that was approved at the 2014 AGM as detailed on pages 87 and 89 and will be termed ‘Performance Shares’.

Awards made to the UK executive directors since 2008, and to date to the current US executive director, have been 
weighted 50% on the PSPEPS performance condition and 50% on the PSPTSR performance condition. The TSR comparator 
groups are shown below.

Plan

Performance condition

LTIP PSEPS

PSPEPS 

PSPTSR/ 
LTIP PSTSR

For awards made from 2015, rate of average annual EPS growth over the three-year performance period, with 25% vesting 
at 3% average growth per annum, 50% vesting at 5% average growth per annum and 100% vesting at 7% average 
growth per annum, with vesting on a straight-line basis between these parameters. Awards will not vest unless the Board 
is satisfied that there has been a sustained improvement in the Company’s underlying financial performance. In taking 
such a view, the Committee may consider (but not exclusively) the following financial metrics: net cash/debt; order book; 
risk; and project performance.

Pre-2015, rate of average annual EPS growth over the three-year performance period, with nil vesting at 5% average 
growth per annum and 100% vesting at 11% average growth per annum, with vesting on a straight-line basis between 
these two parameters.

The proportion of the award capable of exercise is determined by:

(i)   For awards made up to and including 2015, the Company’s TSR (share price growth plus dividends) ranking relative to 
a comparator group of 13 other international defence companies over a three-year performance period (12 comparators 
for awards made from 2012 to 2014). For awards made in 2016, 50% of the TSR measure on the current peer comparator 
group of 13 other international defence companies and 50% on a TSR percentile ranking against the companies in 
the FTSE 100 index. Under both the sectoral and FTSE 100 comparator groups, no shares vest if the Company’s TSR 
is below the top 50% of TSRs achieved by the comparator group, with 25% vesting at median, 100% vesting if it is 
in the top quintile and vesting on a straight-line basis between these two parameters; and

(ii)  whether there has been a sustained improvement in the Company’s underlying financial performance. In taking such 
a view, the Committee may consider (but not exclusively) the following financial metrics: net cash/debt; EBITA1; order 
book; turnover; risk; and project performance.

1. Earnings before amortisation and impairment of intangible assets, finance costs and taxation expense.

The TSR peer comparator group for awards from 2015 comprises:

Cobham

Finmeccanica

General Dynamics

Harris Corporation

L-3 Communications

Leidos

Lockheed Martin

Meggitt

Northrop Grumman

Raytheon

The TSR comparator group for awards from 2012 to 2014 comprises:

Cobham

Finmeccanica

General Dynamics
ITT Exelis2

L-3 Communications

Lockheed Martin

Meggitt

Northrop Grumman

The comparator group for PSPTSR awards from 2008 to 2011 comprises:

Boeing

Cobham

Dassault Aviation

EADS

Embraer PN
Finmeccanica

General Dynamics

GKN
Goodrich3
Honeywell International

Lockheed Martin
Northrop Grumman

2. ITT Exelis is now part of Harris Corporation.
3. Goodrich is now part of United Technologies.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

SAIC

Thales

United Technologies

Raytheon

SAIC

Thales

United Technologies

Raytheon

Rockwell Collins

Rolls-Royce

Smiths Group

Thales
United Technologies

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
82

Annual remuneration report 
continued

ExSOP2012/LTIP Share Options
Options are normally exercisable between the third and tenth anniversary of their grant, subject to the performance 
condition set out below being achieved. From 2015, shares will be awarded under the single umbrella plan (the 
Long-Term Incentive Plan) that was approved at the 2014 AGM as detailed on pages 87 and 89 and will be termed 
‘Share Options’. Awards made from 2015 are subject to a further two-year clawback period after the three-year 
vesting period.

Plan

Performance condition

ExSOP2012/ 
LTIP SO

For awards made up to and including 2015, the proportion of the award capable of exercise is determined by the 
Company’s TSR (share price growth plus dividends) ranking relative to a comparator group of 13 other international 
defence companies over a three-year performance period (12 comparators for awards made from 2012 to 2014). For 
awards made in 2016, 50% of the TSR measure on the current peer comparator group of 13 other international defence 
companies and 50% on a TSR percentile ranking against the companies in the FTSE 100 index. Under both the sectoral 
and FTSE 100 comparator groups, no shares vest if the Company’s TSR is below the top 50% of TSRs achieved by the 
comparator group, with 25% vesting at median, 100% vesting if it is in the top quintile and vesting on a straight-line 
basis between these two parameters.

RSP/LTIP Restricted Shares
The RSP is not subject to a performance condition as it is designed to address retention issues principally in the US. The 
shares are subject only to the condition that the participant remains employed by the Group at the end of the vesting 
date (three years after the award date). Shares under award attract dividends prior to vesting. From 2015, shares will be 
awarded under the single umbrella plan that was approved at the 2014 AGM as detailed on pages 87 and 89 and will 
be termed ‘Restricted Shares’. Awards made from 2015 are subject to a further two-year clawback period after the initial 
three-year vesting period.

SMP
The SMP was a standalone investment plan linked to the award under the Annual Incentive Plan. It operated for the final 
time in 2013 in relation to the annual incentive relating to 2012 performance. Executive directors were required to invest 
at least one-third (and maximum 50%) of their net annual incentive into the SMP and were granted a conditional award 
of matching shares against the gross value of the annual incentive invested. The matching shares attracted dividends 
during the three-year deferral period, released on vesting of any matching shares.

Plan

SMP

Performance condition

In respect of a three-year performance period, nil match for average EPS growth of 5% per annum increasing uniformly 
to a maximum 2:1 match at 11% growth per annum.

Statement of directors’ shareholdings and share interests
Minimum Shareholding Requirement (MSR)
Executive directors are compulsorily required to establish and maintain a minimum personal shareholding equal to a 
set percentage of base salary. An Initial Value must be achieved as quickly as possible using shares vesting or options 
exercised through the executive share option schemes and Long-Term Incentive schemes by retaining 50% of the net 
value (i.e. the value after deduction of exercise costs and tax) of shares acquired under these schemes. Once the Initial 
Value is achieved, a Subsequent Value must be achieved in the same way, except that a minimum of 25% of the net 
value must be retained on each exercise or acquisition. Shares owned beneficially by the director and his/her spouse 
count towards the MSR. The MSR does not apply after the individual has ceased to be a director. Any case of 
non-compliance would be dealt with by the Committee. 

The following table sets out MSR Initial Value and Subsequent Value: 

Ian King

Peter Lynas

Jerry DeMuro

Initial Value

Subsequent Value

150%

100%

175%

300%

200%

350%

Ian King and Peter Lynas were both in excess of their ‘Subsequent Value’ MSR at 31 December 2015. Jerry DeMuro joined 
the Board in 2014 and has started to establish a personal holding of shares in the Company which, at 31 December 2015, 
stood at just under 20%. The higher MSR values applicable to Jerry DeMuro recognise the higher LTI opportunity and 
broader US market practice.

There are no shareholding requirements for the Chairman or the non-executive directors.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

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83

Share interests as at 31 December 2015 (or on ceasing to be a director of the Company)
The interests of the directors, who served during the year ended 31 December 2015, in the shares of BAE Systems plc, or 
scheme interests in relation to those shares, were as follows: 

Shares

Scheme interests: Options and awards over shares

Share awards 
with performance

Share awards 
without performance

Share options 
with performance

Sir Roger Carr

J DeMuro

H Green

C M Grigg

I G King

P J Lynas

P Rosput Reynolds

N C Rose

C G Symon1

I P Tyler

92,224

25,077

–

24,555

1,795,985

364,577

21,200

55,000

20,000

–

–

631,757

–

–

206,412

82,468

–

–

–

–

1. Retired from the Board on 12 June 2015. 

The above table has been subject to audit.

–

–

261,056

1,018,122

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

3,351,589

1,828,953

–

–

–

–

Share options 
with performance, 
vested but 
unexercised

–

–

–

–

Total 
scheme 
interests

–

1,910,935

–

–

256,279

3,814,280

–

–

–

–

–

1,911,421

–

–

–

–

The interests of directors include those of their connected persons. The shares held by Paula Rosput Reynolds are 
represented by 5,300 American Depositary Shares. Details of the share interests in options and awards held by the 
executive directors as at 31 December 2015 are given on pages 84 and 85, together with details of share options 
exercised in 2015.

Awards under the PSP and Performance Shares granted under the LTIP are classified as share awards with performance 
for the US executive director and as share options with performance for the UK executive directors.

Since 31 December 2015, Ian King has acquired an additional 79 shares under the partnership and matching shares 
elements of the Share Incentive Plan so that his beneficial shareholding at the date of this report stood at 1,796,064.

Elizabeth Corley, who was appointed to the Board on 1 February 2016, had a nil shareholding in BAE Systems plc 
at the date of her appointment and at the date of this report.

There have been no changes in the interests of the remaining directors in the shares of BAE Systems plc between 
31 December 2015 and the date of this report.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
84

Annual remuneration report 
continued

Breakdown of scheme interests: Options and awards held as at 31 December 2015

Ian King

PSPTSR

PSPTSR

PSPEPS

PSPTSR

PSPEPS

LTIP PSTSR

LTIP PSEPS

ExSOP2012

ExSOP2012

ExSOP2012

LTIP SO

SMP

Peter Lynas

PSPTSR

PSPTSR

PSPEPS

PSPTSR

PSPEPS

LTIP PSTSR

LTIP PSEPS

ExSOP2012

ExSOP2012

LTIP SO

SMP

Jerry DeMuro

PSPTSR

PSPEPS

LTIP PSTSR

LTIP PSEPS

ExSOP2012

LTIP SO

RSP

LTIP RS

31 December 2015

Date of grant

Exercise price 
£

Date from which 
exercisable or part 
exercisable

35,5941

154,7712

154,7712

292,5423

292,5433

221,9003

221,9013

1,374,022

256,2794

742,9032

702,1023

532,5623

2,233,846

206,4122

29.03.12

25.03.13

25.03.13

26.03.14

26.03.14

25.03.15

25.03.15

29.03.12

25.03.13

26.03.14

25.03.15

25.03.13

nil

nil

nil

nil

nil

nil

nil

3.01

3.89

4.12

5.43

n/a

29.03.16

25.03.16

25.03.16

26.03.17

26.03.17

25.03.18

25.03.18

29.03.15

25.03.16

26.03.17

25.03.18

25.03.16

31 December 2015

Date of grant

Exercise price 
£

Date from which 
exercisable or part 
exercisable

20,1801

87,7472

87,7472

142,6363

142,6373

110,3733

110,3733

701,693

421,1872

398,0553

308,0183

1,127,260

82,4682

29.03.12

25.03.13

25.03.13

26.03.14

26.03.14

25.03.15

25.03.15

25.03.13

26.03.14

25.03.15

25.03.13

nil

nil

nil

nil

nil

nil

nil

3.89

4.12

5.43

n/a

29.03.16

25.03.16

25.03.16

26.03.17

26.03.17

25.03.18

25.03.18

25.03.16

26.03.17

25.03.18

25.03.16

31 December 2015

Date of grant

Exercise price 
£

Date from which 
exercisable or part 
exercisable

169,2583

169,2583

146,6203

146,6213

631,757

545,5433

472,5793

1,018,122

139,882

121,174

261,056

26.03.14

26.03.14

25.03.15

25.03.15

26.03.14

25.03.15

26.03.14

25.03.15

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

4.12

5.43

n/a

n/a

26.03.17

26.03.17

25.03.18

25.03.18

26.03.17

25.03.18

26.03.17

25.03.18

1. Exercisable in two tranches on the fourth and fifth anniversary of grant.
2. The outstanding option or award will lapse after the end of the financial year having not met the performance condition.
3. Subject to a performance condition that is yet to be tested.
4. Vested but unexercised.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

85

Options exercised during 2015

Ian King

PSPTSR

ExSOP

ExSOP

Exercised 
during the year

Exercise price
£

Date of grant

Date of exercise

17,797

145,443

173,960

nil

4.28

4.57

29.03.12

12.04.06

30.03.07

15.04.15

15.04.15

15.04.15

The PSP option exercised by Ian King attracted reinvested dividends which equated to an additional 2,825 shares.

Peter Lynas

PSPEPS

PSPTSR

ExSOP

ExSOP

ExSOP

ExSOP2012

Exercised 
during the year

Exercise price
£

Date of grant

Date of exercise

9,025

10,090

13,386

75,887

73,522

145,297

nil

nil

3.56

4.28

4.57

3.01

24.03.09

29.03.12

22.12.05

12.04.06

30.03.07

29.03.12

15.04.15

15.04.15

15.04.15

15.04.15

15.04.15

15.04.15

Market price
on exercise
£

5.30

5.30

5.30

Market price
on exercise
£

5.30

5.30

5.30

5.30

5.30

5.30

The PSP options exercised by Peter Lynas attracted reinvested dividends which equated to an additional 3,004 shares.

The tables on pages 84 and 85 have been subject to audit.

Performance conditions
Performance conditions for the LTIP, PSP, ExSOP2012 and SMP are detailed on pages 81 and 82. The ExSOP (Executive 
Share Option Plan) was established in 2001 and its ten-year life expired in 2011. Options granted under this plan were 
usually exercisable between the third and tenth anniversary of grant. The options granted between 2005 and 2007 
met their performance condition (EPS growth of 5% or more per annum over the three-year performance period).

Statement of voting on the 2014 Annual remuneration report
Shareholder voting on the resolution to approve the Annual remuneration report put to the 2015 AGM was as follows:

Votes for

2,178,267,228

%

93.16

Votes against

160,048,861

%

6.84

Total votes cast

2,338,316,089

Votes withheld 
(abstentions)

7,605,002

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
86

Annual remuneration report 
continued

Remuneration Committee composition and advisers
The Committee members comprise Paula Rosput Reynolds (Chairman from 24 June 2015), Elizabeth Corley (appointed to 
the Committee on 1 February 2016) and Nick Rose. Carl Symon served as Chairman until he stepped down as a director 
on 12 June 2015 and Chris Grigg served as a member of the Committee throughout 2015, stepping down from the 
Committee on 16 February 2016. Advisers to the Remuneration Committee are shown below.

Adviser

Services provided

Appointment

Governance

Kepler (part of Mercer)

Linklaters

Advises Committee 
members on 
remuneration matters, 
including independent 
advice on the information 
and proposals presented 
to the Committee by 
Company executives.

Provided legal services, 
principally regarding share 
plan rule amendments in 
respect of corporate 
governance requirements.

Committee appointment.

By the Company with 
the approval of the 
Committee.

PricewaterhouseCoopers

By the Company at 
the request of the 
Committee.

Provides information on 
market practice in relation 
to different aspects of 
remuneration, market 
trends and benchmarking 
of the remuneration 
packages for the executive 
population.

New Bridge Street 
(part of Aon Hewitt)

By the Company.

Advises on the TSR 
outcomes as required 
for assessing the 
performance condition 
under the Performance 
Share Plan.

Kepler engages directly with the 
members of the Committee.

Kepler does not undertake any other 
work for the Company.

Kepler is a member of the 
Remuneration Consultants Group 
(RCG) and is a signatory to the 
RCG’s code of conduct.

Only provides legal compliance, 
legal drafting and review services, 
and does not advise the Committee.

The Committee is aware that 
Linklaters is one of a number of 
legal firms that provides legal advice 
and services to the Company on a 
range of matters. 

Linklaters is regulated by the 
Law Society.

The Committee is aware that 
PricewaterhouseCoopers provides 
a variety of other services to the 
Company, including tax and pensions 
advice. PricewaterhouseCoopers also 
provides a range of consultancy services.

The nature of the advice provided 
to the Committee is primarily related 
to market comparator information 
and does not include advice on the 
design of remuneration policy.

PricewaterhouseCoopers is a member 
of the Remuneration Consultants Group 
(RCG) and is a signatory to the RCG’s 
code of conduct.

The Committee is aware that New 
Bridge Street provides a variety of other 
HR-related services to the Company.

The nature of the advice provided to 
the Committee is limited to factual 
information concerning the performance 
of the Company’s shares.

New Bridge Street is a member of 
the Remuneration Consultants Group 
(RCG) and is a signatory to the RCG’s 
code of conduct.

Fees

£32,685

Fee basis: Hourly

£33,037 (in respect of services 
provided to the Committee)

Fee basis: Hourly

£73,000 (in respect of services 
provided to the Committee)

Fee basis: Hourly

£9,500 (in respect of services 
provided to the Committee)

Fee basis: Fixed fee

During the year, the Committee received material assistance and advice on remuneration policy from the Group Human 
Resources Director, Lynn Minella, and the Human Resources Director, Reward, Paul Farley. Ian King, Chief Executive, also 
provided advice that was of material assistance to the Committee. 

Non-Executive Directors’ Fees Committee
The non-executive directors’ fees are set by the Non-Executive Directors’ Fees Committee which comprises Sir Roger Carr, 
Philip Bramwell, Jerry DeMuro and Ian King.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

87

Preface to the Directors’ remuneration policy

The Directors’ remuneration policy (the Policy) set out on pages 
88 to 96 was agreed by shareholders at the Annual General 
Meeting (AGM) on 7 May 2014. For the purposes of the 
Companies Act 2006, the Policy took legal effect on 1 January 
2015. As stated in last year’s Annual Report, this Policy has been 
operating in practice from the 2014 AGM. The approved policy 
has been re-printed verbatim from the 2013 Annual Report, 
updated only so that the page numbers, where appropriate, 
refer to the 2015 Annual Report in order to aid readability. 

Directors’ remuneration for 2016
For 2016, it remains our intention to operate the Policy that was 
agreed by shareholders at the 2014 AGM. This section sets out 
how the Policy will apply in 2016.
Following approval of the single Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) 
at the 2014 AGM, the first awards were made under this plan in 
Spring 2015. As set out in our Remuneration Committee Chairman’s 
letter on page 71, the Committee intends to make the following 
changes to our executive remuneration arrangements for 2016 
which do not constitute a change to the Policy approved by 
shareholders in 2014:

Total Shareholder Return (TSR) condition applicable to 
Long-Term Incentive (LTI) grants
The Committee has decided that applying a ‘split’ TSR measure 
would provide a more balanced assessment to better reflect the 
interests of investment decisions of our shareholders and match the 
particular dynamics of BAE Systems’ defence business. Therefore, 
for 2016, the Committee is proposing to base 50% of the measure 
on the current peer comparator group and 50% on a TSR percentile 
ranking against the companies in the FTSE 100 index. No changes 
are proposed to the current TSR vesting scale, with no vesting below 
median, 25% vesting for median performance, 100% vesting if the 
Company’s TSR is in the top quintile and vesting on a straight-line 
basis for intermediate performance. Each element would be 
considered independently of the other, with the overall vesting 
outcome reflecting the average result of the two assessments.

Earnings per Share (EPS) performance condition applicable 
to LTI grants
A performance range of 3% to 7% average annual EPS growth 
was applied for the 2015 awards of Performance Shares under 
the LTIP. It is intended to apply the same performance range for 
the 2016 awards. Achievement of threshold performance will 
result in 25% vesting; there will be 50% vesting for 5% average 
annual EPS growth and 100% vesting for 7% average annual 
EPS growth, with pro-rata vesting for intermediate performance. 
The revised EPS performance condition will be subject to the 
same ‘quality of earnings’ performance hurdle as applies to the 
TSR condition, such that awards will not vest unless the Board is 
satisfied that there has been a sustained improvement in the 
underlying financial performance of the Company (taking account 
of items such as cash, order book, risk and project performance).
As set out in the 2014 Annual Report, the following additional 
changes were made in 2015 which did not constitute a change 
to the Policy approved by shareholders in 2014:

Malus and clawback provisions
In accordance with the changes to the UK Corporate Governance 
Code in 2014, the Committee has strengthened the malus and 
clawback provisions applicable to incentive awards made to the 
executive directors and to all members of the Executive Committee 
from and including 2015 as follows:
–  a two-year clawback period will be added to the end of the 
three-year vesting period applicable to Share Options and 
Restricted Shares awarded under the LTIP; and

–  the definition of circumstances and trigger events has been 

extended.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Metrics and weightings applicable in 2016
–  The performance metrics and weightings applicable to the 

2016 annual incentive are unchanged from those set out last 
year (see page 89). 

–  Performance Shares will continue to have 50% of the award 
based on TSR performance as set out above. For 2016, the 
remaining 50% of the award is subject to the EPS performance 
condition set out above. For US participants, other than 
members of the Executive Committee, 50% of the awards 
made in 2016 are subject to the long-term operating cash 
performance of the US business in place of TSR growth.
–  There is no change in 2016 to the criteria and weightings 

applying to Restricted Shares.

–  Share Options will continue to be based on TSR performance 

as set out above.

Illustration of application of policy for 2016
The following charts show the value of the package each of the 
executive directors would receive based on 2016 base salaries, 
remuneration and 2016 LTI awards assuming the following 
scenarios: minimum fixed pay (including salary, benefits and 
pension as provided in the single figure table on page 74); pay 
receivable assuming on-target performance is met; and maximum 
pay assuming variable elements pay out in full. The scenarios 
below exclude any share price appreciation and dividends.
UK legislation requires that these charts are given in relation to 
the first year in which the remuneration policy takes legal effect 
(see page 92). The charts below are reporting the actual levels 
for 2016.

Chief Executive (£’000)

Maximum

20%

33%

On-target

38%

Minimum

100%

0

31%
1,379
2,000

47%
3,589

31%

6,782

4,000
Value of package (£’000)

6,000

8,000

Group Finance Director (£’000)

Maximum

28%

26%

46%

On-target

50%

Minimum

100%

28%

22%
1,006

2,030

3,576

0

1,000

2,000
Value of package (£’000)

3,000

4,000

President and Chief Executive Officer  
of BAE Systems, Inc. ($’000)

Maximum

27%

On-target

47%

Minimum

100%

44%
4,279

27%

29%

26%
2,019

7,624

0

2,000

4,000
Value of package ($’000)

6,000

8,000

Chief Operating Officer (£’000)

Maximum

19%

32%

On-target

37%

Minimum

100%

32%

31%
906

49%
2,444

4,694

0

2,000
4,000
Value of package (£’000)

6,000

  Fixed elements of remuneration
  Annual bonus
  Performance Shares and Share Options

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
88
Directors’ remuneration policy

It is intended in practice to operate the Directors’ remuneration policy (the Policy) from the 2014 AGM. For the purposes 
of the Companies Act 2006, the Policy will only take legal effect on 1 January 2015 subject to shareholder approval at 
the 2014 AGM1.

The Committee considers remuneration policy annually to ensure that it remains aligned with business needs and is 
appropriately positioned relative to the market. However, in the absence of exceptional or unexpected circumstances 
which may necessitate a change to the Policy, there is currently no intention to revise the Policy more frequently than 
every three years. We use target performance to estimate the total potential reward and benchmark it against reward 
packages paid by BAE Systems’ competitors.

Our Policy is to set base salary with reference to the relevant market-competitive level. Actual total direct reward reflects 
the performance of the individual and the Company as a whole. The aim is to deliver an overall remuneration package for 
executive directors which provides an appropriate balance between short-term and long-term reward and between fixed 
and variable reward as described in the table below.

Whilst our long-term incentive plans provide the Committee with discretion in respect of vesting outcomes that affect 
the actual level of reward payable to individuals, such discretion would only be used in exceptional circumstances and, if 
exercised, disclosed at the latest in the report on implementation of the remuneration policy (i.e. the Annual remuneration 
report) for the year in question.

Executive directors’ policy table 

Base salary

Purpose and link to strategy
Recognise market value of role and individual’s skills, experience and performance to ensure the business can attract 
and retain talent.

Operation
Salaries are reviewed annually. Business and individual performance, skills, the scope of the role and the individual’s time in the 
role are taken into account when assessing salaries, as is market data for similar roles in the relevant market comparator group.

The comparator group for UK executive directors is comprised of selected companies from the top 70 of the FTSE 100 and is 
constructed to position BAE Systems around the median in terms of market capitalisation. For the President and Chief Executive 
Officer of BAE Systems, Inc., the comparator group is drawn from companies in the US aerospace and defence sectors, together 
with similar organisations in the general industry sector where BAE Systems, Inc. is positioned at the median of the comparator 
group by reference to revenue size.

Maximum opportunity
When considering salary increases for the executive directors in their current roles, the Committee considers the general level 
of salary increase across the Group and in the relevant external market.

Actual increases for the executive directors in their current roles will generally not exceed the average percentage increase for 
employees as a whole, taking account of the level of movement within the relevant UK/US comparator group.

As a maximum, in exceptional circumstances (such as a material increase in job size or complexity, or a recently appointed executive 
director where the salary is positioned low against the market), the increase will not exceed 10% in any single year.

Performance metrics used, weighting and time period applicable
None.

Annual incentive

Purpose and link to strategy
Drive and reward annual performance of individuals and teams on both financial and non-financial metrics, including 
leadership behaviours in order to deliver sustainable growth in shareholder value. 

Compulsory deferral into shares increases alignment with shareholder interests.

Operation
75–80% of the annual incentive is driven off in-year financial performance, and 20–25% is based on driving performance and 
improvement in the area of corporate responsibility and other non-financial objectives supporting the Group’s strategy. 

One-third of the total annual incentive amount is subject to compulsory deferral for three years in BAE Systems shares without 
any matching.

A clawback mechanism exists under which part or all of the deferred bonus can be recovered if performance for which the bonus 
was awarded is subsequently restated or shown to be materially inaccurate or misleading or where the executive’s employment can 
be terminated for cause.

Cash dividends are payable to the participants on the shares during this three-year deferral period.

Maximum opportunity
Chief Executive and the President and Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems, Inc.: 225% of salary

Group Finance Director: 160% of salary

The pay-out for maximum performance is 200% of on-target. The pay-out for achieving a threshold performance is 40% of the 
target, with no pay-out for achieving less than this. Pay-out for performance between targets is calculated on a straight-line basis.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

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89

Executive directors’ policy table continued

Annual incentive continued

Performance metrics used, weighting and time period applicable
Metrics and weightings applicable in 2014:

Group earnings per share (EPS) – 40%

Group cash – 25%

Order intake – 15%

Safety – 5%

Personal objectives – 15%

Performance is assessed on an annual basis, using a combination of the Group’s main performance indicators for the year. The 
measures include financial and non-financial metrics as well as the achievement of personal objectives. Measures will be weighted 
each year according to business priorities.

See notes 4 and 5 on page 92 regarding the selection and weighting of performance metrics.

Notwithstanding performance against the above metrics, all bonus payments are at the discretion of the Remuneration Committee, 
which will be based on an assessment of the individual’s personal contribution to business performance over the relevant year and 
leadership behaviours demonstrated in making that contribution, relative to others.

Long-Term Incentives (LTI)

Operation
All awards are granted based on a percentage of salary and share price at the date of grant.

Dividend equivalents in respect of vested shares are paid at the time of vesting and are not taken into account when determining 
individual limits.

Pre-vesting clawback provisions apply to all awards and are intended to cover situations, for example, where results are restated 
or otherwise turn out to be materially inaccurate or where the executive’s employment can be terminated for cause.

The Committee will establish the targets for each measure at the start of each performance period based on Group projections 
and market expectations for the business. The performance conditions for previous awards are described in the Annual 
remuneration report.

Awards and performance conditions can be adjusted to take account of variations of share capital and other transactions or events.

On a change of control or similar transaction, awards generally will vest to the extent performance conditions are then satisfied 
(if applicable) and then be pro-rated to reflect the acceleration of vesting unless the Committee decides otherwise. Alternatively, 
awards may be exchanged for equivalent awards over shares in the acquiring company.

The share plan rules may be amended from time-to-time by the Committee in certain circumstances including minor changes for 
administrative, tax or other regulatory purposes.

Subject to this Policy, performance conditions may be amended in other circumstances if the Committee considers it appropriate.

Performance metrics used, weighting and time period applicable
See notes 4 and 5 on page 92 regarding the selection and weighting of performance metrics.

Operation
It is proposed to consolidate the three long-term incentive plans described below into a single umbrella plan with effect from 
1 January 2015, subject to shareholder approval at the 2014 AGM1.

Maximum opportunity
Subject to shareholder approval of the proposed umbrella plan at the 2014 AGM1, over the lifetime of this remuneration policy, 
the Committee will have discretion to vary the weighting and mix of different types of awards within the following limits:

(a) Performance Shares:  
UK executive directors: 
Between 50% and 75% of overall LTI Expected Value (EV)

US executive directors: 
Between 25% and 50% of overall LTI EV

(b) Share Options: 
Between 25% and 50% of overall LTI EV

(c) Restricted Shares: 
Applicable to US executive directors only. No more than one-third of overall LTI EV

The maximum opportunity in respect of each element is as set out below.

Performance metrics used, weighting and time period applicable
See below in relation to Performance Shares and Share Options. 

See notes 4 and 5 on page 92.

1. Approved at the AGM on 7 May 2014.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
90

Directors’ remuneration policy 
continued

Executive directors’ policy table continued

Long-Term Incentives – Performance shares

Purpose and link to strategy
Drive and reward delivery of sustained long-term EPS and Total Shareholder Return (TSR) performance aligned to the 
interests of shareholders.

Operation
Awards, typically in the form of nil-cost options, vest and become exercisable in three tranches on the third, fourth and fifth 
anniversary of grant, subject to performance conditions.

For US participants, awards are delivered as conditional share awards (RSUs) which vest automatically on the third, fourth and fifth 
anniversary of grant, subject to performance conditions.

Maximum opportunity
Chief Executive: 250% of salary

Group Finance Director: 215% of salary

President and Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems, Inc.: 242% of salary

Performance metrics used, weighting and time period applicable
Metrics and weightings applicable to 2014 awards:
–  50% of award based on TSR growth relative to a comparator group of at least 12 companies over the three-year performance period. 
–  Nil vesting if TSR ranked below median in the peer group; 25% exercisable if TSR ranked at the median; 100% exercisable if TSR 

ranked in the upper quintile; pro-rata vesting for performance between median and upper quintile. Award subject to a secondary 
financial measure as set out on page 81.

–  50% of award based on average annual EPS growth over the three years with nil vesting at average annual EPS growth of 5% and 

100% vesting at 11% growth.

–  Pro-rata vesting for intermediate performance.
–  50% of awards made in 2012 and 2013 for US participants were based on long-term operating cash performance measured at the 

level of the US businesses in place of TSR growth.

See notes 4 and 5 on page 92.

Long-Term Incentives – Share options

Purpose and link to strategy
Drive and reward delivery of TSR performance and sustained improvement in the Company’s share price.

Operation
Subject to a TSR performance condition. Market value options are normally exercisable between the third and tenth anniversary of 
their grant.

Maximum opportunity
Chief Executive: 300% of salary

Group Finance Director: 300% of salary

President and Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems, Inc.: 390% of salary

Performance metrics used, weighting and time period applicable
For share option awards made to the executive directors only, exercise is subject to a TSR performance condition as set out above.

See notes 4 and 5 on page 92.

Long-Term Incentives – Restricted shares

Purpose and link to strategy
Provide long-term reward through time-vesting awards principally in the Company’s US market.

Operation
The shares are subject only to the condition that the participant remains employed by the Group on the vesting date (three years 
after the award date). These awards are not subject to a performance condition as it is designed to address retention issues principally 
in the US.

Maximum opportunity
Chief Executive and Group Finance Director: Not eligible

President and Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems, Inc.: 100% of salary

Performance metrics used, weighting and time period applicable
None.

See notes 4 and 5 on page 92.

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Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

91

Executive directors’ policy table continued

Benefits

Purpose and link to strategy
Provide employment benefits which ensure that the overall package is market competitive when these elements 
are taken into account.

Operation
Benefits include provision of a company car (or cash equivalent), life assurance and ill-health benefit cover which are provided 
directly or through membership of the Company’s pension schemes.

Opportunity for UK executive directors to participate in the Share Incentive Plan, a tax approved all-employee plan.

Additional benefits such as relocation assistance may also be provided in certain circumstances if considered reasonable and 
appropriate by the Committee.

Maximum opportunity
Benefits are set at a level which the Remuneration Committee considers to be appropriate against comparable roles in companies 
of similar size in the relevant market.

Relocation assistance comprises reimbursement for direct items of expenditure, such as legal, estate agency, removals and temporary 
accommodation, based on actual costs incurred which are linked to the size and value of the property, plus a maximum relocation 
allowance of £2,500.

Benefits are as reported and itemised within the single total figure shown as part of the Annual remuneration report on page 74. 
The main benefits in the UK include a car allowance (£16,000 per annum) and private use of a chauffeur-driven car, plus life assurance 
and ill-health benefit cover provided through membership of the Company’s pension schemes. In the US, the benefits include a cash 
allowance for car and parking ($20,900 per annum) and private use of a chauffeur-driven car, medical and dental benefits, and insured 
life and disability benefits. The maximum cost of such benefits will reflect the associated market-competitive cost of provision.

Participation limits for the Share Incentive Plan are those set by the UK tax authorities from time-to-time.

Performance metrics used, weighting and time period applicable
None.

Pension

Purpose and link to strategy
Provide competitive post-retirement benefits or cash allowance equivalent.

Operation
For any new externally appointed executive directors in the UK, membership of the Company’s executive defined contribution plan 
is offered with Company contributions set as a percentage of base salary. Individuals may elect to receive some or all of their pension 
contribution as a cash allowance.

Current UK executive directors are members of the BAE Systems Executive Pension Scheme and members of the underlying employee 
pension plan, which provide a target benefit for executive directors payable at normal retirement age (62) of 1/30th of final 
pensionable earnings (FPE) for each year of service up to a maximum of two-thirds of FPE. Member contributions are currently 8%. 
Further detail is provided on page 79 as part of the Annual remuneration report.

Any new externally appointed US executive directors would be offered membership of the US defined contribution plan.

Maximum opportunity
Company contribution of 19% (in addition to employee contribution of 6%) of base salary only.

Under the existing defined benefit scheme, a maximum of two-thirds of FPE accrued at 1/30th for each year of service.

The US defined contribution plan provides 100% company matching contributions up to a maximum of 6% of base salary, subject 
to US statutory limits.

Operation
Where executive directors’ pension entitlement or accrual is restricted to the Lifetime Allowance and/or the Annual Allowance under 
the relevant pension scheme the Company may offer an unfunded pension promise to offset the impact of these restrictions.

Maximum opportunity
The difference between the value of the registered pension scheme benefits as restricted to the Lifetime Allowance and Annual 
Allowance and the full value of those registered pension scheme benefits that would be payable if there were no Annual Allowance 
or Lifetime Allowance restrictions.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

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92

Directors’ remuneration policy 
continued

Notes to the executive directors’ policy table 

Remuneration policy for other employees
1.   The Company’s approach to annual salary reviews is consistent across the Group, with consideration given to the scope of the role, 

level of experience, performance and market data for similar roles in other companies.

2.  All leaders may participate in an annual bonus scheme with similar metrics to those used for the executive directors. Other employees 
may participate in performance-based incentive plans which vary by organisational level and with relevant metrics for the particular 
area of the business.

3.  Long-Term Incentive grants may be made to the most senior managers in the business (approximately 250 individuals globally). 

The nature of the awards depends on the individuals’ location, roles and responsibilities, in particular:
–  performance measures and targets for performance share grants are made in line with those applying to executive directors; 
–  there are no performance conditions attached to share option grants below executive director level; and
–  Restricted Share grants are currently made to the most senior managers in the US reflecting competitive market practice.

Performance measures and targets
4.  The Committee selected the performance conditions because these are central to the Company’s overall strategy and are the 

key metrics used by the executive directors to oversee the operation of the business. The non-financial performance targets are 
determined by the Committee in consultation with the Corporate Responsibility Committee.

5.  The performance measures and targets are determined annually by the Committee, taking account of the Group’s strategic 

objectives, the internal business plan and budgets, as well as external market expectations and general economic conditions. 
The Committee is of the view that the performance targets for the annual bonus are commercially sensitive and that it would 
be detrimental to the interests of the Company to disclose them before the start of the financial year. The targets will be 
disclosed retrospectively after the end of the relevant financial year.

Minimum Shareholding Requirement (MSR)
6.  The Committee has agreed a policy whereby the executive directors are required to establish and maintain a minimum personal 

shareholding equal to a set percentage of base salary. An Initial Value must be achieved as quickly as possible using shares vesting or 
options exercised through the executive share option schemes and other Long-Term Incentive schemes by retaining 50% of the net 
value (i.e. the value after deduction of exercise costs and tax) of shares acquired under these schemes. Once the Initial Value is 
achieved, a Subsequent Value must be achieved in the same way, except that a minimum of 25% of the net value must be retained 
on each exercise or acquisition. Shares owned beneficially by the director and his/her spouse count towards the MSR. The MSR does 
not apply after the individual has ceased to be a director. Any case of non-compliance would be dealt with by the Committee.

The following table sets out MSR Initial Value and Subsequent Value: 

Chief Executive

Group Finance Director

President and Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems, Inc.

Illustration of application of remuneration policy
The charts opposite show the value of the package 
each of the executive directors would receive based on 
2014 base salaries, remuneration and 2014 LTI awards 
assuming the following scenarios: minimum fixed pay 
(including salary, benefits and pension as provided in 
the single figure table on page 74); pay receivable 
assuming on-target performance is met; and maximum 
pay assuming variable elements pay out in full. The 
scenarios opposite exclude any share price appreciation 
and dividends.

UK legislation requires that these charts are given in 
relation to the first year in which the remuneration 
policy takes legal effect. Rather than providing further 
charts for assumed 2015 remuneration and awards, 
we invite shareholders to assume similar levels for 
2015 and we will report on actual levels in 2015.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Initial Value

Subsequent Value

150%

100%

175%

300%

200%

350%

Chief Executive (£’000)

Maximum

20%

33%

On-target

38%

Minimum

100%

0

31%
1,346
2,000

47%
3,513

31%

6,643

4,000
Value of package (£’000)

6,000

8,000

Group Finance Director (£’000)

Maximum

35%

23%

On-target

57%

Minimum

100%

24%

19%
1,289

42%
2,268

3,746

0

1,000

2,000
Value of package (£’000)

3,000

4,000

President and Chief Executive Officer  
of BAE Systems, Inc. ($’000)

Maximum

27%

On-target

47%

Minimum

100%

44%
4,121

27%

29%

26%
1,959

7,321

0

2,000

4,000
Value of package ($’000)

6,000

8,000

  Fixed elements of remuneration
  Annual bonus
  PSP and share options

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93

Non-executive directors’ (NEDs) policy table 

Fees

Purpose and link to strategy
To attract NEDs who have a broad range of experience and skills to provide independent judgement on issues of strategy, 
performance, resources and standards of conduct.

Operation
NEDs’ fees are set by the Non-Executive Directors’ Fees Committee.

NEDs receive a basic fee with an additional fee for those who are chairmen of committees and/or undertake the role of Senior 
Independent Director.

NEDs also receive a travel allowance per meeting on each occasion that a scheduled Board meeting necessitates air travel of more 
than five hours (one way) to the meeting location, subject to a maximum of six travel allowances per year. 

Fees are typically reviewed annually, taking into account time commitment requirements and responsibility of the individual roles, 
and after reviewing practice in other comparable companies. 

The Chairman’s fees are set by the Remuneration Committee on a three-year basis and not normally subject to review during 
that period.

Maximum opportunity
Actual fee levels are disclosed in the Annual remuneration report for the relevant financial year.

The current Chairman’s fee has been set at £650,000 and fixed at this level for three years from the date of appointment 
(1 February 2014).

The aggregate cost of fees and benefits paid to NEDs (including the Chairman) will not exceed an annual limit of £2.5m.

Performance metrics used, weighting and time period applicable
None.

Benefits

Purpose and link to strategy
Reimbursement for reasonable and documented expenses incurred in the performance of duties.

Operation
NEDs are not eligible to participate in any pension benefits provided by the Company, nor do they participate in any performance-
related incentives.

The Chairman is provided with a chauffeur-driven car. This may be used for non-Company business, but the cost of the benefit 
of such usage shall be paid by the Chairman. 

Reimbursement of travel and subsistence costs (including payment of the associated tax cost) incurred by the director or his/her 
spouse whilst undertaking duties on behalf of the Company that may be assessed as a benefit for tax purposes.

Maximum opportunity
See the aggregate limit under ‘Fees’ above.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

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94

Directors’ remuneration policy 
continued

Prior commitments 
The Company will honour any commitments made in respect of executive director and non-executive director remuneration before 
the date on which either: (i) the Directors’ Remuneration Policy becomes effective or (ii) an individual becomes a director, even where 
such commitments are not consistent with the policy prevailing at the time any such commitment is fulfilled. This includes (without 
limitation) all existing share awards as detailed on page 102 of the 2013 Annual Report under the PSP, SMP, RSP, ExSOP and ExSOP2012, 
Linda Hudson’s leaving arrangements as detailed on page 98 of the 2013 Annual Report and Peter Lynas’ second residence allowance 
as detailed on page 93 of the 2013 Annual Report. 

Approach to recruitment remuneration
The recruitment policy provides an appropriate framework within which to attract individuals of the required calibre to lead a company 
of BAE Systems’ size, scale and complexity. The Remuneration Committee determines the remuneration package for any appointment 
to an executive director position, either from within or outside BAE Systems. 

Operation
The Remuneration Committee will take into consideration all relevant factors, including overall total remuneration, the type of 
remuneration being offered and the jurisdiction from which the candidate was recruited, and will operate in order to ensure that 
arrangements are in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders without paying more than is necessary to secure the 
individual of the required calibre.

The fees and benefits applicable to the appointment of any new non-executive directors will be in accordance with the policy table 
on page 93.

Opportunity
The Committee seeks to align the remuneration package offered with the policy set out in the executive directors’ policy table above 
recognising that participation under the policy above varies by geography. 
–  For UK and other non-US executive director appointments, participation in annual incentive plans will not exceed 225% of annual 

salary and long-term awards under this policy will not exceed 550% of annual salary. 

–  For US executive director appointments, participation in annual incentive plans will not exceed 225% of annual salary and long-term 

awards under this policy will not exceed 750% of annual salary.

The Committee may make awards on hiring an external candidate to ‘buy-out’ existing equity or, in exceptional circumstances, other 
elements of remuneration forfeited on leaving the previous employer. In doing so, the Committee will take account of relevant factors 
including any performance conditions attached to these awards, the form in which they were granted (e.g. cash or shares) and the 
time over which they would have vested. Buy-out awards would be capped to be no higher, on recruitment, than the fair value of 
those forfeited. Full details will be disclosed in the next Annual remuneration report following recruitment which will include details 
of the need to grant a buy-out award.

Fixed elements (base salary, retirement and other benefits)
The salary level will be set in accordance with the policy described in the executive directors’ policy table above.

The executive director shall be eligible to participate in applicable BAE Systems’ employee benefit plans, including coverage under 
applicable executive and employee pension and benefit programmes in accordance with the terms and conditions of such plans, 
as may be amended by the Company in its sole discretion from time to time.

In the case of promotion of an existing Group employee to an executive directorship on the Board, commitments made before such 
promotion will continue to be honoured whether or not they are consistent with the remainder of this policy.

Annual Incentive Plan
The appointed executive director will be eligible to earn a discretionary annual bonus in accordance with the Annual Incentive 
framework as described in the executive directors’ policy table above.

The level of opportunity will be consistent with the policy disclosed in the executive directors’ policy table in this report and subject 
to the maximums referred to therein.

Long-Term Incentive Plans
The executive director will be eligible for equity awards in such amounts as the Committee may determine in its sole discretion, 
subject to this policy and the rules of the Long-Term Incentive Plans.

The level of opportunity will be consistent with the policy set out in the executive directors’ policy table above and subject to the 
maximums referred to therein.

Other
For internal and external appointments, the Committee may agree that the Company will meet certain relocation expenses in 
accordance with the provisions described under the Benefits section of the policy table on page 91.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

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95

Service contracts
Executive directors

Operation
In accordance with long-established policy, all executive directors have rolling service agreements which may be terminated in 
accordance with the terms of these agreements.

Dates of appointment for executive directors

Name

Ian King

Peter Lynas

Jerry DeMuro

Date of appointment

Notice period

27 June 2008

1 April 2011

1 February 2014

12 months either party

12 months either party

90 days either party1

1.  Jerry DeMuro’s contract of employment automatically renews for one-year periods from 31 December each year, unless one party gives at least 

90 days’ notice of non-renewal.

Note: See page 75 for details of the service contract for Charles Woodburn, the incoming Chief Operating Officer, whose appointment 
was announced on 15 February 2016.

Notice period
The Committee’s policy is that the service contracts of executive directors will not exceed 12 months. In exceptional circumstances, 
in relation to newly recruiting an executive director operating in a US environment, the notice period may be extended to a maximum 
of 24 months and structured such that it automatically reduces to 12 months at the end of the first complete year of service.

Change of control
No executive director has provisions in his service contract that relate to a change of control of the Company.

Chairman
The Chairman’s appointment is documented in a letter of appointment and he is required to devote no fewer than two days a week 
to his duties as Chairman. His appointment as Chairman will automatically terminate if he ceases to be a director of the Company. 
His appointment is for a term of three years from 1 February 2014 unless terminated earlier in accordance with the Company’s Articles 
of Association or by the Company or the Chairman giving not less than six months’ notice. The Chairman’s appointment is to be 
reviewed by the Nominations Committee prior to the end of the three-year term and the Chairman may be invited to serve for an 
additional period.

Note: As stated on page 5, the Chairman’s term of appointment has been extended until February 2020.
Non-executive directors
The non-executive directors do not have service contracts but do have letters of appointment detailing the basis of their appointment. 
The dates of their original appointment are shown below:

Name

Elizabeth Corley1

Harriet Green

Chris Grigg

Paula Rosput Reynolds

Nick Rose

Carl Symon2

Ian Tyler

Date of appointment

Expiry of current term

01.02.2016

01.11.2010

01.07.2013

01.04.2011

08.02.2010

11.06.2008

08.05.2013

31.01.2019

31.10.2016

30.06.2016

31.03.2017

07.02.2019

–

07.05.2016

1. Appointed to the Board on 1 February 2016.
2. Retired from the Board on 12 June 2015.

Note: The above table has been amended to reflect the position as of 17 February 2016.

The non-executive directors are normally appointed for an initial three-year term that, subject to review, may be extended subsequently 
for further such terms. Any third term of three years is subject to rigorous review, taking into account the need progressively to refresh the 
Board. They do not have periods of notice and the Company has no obligation to pay compensation when their appointment terminates.

In accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code, all directors are subject to annual election or re-election at the Company’s AGM.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

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96

Directors’ remuneration policy 
continued

Policy on payment for loss of office

Operation
The policy on payment for loss of office provides a clear set of principles that govern the payments that will be made for loss of office, 
and take account of the need to ensure a smooth transition for leadership roles during times of change. The policy that will apply for 
a specific executive director’s payment for loss of office will be the policy that was in place at the point when the payment for loss of 
office was agreed for the executive director in question.

Notice and pay in lieu of notice
Executive directors’ contracts allow for termination with contractual notice from either party or termination by way of payment in lieu 
of notice, at the Company’s discretion. Neither notice nor a payment in lieu of notice will be given in the event of gross misconduct. 
In the event of the termination of an executive director’s contract, it is the Committee’s policy to seek to limit any payment made in 
lieu of notice to a payment of not more than one year’s base salary.

Any compensation payment made in connection with the departure of an executive director will be subject to approval by the 
Remuneration Committee, having regard to the terms of the service contract and the specific circumstances surrounding the 
termination, including whether the scenario aligns to an example under the approved leaver criteria, performance, service and 
health or other circumstances that may be relevant. 

Jerry DeMuro’s contract of employment automatically renews for one-year periods from 31 December each year, unless one party 
gives at least 90 days’ notice of non-renewal. If the employment is (a) terminated by the Company (other than for cause as defined 
in the contract) or (b) he resigned for a ‘Good Reason’ (as defined in his contract), he is entitled to a termination payment equal to 
(i) one year’s base salary and (ii) a pro-rated bonus for the relevant financial year. He will also be entitled to a continuation of medical 
benefits for 18 months (or a cash payment in lieu).

Retirement benefits
As governed by the rules of the relevant pension plan. No enhancement for leavers will be made.

Annual Incentive Plan
The Remuneration Committee may exercise its discretion to make an annual incentive payment as part of the termination package. 

Where an executive director’s employment is terminated after the end of a performance year but before the payment is made, the 
executive director will remain eligible for an annual incentive award for that performance year subject to an assessment based on 
performance achieved over the period. No award will be made in the event of gross misconduct.

Where an executive director leaves by reason of death, ill-health, retirement, a transfer of business or redundancy, the Remuneration 
Committee may use its discretion to determine that an executive director is entitled to receive a bonus (subject to an assessment based 
on performance over the period and pro-rated for time) in respect of the financial year in which the individual ceased employment. 

If the Remuneration Committee regards it necessary to use their discretion, it must be shown how this is in the interests of the 
Company and its shareholders.

The Committee’s policy is not to award an annual incentive for any portion of the notice period not served.

Long-Term Incentive Plans
The treatment of outstanding share awards in the event that an executive director leaves is governed by the relevant share plan rules.

Under the Long-Term Incentive Plans, awards and options generally vest and/or become exercisable where an executive director leaves 
by reason of ill-health, injury, disability, retirement with the agreement of the Company, redundancy or leaving in such circumstances 
as the Committee determines (each an ‘approved leaver’). Awards and options generally continue and vest on the normal vesting date 
(or, in the case of Performance Shares, the first normal vesting date), unless the Committee determines that the awards should vest on 
cessation. Any performance conditions will be applied at the time of vesting.

In the event of death, awards generally vest at the time of death subject to the satisfaction of any performance conditions at that time. 
Awards are then pro-rated as set out below.

On the vesting and/or exercise of awards and/or options as set out above, the number of shares received will, unless the Committee 
decides otherwise, be reduced pro-rata to reflect the period in which the executive director was in employment as a proportion of the 
relevant vesting or performance period (as applicable).

Where an executive director’s employment is terminated for any other reason, his awards and options will lapse.

If the Remuneration Committee regards it necessary to exercise its discretion as permissible under the share plan rules, then disclosure 
will include an explanation of how the application of discretion was in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. 

Where an executive director’s employment is terminated or an executive director is under notice of termination for any reason at the 
date of award of any Long-Term Incentive awards, no Long-Term Incentive awards will be made.

Consideration of employment conditions elsewhere in the Company
The Remuneration Committee does not consult directly with employees as part of the process for reviewing executive pay. When 
considering salary increases for the executive directors, the Remuneration Committee considers the general level of salary increase 
across the Group and in the external market.

Stakeholder considerations
The Remuneration Committee conducts an annual programme of consultation with major shareholders in order to seek their input 
to the development of remuneration policy or plans.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

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97

Statutory and other information

Company registration
BAE Systems plc is a public company limited 
by shares registered in England and Wales 
with the registered number 1470151.

Directors
The current directors who served during the 
2015 financial year are listed on pages 60 
and 61. Carl Symon also served as a director 
until his retirement from the Board on 12 June 
2015. Elizabeth Corley was appointed to the 
Board on 1 February 2016.

The Company has announced that Charles 
Woodburn will be joining the Board in the 
newly-created role of Chief Operating Officer 
with effect from a date in the second quarter 
of 2016. 

Dividend
An interim dividend of 8.4p per share was 
paid on 30 November 2015. The directors 
propose a final dividend of 12.5p per ordinary 
share. Subject to shareholder approval, the 
final dividend will be paid on 1 June 2016 to 
shareholders on the share register on 22 April 
2016. Information on dividend waivers is given 
on page 150.

Annual General Meeting (AGM)
The Company’s AGM will be held on 4 May 
2016. The Notice of Annual General Meeting 
is enclosed with this Annual Report and details 
the resolutions to be proposed at the meeting. 

Certain information in the Strategic report
The following items are set out in the Strategic 
report on pages (i) to (iv) and 1 to 57:

–  disclosures in relation to the use of financial 

instruments;

–  particulars of important events affecting 
the Group which have occurred since 
31 December 2015;

–  an indication of likely future developments 

in the business of the Group; 

–  an indication of the activities of the Group 
in the field of research and development;

–  actions taken to introduce, maintain or 

develop arrangements aimed at employees; 
and

–  greenhouse gas emissions.

Office of Fair Trading undertakings
As a consequence of the merger between 
British Aerospace and the former Marconi 
Electronic Systems businesses in 1999, the 
Company gave certain undertakings to the 
Secretary of State for Trade and Industry 
(now the Secretary of State for Business, 
Innovation and Skills). In February 2007, the 
Company was released from the majority 
of these undertakings and the remainder 
have been superseded and varied by a new 
set of undertakings. Compliance with the 
undertakings is monitored by a compliance 
officer. Further information regarding the 
undertakings and the contact details of 
the compliance officer may be obtained 
through the Company Secretary at the 
Company’s registered office or through 
the Company’s website. 

Profit forecast
In its trading update announcement on 
12 November 2015, the Group made the 
following statement, which is regarded as 
a profit forecast for the purposes of the 
Financial Conduct Authority’s Listing Rule 
9.2.18 (and which replaced the profit 
forecast made in the Group’s full-year results 
announcement on 19 February 2015, the 
Annual Report 2014 and its half-year 
results announcement on 30 July 2015):

“Including a benefit of some 2 pence from 
adjustment of certain overseas tax provisions 
in the light of rulings received, the Group’s 
underlying earnings per share for 2015 are 
expected to be around 38 pence.”

Underlying earnings per share was 38.0p in 
2014. In 2015, underlying earnings per share 
was 40.2p.

Employees
The Group is committed to giving full and 
fair consideration to applications for 
employment from disabled people who 
meet the requirements for roles, and making 
available training opportunities and 
appropriate accommodation to disabled 
people employed by the Group.

Political donations
No political donations were made in 2015.

Issued share capital
As at 31 December 2015, BAE Systems’ 
issued share capital of £86,686,002 comprised 
3,467,440,044 ordinary shares of 2.5p each 
and one Special Share of £1. 

Share buyback
During the year, 1,450,000 ordinary 
shares of 2.5p each were repurchased 
under the buyback programme announced 
on 21 February 2013 and such repurchased 
shares have been cancelled. The total 
consideration for the purchase of the shares, 
including commission and stamp duty, was 
£6,708,336.

The percentage of called up share capital 
(excluding treasury shares) as at 31 December 
2015, which the shares repurchased in 2015 
represents, is 0.05%.

Treasury shares
As at 1 January 2015, the number of shares 
held in treasury totalled 315,826,614 (having 
a total nominal value of £7,895,665 and 
representing 9.1% of the Company’s called up 
share capital at 1 January 2015). During 2015, 
the Company used 14,018,511 treasury shares 
(having a total nominal value of £350,463 and 
representing 0.4% of the Company’s called up 
share capital at 31 December 2015) to satisfy 
awards under the Free and Matching elements 
of the Share Incentive Plan (6,162,973 shares 
in aggregate), awards under the Matching 
element of the International Share Incentive 
Plan (16,352 shares in aggregate), awards 
vested under the Restricted Share Plan 
(2,154,228 shares), and options exercised 
under the Executive Share Option Plan 
(5,684,958 shares). The treasury shares 
utilised in respect of the Share Incentive Plan, 
the International Share Incentive Plan and 
the Restricted Share Plan were disposed of 
by the Company for nil consideration. The 
5,684,958 shares disposed of by the Company 
in respect of the Executive Share Option Plan 
were disposed of by the Company for an 
aggregate consideration of £11,634,317. As at 
31 December 2015, the number of shares held 
in treasury totalled 301,808,103 (having a total 
nominal value of £7,545,203 and representing 
8.7% of the Company’s called up share capital 
at 31 December 2015). 

The rights to treasury shares are restricted 
in accordance with the Companies Act and, 
in particular, the voting and dividend rights 
attaching to these shares are automatically 
suspended.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
98

Statutory and other information 
continued

–  awards of shares made under the Company’s 
Long-Term Incentive Plan 2014, Deferred 
Bonus Plan, Performance Share Plan, Share 
Matching Plan, Restricted Share Plan, Share 
Incentive Plan, International Share Incentive 
Plan, Group All-Employee Free Shares Plan 
and International Profit Sharing Scheme are 
subject to restrictions on the transfer of 
shares prior to vesting and/or release.

The Company is not aware of any 
arrangements between its shareholders 
that may result in restrictions on the transfer 
of shares and/or voting rights.

Significant direct and indirect holders 
of securities
As at 31 December 2015 (and unchanged as 
at 17 February 2016), the Company had been 
advised of the following significant direct and 
indirect interests in the issued ordinary share 
capital of the Company:

Name of shareholder

AXA S.A. and its group of companies

Barclays PLC

BlackRock, Inc. 

The Capital Group Companies, Inc. 

Franklin Resources Inc., and affiliates

Invesco Limited

Silchester International Investors LLP

Percentage 
notified

5.00%

3.98%

5.00%

6.05%

4.92%

9.97%

3.01%

Exercise of rights of shares in employee 
share schemes
The Trustees of the employee trusts do not 
seek to exercise voting rights on shares held 
in the employee trusts other than on the 
direction of the underlying beneficiaries. 
No voting rights are exercised in relation to 
shares unallocated to individual beneficiaries.

Restrictions on voting deadlines
The notice of any general meeting shall specify 
the deadline for exercising voting rights and 
appointing a proxy or proxies to vote in 
relation to resolutions to be proposed at the 
general meeting. The number of proxy votes 
for, against or withheld in respect of each 
resolution are publicised on the Company’s 
website after the meeting.

Restrictions on transfer of securities
The restrictions on the transfer of shares in 
the Company are as follows:

–  the Special Share may only be issued to, 
held by and transferred to the Special 
Shareholder or his successor or nominee;

–  the directors shall not register any allotment 
or transfer of any shares to a foreign person, 
or foreign persons acting in concert, who 
at the time have more than a 15% voting 
interest in the Company, or who would, 
following such allotment or transfer, have 
such an interest;

–  the directors shall not register any person 
as a holder of any shares unless they have 
received: (i) a declaration stating that upon 
registration, the share(s) will not be held by 
foreign persons or that upon registration 
the share(s) will be held by a foreign person 
or persons; (ii) such evidence (if any) as the 
directors may require of the authority of 
the signatory of the declaration; and (iii) 
such evidence or information (if any) as to 
the matters referred to in the declaration 
as the directors consider appropriate;

–  the directors may, in their absolute 

discretion, refuse to register any transfer 
of shares which are not fully paid up (but 
not so as to prevent dealings in listed shares 
from taking place);

–  the directors may also refuse to register any 
instrument of transfer of shares unless the 
instrument of transfer is in respect of only 
one class of share and it is lodged at the 
place where the register of members is kept, 
accompanied by a relevant certificate or 
such other evidence as the directors may 
reasonably require to show the right of the 
transferor to make the transfer;

–  the directors may refuse to register an 

allotment or transfer of shares in favour 
of more than four persons jointly;

–  where a shareholder has failed to provide 
the Company with certain information 
relating to their interest in shares, the 
directors can, in certain circumstances, 
refuse to register a transfer of such shares;

–  certain restrictions may from time to time 
be imposed by laws and regulations (for 
example, insider trading laws);

–  restrictions may be imposed pursuant to 
the Listing Rules of the Financial Conduct 
Authority whereby certain of the Group’s 
employees require the Company’s approval 
to deal in shares; and

Rights and obligations of ordinary shares
On a show of hands at a general meeting every 
holder of ordinary shares present in person 
and entitled to vote shall have one vote, and 
every proxy entitled to vote shall have one 
vote (unless the proxy is appointed by more 
than one member in which case the proxy 
has one vote for and one vote against if the 
proxy has been instructed by one or more 
members to vote for the resolution and by 
one or more members to vote against the 
resolution; or if the proxy has been instructed 
by one or more shareholders to vote either for 
or against a resolution and by one or more of 
those shareholders to use his discretion how 
to vote). On a poll, every member present in 
person or by proxy and entitled to vote shall 
have one vote for every ordinary share held. 
Subject to the relevant statutory provisions 
and the Company’s Articles of Association, 
holders of ordinary shares are entitled to a 
dividend where declared or paid out of 
profits available for such purposes. Subject 
to the relevant statutory provisions and the 
Company’s Articles of Association, on a 
return of capital on a winding-up, holders of 
ordinary shares are entitled, after repayment 
of the £1 Special Share, to participate in such 
a return. There are no redemption rights in 
relation to the ordinary shares.

Rights and obligations of the Special Share
The Special Share is held on behalf of the 
Secretary of State for Business, Innovation 
and Skills (the ‘Special Shareholder’). Certain 
provisions of the Company’s Articles of 
Association cannot be amended without 
the consent of the Special Shareholder. 
These provisions include the requirement that 
no foreign person, or foreign persons acting 
in concert, can have more than a 15% voting 
interest in the Company, the requirement that 
the majority of the directors are British, and 
the requirement that the Chief Executive and 
any executive Chairman are British.

The holder of the Special Share is entitled 
to attend a general meeting, but the Special 
Share carries no right to vote or any other 
rights at any such meeting, other than to 
speak in relation to any business in respect 
of the Special Share. Subject to the relevant 
statutory provisions and the Company’s 
Articles of Association, on a return of capital 
on a winding-up, the holder of the Special 
Share shall be entitled to repayment of the 
£1 capital paid up on the Special Share in 
priority to any repayment of capital to any 
other members.

The holder of the Special Share has the right 
to require the Company to redeem the Special 
Share at par or convert the Special Share into 
one ordinary share at any time.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

99

Powers of the directors
The directors are responsible for the 
management of the business of the Company 
and may exercise all powers of the Company 
subject to applicable legislation and regulation, 
and the Articles of Association.

Conflicts of interest
As permitted under the Companies Act 2006, 
the Company’s Articles of Association contain 
provisions which enable the Board to authorise 
conflicts or potential conflicts that individual 
directors may have.

At the 2015 AGM, the directors were given 
the power to buy back a maximum number 
of 315,464,024 ordinary shares at a minimum 
price of 2.5p each. The maximum price was 
the higher of (i) an amount equal to 105% of 
the average of the middle market quotations 
of the Company’s ordinary shares as derived 
from the London Stock Exchange Daily Official 
List for the five business days immediately 
preceding the day on which such ordinary 
shares are contracted to be purchased, and 
(ii) the higher of the price of the last 
independent trade and the highest current 
independent bid on the London Stock 
Exchange as stipulated in Article 5(1) of the 
Buy-back and Stabilisation Regulation. 

This power will expire at the earlier of the 
conclusion of the 2016 AGM or 30 June 2016. 
A special resolution will be proposed at the 
2016 AGM to renew the Company’s authority 
to acquire its own shares.

At the 2015 AGM, the directors were given 
the power to issue new shares up to a nominal 
amount of £26,286,039. This power will 
expire on the earlier of the conclusion of the 
2016 AGM or 30 June 2016. Accordingly, a 
resolution will be proposed at the 2016 AGM 
to renew the Company’s authority to issue 
further new shares. At the 2015 AGM, the 
directors were also given the power to issue 
new issue shares up to a further nominal 
amount of £26,286,039 in connection with 
an offer by way of a rights issue. This authority 
too will expire on the earlier of the conclusion 
of the 2016 AGM or 30 June 2016, and a 
resolution will be proposed at the 2016 AGM 
to renew this additional authority.

To avoid potential conflicts of interest the 
Board requires the Nominations Committee 
to check that any individuals it nominates for 
appointment to the Board are free of potential 
conflicts. In addition, the Board’s procedures 
and the induction programme for new 
directors emphasise a director’s personal 
responsibility for complying with the duties 
relating to conflicts of interest. The procedure 
adopted by the Board for the authorisation 
of conflicts reminds directors of the need to 
consider their duties as directors and not grant 
an authorisation unless they believe, in good 
faith, that this would be likely to promote the 
success of the Company. As required by law, 
the potentially conflicted director cannot vote 
on an authorisation resolution or be counted 
in the quorum. Any authorisation granted may 
be terminated at any time and the director is 
informed of the obligation to inform the 
Company without delay should there be any 
material change in the nature of the conflict 
or potential conflict so authorised.

Directors’ indemnities
The Company has entered into deeds of 
indemnity with all its current directors and 
those persons who were directors for any part 
of 2015 which are qualifying indemnity 
provisions for the purpose of the Companies 
Act 2006.

The directors of BAE Systems Pension Funds 
Trustees Limited, BAE Systems 2000 Pension 
Plan Trustees Limited, BAE Systems Executive 
Pension Scheme Trustees Limited and Alvis 
Pension Scheme Trustees Limited benefit from 
indemnities in the governing documentation 
of the BAE Systems Pension Scheme, the 
BAE Systems 2000 Pension Plan, the 
BAE Systems Executive Pension Scheme and 
the Alvis Pension Scheme, respectively, which 
are qualifying indemnity provisions for the 
purpose of the Companies Act 2006.

All such indemnity provisions are in force as 
at the date of this Directors’ report.

Appointment and replacement of directors
Subject to certain nationality requirements 
mentioned below, the Company may by 
ordinary resolution appoint any person to 
be a director.

The directors also have the power to make 
appointments to the Board at any time. 
Any individual so appointed will hold office 
until the next AGM and shall then be eligible 
for re-election.

The majority of directors holding office must 
be British. Otherwise, the directors who are 
not British shall vacate office in such order 
that those who have been in office for the 
shortest period since their appointment shall 
vacate their office first, unless all of the 
directors otherwise agree among themselves. 
Any director who holds the office of either 
Chairman (in an executive capacity) or Chief 
Executive shall also be British.

The Company must have not less than six 
directors holding office at all times. If the 
number is reduced to below six, then such 
number of persons shall be appointed as 
directors as soon as is reasonably practicable 
to reinstate the number of directors to six. 
The Company may by ordinary resolution 
from time to time vary the minimum number 
of directors.

At each AGM of the Company, any director 
who was elected or last re-elected at or 
before the AGM held in the third calendar 
year before the then current calendar year 
must retire by rotation and such further 
directors must retire by rotation so that in 
total one-third of the directors retire by 
rotation each year. A retiring director is 
eligible for re-election. It is the Board’s 
intention that all directors will stand for 
election or re-election in 2016 in compliance 
with the UK Corporate Governance Code.

Amendment of the Company’s Articles 
of Association
The Company’s Articles of Association may 
only be amended by a special resolution at a 
general meeting of shareholders. Where class 
rights are varied, such amendments must be 
approved by the members of each class of 
shares separately.

In addition, certain provisions of the Articles 
of Association cannot be amended without 
the consent of the Special Shareholder. These 
provisions include the requirement that no 
foreign person, or foreign persons acting in 
concert, can have more than a 15% voting 
interest in the Company, the requirement that 
the majority of the directors are British, and 
the requirement that the Chief Executive and 
any executive Chairman are British.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
100

Statutory and other information 
continued

Change of control – significant agreements
The following significant agreements contain 
provisions entitling the counterparties to 
exercise termination, alteration or other similar 
rights in the event of a change of control of 
the Company:

–  The Group has entered into a £2bn 

Revolving Credit Facility dated 12 December 
2013 which provides that, in the event of 
a change of control of the Company, the 
lenders are entitled to renegotiate terms, 
or if no agreement is reached on negotiated 
terms within a certain period, to call for the 
repayment or cancellation of the facility. 
The Revolving Credit Facility was undrawn 
as at 31 December 2015. 

–  The Company has entered into a Restated 
and Amended Shareholders Agreement 
with European Aeronautic Defence and 
Space Company EADS N.V. (EADS) and 
Finmeccanica S.p.A. (Finmeccanica) relating 
to MBDA S.A.S. dated 18 December 2001 
(as amended). In the event that control of 
the Company passes to certain specified 
third-party acquirors, the agreement allows 
EADS and Finmeccanica to exercise an 
option to terminate certain executive 
management level nomination and voting 
rights, and certain shareholder information 
rights of the Company in relation to the 
MBDA joint venture. Following the exercise 
of this option, the Company would have 
the right to require the other shareholders 
to purchase its interest in MBDA at fair 
market value.

The Company and EADS have agreed 
that if Finmeccanica acquires a controlling 
interest in the Company, EADS will increase 
its shareholding in MBDA to 50% by 
purchasing the appropriate number of 
shares in MBDA at fair market value.

–  The Company, BAE Systems, Inc., 

BAE Systems (Holdings) Limited and 
BAE Systems Holdings Inc. entered into 
a Special Security Agreement dated 
23 October 2015 with the US Department 
of Defense regarding the management 
of BAE Systems, Inc. in order to comply 
with the US government’s national security 
requirements. In the event of a change 
of control of the Company, the Agreement 
may be terminated or altered by the US 
Department of Defense.

–  In July 2009, BVT Surface Fleet Limited 

–  In August 2008, BAE Systems Land 

(now BAE Systems Surface Ships Limited) 
and the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) 
entered into a definitive Terms of Business 
Agreement (ToBA) which sets out a 15-year 
partnering arrangement, including lead roles 
for the BVT business on defined surface 
shipbuilding and support programmes. 
Where the MoD considers that a proposed 
change of control of BAE Systems Surface 
Ships Limited would be contrary to the 
defence, national security or national 
interest of the UK, then the change of 
control shall not proceed until agreement 
with the MoD is established. In the event 
that there is a change of control of 
BAE Systems Surface Ships Limited 
notwithstanding the objection of the MoD 
on such grounds, the MoD shall be entitled 
to terminate the ToBA immediately without 
compensation or termination charges.

On 30 September 2014, BAE Systems 
Surface Ships Limited and the MoD entered 
into an agreement which sets out terms for 
the progressive suspension, amendment and 
termination of the ToBA through the entering 
into of other contracts, such as the Maritime 
Support Delivery Framework (MSDF) 
agreement (see below) which triggered the 
deletion of elements of the ToBA relating to 
surface ship support. The current scope of 
the ToBA has, therefore, been reduced to 
focus on surface shipbuilding and the MoD 
retains its right to terminate the ToBA if 
there is a change of control notwithstanding 
the objection of the MoD.

–  The MSDF agreement between BAE Systems 
Surface Ships Limited and the MoD became 
effective on 1 October 2014 and establishes 
a framework until March 2019 for the 
provision of surface ship support work 
and services relating to HM Naval Base 
Portsmouth. Where the MoD considers 
that a proposed change of control of 
BAE Systems Surface Ships Limited would 
be contrary to the defence, national security 
or national interest of the UK, then the 
change of control shall not proceed until 
agreement with the MoD is established. 
If there is a change of control without 
notice or notwithstanding the objection 
of the MoD, the MoD shall be entitled 
to terminate the MSDF.

Systems (Munitions & Ordnance) Limited 
(now BAE Systems Global Combat Systems 
Munitions Limited) and the MoD entered 
into a 15-year partnering agreement for 
the provision of ammunition to UK Forces 
(the Munitions Acquisition Supply Solution 
(MASS) partnering agreement). Where 
the MoD considers that a proposed change 
of control of BAE Systems Global Combat 
Systems Munitions Limited would be 
contrary to the defence, national security 
or national interest of the UK, then the 
change of control shall not proceed until 
agreement with the MoD is established. 
In the event that there is a change of control 
of BAE Systems Global Combat Systems 
Munitions Limited, notwithstanding the 
objection of the MoD on such grounds, 
the MoD may, having followed the dispute 
resolution process, terminate the MASS 
agreement for default.

–  In November 2012, BAE Systems Marine 
Limited entered into a contract with the 
MoD for the design, construction, testing 
and commissioning of Boat 4 of the Astute 
Class programme. In November 2015, 
BAE Systems Marine Limited entered into 
a contract with the MoD for the design, 
construction, testing and commissioning of 
Boat 5 of the Astute Class programme. 
Where the MoD considers that a proposed 
change of control of BAE Systems Marine 
Limited would be contrary to the defence, 
national security or national interest of the 
UK, then the change of control shall not 
proceed until agreement is established with 
the MoD. In the event that there is a change 
of control of BAE Systems Marine Limited, 
notwithstanding the objection of the MoD 
on such grounds, the MoD shall be entitled 
to terminate the agreements immediately.

In addition, the Company’s share plans 
contain provisions as a result of which options 
and awards may vest and become exercisable 
on a change of control of the Company in 
accordance with the rules of the plans.

Auditors
KPMG LLP have indicated their willingness 
to be re-appointed as the auditors for the 
Company and a resolution proposing their 
re-appointment will be put to the AGM. 

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

101

Statement of directors’ responsibilities 
in respect of the Annual Report and 
financial statements
The directors are responsible for preparing 
the Annual Report, and the Group and parent 
company financial statements in accordance 
with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the directors to 
prepare Group and parent company financial 
statements for each financial year. Under 
that law they are required to prepare the 
Group financial statements in accordance 
with International Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the EU and 
applicable law, and have elected to prepare 
the parent company financial statements in 
accordance with UK accounting standards 
and applicable law (UK Generally Accepted 
Accounting Practice), including Financial 
Reporting Standard (FRS) 101, Reduced 
Disclosure Framework.

Under company law the directors must not 
approve the financial statements unless they 
are satisfied that they give a true and fair view 
of the state of affairs of the Group and parent 
company, and of their profit or loss for that 
period. In preparing each of the Group and 
parent company financial statements, the 
directors are required to:

–  select suitable accounting policies and 

then apply them consistently;

–  make judgements and estimates that 

are reasonable and prudent;

–  for the Group financial statements, 

state whether they have been prepared 
in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by 
the EU;

–  for the parent company financial 

statements, state whether applicable UK 
accounting standards have been followed, 
subject to any material departures disclosed 
and explained in the parent company 
financial statements; and

–  prepare the financial statements on the 

going concern basis unless it is inappropriate 
to presume that the Group and the parent 
company will continue in business.

The directors are responsible for keeping 
adequate accounting records that are 
sufficient to show and explain the parent 
company’s transactions, and disclose with 
reasonable accuracy at any time the 
financial position of the parent company 
and enable them to ensure that its financial 
statements comply with the Companies 
Act 2006. They have general responsibility 
for taking such steps as are reasonably 
open to them to safeguard the assets of 
the Group, and to prevent and detect fraud 
and other irregularities.

Under applicable law and regulations, the 
directors are also responsible for preparing a 
strategic report, directors’ report, directors’ 
remuneration report and corporate 
governance statement that comply with 
that law and those regulations.

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

Statement of disclosure of information 
to auditors
The directors who held office at the date 
of approval of this Directors’ report confirm 
that, so far as they are each aware, there is 
no relevant audit information of which the 
Company’s auditors are unaware; and each 
director has taken all the steps that he/she 
ought to have taken to make himself/herself 
aware of any relevant audit information and 
to establish that the Company’s auditors are 
aware of that information.

On behalf of the Board

David Parkes
Company Secretary 
17 February 2016

Responsibility statement of the 
directors in respect of the Annual 
Report and financial statements
Each of the directors listed below confirms 
that to the best of their knowledge:

–  the financial statements, prepared in 
accordance with the applicable set of 
accounting standards, 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; and

–  the Strategic report and Directors’ report, 
taken together, include 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 they face.

In addition, each of the directors considers that 
the Annual Report, taken as a whole, is fair, 
balanced and understandable, and provides 
the information necessary for shareholders 
to assess the Company’s position and 
performance, business model and strategy.

Sir Roger Carr

Chairman

Ian King

Jerry DeMuro

Chief Executive

President and Chief 
Executive Officer of 
BAE Systems, Inc.

Peter Lynas

Group Finance Director

Elizabeth Corley

Non-executive director

Harriet Green

Non-executive director

Chris Grigg

Non-executive director

Paula Rosput Reynolds

Non-executive director

Nick Rose

Ian Tyler

Non-executive director

Non-executive director

On behalf of the Board

Sir Roger Carr
Chairman 
17 February 2016

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
102
Independent Auditor’s report
to the members of BAE Systems plc only

Opinions and conclusions arising 
from our audit
1. Our opinion on the financial 
statements is unmodified 
We have audited the financial statements 
of BAE Systems plc for the year ended 
31 December 2015 set out on pages 106 
to 175.
In our opinion: 
–  the financial statements give a true and fair 
view of the state of the Group’s and of the 
parent company’s affairs as at 31 December 
2015 and of the Group’s profit for the year 
then ended; 

–  the Group financial statements have been 
properly prepared in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards 
as adopted by the European Union; 

–  the parent company financial statements 

have been properly prepared in accordance 
with UK accounting standards, including 
FRS 101, Reduced Disclosure Framework; and
–  the financial statements have been prepared 
in accordance with the requirements of the 
Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the 
Group financial statements, Article 4 of the 
IAS Regulation. 

2. Our assessment of risks of material 
misstatement
In arriving at our audit opinion above on the 
financial statements, the risks of material 
misstatement that had the greatest effect on 
our audit were as follows:

Recognition of revenues and profits 
on long-term contracts
Refer to page 66 (Audit Committee report) and pages 
112 to 115 (accounting policy and financial disclosures)

Audit risk
A significant proportion of the Group’s 
revenues and profits are derived from 
long-term contracts. 

These contracts include complex technical and 
commercial risks and often specify performance 
milestones to be achieved throughout the 
contract period, which can last many years. 
The estimates and assumptions are subject 
to a high degree of uncertainty, in particular 
those being made to: 
–  assess the proportion of revenues to 

recognise in line with contract completion;
–  forecast the outturn profit margin on each 

contract incorporating appropriate 
allowances for technical and commercial 
risks related to performance milestones yet 
to be achieved; and

–  appropriately identify, value and provide for 

loss-making contracts. 

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

The directors have detailed procedures and 
processes, called Lifecycle Management (LCM), 
in place to manage the commercial, technical 
and financial aspects of long-term contracts. 
The LCM process includes the regular 
preparation of a Contract Status Report (CSR), 
which includes key accounting and forecast 
information for the relevant contract.

The risk of material misstatement is that 
the accounting for the Group’s significant 
contracts does not accurately reflect the 
progress made and status of the relevant 
contract at the reporting date. 

The contracts requiring the highest degree 
of judgement that occupied a significant 
proportion of the audit effort included:
–  Astute Class submarines;
–  European Typhoon;
–  Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers;
–  Saudi British Defence Co-operation 

Programme;

–  Saudi Typhoon; and
–  US commercial shipbuilding contracts.

Procedures to address these audit risks 
included those listed below
We considered the design and tested the 
effective operation of key controls within the 
LCM process and supporting contract-related 
balances, including:
–  transactional controls that underpin the 

production of long-term contract-related 
balances including cost information on 
contracts, such as the purchase-to-pay 
cycle and payroll controls;

–  programme-level controls, such as periodic 
peer reviews performed by experienced 
employees independent to the contract 
at pre-determined stages of the contract 
lifecycle; and

–  higher-level controls, such as monthly 

contract review meetings, quarterly business 
unit review meetings and Group-level review 
meetings, covering contracts in the scope 
of the LCM framework.

For significant contracts (including those listed 
in our audit risk description), determined on 
the basis of the current and future technical or 
commercial complexity, financial significance 
and any forecast to be in significant loss-making 
positions, we also: 
–  obtained an understanding of the 

performance and status of the contract 
through discussion with contract project 
teams, Group and business unit directors, 
as well as through attendance at project 
teams’ contract review meetings;

–  challenged the Group’s positions through 
the examination of externally available 
evidence, such as customer correspondence 
and, in the case of one significant 

programme, met the customer directly to 
further corroborate the status of contracts;

–  verified the consistency of information 
presented in the year-end CSRs to 
underlying ledgers, as well as other financial 
information received and knowledge gained 
through the above procedures; and

–  used our cumulative knowledge of contract 
issues to challenge the appropriateness of 
the contract positions reflected in the 
financial statements at the year end, 
including the assessment of margin traded 
on contracts based on milestones achieved 
and allowances made for risks. 

Carrying value of US goodwill (£7.4bn)
Refer to page 66 (Audit Committee report) and pages 
123 to 125 (accounting policy and financial disclosures)

Audit risk
The uncertainty over future US defence 
spending as a whole has reduced since 2014, 
although the allocation of the budget between 
BAE Systems and competitors remains 
uncertain. This places continued importance 
on the US business to secure export contracts. 
Both of these factors contribute to the risk 
that the goodwill allocated to the Group’s 
US Cash-Generating Units (CGU) will not 
be recoverable. 

The Group’s annual goodwill impairment 
testing is based on the five-year Integrated 
Business Plan forecasts. Due to the inherent 
uncertainty involved in forecasting and 
discounting future cash flows, which are the 
basis of the assessment of recoverability, this 
is one of the key judgemental areas that our 
audit is concentrated on. Furthermore, changes 
in the Group’s operating and management 
structure that have taken place over the past 
two years have affected the assessment of 
CGUs and the related allocation of goodwill. 

The Group’s 2015 testing identified an 
impairment charge of £75m, recognised against 
the US CGUs (2014 £87m impairment charge).

Given the uncertainty associated with the 
valuation of the recoverable amounts, 
transparent disclosures and clarity of 
sensitivities to key assumptions are critical 
to help inform readers how the directors 
have made their assessment. 

Procedures to address these audit risks 
included those listed below
In respect of the assessment of CGUs: We 
challenged the directors’ assessment of CGUs 
with reference to accounting standards and 
considered the operating and management 
structure changes with reference to our 
understanding of the business. We also 
critically assessed whether the allocation 
of goodwill to those CGUs was done on 
a consistent and reasonable basis.

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

103

In respect of the cash flows: We considered 
the Group’s procedures used to develop the 
forecasts and the principles and integrity of 
the Group’s discounted cash flow model. To 
challenge the reasonableness of those cash 
flows, we assessed the historical accuracy of 
the Group’s forecasting and considered the 
forecasts with reference to publicly available 
information, such as future defence expenditure. 
In respect of the discount rate: We compared 
the Group’s assumptions to externally-derived 
data (for example, bond yields and inflation 
statistics) where appropriate. We conducted 
our own assessments to challenge other key 
inputs, such as projected economic growth 
and gearing leverage. We also used our own 
valuation specialists in assessing the overall 
discount rates used.
In respect of CGU recoverable amounts: In 
one instance, we compared the valuation of 
a CGU to externally available information. 
As an additional sense check to challenge the 
recoverable value of goodwill as a whole, we 
compared the sum of discounted cash flows 
to the Group’s market capitalisation.
In respect of the sensitivity of the goodwill 
valuation to the key assumptions: We have used 
our own analytical tool to run scenario-specific 
models including changes to the discount rate 
and forecast cash flows as well as break-even 
analyses to stress-test the valuations of the 
CGUs’ recoverable amounts.
In respect of the disclosures: We assessed 
whether the Group’s disclosures about the 
sensitivities to changes in key assumptions 
reflected the risks inherent in the valuation 
of goodwill as well as our knowledge of 
the business.

Retirement benefit obligations (£4.7bn)
Refer to page 66 (Audit Committee report) and pages 
139 to 148 (accounting policy and financial disclosures)

Audit risk
The Group’s share of the pension schemes’ 
net deficit was £4.7bn after allocating £1.1bn 
to equity accounted investments and other 
participating employers.

Previously, all allocations to participating 
employers were based on the relative payroll 
contributions of active members. 

In 2015, BAE Systems and Airbus, the largest 
of the other participating employers, worked 
towards a sectionalisation of the BAE Systems 
Pension Scheme. On this basis, they have 
changed the method in respect of the allocation 
of the scheme assets and liabilities to Airbus.

There is a risk that the method does not 
accurately reflect the obligations of the two 
employers or that the resulting estimate may 
have been calculated incorrectly. 

All other multi-employer allocations continue 
to be based on the previous method. 

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Given the size of the schemes, small changes 
in assumptions and estimates used to value 
the Group’s retirement benefit obligations 
have a significant impact on the Group’s 
share of the retirement benefit obligations.

Procedures to address these audit risks 
included those listed below
In respect of the change in allocation method: 
We considered whether the updated method 
provides a more appropriate allocation of the 
deficit by challenging the key assumptions in 
the context of what we know about the 
business and member profile. 

We assessed whether the allocation had been 
performed in line with this method, including:

–  checking the allocation of a sample of 
members through to underlying data;

–  using our actuarial specialists to roll forward 
the asset valuations from 31 March 2014, 
the point at which the split of the assets has 
been based, to the period end; and

–  agreeing to correspondence between the 

two parties.

In respect of the multi-employer allocations: 
For all other allocations, we considered 
whether the methodology used, to allocate 
a proportion of the Group’s retirement 
benefit obligations to the equity accounted 
investments and other participating employers, 
was appropriate. We assessed this estimate 
with reference to agreements between the 
Group and the equity accounted investments 
and other participating employers, which 
we examined. 

In respect of the deficit valuation: We 
challenged the key assumptions supporting 
the Group’s retirement benefit obligations 
valuation, with input from our own actuarial 
specialists. This included a comparison of the 
discount rate, inflation and life expectancy 
assumptions used against externally-derived 
data. In order to sense check the reasonableness 
of these assumptions, we performed a 
benchmarking exercise against comparator 
companies’ assumptions. 

In respect of the disclosures: We considered 
the adequacy of the Group’s disclosures in 
respect of the key assumptions, including the 
sensitivity of the deficit to changes and in 
respect of the change in methodology of the 
allocation between participating employers.

Tax accruals (£353m)
Refer to page 66 (Audit Committee report) and pages 107 
and 119 to 121 (accounting policy and financial disclosures)

Audit risk
Accruals for tax contingencies require the 
directors to make judgements and estimates 
in relation to tax risks. This is one of the key 
judgemental areas that our audit is concentrated 
on due to the Group operating in a number 

of tax jurisdictions and the complexities of 
local and international tax legislation. 

The tax matters are at various stages, from 
preliminary discussions with tax authorities 
through to tax tribunal or court proceedings 
where the matters can take many years to 
resolve. The risk to the financial statements is 
that the eventual resolution of a matter with 
tax authorities is at an amount materially 
different to the estimated accrual.

Procedures to address these audit risks 
included those listed below
Together with our own tax specialists, we 
considered any large or unusual items affecting 
the effective tax rate and whether or not any 
current year items would indicate a requirement 
for further accruals. 

In considering the judgements and estimates 
of tax accruals, we used our own international 
and local tax specialists to assess the Group’s 
tax positions. This included the assessment 
of its correspondence with the relevant tax 
authorities, the Company’s external tax 
advisers and third parties. We also used our 
knowledge and experience of the application 
of the international and local legislation by 
the relevant authorities and courts in order to 
challenge the positions taken by the directors. 
In support of these discussions, we separately 
met with certain key external tax advisers of 
the Company.

We also analysed and challenged the 
assumptions used to determine the tax accruals 
and tested the accuracy of calculations. 

We have also considered the adequacy of the 
Group’s tax disclosures.

3. Our application of materiality and 
an overview of the scope of our audit
The materiality for the Group financial 
statements as a whole was set at £55m 
(2014 £80m), determined with reference to 
a benchmark of Group profit before tax from 
continuing operations (normalised to remove 
the effects of goodwill impairments), of which 
it represents 4.7%, reflecting industry 
consensus levels (2014 7.6%).

We reported to the Audit Committee 
any corrected or uncorrected identified 
misstatements exceeding £2.75m for income 
statement items, in addition to other identified 
misstatements that warranted reporting on 
qualitative grounds.

Of the Group’s 41 reporting components, 
we subjected 11 to audits for group reporting 
purposes and 11 to specified risk-focused audit 
procedures. The latter were not individually 
financially significant enough to require an 
audit for group reporting purposes, but did 
present specific individual risks that needed 
to be addressed.

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
104

Independent Auditor’s report 
continued

The components within the scope of our work accounted for the following percentages 
of the Group’s results:

Number of 
 components

Group 
revenue 
%

Group 
profit  
before tax 
%

11

11

22

68

24

92

75

14

89

Group 
total  
assets 
%

82

11

93

Audits for Group reporting purposes1

Specified risk-focused audit procedures2

Total

1. In the UK, US, Saudi Arabia and Australia.
2. In the UK, US and Saudi Arabia.

For the remaining components, we performed 
analysis at an aggregated level to re-examine 
our preliminary assessment that there were 
unlikely to be any significant risks of material 
misstatement within them. 

The Group audit team instructed component 
auditors as to the significant areas to be 
covered, including the relevant risks detailed 
above and the information to be reported 
back. The Group audit team approved the 
component materiality levels, which ranged 
from £3m to £33m, having regard to the 
mix of size and risk profile of the Group across 
the components. The work on 20 of the 22 
components was performed by component 
auditors and the rest by the Group audit team.

The Group audit team held a global audit 
conference in 2014, where all significant 
components came together in London to 
consider the audit risk and strategy. Similar 
planning days took place in 2015 with the 
most significant component teams from the 
UK, US and Saudi Arabia. In addition, the 
Group audit team visited component teams 
in the UK, US, Saudi Arabia and Australia to 
assess the audit risk and strategy, discuss and 
moderate the results of controls testing and 
discuss preliminary findings of audit procedures. 
Video and telephone conference meetings 
were also held with these component auditors 
and any others that were not physically visited. 
At these visits and meetings, the findings 
reported to the Group audit team were 
discussed in more detail, and any further work 
required by the Group audit team was then 
performed by the component auditor. 

4. Our opinion on other matters prescribed 
by the Companies Act 2006 is unmodified
In our opinion: 
–  the part of the Annual remuneration 

report to be audited has been properly 
prepared in accordance with the 
Companies Act 2006; and 

–  the information given in the Strategic 

report and the Directors’ report for the 
financial year for which the financial 
statements are prepared is consistent 
with the financial statements. 

Based solely on the work required to be 
undertaken in the course of the audit of the 
financial statements and from reading the 
Strategic report and the Directors’ report:
–  we have not identified material 

misstatements in those reports; and 
–  in our opinion, those reports have been 

prepared in accordance with the Companies 
Act 2006.

5. We have nothing to report on the 
disclosures of principal risks 
Based on the knowledge we acquired during 
our audit, we have nothing material to add or 
draw attention to in relation to: 
–  the directors’ risk management, internal 

control and viability assessment on pages 
63 to 64 concerning the principal risks, 
their management and, based on that, 
the directors’ assessment and expectations 
of the Group continuing in operation over 
the five years to 2020; or

–  the disclosures in the Preparation section of 
the financial statements concerning the use 
of the going concern basis of accounting.

6. We have nothing to report in respect 
of the matters on which we are required 
to report by exception 
Under International Standards on Auditing 
(UK and Ireland), we are required to report to 
you if, based on the knowledge we acquired 
during our audit, we have identified other 
information in the Annual Report that contains 
a material inconsistency with either that 
knowledge or the financial statements, a 
material misstatement of fact, or that is 
otherwise misleading. 

In particular, we are required to report to you if: 
–  we have identified material inconsistencies 

between the knowledge we acquired during 
our audit and the directors’ statement that 
they consider that the Annual Report and 
financial statements taken as a whole is fair, 
balanced and understandable, and provides 
the information necessary for shareholders to 
assess the Group’s position and performance, 
business model and strategy; or

–  the Audit Committee report does not 

appropriately address matters communicated 
by us to the Audit Committee.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Under the Companies Act 2006, we are 
required to report to you if, in our opinion:
–  adequate accounting records have not been 

kept by the parent company, or returns 
adequate for our audit have not been received 
from branches not visited by us; or 

–  the parent company financial statements 
and the part of the Annual remuneration 
report to be audited are not in agreement 
with the accounting records and returns; or 
–  certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration 

specified by law are not made; or 

–  we have not received all the information and 

explanations we require for our audit. 

Under the Listing Rules, we are required to 
review: 
–  the directors’ statement, set out on page 

64, in relation to going concern and 
longer-term viability; and 

–  the part of the Directors’ report section 

relating to the Company’s compliance with 
the 11 provisions of the 2014 UK Corporate 
Governance Code specified for our review. 

We have nothing to report in respect of the 
above responsibilities.

Scope of report and responsibilities
As explained more fully in the directors’ 
responsibilities statement set out on page 101, 
the directors are responsible for the preparation 
of the financial statements and for being 
satisfied that they give a true and fair view. 
A description of the scope of an audit of 
financial statements is provided on the 
Financial Reporting Council’s website at 
www.frc.org.uk/auditscopeukprivate. 
This report is made solely to the Company’s 
members as a body and is subject to important 
explanations and disclaimers regarding our 
responsibilities, published on our website at 
www.kpmg.com/uk/auditscopeukco2014a, 
which are incorporated into this report as if 
set out in full and should be read to provide 
an understanding of the purpose of this 
report, the work we have undertaken and 
the basis of our opinions.

Ian Starkey
Senior Statutory Auditor

For and on behalf of 
KPMG LLP 
Statutory Auditor

Chartered Accountants 
15 Canada Square 
London, E14 5GL 
17 February 2016

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

105

Company accounts

Company statement of  
comprehensive income 

Company statement  
of changes in equity 

Company balance sheet 

Notes to the Company accounts 

166

166

167

168

Financial 
statements

Group accounts

Preparation 

Consolidated income statement 

Consolidated statement  
of comprehensive income 

Consolidated statement  
of changes in equity 

Consolidated balance sheet 

Consolidated cash flow statement 

1.   Segmental analysis 

2.   Operating costs 

3.   Employees 

4.   Other income 

5.   Finance costs 

6.   Taxation expense 

7.   Earnings per share 

8.   Intangible assets 

9.   Property, plant and equipment 

10. Investment property 

11. Equity accounted investments 

12. Trade and other receivables 

13. Other financial assets and liabilities 

Group accounting policies
Accounting policies are included within 
the relevant note to the Group accounts.

106

108

109

109

110

111

112

116

117

117

118

119

122

123

126

129

130

132

133

14. Deferred tax 

15. Inventories 

16. Cash and cash equivalents 

17. Geographical analysis of assets 

18. Loans and overdrafts 

19. Trade and other payables 

20. Retirement benefit obligations 

21. Provisions 

22. Share capital and other reserves 

23. Cash flow analysis 

24.  Net (debt)/cash  

(as defined by the Group) 

25.  Acquisition and disposal  

of subsidiaries 

26. Fair value measurement 

27. Financial risk management 

28. Share-based payments 

29. Related party transactions 

30.  Contingent liabilities  
and commitments 

31.  Information about 

related undertakings 

134

136

136

136

137

138

139

149

150

152

153

154

155

156

158

160

161

162

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
106

Group accounts

Preparation

Basis of preparation
The consolidated financial statements of BAE Systems plc have been prepared on a going concern basis, as discussed in the Corporate governance 
report on page 64, and in accordance with EU-endorsed International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the Companies Act 2006 
applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. 

The consolidated financial statements are presented in pounds sterling and, unless stated otherwise, rounded to the nearest million. They have 
been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of available-for-sale financial assets, and other relevant 
financial assets and financial liabilities (including derivative instruments). 

Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rates ruling at the dates of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities 
denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the exchange rates ruling at the balance sheet date. These exchange differences are 
recognised in the income statement.

Significant accounting policies
The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are set out in the relevant notes. These 
policies have been applied consistently to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated. The directors believe that the consolidated financial 
statements reflect appropriate judgements and estimates, and provide a true and fair view of the Group’s financial performance and position.

Certain of the Group’s significant accounting policies are considered by the directors to be critical because of the level of complexity, judgement 
or estimation involved in their application and their impact on the consolidated financial statements. The critical accounting policies are listed 
below and explained in more detail in the relevant notes to the Group accounts: 

Notes

1

8

20

Critical accounting policy

Description

Revenue and profit recognition
– The recognition of revenue and profit 

on long-term contracts.

Carrying value of intangible assets
– The valuation of acquired intangible 

assets; and

– the determination of assumptions 

underpinning goodwill impairment  
testing.

Valuation of retirement benefit obligations
– The determination of assumptions 

underpinning the valuation of retirement 
benefit obligations for defined benefit 
pension schemes; and

– the determination of the share of the 

pension deficit allocated to the Group’s 
equity accounted investments and other 
participating employers.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

The majority of long-term contracts are accounted for under IAS 11, Construction 
Contracts. Revenue on long-term contracts is recognised when performance 
milestones have been completed. 
The ultimate profitability of long-term contracts is estimated based on estimates of 
revenue and costs, including allowances for technical and other risks, which are reliant 
on the knowledge and experience of the Group’s project managers, engineers, and 
finance and commercial professionals. Material changes in these estimates could affect 
the profitability of individual contracts.
Revenue and cost estimates are reviewed and updated at least quarterly, and more 
frequently as determined by events or circumstances.
Profit is recognised progressively as risks have been mitigated or retired.

Acquired intangible assets, excluding goodwill, are valued in line with internationally 
used models, which require the use of estimates that may differ from actual outcomes. 
These assets are amortised over their estimated useful lives. Future results are impacted 
by the amortisation periods adopted and, potentially, any differences between 
estimated and actual circumstances related to individual intangible assets.
Goodwill is not amortised, but is tested annually for impairment and carried at cost 
less accumulated impairment losses. For the purposes of impairment testing, goodwill 
is allocated to Cash-Generating Units on a consistent basis. The impairment review 
calculations require the use of estimates related to the future profitability and 
cash-generating ability of the acquired businesses and the pre-tax discount rate 
used in discounting these projected cash flows.

Pension scheme accounting valuations are prepared by independent actuaries. 
For each of the actuarial assumptions used to measure the Group’s pension scheme 
liabilities, there is a range of possible values and management exercises judgement 
in deciding the point within that range that most appropriately reflects the Group’s 
circumstances. Small changes in these assumptions can have a significant impact on 
the size of the deficit.
With the exception of the allocation of the BAE Systems Pension Scheme (Main 
Scheme) deficit to Airbus, the deficit allocation method for other employers of the 
Main Scheme and for all other schemes is based on the relative payroll contributions 
of active members, which is consistent with prior years and is intended to reflect a 
reasonable approximation of the share of the deficit.
In December 2015, BAE Systems, Airbus and the scheme trustees agreed to work 
towards the creation of a separate Airbus section of the Main Scheme in 2016 with 
the allocation of the deficit to the BAE Systems and Airbus sections based on each 
member’s last employer. This allocation methodology is considered to represent a 
better estimate of the deficit allocation and has been reflected in the allocation of 
the IAS 19 pension deficit in the Main Scheme at 31 December 2015.

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

107

Preparation continued

Tax provisions
In addition to the critical accounting policies, the directors exercise judgement to determine the amount of tax provisions. Provision is made 
for known issues based on interpretation of country-specific legislation and the likely outcome of negotiations or litigation. Included within the 
Consolidated balance sheet as at 31 December 2015 are current tax liabilities of £315m, which comprise a provision of £353m and other tax 
creditors of £35m, offset by a debtor of £73m in respect of research and development expenditure credits. The provision of £353m is in respect 
of known tax issues, of which £287m relates to non-UK jurisdictions. The resolution of tax positions taken by the Group can take a considerable 
period of time to conclude and, in some cases, it is difficult to predict the outcome. The directors believe that adequate provision is made for each 
known tax risk.

Changes in accounting policies
IFRS 9, Financial Instruments, issued in July 2014 with an effective date of 1 January 2018, is not yet EU endorsed. It is not expected to have a 
material impact on the Group.

IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, issued in May 2014 with an effective date of 1 January 2018, is not yet EU endorsed. 
Management is in the process of reviewing the impact that this will have on the Group.

IFRS 16, Leases, issued in January 2016 with an effective date of 1 January 2019, is not yet EU endorsed.

Consolidation
The financial statements of the Group consolidate the results of the Company and its subsidiary entities, and include its share of its joint ventures’ 
results accounted for under the equity method. 

A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the Group. The Group controls a subsidiary when it is exposed, or has the rights, to variable returns from its 
involvement with the subsidiary and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the subsidiary. 

The results of subsidiaries are included in the income statement from the date of acquisition.

Intra-group balances and transactions, and any unrealised income and expenses arising from intra-group transactions, are eliminated in preparing 
the consolidated financial statements.

Joint ventures are accounted for under the equity method where the Consolidated income statement includes the Group’s share of their profits 
and losses, and the Consolidated balance sheet includes its share of their net assets within equity accounted investments. 

The assets and liabilities of overseas subsidiaries and equity accounted investments are translated at the exchange rates ruling at the balance sheet 
date. The income statements of such entities are translated at average rates of exchange during the year. All resulting exchange differences are 
recognised directly in a separate component of equity. 

Translation differences that arose before the transition date to IFRS (1 January 2004) are presented in equity, but not as a separate component. 
When a foreign operation is sold, the cumulative exchange differences recognised in equity since 1 January 2004 are recognised in the income 
statement as part of the profit or loss on sale. 

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
108

Consolidated income statement 
for the year ended 31 December

Continuing operations
Combined sales of Group and share of equity accounted investments
Less: share of sales of equity accounted investments
Revenue
Operating costs
Other income
Group operating profit
Share of results of equity accounted investments

Underlying EBITA1 
Non-recurring items
EBITA
Amortisation of intangible assets
Impairment of intangible assets
Financial income/(expense) of equity accounted investments
Taxation expense of equity accounted investments

Operating profit

Financial income
Financial expense

Finance costs
Profit before taxation
Taxation expense
Profit for the year

Attributable to:

Equity shareholders
Non-controlling interests

Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share

2015

Notes

£m

Total
£m

17,904
(1,117)
16,787
(15,622)
227
1,392
110

2014

£m

Total
£m

16,637
(1,207)
15,430
(14,387)
174
1,217
83

1,683
26
1,709
(108)
(78)
3
(24)

241
(653)

1,702
–
1,702
(184)
(170)
(30)
(18)

1,502

1,300

241
(659)

(412)
1,090
(147)
943

918
25
943

29.0p
28.9p

(418)
882
(130)
752

740
12
752

23.4p
23.3p

1
1
1
2
4

1

1
1

1
1
5

1

5

6

7

1.  Earnings before amortisation and impairment of intangible assets, finance costs and taxation expense (EBITA) excluding non-recurring items.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

109

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 
for the year ended 31 December

Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income
Items that will not be reclassified to the income statement:

Remeasurements on retirement benefit schemes:

Subsidiaries 
Equity accounted investments 

Tax on items that will not be reclassified to the income statement 

6

Items that may be reclassified to the income statement:
Currency translation on foreign currency net investments:

Subsidiaries
Equity accounted investments

Reclassification of cumulative currency translation reserve on disposal 25
Fair value (loss)/gain on available-for-sale financial assets
Amounts credited/(charged) to hedging reserve:

13

Subsidiaries
Equity accounted investments

Tax on items that may be reclassified to the income statement
Total other comprehensive income for the year (net of tax)
Total comprehensive income for the year

6

Attributable to:

Equity shareholders
Non-controlling interests

1.  An analysis of other reserves is provided in note 22.
2.  Restated.

Other 
reserves1
£m
–

2015

Retained
earnings
£m
943

Total
£m
943

Other 
reserves1
£m
–

2014

Retained 
earnings
£m
752

Total
£m
752

Notes

–
–
–

864
21
(261)

260
(45)
20
–

11
(36)
5
215
215

216
(1)
215

–
–
–
(1)

–
–
–
623
1,566

1,541
25
1,566

864
21
(261)

260
(45)
20
(1)

11
(36)
5
838
1,781

1,757
24
1,781

–
–
–

(2,023)
(73)
503

(2,023)
(73)
503

2772
(13)2
–
–

(92)
–
19
191
191

191
–
191

–
–
–
4

2772
(13)2
–
4

–
–
–
(1,589)
(837)

(92)
–
19
(1,398)
(646)

(849)
12
(837)

(658)
12
(646)

Consolidated statement of changes in equity 
for the year ended 31 December

Attributable to equity holders of the parent

Issued
share
capital
£m
87
–
–
–
–
–
–
87

89
–
–
–
(2)
–
87

Share
premium
£m
1,249
–
–
–
–
–
–
1,249

1,249
–
–
–
–
–
1,249

Other 
reserves1
£m
5,061
–
216
–
–
–
–
5,277

4,868 
– 
191 
– 
2 
– 
5,061

Retained 
earnings
£m
(4,555)
918
623
44
1
(655)
–
(3,624)

(2,825)
740
(1,589)
42
(281)
(642)
(4,555)

Non-
controlling
interests
£m
35
25
(1)
–
–
(40)
(6)
13

37
12
–
–
–
(14)
35

Total
£m
1,842
918
839
44
1
(655)
–
2,989

3,381
740
(1,398)
42
(281)
(642)
1,842

Total
equity
£m
1,877
943
838
44
1
(695)
(6)
3,002

3,418
752
(1,398)
42
(281)
(656)
1,877

At 1 January 2015
Profit for the year
Total other comprehensive income for the year 
Share-based payments
Net sale of own shares
Ordinary share dividends
Disposal of non-controlling interest
At 31 December 2015

At 1 January 2014
Profit for the year
Total other comprehensive income for the year 
Share-based payments
Net purchase of own shares
Ordinary share dividends
At 31 December 2014

1.  An analysis of other reserves is provided in note 22.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
110

Consolidated balance sheet 
as at 31 December

Non-current assets
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investment property
Equity accounted investments
Other investments
Other receivables
Retirement benefit surpluses
Other financial assets
Deferred tax assets

Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables including amounts due from customers for contract work
Current tax
Other financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Assets held for sale

Total assets
Non-current liabilities
Loans
Other payables
Retirement benefit obligations
Other financial liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Provisions

Current liabilities
Loans and overdrafts
Trade and other payables
Other financial liabilities
Current tax
Provisions
Liabilities held for sale

Total liabilities
Net assets

Capital and reserves
Issued share capital
Share premium
Other reserves
Retained earnings – deficit
Total equity attributable to equity holders of the parent
Non-controlling interests
Total equity

Approved by the Board on 17 February 2016 and signed on its behalf by:

I G King 
Chief Executive 

P J Lynas 
Group Finance Director

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Notes

2015 
£m

2014 
£m

8
9
10
11

12
20
13
14

15
12

13
16

17

18
19
20
13
14
21

18
19
13

21

22

22

10,117
1,698
120
250
6
275
193
107
985
13,751

726
2,940
4
105
2,537
20
6,332
20,083

(3,775)
(1,020)
(4,694)
(72)
(13)
(354)
(9,928)

(237)
(6,162)
(130)
(315)
(301)
(8)
(7,153)
(17,081)
3,002

87
1,249
5,277
(3,624)
2,989
13
3,002

9,983
1,589
129
229
7
347
162
38
1,327
13,811

690
2,850
7
46
2,308
76
5,977
19,788

(2,868)
(932)
(5,530)
(79)
(21)
(436)
(9,866)

(482)
(6,670)
(107)
(448)
(315)
(23)
(8,045)
(17,911)
1,877

87
1,249
5,061
(4,555)
1,842
35
1,877

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

Consolidated cash flow statement 
for the year ended 31 December

Profit for the year
Taxation expense 
Research and development expenditure credits
Share of results of equity accounted investments 
Finance costs 
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment
Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Profit on disposal of investment property
Profit on disposal of non-current other investments
Loss on disposal of businesses 
Fair value gain 
Cost of equity-settled employee share schemes
Movements in provisions
Decrease in liabilities for retirement benefit obligations
(Increase)/decrease in working capital:

Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Trade and other payables

Cash inflow from operating activities
Interest paid
Taxation paid
Net cash inflow from operating activities
Dividends received from equity accounted investments 
Interest received
Purchase of property, plant and equipment, and investment property
Purchase of intangible assets
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment, and investment property
Proceeds from sale of non-current other investments
Purchase of subsidiary undertakings 
Cash and cash equivalents acquired from purchase of subsidiary undertakings
Equity accounted investment funding
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary undertakings 
Cash and cash equivalents disposed of with subsidiary undertakings
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from investing activities
Net sale/(purchase) of own shares 
Equity dividends paid
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
Cash inflow from matured derivative financial instruments
Cash inflow from movement in cash collateral
Cash inflow from loans
Cash outflow from repayment of loans
Net cash outflow from financing activities
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December
Comprising: 

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents (included within assets held for sale) 
Overdrafts

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

111

2014 
£m
752
130
–
(83)
418
657
(20)
(12)
–
–
(47)
42
(153)
(345)

(1)
197
(622)
913
(152)
(92)
669
63
7
(263)
(59)
539
–
(233)
3
(2)
–
–
55
(281)
(642)
(14)
8
10
679
(398)
(638)
86
2,222
5
2,313

2,308
6
(1)
2,313

2015 
£m
943
147
(65)
(110)
412
460
(28)
(41)
(1)
24
–
44
(139)
(234)

(6)
60
(542)
924
(180)
(116)
628
41
7
(359)
(54)
136
1
(5)
–
(8)
34
(13)
(220)
1
(655)
(40)
12
3
1,625
(1,135)
(189)
219
2,313
5
2,537

2,537
–
–
2,537

Notes

6

1
5
2
2,4
2,4

2
4

11

23
23
11
23
23

22

16

18

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
112

Notes to the Group accounts

1. Segmental analysis

Revenue and profit recognition
Sales include the Group’s share of sales of equity accounted investments. Revenue represents sales made by the Company and its subsidiary 
undertakings, excluding the Group’s share of sales of equity accounted investments.

Long-term contracts
The majority of the Group’s long-term contract arrangements are accounted for under IAS 11, Construction Contracts. Sales are recognised 
when the Group has obtained the right to consideration in exchange for its performance. This is usually when title passes or a separately 
identifiable phase (milestone) of a contract or development has been completed.

No profit is recognised on contracts until the outcome of the contract can be reliably estimated. Profit is calculated by reference to reliable 
estimates of contract revenue and forecast costs after making suitable allowances for technical and other risks related to performance 
milestones yet to be achieved. Profit is recognised progressively as risks have been mitigated or retired. 

When it is probable that total contract costs will exceed total contract revenue, the expected loss is recognised immediately as an expense.

Goods sold and services rendered
Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, net of returns, rebates and other similar allowances. 

Revenue from the sale of goods not under a long-term contract is recognised in the income statement when the significant risks and rewards 
of ownership have been transferred to the buyer, recovery of the consideration is probable, there is no continuing management involvement 
with the goods, and the amount of revenue and costs can be measured reliably. Profit is recognised at the time of sale.

Revenue from the provision of services not under a long-term contract is recognised in the income statement in proportion to the stage of 
completion of the contract at the reporting date. The stage of completion is measured on the basis of direct expenses incurred as a percentage 
of total expenses to be incurred for material contracts and labour hours delivered as a percentage of total labour hours to be delivered for 
time contracts.

Sales and profits on intercompany trading are determined on an arm’s length basis.

Research and development
The Group undertakes research and development activities either on its own behalf or on behalf of customers. 

Where the research and development activity is performed on behalf of customers, the revenue arising is recognised in the income statement 
in accordance with the Group’s revenue recognition policy.

Key Performance Indicator – Underlying EBITA
Management uses an underlying profit measure to monitor the year-on-year profitability of the Group, which is defined as earnings before 
amortisation and impairment of intangible assets, finance costs and taxation expense (EBITA) excluding non-recurring items (defined as items 
that are relevant to an understanding of the Group’s performance with reference to their materiality and nature). This definition is referred to 
as underlying EBITA. Underlying EBITA is the measure of profit on which segmental performance is monitored by management. As such, 
underlying EBITA is disclosed on page 115 on a segmental basis and reconciled to the reporting segment result and operating profit in the 
consolidated financial statements.

Non-recurring items
In 2015, the Group completed the sale of its 75% holding in BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa (Pty) Limited, resulting in a loss on disposal 
of businesses of £24m. 

In 2013, UK legislation changed so that UK government credits for research and development spend are now accounted for as part of operating 
profit rather than as part of taxation expense. This treatment was optional for the first three years. During 2015, the Group exercised that option, 
effective from 2013, and has reflected this change in the 2015 accounts. The credits relating to 2013 and 2014, totalling £50m, are included in 
non-recurring items in 2015.

In 2014, there were two equal and opposite non-recurring items, a fair value gain (see note 4) and an impairment loss (see note 9). 

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113

1. Segmental analysis continued

Reporting segments
The Group has six reporting segments which align with the Group’s strategic direction: 

–  Electronic Systems comprises the US and UK-based electronics activities, including electronic warfare systems, electro-optical sensors, military 

and commercial digital engine and flight controls, next-generation military communications systems and data links, persistent surveillance 
capabilities, and hybrid electric drive systems; 

–  Cyber & Intelligence comprises the US-based Intelligence & Security business and UK-headquartered Applied Intelligence business, and covers 

the Group’s cyber security, secure government, and commercial and financial security activities;

–  Platforms & Services (US) comprises operations in the US, UK and Sweden, and produces combat vehicles, weapons and munitions, and 
delivers US-based services and sustainment activities, including ship repair and the management of government-owned munitions facilities;

– Platforms & Services (UK) comprises the Group’s UK-based air, maritime, combat vehicle, munitions and shared services activities;

–  Platforms & Services (International) comprises the Group’s businesses in Saudi Arabia, Australia and Oman, together with its 37.5% interest 

in the pan-European MBDA joint venture; and

– HQ comprises the Group’s head office activities, together with a 49% interest in Air Astana. 

Management monitors the results of these reporting segments to assess performance and make decisions about the allocation of resources. 
Segmental performance is evaluated based on combined sales of the Group and its share of sales of equity accounted investments, and 
underlying EBITA. Finance costs and taxation expense are managed on a Group basis. 

Following a restructuring of its US operations in 2014 to improve competitiveness, including reduced management and administrative overhead, 
the Integrated Electronics & Warfare Systems activities previously included in Platforms & Services (US) are, from 1 January 2015, reported within 
Cyber & Intelligence. Comparatives for 2014 have been re-presented accordingly.

Sales and revenue by reporting segment

Combined sales of 
Group and share of equity 
accounted investments

Less:  
sales by equity  
accounted investments

Add:  
sales to equity  
accounted investments

Revenue

Electronic Systems
Cyber & Intelligence
Platforms & Services (US)
Platforms & Services (UK)
Platforms & Services (International)
HQ 

Intra-group sales/revenue

Electronic Systems
Cyber & Intelligence
Platforms & Services (US)
Platforms & Services (UK)
Platforms & Services (International) 

2015
£m
2,638
1,848
2,779
7,405
3,742
237
18,649
(745)
17,904

20141
£m
2,415
1,658
2,689
6,623
3,572
279
17,236
(599)
16,637

2015
£m
(72)
–
(101)
(1,524)
(785)
(237)
(2,719)
–
(2,719)

2014
£m
(74)
– 
(83)
(1,207)
(793)
(279)
(2,436)
–
(2,436)

2015
£m
72
–
–
1,438
–
–
1,510
92
1,602

2014
£m
74
–
–
1,104
–
–
1,178
51
1,229

2015
£m
2,638
1,848
2,678
7,319
2,957
–
17,440
(653)
16,787

20141
£m
2,415
1,658
2,606
6,520
2,779
–
15,978
(548)
15,430

Intra-group revenue

Revenue from 
external customers

2015
£m
91
55
22
480
5
653

20141
£m
104
44
13
381
6
548

2015
£m
2,547
1,793
2,656
6,839
2,952
16,787

20141
£m
2,311
1,614
2,593
6,139
2,773
15,430

1.  Re-presented for the reallocation of the Integrated Electronics & Warfare Systems activities from Platforms & Services (US) to Cyber & Intelligence.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
114

Notes to the Group accounts 
continued

1. Segmental analysis continued

Sales and revenue by customer location

UK
Rest of Europe1
US
Canada
Saudi Arabia
Rest of Middle East
Australia
Rest of Asia and Pacific
Africa, and Central and South America

Revenue by category

Long-term contracts
Sale of goods
Provision of services
Royalty income

Sales

Revenue

2015
£m
4,006
2,506
6,380
74
3,839
102
559
347
91
17,904

2014
£m
3,703
2,215
5,979
51
3,320
154
682
420
113
16,637

2015
£m
3,812
1,971
6,377
74
3,653
63
558
234
45
16,787

2015
£m
9,420
3,647
3,715
5
16,787

2014
£m
3,518
1,514
5,978
51
3,153
124
680
326
86
15,430

2014
£m
8,687
3,211
3,518
14
15,430

2015
£m
4,838
3,838
3,582

2014
£m
4,230
3,655
3,124

Revenue by major customer
Revenue from the Group’s three principal customers, which individually represent over 10% of total revenue, is as follows:

UK Ministry of Defence1
US Department of Defense
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ministry of Defence and Aviation

1. 

Includes £1.4bn (2014 £1.1bn) generated under the Typhoon work share agreement with Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH.

Revenue from the UK Ministry of Defence and the US Department of Defense was generated by the five principal reporting segments. Revenue 
from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ministry of Defence and Aviation was generated by the Platforms & Services (UK) and Platforms & Services 
(International) reporting segments.

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115

1. Segmental analysis continued

Reporting segment result

Underlying EBITA1

Non-recurring items2

Amortisation of
intangible assets3

Impairment of
intangible assets4

Reporting 
segment result

2015
£m
396
145
177
721
335
(91)
1,683

20145
£m
373
153
117
772
366
(79)
1,702

2015
£m
–
–
(24)
50
–
–
26

2014
£m
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

2015
£m
(18)
(57)
(13)
(11)
(9)
–
(108)

20145
£m
(14)
(61)
(15)
(84)
(10) 
–
(184) 

2015
£m
–
(78)
–
–
–
–
(78)

20145
£m
(1)
(4)
(165)
–
– 
–
(170)

Electronic Systems
Cyber & Intelligence
Platforms & Services (US)
Platforms & Services (UK)
Platforms & Services (International)
HQ6

Financial income/(expense) of 

equity accounted investments

Taxation expense of equity 
accounted investments

Operating profit
Finance costs
Profit before taxation
Taxation expense 
Profit for the year 

Share of results of equity accounted investments within reporting segments

Underlying EBITA1:

Electronic Systems
Platforms & Services (US)
Platforms & Services (UK)
Platforms & Services (International)
HQ

Amortisation of intangible assets
Financial income/(expense) 
Taxation expense

2015
£m
378
10
140
760
326
(91)
1,523

20145
£m
358
88
(63)
688 
356
(79)
1,348

3

(30)

(24)
1,502
(412)
1,090
(147)
943

(18)
1,300
(418)
882
(130)
752

2015
£m

2014
£m

7
12
15
96
5
135
(4)
3
(24)
110

2
12
21
70
31
136
(5)
(30)
(18)
83

1.  Earnings before amortisation and impairment of intangible assets, finance costs and taxation expense (EBITA) excluding non-recurring items.
2. 

In 2015, Platforms & Services (US) comprises a loss on the sale of the Group’s 75% holding in BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa (Pty) Limited and Platforms 
& Services (UK) includes research and development expenditure credits relating to 2013 and 2014 (see page 112). 

3.  The reduction in amortisation of intangible assets primarily reflects acquired intangible assets fully amortising in 2014 in the Group’s Maritime business within 

Platforms & Services (UK). 

4.  See note 8. 
5.  Re-presented for the reallocation of the Integrated Electronics & Warfare Systems activities from Platforms & Services (US) to Cyber & Intelligence.
6.  In 2014, HQ included a £30m benefit from re-assessment of a long-term liability. 

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
116

Notes to the Group accounts 
continued

2. Operating costs

Leases
Payments, including any incentives, made under operating leases are recognised in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term. 
Lease incentives granted are charged to the income statement over the term of the lease.

Research and development
The Group undertakes research and development activities either on its own behalf or on behalf of customers. 
Group-funded expenditure on both research and development activities not meeting the conditions for capitalisation is written off as incurred 
and charged to the income statement.
Customer-funded expenditure on research and development activities is held in long-term contract balances as a contract cost within trade 
and other receivables and recognised in the income statement in accordance with the Group’s revenue recognition policy.

Raw materials, subcontracts and other bought-in items
Change in inventories of finished goods and work-in-progress
Cost of inventories expensed
Staff costs (note 3)
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment, and investment property
Loss on disposal of businesses
Other operating charges
Operating costs

Included within the analysis of operating costs are the following expenses:

Lease and sublease expense 
Research and development expense including amounts funded under contract 

Fees payable to the Company’s auditor and its associates included in operating costs

2015
£m
6,030
1,027
7,057
5,052
460
4
24
3,025
15,622

2014
£m
6,114
8
6,122
4,827
657
1
–
2,780
14,387

257
1,263

242
1,343

Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for the audit of the 

Company’s annual accounts*

Fees payable to the Company’s auditor and its associates 

for other services pursuant to legislation:
The audit of the Company’s subsidiaries*
Interim review*
Other 

Audit-related assurance services:

Advice on accounting matters

Tax compliance services 
Tax advisory services 
Corporate finance services:

M&A

Other assurance services:

Due diligence
IT advisory

Other non-audit services:

Investor relations
Other

Total fees payable to the Company’s auditor and its associates
*Total fees payable to the Company’s auditor and its associates for audit 

services and interim review

Fees in respect of BAE Systems pension schemes:

Audit
Tax compliance
Tax advisory

1.  Restated.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

2015
Overseas
£’000

UK
£’000

Total
£’000

UK1
£’000

2014
Overseas1
£’000

Total1
£’000

1,759

–

1,759

1,669

–

1,669

2,612
490
164

–
22
30

–

–
–

220
184
5,481

140
–
19
159

3,659
–
19

6
457
125

6,271
490
183

6
479
155

1,806

1,806

–
–

–
47
6,119

241
4
–
245

–
–

220
231
11,600

8,520

381
4
19
404

2,687
485
200

3,425
–
2

9
7
59

–

–
123

2
637
141

–

134
–

200
315
5,754

3
16
4,360

139
44
–
183

214
–
–
214

6,112
485
202

11
644
200

–

134
123

203
331
10,114

8,266

353
44
–
397

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

117

3. Employees

The weekly average and year-end numbers of employees, excluding those in equity accounted investments, were as follows:

Electronic Systems
Cyber & Intelligence
Platforms & Services (US)
Platforms & Services (UK)
Platforms & Services (International)
HQ

Weekly average

At year end

2015
Number
’000
12
13
11
29
10
1
76

20141
Number
’000
12
13
12
29
10
1
77

2015
Number
’000
12
13
11
29
9
1
75

20141
Number
’000
12
13
11
29
10
1
76

1.  Re-presented for the reallocation of the Integrated Electronics & Warfare Systems activities from Platforms & Services (US) to Cyber & Intelligence.

The aggregate staff costs of Group employees, excluding employees of equity accounted investments, were as follows:

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Share-based payments (note 28)
Pension costs – defined contribution plans (note 20)
Pension costs – defined benefit plans (note 20)
US healthcare costs (note 20)

4. Other income

Rental income
Rental income is recognised in other income on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease.

Research and development expenditure credits1
Rental income from operating leases – investment property
Rental income from operating leases – other
Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Profit on disposal of investment property
Profit on disposal of non-current other investments
Fair value gain2 
Management recharges to equity accounted investments (note 29)
Other 3
Other income

2015
£m
4,367
333
16
140
194
2
5,052

2014
£m
4,184
334
14
125
169
1
4,827

2015
£m
65
23
19
28
45
1
–
17
29
227

2014
£m
–
21
20
21
12
–
47
17
36
174

1. 

In 2013, UK legislation changed so that UK government credits for research and development spend are now accounted for as part of operating profit rather than as part 
of taxation expense. This treatment was optional for the first three years. During 2015, the Group exercised that option, effective from 2013, and has reflected this change 
in the 2015 accounts. The credits relating to 2013 and 2014, totalling £50m, are included in non-recurring items in 2015.

2.  Fair value gain on the Group’s existing 40% shareholding in Saudi Development and Training Company upon acquisition of an additional 59% and control of the company 

in 2014. 

3.  There are no individual amounts in excess of £10m. 

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
118

Notes to the Group accounts 
continued

5. Finance costs

Interest income and borrowing costs
Interest income and borrowing costs are recognised in the income statement in the period in which they are incurred.

Interest income
Gain on remeasurement of financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss
Foreign exchange gains
Financial income
Interest expense on bonds and other financial instruments
Facility fees
Net present value adjustments
Net interest expense on retirement benefit obligations (note 20)
Loss on remeasurement of financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss
Foreign exchange losses
Financial expense
Finance costs

Additional analysis

Finance costs:

Group
Share of equity accounted investments 

Analysed as:

Underlying interest expense:

Group
Share of equity accounted investments 

Other:

Group:

Net interest expense on retirement benefit obligations 
Fair value and foreign exchange adjustments on financial instruments and investments 

Share of equity accounted investments: 

Net interest expense on retirement benefit obligations
Fair value and foreign exchange adjustments on financial instruments and investments

2015
£m
17
167
57
241
(175)
(4)
(29)
(192)
(72)
(181)
(653)
(412)

2015
£m

(412)
3
(409)

(191)
(3)
(194)

(192)
(29)

(8)
14
(409)

2014
£m
28
99
114
241
(177)
(4)
(48)
(147)
(75)
(208)
(659)
(418)

2014
£m

(418)
(30)
(448)

(201)
(3)
(204)

(147)
(70)

(8)
(19)
(448)

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

119

6. Taxation expense

Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax. Current and deferred tax is recognised in profit or loss except to the extent that it 
relates to a business combination or items recognised directly in equity or other comprehensive income.

Current tax
Current tax is the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable profit or loss for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted 
at the reporting date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.

Deferred tax
Deferred tax is recognised in respect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting 
purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. Deferred tax is not recognised for temporary differences:

–  on the initial recognition of assets or liabilities in a transaction that is not a business combination and that affects neither accounting nor 

taxable profit or loss;

–  related to investments in subsidiaries and equity accounted investments to the extent that it is probable that they will not reverse in the 

foreseeable future; and

–  arising on the initial recognition of goodwill.

Deferred tax is measured at the tax rates that are expected to be applied to temporary differences when they reverse, based on the laws 
that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date.

Taxation expense

Current taxation 
UK: 

Current tax
Double tax relief
Adjustments in respect of prior years1

Overseas: 

Current year
Adjustments in respect of prior years2

Deferred taxation 
UK:

Origination and reversal of temporary differences
Adjustments in respect of prior years
Tax rate adjustment3

Overseas:

Origination and reversal of temporary differences
Adjustments in respect of prior years

Taxation expense

UK 
Overseas 
Taxation expense

2015
£m

2014
£m

(109)
–
17
(92)

(105)
99
(6)
(98)

8
8
(5)
11

(51)
(9)
(60)
(49)
(147)

(81)
(66)
(147)

(90)
1
24
(65)

(56)
20
(36)
(101)

21
8
–
29

(67)
9
(58)
(29)
(130)

(36)
(94)
(130)

1.  2015 includes a £52m credit in respect of the adjustment of certain UK tax provisions in the light of clarification received. 
2.  2015 includes an £82m credit in respect of the adjustment of certain overseas tax provisions in the light of rulings received. 2014 included a £51m credit in respect of the 

re-assessment of existing tax provisions where information received in the year enabled the estimate to be updated. 

3.  The UK current tax rate was reduced from 21% to 20% with effect from 1 April 2015, and will be reduced to 19% with effect from 1 April 2017 and to 18% with effect 

from 1 April 2020. In line with this change, the rate applying to UK deferred tax assets and liabilities has been reduced from 20% to 18%, creating a rate adjustment in 
2015, which is partly reflected in the Consolidated income statement and partly in the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income. 

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120

Notes to the Group accounts 
continued

6. Taxation expense continued

Reconciliation of taxation expense 
The following table reconciles the theoretical income tax expense, using the UK corporation tax rate, to the reported tax expense. The reconciling 
items represent, besides the impact of tax rate differentials and changes, non-taxable benefits or non-deductible expenses arising from differences 
between the local tax base and the reported financial statements.

Profit before taxation

UK corporation tax rate
Expected income tax expense
Effect of tax rates in foreign jurisdictions, including US state taxes
Effect of intra-group financing
Expenses not tax effected
Income not subject to tax
Research and development tax credits and patent box benefits 
Non-deductible goodwill impairment 
Chargeable gains and non-taxable gains/non-deductible losses on disposal of businesses
Utilisation of previously unrecognised tax losses
Adjustments in respect of prior years2
Adjustments in respect of equity accounted investments
Tax rate adjustment
Other
Taxation expense

Calculation of the underlying effective tax rate

Profit before taxation
Add back:

Taxation expense of equity accounted investments (note 1)
Loss on disposal of businesses (note 1)
Goodwill impairment (note 8)
Adjusted profit before taxation

Taxation expense
Taxation expense of equity accounted investments (note 1)
Exclude: Re-assessment of existing tax provisions2
Adjusted taxation expense (including equity accounted investments)

Underlying effective tax rate

Adjusted profit before taxation (above)
Exclude: Research and development expenditure credits3

Adjusted taxation expense (including equity accounted investments) (above)
Exclude: Adjustments relating to research and development expenditure credits3
Exclude: Adjustment of tax provisions2

Underlying effective tax rate, excluding research and development expenditure credits3  

and adjustment of tax provisions2

2015 
£m
1,090

2014 
£m
882

20.25% 21.5%
(190)
(46)1
131
(12)
321
29
(35)
–
3
61
18
–
(3)
(130)

(221)
(69)
13
(13)
41
7
(15)
(7)
4
115
22
(5)
(19)
(147)

2015 
£m
1,090

24
24
75
1,213

(147)
(24)
–
(171)

2014 
£m
882

18
–
161
1,061

(130)
(18)
(51)
(199)

14%

19%

1,213
(77)
1,136

(171)
68
(134)
(237)

1,061
–
1,061

(199)
–
–
(199)

21%

19%

1.  Re-presented. 
2.  2015 includes credits totalling £134m in respect of the adjustment of certain UK and overseas tax provisions in the light of clarification and rulings received. 2014 included 
a £51m credit in respect of the re-assessment of existing tax provisions where information received in the year enabled the estimate to be updated, which was excluded 
from the calculation of the underlying effective tax rate.

3.  In 2013, UK legislation changed so that UK government credits for research and development spend are now accounted for as part of operating profit rather than as part 

of taxation expense. This treatment was optional for the first three years. During 2015, the Group exercised that option, effective from 2013, and has reflected this change 
in the 2015 accounts. The adjustment reverses this treatment to show an underlying effective tax rate that is comparable with the prior year. The £77m excluded from profit 
before taxation comprises £50m included in non-recurring items relating to 2013 and 2014 (see note 1) and £27m included in underlying EBITA relating to 2015, of which 
£12m relates to the Group’s share of equity accounted investments. The £68m includes £45m relating to the £50m included in non-recurring items.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

121

6. Taxation expense continued

Tax recognised in other comprehensive income 

Items that will not be reclassified to the income statement:

Remeasurements on retirement benefit schemes:

Subsidiaries
Equity accounted investments

Share-based payments
Other
Tax rate adjustment1

Items that may be reclassified to the income statement:
Currency translation on foreign currency net investments:

Subsidiaries
Equity accounted investments

Reclassification of cumulative currency translation reserve  

on disposal

Fair value (loss)/gain on available-for-sale financial assets
Amounts credited/(charged) to hedging reserve:

Subsidiaries
Equity accounted investments

Current tax
Pensions
Other

Deferred tax
Subsidiaries
Tax rate adjustment1 
Equity accounted investments

Tax on other comprehensive income

2015

Tax 
(expense)/ 
benefit 
£m

Before 
 tax 
£m

Net of tax 
£m

864
21
–
–
–

260
(45)

20
(1)

(173)
(3)
(3)
(8)
(74)

–
–

–
–

11
(36)
1,094

(2)
7
(256)

Other 
reserves 
£m

2015

Retained 
earnings 
£m

–
–
–

(2)
–
7
5
5

42
(8)
34

(218)
(74)
(3)
(295)
(261)

691
18
(3)
(8)
(74)

260
(45)

20
(1)

9
(29)
838

Total 
£m

42
(8)
34

(220)
(74)
4
(290)
(256)

2014

Tax  
(expense)/ 
benefit 
£m

Net of tax 
£m

482
16
4
1
–

(1,541)
(57)
4
1
–

–
–

–
–

2772
(13)2

–
4

Before 
 tax 
£m

(2,023)
(73)
–
–
–

2772
(13)2

–
4

(92)
–
(1,920)

19
–
522

(73)
–
(1,398)

Other 
reserves 
£m

2014

Retained 
earnings 
£m

–
–
–

19
–
–
19
19

59
1
60

427
–
16
443
503

Total 
£m

59
1
60

446
–
16
462
522

1.  The UK current tax rate was reduced from 21% to 20% with effect from 1 April 2015, and will be reduced to 19% with effect from 1 April 2017 and to 18% with effect 

from 1 April 2020. In line with this change, the rate applying to UK deferred tax assets and liabilities has been reduced from 20% to 18%, creating a rate adjustment in 
2015, which is partly reflected in the Consolidated income statement and partly in the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

2.  Restated.

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Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
122

Notes to the Group accounts 
continued

7. Earnings per share 

Key Performance Indicator – Underlying earnings per share
Underlying earnings per share is presented in addition to that required by IAS 33, Earnings per Share, to align the adjusted earnings measure 
with the performance measure reviewed by the directors. The directors consider that this gives a more appropriate indication of underlying 
performance.

Profit for the year attributable to equity shareholders
(Deduct)/add back:

Re-assessment of existing tax provisions
Non-recurring items, post tax
Net interest expense on retirement benefit obligations, post tax1
Fair value and foreign exchange adjustments on financial instruments 

and investments, post tax1

Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets, post tax1
Impairment of goodwill 

Underlying earnings, post tax

Weighted average number of shares used in calculating basic 

earnings per share

Incremental shares in respect of employee share schemes
Weighted average number of shares used in calculating diluted 

earnings per share

2015

Basic  
pence 
per share
29.0

Diluted 
pence 
per share
28.9

40.2

40.1

£m
918

–
19
158

12
88
75
1,270

2014

Basic  
pence 
per share
23.4

Diluted 
pence 
per share
23.3

38.0

37.9

£m 
740

(51)
–
126

72
156
161
1,204

Millions

Millions

Millions

Millions

3,161

3,161
10

3,171

3,165

3,165
10

3,175

1.  The tax impact is calculated using the underlying effective tax rate, excluding research and development expenditure credits and adjustment of tax provisions, of 21% 

(2014 19%).

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123

8. Intangible assets

Intangible assets are carried at cost or valuation, less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses.

Cost or valuation
Intangible assets arising from a business combination are recognised at fair value, amortised over their estimated useful lives and subject to 
impairment testing. The Group’s accounting policy on business combinations is included in note 25.

Goodwill
Goodwill on acquisitions of subsidiaries is included in intangible assets. Goodwill on acquisitions of joint ventures and associates is included 
in the carrying value of equity accounted investments. Gains and losses on the disposal of an entity include the carrying amount of goodwill 
relating to the entity sold.

Programme and customer-related
The most significant intangible assets recognised by the Group are in relation to ongoing programmes within businesses acquired, mainly in 
respect of customer relationships and order backlog.

Other intangible assets
Other intangible assets include:

–  Computer software licences acquired for use within the Group are capitalised as an intangible asset on the basis of the costs incurred 

to acquire and bring to use the specific software;

–  Software development costs that are directly associated with the production of identifiable and unique software products controlled 
by the Group, and that will probably generate economic benefits exceeding costs beyond one year, are recognised as intangible assets. 
Group-funded expenditure associated with enhancing or maintaining computer software programs for sale is recognised as an expense 
as incurred;

–  Research and development expenditure funded by the Group on development activities applied to a plan or design for the production of 
new or substantially improved products is capitalised as an internally generated intangible asset if certain conditions are met. The expenditure 
capitalised includes the cost of materials, direct labour and related overheads; and 

– Patents, trademarks and licences.

Amortisation
Amortisation is charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the intangible assets. 

For programme-related intangibles, amortisation is set on a programme-by-programme basis over the life of the individual programme. 
Amortisation for customer-related intangibles is also set on an individual basis.

The estimated useful lives are as follows:

Programme and customer-related
Other intangible assets:

Computer software licences acquired
Software development costs
Research and development expenditure 
Patents, trademarks and licences 
Other intangibles

up to 15 years

2 to 5 years
2 to 5 years
up to 10 years
up to 20 years
up to 10 years

The Group has no indefinite-life intangible assets other than goodwill.

Impairment of intangible assets, property, plant and equipment, investment property and equity accounted investments
The carrying amounts of the Group’s intangible assets, property, plant and equipment, investment property and equity accounted investments 
are reviewed at each balance sheet date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment as required by IAS 36, Impairment of 
Assets. If any such indication exists, the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated. For intangible assets that are not yet available for use, 
impairment testing is performed annually.

An impairment loss is recognised whenever the carrying amount of an asset or its Cash-Generating Unit exceeds its recoverable amount. 

The recoverable amount is the greater of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows 
are discounted to their present value using an appropriate pre-tax discount rate. For an asset that does not generate largely independent cash 
flows, the recoverable amount is determined for the Cash-Generating Unit to which the asset belongs. 

Impairment losses are recognised in the income statement.

An impairment loss in respect of goodwill is not reversed. 

An impairment loss in respect of other intangible assets, property, plant and equipment, investment property and equity accounted 
investments is reversed if the subsequent increase in recoverable amount can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment 
loss was recognised or if there has been a change in the estimate used to determine the recoverable amount.

An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been 
determined, net of depreciation or amortisation, if no impairment loss had been recognised.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
124

Notes to the Group accounts 
continued

8. Intangible assets continued

Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2014 
Additions:

Acquired separately
Internally developed
Business acquisitions
Disposals1 
Transfer to held for sale
Transfer from property, plant and equipment
Transfer from inventories
Foreign exchange adjustments 
At 31 December 2014
Additions:

Acquired separately
Internally developed

Disposals1 
Transfer from property, plant and equipment
Foreign exchange adjustments 
At 31 December 2015
Amortisation and impairment
At 1 January 2014
Amortisation charge
Impairment charge
Disposals1
Transfer to held for sale
Foreign exchange adjustments
At 31 December 2014
Amortisation charge
Impairment charge
Disposals1
Foreign exchange adjustments
At 31 December 2015
Net book value
At 31 December 2015
At 31 December 2014
At 1 January 2014

Programme  
and customer-
related 
£m

Goodwill 
£m

Other 
£m

Total 
£m

13,180

1,729

504

15,413

–
–
208
–
(19)
–
–
339
13,708

–
–
–
–
333
14,041

3,799
–
161
–
–
84
4,044
–
75
–
82
4,201

9,840
9,664
9,381

–
–
51
(1,061)
–
–
–
20
739

–
–
(147)
–
12
604

1,502
142
8
(1,061)
–
18
609
61
3
(147)
8
534

70
130
227

33
23
30
(77)
(3)
9
4
10
533

42
12
(33)
5
8
567

377
37
1
(77)
(3)
9
344
43
–
(33)
6
360

207
189
127

33
23
289
(1,138)
(22)
9
4
369
14,980

42
12
(180)
5
353
15,212

5,678
179
170
(1,138)
(3)
111
4,997
104
78
(180)
96
5,095

10,117
9,983
9,735

1. 

Includes intangible assets with nil net book value no longer used by the Group. 

Impairment testing
In order to calculate the recoverable amount of the Group’s goodwill, all goodwill balances have been considered with regard to value-in-use 
calculations. 

The value-in-use calculations use risk-adjusted future cash flow projections based on the Group’s five-year Integrated Business Plan (IBP) and 
include a terminal value based on the projections for the final year of that plan, with growth rate assumptions applied. The IBP process includes 
the use of historic experience, available government spending data and the Group’s order backlog. Pre-tax discount rates, derived from the 
Group’s post-tax weighted average cost of capital of 7.47% (2014 7.12%) (adjusted for risks specific to the market in which the Cash-Generating 
Unit (CGU) operates), have been used in discounting these projected risk-adjusted cash flows.

The final year growth rate assumption in the value-in-use calculations is in the range 0% to 2%. 

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

125

8. Intangible assets continued 

Significant CGUs
Goodwill allocated to CGUs, which are largely dependent on US government spending on defence, aerospace and security, represents £7.4bn 
(2014 £7.3bn) of the Group’s total goodwill balance. The Group monitors changes in defence budgets on an ongoing basis. 

Cash-Generating Unit
Electronic Systems

Intelligence & Security  

(within Cyber & Intelligence)

Platforms & Services (US)

Key assumptions
Continued demand from the US government for 
electronic warfare systems (where the business has 
a leadership position), other technology-based solutions 
and growth in the commercial avionics market
Continued demand in the US for the Group’s services 
in the areas of homeland security, law enforcement 
and counter-intelligence
Continued demand in the Group’s principal markets for 
existing and successor military tracked vehicles, naval guns, 
missile launchers, artillery systems, munitions, upgrade 
programmes and support, and in the US for complex 
infrastructure, maritime and aviation services

Allocated goodwill

Pre-tax discount rate

2015 
£bn
3.2

20141
£bn
3.2

2015 
%
10

20141
%
9

1.1

1.1

3.1

3.0

10

10

9

9

The headroom, calculated as the difference between net assets including allocated goodwill as at 31 December 2015 and the value-in-use 
calculations, for the CGUs listed above, is shown below. The table also shows the headroom assuming a 1% reduction in the terminal value 
growth rate assumption and a 1% increase in the discount rate used in the value-in-use calculations.

Cash-Generating Unit
Electronic Systems
Intelligence & Security
Platforms & Services (US)

Headroom as at 
31 December

2015 
£bn
1.7
–
0.4

20141
£bn
1.6
0.2
0.5

Headroom assuming  
a 1% reduction in the 
terminal value growth  
rate assumption

Headroom assuming  
a 1% increase in the  
discount rate

2015 
£bn
1.0
(0.1)
(0.1)

20141
£bn 
0.8
(0.1)
(0.1)

2015 
£bn
0.8
(0.1)
(0.3)

20141
£bn
0.6
(0.1)
(0.2)

1.  Re-presented for the reallocation of the Integrated Electronics & Warfare Systems activities from Platforms & Services (US) to Cyber & Intelligence.

Other CGUs
The remaining goodwill balance of £2.4bn (2014 £2.4bn) is allocated across multiple CGUs, including £0.6bn (2014 £0.5bn) in the Applied 
Intelligence CGU, with no individual CGU exceeding 10% of the Group’s total goodwill balance. The majority of the projected cash flows within 
these CGUs are underpinned by expected levels of primarily UK government spending on defence, aerospace and security, and the Group’s ability 
to capture a broadly consistent market share. In the case of Applied Intelligence, the future cash flow projections are based on the expectation of 
growth in cyber and intelligence, in the UK and overseas government markets, together with increasing demand for products and services in 
commercial markets.

Impairment – goodwill
In 2015, the impairment charge of £75m in the Intelligence & Security CGU reflects lower growth assumptions.

In 2014, the impairment charge of £161m comprised the Platforms & Services (US) CGU, reflecting performance issues at the US commercial 
shipbuilding business (£87m) and the agreement to sell the Group’s 75% holding in BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa (Pty) Limited at 
a price below its total carrying value (£74m). 

Impairment – intangible assets
In 2015, the impairment charge of £3m relates to the Cyber & Intelligence reporting segment.

In 2014, the impairment charge of £9m related to the Electronic Systems (£1m), Cyber & Intelligence (£4m) and Platforms & Services (US) (£4m) 
reporting segments. 

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
126

Notes to the Group accounts 
continued

9. Property, plant and equipment

Cost
Items of property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. The cost of self-constructed 
assets includes the cost of materials, direct labour and an appropriate proportion of production overheads. The cost of demonstration assets 
is written off as incurred. 

Assets held for leasing out under operating leases are included in property, plant and equipment at cost less accumulated depreciation and 
impairment losses.

Depreciation
Depreciation is provided, normally on a straight-line basis, to write off the cost of property, plant and equipment over their estimated useful 
lives to any estimated residual value, using the following rates:

Buildings
Plant and machinery:

Computing equipment and motor vehicles 
Other equipment 

up to 50 years, or the lease term if shorter

4 to 5 years
10 to 20 years, or the project life if shorter

For certain items of plant and equipment in the Group’s US businesses, depreciation is normally provided on a basis consistent with cost 
reimbursement profiles under US government contracts. Typically, this provides for a faster rate of depreciation than would otherwise arise 
on a straight-line basis.

No depreciation is provided on freehold land and assets in the course of construction.

The assets’ residual values, useful lives and depreciation methods are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each balance sheet date. 

Impairment
The carrying amounts of the Group’s property, plant and equipment are reviewed at each balance sheet date to determine whether there 
is any indication of impairment in accordance with the policy shown in note 8. 

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

9. Property, plant and equipment continued

Cost
At 1 January 2014
Additions
Business acquisitions
Transfer from long-term contract balances 
Transfer to other intangible assets
Transfer to held for sale
Disposals
Foreign exchange adjustments
At 31 December 2014
Additions1
Transfer to other intangible assets
Reclassification between categories
Disposals
Foreign exchange adjustments
At 31 December 2015
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2014
Depreciation charge for the year
Impairment charge for the year
Transfer from provisions
Transfer to held for sale
Disposals
Foreign exchange adjustments
At 31 December 2014
Depreciation charge for the year
Impairment charge for the year
Reclassification between categories
Disposals
Foreign exchange adjustments
At 31 December 2015
Net book value 
At 31 December 2015
At 31 December 2014
At 1 January 2014

Net book value

Freehold property
Long leasehold property
Short leasehold property
Plant and machinery
Fixtures, fittings and equipment
At 31 December 2015

127

Total 
£m

4,838
263
7
21
(9)
(35)
(707)
97
4,475
392
(5)
–
(379)
93
4,576

2,902
248
56
10
(26)
(365)
61
2,886
243
29
–
(341)
61
2,878

1,698
1,589
1,936

Total 
£m
612
17
136
811
122
1,698

Land and 
buildings 
£m

Plant and 
machinery 
£m

2,103
55
–
–
–
(11)
(463)
38
1,722
108
–
17
(113)
36
1,770

946
91
48
10
(6)
(145)
19
963
80
21
2
(80)
19
1,005

765
759
1,157

2,735
208
7
21
(9)
(24)
(244)
59
2,753
284
(5)
(17)
(266)
57
2,806

1,956
157
8
–
(20)
(220)
42
1,923
163
8
(2)
(261)
42
1,873

933
830
779

Land and 
buildings 
£m
612
17
136
–
–
765

Plant and 
machinery 
£m
–
–
–
811
122
933

1. 

Includes £44m of land and buildings, and £5m of plant and machinery at Barrow-in-Furness, UK, relating to the Successor submarine programme funded by the 
UK government.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
128

Notes to the Group accounts 
continued

9. Property, plant and equipment continued

Impairment

Cyber & Intelligence
Platforms & Services (US)
Platforms & Services (UK)
Platforms & Services (International)

2015 
£m
1
2
1
25
29

2014 
£m
–
1
4
51
56

2015
The viability of the Williamstown shipyard in Australia remains uncertain with no near-term prospect of work beyond the Landing Helicopter 
Dock and Air Warfare Destroyer programmes. The impairment in Platforms & Services (International) includes a £24m charge against the 
carrying value of the Williamstown facility.

2014
The impairment in Platforms & Services (International) included the £47m charge against the carrying value of Aircraft Accessories and 
Components Company upon classification of the business as held for sale. 

Assets in the course of construction 

At 31 December 2015
At 31 December 2014

Land and
buildings1
£m
98
36

Plant and
machinery
£m
194
154

Total 
£m
292
190

1. 

Includes £42m (2014 £nil) at Barrow-in-Furness, UK, relating to the Successor submarine programme funded by the UK government.

Operating leases
The future aggregate minimum lease income from the non-cancellable elements of operating leases for assets capitalised (including investment 
property – see note 10) are as follows:

Receipts due:

Not later than one year
Later than one year and not later than five years
Later than five years

2015 
£m

2014 
£m

25
93
94
212

23
84
99
206

Under the terms of the lease agreements, no contingent rents are receivable. The leases have varying terms including escalation clauses and 
renewal rights. None of these terms represent unusual arrangements or create material onerous or beneficial rights or obligations. 

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

129

10. Investment property

Cost
Land and buildings that are leased to non-Group entities are classified as investment property. The Group measures investment property 
at its cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.

Depreciation
Depreciation is provided, on a straight-line basis, to write off the cost of investment property over its estimated useful life of up to 50 years.

The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each balance sheet date.

Impairment
The carrying amounts of the Group’s investment property are reviewed at each balance sheet date to determine whether there is any 
indication of impairment in accordance with the policy shown in note 8. 

Cost
At 1 January 2014
Additions
Disposals
At 31 December 2014
Additions
Disposals
At 31 December 2015
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2014
Depreciation charge for the year
Disposals
At 31 December 2014
Depreciation charge for the year
Impairment charge for the year
Disposals
At 31 December 2015
Net book value 
At 31 December 2015
At 31 December 2014
At 1 January 2014

Fair value 
At 31 December 2015
At 31 December 2014

£m

199
8
(21)
186
13
(23)
176

64
4
(11)
57
4
2
(7)
56

120
129
135

178
226

The fair values above are based on and reflect current market values as prepared by in-house professionals who have the appropriate professional 
qualifications and recent experience of valuing properties in the location and of the type being valued. 

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Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
130

Notes to the Group accounts 
continued

11. Equity accounted investments

A joint venture is a joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control have rights to the net assets of the arrangement. 

Carrying value
The carrying value of an equity accounted investment comprises the Group’s share of net assets and purchased goodwill, and is assessed for 
impairment as a single asset. The carrying amounts of the Group’s equity accounted investments are reviewed at each balance sheet date to 
determine whether there is any indication of impairment in accordance with the policy shown in note 8.

Principal equity accounted investments

Joint venture
Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug
MBDA
Air Astana

Principal activities
Management and control of the European Typhoon programme
Development and manufacture of guided weapons
Carriage by air of passengers and cargo

Shareholding
33% 
37.5% 
49% 

Principally  
operates in
Germany
Europe
Kazakhstan

The following tables summarise the financial information of the Group’s principal equity accounted investments included in their own financial 
statements, as adjusted for fair value adjustments at acquisition and differences in accounting policies, and reconcile this to the Group’s interest in 
those equity accounted investments. 

2015

2014

Revenue (100%)
EBITA1 excluding depreciation 
Depreciation and amortisation 
Financial income 
Financial expense 
Taxation expense 
Profit for the year (100%)
Remeasurements on retirement benefit schemes, net of tax
Amounts charged to hedging reserve, net of tax
Foreign exchange adjustments
Total comprehensive income for the year (100%)

Group’s share of total comprehensive income for the year 

before elimination of unrealised profit 

Elimination of unrealised profit 
Group’s share of total comprehensive income 

for the year

Non-current assets

Cash and cash equivalents
Current assets excluding cash and cash equivalents

Current assets

Non-current financial liabilities excluding trade and 

other payables, and provisions

Other non-current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Current financial liabilities excluding trade and other 

payables, and provisions

Other current liabilities 

Current liabilities
Net assets (100%)

Eurofighter 
Jagdflugzeug  
£m
4,239
24
–
2
(1)
(7)
18
–
–
–
18

6
–

6

9
4
1,048
1,052

–
(19)
(19)

–
(1,011)
(1,011)
31

MBDA 
£m
2,087
282
(60)
59
(70)
(53)
158
47
–
1
206

77
–

77

1,498
1,047
2,921
3,968

(7)
(742)
(749)

–
(4,421)
(4,421)
296

Air Astana 
£m
484
41
(30)
37
(12)
(7)
29
–
(58)
(89)
(118)

Eurofighter 
Jagdflugzeug  
£m
3,281
46
–
2
(1)
(13)
34
–
–
–
34

(58)
–

(58)

219
143
56
199

(255)
–
(255)

(28)
(82)
(110)
53

11
–

11

9
6
1,102
1,108

–
(18)
(18)

(4)
(1,062)
(1,066)
33

MBDA 
£m
1,929
215
(54)
68
(79)
(19)
131
(151)
–
(6)
(26)

(10)
(4)

(14)

1,507
1,182
2,940
4,122

(10)
(903)
(913)

(20)
(4,580)
(4,600)
116

Air Astana 
£m
570
91
(28)
–
(44)
(6)
13
–
–
(29)
(16)

(8)
–

(8)

358
16
194
210

(267)
–
(267)

(26)
(103)
(129)
172

1.  Earnings before amortisation and impairment of intangible assets, finance costs and taxation expense (EBITA) excluding non-recurring items. 

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

11. Equity accounted investments continued

Group’s share of net assets
Elimination of unrealised profit
Goodwill 
Carrying value

Eurofighter 
Jagdflugzeug  
£m
10
–
–
10

2015

MBDA 
£m
111
(4)
4
111

2015

Air Astana 
£m
26
–
–
26

Total 
£m
147
(4)
4
147

Eurofighter 
Jagdflugzeug  
£m
11
–
–
11

Air Astana 
£m
84
–
–
84

2014

MBDA 
£m
43
(4)
15
54

2014

Dividends received 

Eurofighter 
Jagdflugzeug  
£m
6

MBDA 
£m
17

Air Astana 
£m
3

Total 
£m
26

Eurofighter 
Jagdflugzeug  
£m
6

MBDA 
£m
44

Air Astana 
£m
3

131

Total 
£m
138
(4)
15
149

Total 
£m
53

Group summary
The Group also has a number of individually immaterial joint ventures. The following table shows a reconciliation of opening to closing carrying 
value for both the Group’s principal and immaterial joint ventures in aggregate.

At 1 January 2014

Group’s share of profit for the year 
Group’s share of remeasurements on retirement benefit schemes
Tax on items that will not be reclassified to the income statement
Foreign exchange adjustments
Elimination of unrealised profit 

Group’s share of total comprehensive income for the year
Equity accounted investment funding
Dividends received from equity accounted investments
Business disposals 
Foreign exchange adjustments
At 31 December 2014

Group’s share of profit for the year 
Group’s share of remeasurements on retirement benefit schemes
Tax on items that will not be reclassified to the income statement
Foreign exchange adjustments
Amounts charged to hedging reserve 
Tax on items that may be reclassified to the income statement

Group’s share of total comprehensive income for the year
Equity accounted investment funding
Dividends received from equity accounted investments
Foreign exchange adjustments
At 31 December 2015

Principal equity 
accounted 
investments  
£m
214
67
(73)
16
(17)
(4)
(11)
–
(53)
–
(1)
149
79
21
(3)
(42)
(36)
7
26
–
(26)
(2)
147

Other 
£m
69
16
–
–
1
–
17
2
(10)
(2)
4
80
31
–
–
(1)
–
–
30
8
(15)
–
103

Total 
£m
283
83
(73)
16
(16)
(4)
6
2
(63)
(2)
3
229
110
21
(3)
(43)
(36)
7
56
8
(41)
(2)
250

Contingent liabilities
The Group is not aware of any material contingent liabilities in respect of its equity accounted investments. 

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132

Notes to the Group accounts 
continued

12. Trade and other receivables

Trade and other receivables are stated at their cost less provision for bad debts. A provision for bad debt is established when there is objective 
evidence that the Group will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables. Significant financial 
difficulties of the debtor, probability that the debtor will enter bankruptcy or financial reorganisation, and default or delinquency in payments 
are considered indicators that the trade receivable is impaired. Receivables with a short-term duration are not discounted.

A loss on provision for bad debt is reversed if the subsequent increase in recoverable amount can be related objectively to an event occurring 
after the impairment loss was recognised.

Amounts due from customers for contract work includes long-term contract balances and amounts due from contract customers, less 
attributable progress payments.

Long-term contract balances are stated at cost less provision for any anticipated losses. Provisions for losses on contracts are recorded when 
it becomes probable that total estimated contract costs will exceed total contract revenues. Such provisions are recorded as write downs of 
long-term contract balances for that portion of the work which has already been completed, and the remainder is included as amounts due 
to long-term contract customers within trade and other payables. Losses are determined on the basis of estimated results on completion of 
contracts and are updated regularly.

Progress payments are amounts received from customers in accordance with the terms of contracts which specify payments in advance of 
delivery and are credited, as progress payments, against any expenditure incurred for the particular contract. Any unexpended balance in 
respect of progress payments is held in trade and other payables as customer stage payments or, if the amounts are subject to advance 
payment guarantees unrelated to Group performance, as cash received on customers’ account.

Amounts due from contract customers represent unbilled income and are stated at cost, plus attributable profit. 

Non-current
Prepayments and accrued income
US deferred compensation plan assets 
Other receivables

Current
Long-term contract balances
Less: Attributable progress payments
Amounts due from contract customers
Amounts due from customers for contract work
Trade receivables
Amounts owed by equity accounted investments (note 29)
Prepayments and accrued income
Other receivables

1.  Restated. 

2015 
£m

2014 
£m

23
234
18
275

4,407
(3,762)
413
1,058
1,284
75
254
269
2,940

85
238
24
347

5,4131
(4,571)1
476
1,318
935
92
251
254
2,850

The aggregate amount of costs incurred and recognised profits (less recognised losses) to date in respect of contracts in progress at 31 December 
2015 is estimated to be £26.4bn (2014 £30.2bn). 

Trade receivables are disclosed net of a provision for bad debts. Disclosures relating to the ageing of trade receivables and movements in the 
provision for bad debts are provided in note 27.

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133

13. Other financial assets and liabilities

Derivative financial instruments and hedging activities
The global nature of the Group’s business means it is exposed to volatility in currency exchange rates. In order to protect itself against currency 
fluctuations, the Group’s policy is to hedge all material firm transactional exposures. The Group also uses interest rate derivative instruments to 
manage the Group’s exposure to interest rate fluctuations on its borrowings and deposits by varying the proportion of fixed rate debt relative 
to floating rate debt over the forward time horizon. The Group aims to achieve hedge accounting treatment for all derivatives that hedge 
material foreign currency exposures and those interest rate exposures where hedge accounting can be achieved.

In accordance with its treasury policy, the Group does not hold derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. 

Derivative financial instruments are recognised initially at fair value. Subsequent to initial recognition, such instruments are stated at fair value 
at the balance sheet date. Gains and losses on derivative financial instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are recognised in the 
income statement for the period.

Cash flow hedges
Where a derivative financial instrument is designated as a hedge of cash flows relating to a highly probable forecast transaction (income or 
expense), the effective portion of any change in the fair value of the instrument is recognised in other comprehensive income and presented 
in the hedging reserve in equity. Amounts recognised in equity are reclassified from reserves into the cost of the underlying transaction and 
recognised in the income statement when the underlying transaction affects profit or loss. The ineffective portion of any change in the fair 
value of the instrument is recognised in the income statement immediately. 

Fair value hedges
Where a derivative financial instrument is designated as a fair value hedge, changes in the fair value of the underlying asset or liability 
attributable to the hedged risk, and gains and losses on the derivative instrument, are recognised in the income statement for the period. 

Non-current
Cash flow hedges – foreign exchange contracts
Other foreign exchange/interest rate contracts
Debt-related derivative financial instruments – assets1

Current
Cash flow hedges – foreign exchange contracts
Other foreign exchange/interest rate contracts

1. 

Includes fair value hedges of £7m (2014 £4m).

2015

2014

Assets 
£m

Liabilities 
£m

Assets 
£m

Liabilities 
£m

52
2
53
107

47
58
105

(72)
–
–
(72)

(123)
(7)
(130)

28
–
10
38

41
5
46

(79)
–
–
(79)

(97)
(10)
(107)

The debt-related derivative financial liabilities are presented as a component of loans and overdrafts (see note 18).

Cash flow hedges
The hedged, highly probable forecast transactions denominated in foreign currency are predominantly expected to occur at various stages during 
the next 12 months. The majority of those extending beyond 12 months are expected to have been transacted within five years of the balance 
sheet date.

Amounts charged to the hedging reserve in respect of cash flow hedges were £25m (2014 £92m), including a £54m (2014 £1m) credit on 
reclassification to profit and loss on maturity and a £79m (2014 £93m) charge on contracts held at 31 December 2015. 

Fair value hedges
The gain arising in the income statement on fair value hedging instruments was £3m (2014 loss £2m). The loss arising in the income statement 
on the fair value of the underlying hedged items was £2m (2014 £1m). The ineffective portion recognised in the income statement arising from 
fair value hedges was £1m (2014 £3m). 

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134

Notes to the Group accounts 
continued

14. Deferred tax

A deferred tax asset is recognised for unused tax losses, tax credits and deductible temporary differences to the extent that it is probable that 
future taxable profits will be available against which they can be utilised. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and reduced 
to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realised.

The most significant recognised deferred tax assets relate to the deficits on the Group’s pension/retirement schemes (see below). This is because 
retirement benefit costs are deducted in determining accounting profit as service is provided by employees, but deducted in determining 
taxable profit either when contributions are paid to the pension/retirement schemes or when retirement benefits are paid. In reviewing the 
probability that taxable profits will be available in the future against which such contributions/payments can be deducted, account has been 
taken of the deficit recovery plans agreed with the trustees of the relevant schemes which run until 2026. In other words, these temporary 
differences are largely expected to reverse over the next ten years.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset if there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax liabilities and assets, and they relate to 
income taxes levied by the same tax authority on the same taxable entity, or on different taxable entities, but they intend to settle current tax 
liabilities and assets on a net basis or their tax assets and liabilities will be realised simultaneously.

Deferred tax assets/(liabilities)

Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Provisions and accruals
Goodwill 
Pension/retirement schemes:

Deficits
Additional contributions and other1

Share-based payments
Financial instruments
Other items
Rolled over capital gains
Capital losses carried forward
Trading losses carried forward
Deferred tax assets/(liabilities)
Set off of tax
Net deferred tax assets/(liabilities)

1. 

Includes deferred tax assets on US deferred compensation plans. 

Deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities

Net balance at  
31 December

2015 
£m
16
13
299
–

908
112
15
16
35
–
12
21
1,447
(462)
985

2014 
£m
15
4
287
–

1,154
121
21
26
66
–
13
22
1,729
(402)
1,327

2015 
£m
(101)
(30)
–
(326)

–
–
–
(6)
–
(12)
–
–
(475)
462
(13)

2014 
£m
(93)
(39)
–
(273)

–
–
–
(5)
–
(13)
–
–
(423)
402
(21)

2015 
£m
(85)
(17)
299
(326)

908
112
15
10
35
(12)
12
21
972
–
972

2014 
£m
(78)
(35)
287
(273)

1,154
121
21
21
66
(13)
13
22
1,306
–
1,306

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

135

14. Deferred tax continued

Movement in temporary differences during the year

Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Provisions and accruals
Goodwill 
Pension/retirement schemes:

Deficits
Additional contributions and other1

Share-based payments
Financial instruments
Other items
Rolled over capital gains
Capital losses carried forward
Trading losses carried forward

Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Provisions and accruals
Goodwill 
Pension/retirement schemes:

Deficits
Additional contributions and other1

Share-based payments
Financial instruments
Other items
Rolled over capital gains
Capital losses carried forward
Trading losses carried forward

At 
1 January  
2015 
£m
(78)
(35)
287
(273)

1,154
121
21
21
66
(13)
13
22
1,306

At 
1 January  
2014 
£m
(62)
(45)
308
(221)

692
124
19
1
59
(13)
13
19
894

Foreign  
exchange 
adjustments 
£m
(6)
(1)
13
(17)

Acquisitions  
 and  
disposals
£m 
–
–
–
–

Recognised 
in income 
£m
(1)
19
(1)
(36)

Recognised 
in equity 
£m
–
–
–
–

At 
31 December 
 2015 
£m
(85)
(17)
299
(326)

14
6
–
–
(1)
–
–
1
9

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

15
(3)
(2)
(8)
(30)
1
(1)
(2)
(49)

(275)
(12)
(4)
(3)
–
–
–
–
(294)

908
112
15
10
35
(12)
12
21
972

Foreign  
exchange 
adjustments 
£m
(6)
1
13
(15)

Acquisitions  

 and
disposals2
£m 
– 
(29) 
(2) 
– 

Recognised 
in income 
£m
(10)
38
(32)
(37)

Recognised 
in equity 
£m
–
–
–
–

At 
31 December 
 2014 
£m
(78)
(35)
287
(273)

15
7
–
–
(3)
–
–
1
13

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
13 
(18) 

12
2
(2)
1
10
–
–
(11)
(29)

1. 
2. 

Includes deferred tax assets on US deferred compensation plans.
In 2014, included net deferred tax liabilities on acquisition of subsidiaries (£17m) and the transfer of net deferred tax assets to held for sale (£1m).

Unrecognised deferred tax assets
Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of the following items:

Deductible temporary differences, including tax credits
Capital losses carried forward
Trading and other losses carried forward

435
(12)
4
19
–
–
–
–
446

2015 
£m
1
31
38
70

1,154
121
21
21
66
(13)
13
22
1,306

2014 
£m
2
38
62
102

These assets have not been recognised as the incidence of future profits in the relevant countries and legal entities cannot be accurately predicted 
at this time. 

Future changes in tax rates
Under the Finance Act 2013, the UK current tax rate reduced from 21% to 20% with effect from 1 April 2015. Under the Finance (No. 2) Act 2015, 
the UK current tax rate will reduce to 19% with effect from 1 April 2017 and to 18% with effect from 1 April 2020. This will reduce future UK 
current tax charges accordingly.

The reduction to 18% was substantively enacted before 31 December 2015. In line with this change, the rate applying to UK deferred tax assets 
and liabilities has been reduced from 20% to 18%, creating a rate adjustment in 2015, which is partly reflected in the Consolidated income 
statement and partly in the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income. Accordingly, both recognised and unrecognised UK deferred tax 
balances as at 31 December 2015 have been calculated at 18%. 

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

 
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136

Notes to the Group accounts 
continued

15. Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, including all relevant overhead expenditure, and net realisable value.

Short-term work-in-progress
Raw materials and consumables
Finished goods and goods for resale

2015 
£m
455
197
74
726

2014 
£m
439
189
62
690

The Group recognised £16m (2014 £4m) as a write down of inventories to net realisable value.

16. Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents includes cash in hand, call and term deposits, and other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of 
three months or less and which are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value. For the purpose of the cash flow statement, cash and 
cash equivalents also includes bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand.

Cash
Short-term deposits

Less: Cash and cash equivalents (included within assets held for sale) 

17. Geographical analysis of assets 

Analysis of non-current assets by geographical location

Asset location
UK
Rest of Europe
US
Saudi Arabia
Australia
Rest of Asia and Pacific
Africa, and Central and South America
Non-current segment assets
Retirement benefit surpluses
Other financial assets
Tax
Inventories
Current trade and other receivables
Cash (as defined by the Group)1 
Assets held for sale
Consolidated total assets

1. 

Includes cash and cash equivalents (note 16) and debt-related derivative financial instrument assets (note 13).

2015 
£m
536
2,001
2,537
–
2,537

2014 
£m
537
1,777
2,314
(6)
2,308

2015 
£m
2,537
538
8,635
349
406
1
–
12,466
193
159
989
726
2,940
2,590
20
20,083

2014 
£m
2,505
546
8,444
316
469
2
2
12,284
162
74
1,334
690
2,850
2,318
76
19,788

Notes

20
13

15
12
24

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137

18. Loans and overdrafts

Loans and overdrafts are recognised initially at fair value, less attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, loans and overdrafts 
are stated at either amortised cost or, where hedge accounting has been adopted, fair value in respect of the hedged risk. Any difference 
between the amount initially recognised and the redemption value is recognised in the income statement over the period of the borrowings.

Non-current
US$350m 3.5% bond, repayable 2016
Albertville Hangar bond, repayable 2018
US$1bn 6.375% bond, repayable 2019
US$500m 2.85% bond, repayable 2020
US$500m 4.75% bond, repayable 2021
£400m 4.125% bond, repayable 2022
US$800m 3.8% bond, repayable 2024
US$750m 3.85% bond, repayable 2025
US$500m 7.5% bond, repayable 2027
US$400m 5.8% bond, repayable 2041
US$550m 4.75% bond, repayable 2044 (2014 US$300m)
Debt-related derivative financial instruments – liabilities

Current
US$750m 5.2% bond, repayable 2015
US$350m 3.5% bond, repayable 2016
Overdrafts

2015 
£m

2014 
£m

–
6
680
337
339
398
546
501
337
268
363
–
3,775

–
237
–
237

224
6
642
–
320
398
514
–
319
254
190
1
2,868

481
–
1
482

US$500m of the US$1bn 6.375% bond, repayable 2019, has been converted to a floating rate bond by utilising interest rate swaps that mature 
in June 2019 and give an effective rate during 2015 of 5.8%. 

US$500m of the US$800m 3.8% bond, repayable 2024, has been converted to a floating rate bond by utilising interest rate swaps that mature 
in October 2019 and give an effective rate during 2015 of 2.9%. US$500m of the US$800m bond is measured at fair value. 

The US$500m 7.5% bond, repayable 2027, was converted at issue to a sterling fixed rate bond by utilising cross-currency swaps and has an 
effective interest rate of 7.7%.

The debt-related derivative financial instruments represent the fair value of interest rate and cross-currency derivatives relating to the US$500m 
7.5% bond, repayable 2027, and the US$800m 3.8% bond, repayable 2024. These derivatives have been entered into specifically to manage the 
Group’s exposure to foreign exchange or interest rate risk. Debt-related derivative financial liabilities are presented within loans and overdrafts 
above and debt-related derivative financial assets are presented within other financial assets (see note 13).

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Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
138

Notes to the Group accounts 
continued

19. Trade and other payables

Trade and other payables are stated at their cost.

Non-current
Amounts due to long-term contract customers
Amounts owed to equity accounted investments (note 29)
Accruals and deferred income1
US deferred compensation plan liabilities
Other payables

Current
Amounts due to long-term contract customers
Amounts due to other customers
Trade payables
Amounts owed to equity accounted investments (note 29)
Other taxes and social security costs
Accruals and deferred income
Other payables

Included above:

Amounts due to long-term contract customers, including contract losses
Advances from long-term contract customers

2015 
£m

2014 
£m

456
32
121
264
147
1,020

3,119
204
690
414
155
1,371
209
6,162

404
40
45
262
181
932

3,713
285
599
454
76
1,181
362
6,670

3,575
3,416

4,117
3,935

1. 

Includes £46m (2014 £nil) of funding received from the UK government for property, plant and equipment at Barrow-in-Furness, UK, relating to the Successor 
submarine programme.

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139

20. Retirement benefit obligations

Pension schemes
Defined contribution
Obligations for contributions are recognised as an expense in the income statement as incurred. 

Defined benefit
The cost of providing benefits is determined periodically by independent actuaries and charged to the income statement in the period in 
which those benefits are earned by the employees. Remeasurements, including actuarial gains and losses, are recognised in the Consolidated 
statement of comprehensive income in the period in which they occur. Past service costs resulting from a plan amendment or curtailment 
are recognised immediately in the income statement. 

The retirement benefit obligation recognised in the Group’s balance sheet represents the present value of the defined benefit obligations 
calculated using a number of actuarial assumptions as set out on page 142 reduced by the fair value of scheme assets. The bid values of 
scheme assets are not intended to be realised in the short term and may be subject to significant change before they are realised. The 
present values of scheme liabilities are derived from cash flow projections over long periods and are therefore inherently uncertain.

Certain of the Group’s equity accounted investments participate in the Group’s defined benefit schemes as well as Airbus SAS (Airbus), 
the Group’s share of which was disposed of in 2006. As these schemes are multi-employer schemes, the Group has allocated a share of the 
IAS 19 pension deficit to its equity accounted investments and other participating employers.

In December 2015, BAE Systems, Airbus and the scheme trustees agreed to work towards the creation of a separate Airbus section of the 
BAE Systems Pension Scheme (Main Scheme) in 2016 with the allocation of the deficit to the BAE Systems and Airbus sections based on 
each member’s last employer. This allocation methodology is considered to represent a better estimate of the deficit allocation than the 
relative payroll contributions of active members and has been reflected in the allocation of the IAS 19 pension deficit in the Main Scheme 
at 31 December 2015. The impact of this change on the amounts allocated at 31 December 2015 is an increase of £187m (£153m post-tax) 
in the Group’s share of the reported IAS 19 deficit. Currently, in the event that an employer who participates in the Group’s pension schemes 
fails or cannot be compelled to fulfil its obligations as a participating employer, the remaining participating employers are obliged to collectively 
take on its obligations. The Group considers the likelihood of this event arising as remote. However, following the creation of an Airbus section 
of the Main Scheme, the Group’s obligation in respect of Airbus is expected to be removed.

With the exception of the allocation of the Main Scheme deficit to Airbus, the deficit allocation method for other employers of the Main 
Scheme and for all other schemes is based on the relative payroll contributions of active members, which is consistent with prior years and 
is intended to reflect a reasonable approximation of the share of the deficit.

The Group’s share of the IAS 19 pension deficit allocated to the equity accounted investments is included in the balance sheet within equity 
accounted investments.

Pension schemes
Background
BAE Systems plc operates pension schemes for the Group’s qualifying employees in the UK, US and other countries. The principal schemes in the 
UK and US are funded defined benefit schemes, and the assets are held in separate trustee-administered funds. The two largest funded defined 
benefit schemes are the Main Scheme and the BAE Systems 2000 Pension Plan (2000 Plan) which, in aggregate, represent 71% (2014 71%) of 
the total IAS 19 defined benefit obligation at 31 December 2015. The schemes in other countries are primarily defined contribution schemes. 

At 31 December 2015, the weighted average durations of the UK and US defined benefit pension obligations were 18 years (2014 19 years) and 
12 years (2014 12 years), respectively.

The split of the defined benefit pension liability on a funding basis between active, deferred and pensioner members for the Main Scheme, 2000 
Plan and US schemes in aggregate is set out below:

Main Scheme1
2000 Plan2
US schemes3

1.  Source: Main Scheme actuarial valuation report as at 31 March 2014. 
2.  Source: 2000 Plan actuarial valuation report as at 31 March 2014. 
3.  Source: Annual updates of the US schemes as at 1 January 2015. 

Active 
%
32
14
34

Deferred 
%
19
29
18

Pensioner 
%
49
57
48

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140

Notes to the Group accounts 
continued

20. Retirement benefit obligations continued 

Regulatory framework
The funded UK schemes are registered and subject to the statutory scheme specific-funding requirements outlined in UK legislation, including 
the payment of levies to the Pension Protection Fund as set out in the Pension Act 2004. These schemes were established under trust and the 
responsibility for their governance lies jointly with the trustees and the Group.

The funded US schemes are tax-qualified pension schemes regulated by the Pension Protection Act 2006 and insured by the Pension Benefit 
Guarantee Corporation (PBGC) up to certain limits. These schemes were established under and are governed by the US Employee Retirement 
Income Security Act 1974 and the BAE Systems Administrative Committee is a named fiduciary with the authority to manage their operation. 

Benefits
The UK defined benefit schemes provide benefits to members in the form of a set level of pension payable for life based on members’ final 
salaries. The benefits attract inflation-related increases both in deferment and payment. All UK defined benefit schemes are closed to new 
entrants, with benefits for new employees being provided through a defined contribution scheme. The Normal Retirement Age for active 
members of the Main Scheme and 2000 Plan is 65. Specific benefits applicable to members differ between schemes. Further details on the 
benefits provided by each scheme are provided on the BAE Systems Pensions website: baesystemspensions.com.

The US defined benefit schemes ceased to be final salary schemes in January 2013. The benefits accrued based on the final salaries of members 
at that point will become payable on retirement. The Normal Retirement Age for the largest scheme in the US is 65. 

Funding 
The majority of the UK and US defined benefit pension schemes are funded by the Group’s subsidiaries, equity accounted investments and other 
participating employers. The individual pension schemes’ funding requirements are based on actuarial measurement frameworks set out in their 
funding policies. 

For funding valuation purposes, pension scheme assets are included at market value, whilst the liabilities are determined based on prudent 
assumptions set by the trustees following consultation with scheme actuaries.

The separate actuarial valuations for funding purposes include assumptions which differ from the actuarial assumptions used for IAS 19 accounting 
purposes shown on page 142. The latest valuations of the Main Scheme and 2000 Plan were performed as at 31 March 2014 and showed a 
funding deficit of £2.6bn. The total net funding deficit in respect of all of the UK schemes was £2.7bn. Deficit recovery plans agreed with the 
trustees of the relevant schemes run until 2026.

The results of future triennial valuations and associated funding requirements will be impacted by the future performance of investment markets, 
and interest and inflation rates.

The total Group contributions made to the defined benefit schemes in the year ended 31 December 2015 were £438m (2014 £548m) excluding 
those amounts allocated to equity accounted investments and participating employers of £98m (2014 £92m). This includes additional contributions 
of £33m into the UK schemes relating to the share buyback programme (2014 £108m).

In 2016, the Group expects to make contributions at a similar level to the recurring contributions and deficit funding as made in 2015.

The Group incurred a charge of £140m (2014 £125m) in relation to defined contribution schemes for employees.

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141

20. Retirement benefit obligations continued 

Risk management
The defined benefit pension schemes expose the Group to actuarial risks, including market (investment) risk, interest rate risk, inflation risk and 
longevity risk. 

Risk

Mitigation

Market (investment) risk
Asset returns may not move in line with the 
liabilities and may be subject to volatility.

Interest rate risk
Liabilities are sensitive to movements in interest 
rates, with lower interest rates leading to an 
increase in the valuation of liabilities.

Inflation risk 
Liabilities are sensitive to movements in inflation, 
with higher inflation leading to an increase in 
the valuation of liabilities.

Longevity risk
Liabilities are sensitive to life expectancy, with 
increases in life expectancies leading to an 
increase in the valuation of liabilities. 

The investment portfolios are highly diversified, investing in a wide range of assets, in order to 
provide reasonable assurance that no single security or type of security could have a materially 
adverse impact on the total portfolio. To reduce volatility, certain assets are held in a matching 
portfolio, which largely consists of index-linked bonds, gilts and swaps, designed to mirror 
movements in corresponding liabilities.
Some 48% (2014 46%) of the Group’s pension scheme assets are held in equities and pooled 
investment vehicles due to the higher expected level of return over the long term.
Some of the Group’s pension schemes use derivative financial instruments as part of their 
investment strategy to manage the level of market risk. In August 2013, the Main Scheme 
implemented a long-dated equity option strategy protecting £1.4bn of assets against a 
significant fall in equity markets.

In addition to investing in bonds as part of the matching portfolio, the principal UK schemes 
invest in interest rate swaps to reduce the exposure to movements in interest rates. The swaps 
are held with several banks to reduce counterparty risk.

In addition to investing in index-linked bonds as part of the matching portfolio, the principal 
UK schemes invest in long-term inflation swaps to reduce the exposure to movements in 
inflation. The swaps are held with several banks to reduce counterparty risk.
Effective 1 May 2014, the Main Scheme implemented a pension increase exchange to allow 
retired members to elect for a higher current pension in exchange for foregoing certain rights 
to future pension increases. 

Longevity Adjustment Factors are used in the majority of the UK pension schemes in 
order to adjust the pension benefits payable so as to share the cost of people living longer 
with employees. 
In February 2013, with the agreement of the Company, the trustees of the 2000 Plan entered 
into an arrangement with Legal & General to insure against longevity risk for the current 
pensioner population, covering £2.7bn of pension scheme liabilities. In December 2013, similar 
arrangements were entered into, with Legal & General, by the trustees of the Royal Ordnance 
Pension Scheme and Shipbuilding Industries Pension Scheme, covering £0.9bn and £0.8bn of 
pension scheme liabilities, respectively. These arrangements reduce the funding volatility relating 
to increasing life expectancy.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
142

Notes to the Group accounts 
continued

20. Retirement benefit obligations continued

Principal actuarial assumptions 
The assumptions used are estimates chosen from a range of possible actuarial assumptions which, due to the long-term nature of the obligation 
covered, may not necessarily occur in practice.

Financial assumptions
Discount rate (%)
Inflation (%)
Rate of increase in salaries (%)
Rate of increase in deferred pensions (%)
Rate of increase in pensions in payment (%)
Demographic assumptions
Life expectancy of a male currently aged 65 (years)
Life expectancy of a female currently aged 65 (years)
Life expectancy of a male currently aged 45 (years)
Life expectancy of a female currently aged 45 (years)

UK

US

2015

2014

2013

2015

2014

2013

3.9
3.2
3.2
2.3/3.2

4.5
3.6
3.4
3.2
3.4
3.2
2.5/3.4
2.3/3.2
1.8 – 3.6 1.8 – 3.6 1.9 – 3.7

87 – 89
89 – 90
89 – 91
91 – 92

87 – 89
89 – 90
89 – 91
91 – 92

87 – 89
89 – 90
88 – 90
91 – 92

4.5
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

87
89
87
89

4.1
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

87
89
87
89

4.9
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

84
86
84
86

Discount rate
Discount rate assumptions are based on third-party AA corporate bond indices and yields that reflect the maturity profile of the expected benefit 
payments. 

Inflation
In the UK, the inflation assumptions are derived by reference to the difference between the yields on index-linked and fixed-interest long-term 
government bonds, or advice from the local actuary depending on the available information. In the US, inflation assumptions are not significant 
as the Group’s US pension schemes are not indexed with inflation.

Rate of increase in salaries
The rate of increase in salaries for the UK schemes is assumed to be Retail Prices Index (RPI) inflation of 3.2% (2014 RPI inflation of 3.2%), plus a 
promotional scale. From 1 January 2013, employees in the US schemes no longer accrue salary-related benefits.

Rate of increase in deferred pensions
The rate of increase in deferred pensions for the UK schemes is based on Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation of 2.3% (2014 CPI inflation of 
2.3%), with the exception of the 2000 Plan, which is based on RPI inflation of 3.2% (2014 RPI inflation of 3.2%). For all UK schemes, the rate of 
increase in deferred pensions is subject to inflation caps. 

Rate of increase in pensions in payment
The rate of increase in pensions in payment differs between UK schemes. Different tranches of the schemes increase at rates based on either RPI 
or CPI inflation, and some are subject to an inflation cap. With the exception of two smaller schemes, the rate of increase in pensions in payment 
is based on RPI inflation.

Life expectancy
For its UK pension schemes, the Group has used the Self-Administered Pension Schemes S2 mortality tables based on year of birth (as published 
by the Institute of Actuaries) for both pensioner and non-pensioner members in conjunction with the results of an investigation into the actual 
mortality experience of scheme members. In addition, to allow for future improvements in longevity, the Continuous Mortality Investigation 2013 
tables (published by the Institute of Actuaries) have been used, with an assumed long-term rate of future annual mortality improvements of 1.25% 
(2014 1.25%), for both pensioner and non-pensioner members. 

In October 2015, the Society of Actuaries in the US released updated mortality assumptions reflecting the results of its comprehensive mortality 
study. For the majority of the US schemes, the mortality tables used at 31 December 2015 are a blend of the fully generational RP-2014 Aggregate 
table and the RP-2014 White Collar table, both projected using Scale MP-2015. The mortality table changes resulted in a small reduction in the 
US defined benefit obligations. IRS approval of the mortality tables is expected in 2017, following which the tables are expected to be adopted 
for funding valuation purposes.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

143

20. Retirement benefit obligations continued

Retirement benefits other than pensions
Background
The Group operates a number of non-pension retirement benefit schemes, under which certain employees are eligible to receive benefits after 
retirement, the majority of which relate to the provision of medical benefits to retired employees of the Group’s subsidiaries in the US. The latest 
valuations of the principal schemes, covering retiree medical and life insurance schemes in certain US subsidiaries, were performed by independent 
actuaries as at 1 January 2015. These valuations were rolled forward to reflect the information at 31 December 2015. The method of accounting 
for these is similar to that used for defined benefit pension schemes.

Principal actuarial assumptions
The assumption for long-term healthcare cost increases is 4.8% (2014 5.3%) based on the assumptions that the increases are 7.3% in 2016 
reducing to 4.5% by 2024 and 4.5% each year thereafter for pre-retirement, and 8% in 2016 reducing to 4.5% by 2024 and 4.5% each year 
thereafter for post-retirement. 

The disclosures below relate to post-retirement benefit schemes in the UK, US and other countries which are accounted for as defined benefit 
schemes in accordance with IAS 19.

Summary of movements in retirement benefit obligations

Total IAS 19 deficit at 1 January 2015
Actual return on assets excluding amounts included in interest expense
Decrease in liabilities due to changes in financial assumptions 
Decrease in liabilities due to changes in demographic assumptions 
Experience gains/(losses) 
Additional contributions in excess of service cost
Recurring contributions in excess of service cost
Past service cost – plan amendments 
Settlements
Net interest expense 
Foreign exchange adjustments 
Movement in US healthcare schemes
Total IAS 19 deficit at 31 December 2015
Allocated to equity accounted investments and other participating employers
Group’s share of IAS 19 deficit excluding Group’s share of amounts allocated to equity accounted 

UK 
£m
(6,066)
(335)
1,348
–
224
177
44
(10)
–
(206)
–
–
(4,824)
1,053

US and 
other 
£m
(746)
(198)
202
29
(4)
–
53
–
4
(32)
(40)
2
(730)
–

Total 
£m
(6,812)
(533)
1,550
29
220
177
97
(10)
4
(238)
(40)
2
(5,554)
1,053

investments and other participating employers at 31 December 2015

(3,771)

(730)

(4,501)

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
144

Notes to the Group accounts 
continued

20. Retirement benefit obligations continued

Amounts recognised on the balance sheet
The table below shows a reconciliation between the gross assets and liabilities of the Group’s UK, US and other post-retirement benefit schemes 
and the amounts recognised on the Group’s balance sheet after allocation to equity accounted investments and other participating employers. 

Present value of unfunded obligations
Present value of funded obligations
Fair value of scheme assets
Total IAS 19 (deficit)/surplus, net
Allocated to equity accounted investments 

and other participating employers

Group’s share of IAS 19 (deficit)/surplus, net
Represented by:

Retirement benefit surpluses 
Retirement benefit obligations 

UK defined 
benefit 
pension 
schemes 
£m
(59)
(24,974)
20,209
(4,824)

2015

US and 
other 
pension 
schemes 
£m
(131)
(4,072)
3,452
(751)

US 
healthcare 
schemes 
£m
–
(145)
166
21

1,053
(3,771)

120
(3,891)
(3,771)

–
(751)

41
(792)
(751)

–
21

32
(11)
21

UK defined 
benefit 
pension 
schemes 
£m
(41)
(26,195)
20,170
(6,066)

1,444
(4,622)

89
(4,711)
(4,622)

Total 
£m
(190)
(29,191)
23,827
(5,554)

1,053
(4,501)

193
(4,694)
(4,501)

2014

US and 
other 
pension 
schemes 
£m
(138)
(4,132)
3,505
(765)

US 
healthcare 
schemes 
£m
–
(146)
165
19

–
(765)

41
(806)
(765)

–
19

32
(13)
19

Total 
£m
(179)
(30,473)
23,840
(6,812)

1,444
(5,368)

162
(5,530)
(5,368)

Group’s share of IAS 19 deficit of equity 

accounted investments

(139)

–

–

(139)

(165)

–

–

(165)

Total cumulative actuarial losses recognised in equity since the transition to IFRS are £5.2bn (2014 £6.0bn).

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

145

20. Retirement benefit obligations continued

Changes in the fair value of scheme assets before allocation to equity accounted investments and other participating employers 

Value of scheme assets at 1 January 2014

Interest income
Actual return on assets excluding amounts included in interest income 

Actual return on assets

Contributions by employer
Contributions by employer in respect of employee salary sacrifice arrangements

Total contributions by employer
Members’ contributions 
Administrative expenses
Foreign exchange translation
Benefits paid
Value of scheme assets at 31 December 2014

Interest income
Actual return on assets excluding amounts included in interest income 

Actual return on assets

Contributions by employer
Contributions by employer in respect of employee salary sacrifice arrangements

Total contributions by employer
Members’ contributions 
Administrative expenses
Settlements
Foreign exchange translation
Benefits paid
Value of scheme assets at 31 December 2015

UK defined 
benefit 
pension 
schemes 
£m
18,331
820
1,240
2,060
554
105
659
12
(31)
–
(861)
20,170
720
(335)
385
460
103
563
11
–
–
–
(920)
20,209

US and 
other 
pension 
schemes 
£m
3,043
146
208
354
86
–
86
–
(9)
201
(170)
3,505
142
(198)
(56)
76
–
76
–
(12)
(64)
190
(187)
3,452

US 
healthcare 
schemes 
£m
148
7
5
12
1
–
1
–
(1)
10
(5)
165
7
(9)
(2)
2
–
2
–
(1)
–
9
(7)
166

Total 
£m
21,522
973
1,453
2,426
641
105
746
12
(41)
211
(1,036)
23,840
869
(542)
327
538
103
641
11
(13)
(64)
199
(1,114)
23,827

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
146

Notes to the Group accounts 
continued

20. Retirement benefit obligations continued

Assets of defined benefit pension schemes 

Equities:
UK1 
Overseas

Pooled investment vehicles2
Fixed interest securities:

UK gilts
UK corporates
Overseas government
Overseas corporates 
Index-linked securities:

UK gilts
UK corporates

Property3 
Derivatives 
Cash:

Sterling
Foreign currency

Other 
Total

Equities:
UK1 
Overseas

Pooled investment vehicles2
Fixed interest securities:

UK gilts
UK corporates
Overseas government
Overseas corporates 
Index-linked securities:

UK gilts
UK corporates

Property3 
Derivatives 
Cash:

Sterling
Foreign currency

Other 
Total

UK

2015

US and other

Total

Quoted 
£m

Unquoted 
£m

Total 
£m 

Quoted 
£m

Unquoted 
£m

Total 
£m 

Quoted 
£m

Unquoted 
£m

Total 
£m 

4,133
2,883
3,254

2,103
2,771
–
389

1,754
1,678
1,280
–

253
57
–
20,555

4,133
2,883
3,254

2,103
2,771
–
389

1,754
1,678
1,433
(678)

–
602
480

–
–
111
2,084

–
–
–
–

253
57
179
20,209

–
23
–
3,300

–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
153
(678)

–
–
179
(346)

UK

–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
146
–

–
–
6
152

–
602
480

–
–
111
2,084

–
–
146
–

–
23
6
3,452

4,133
3,485
3,734

2,103
2,771
111
2,473

1,754
1,678
1,280
–

253
80
–
23,855

2014

US and other

4,133
3,485
3,734

2,103
2,771
111
2,473

1,754
1,678
1,579
(678)

253
80
185
23,661

–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
299
(678)

–
–
185
(194)

Total

Quoted 
£m

Unquoted 
£m

Total 
£m 

Quoted 
£m

Unquoted 
£m

Total 
£m 

Quoted 
£m

Unquoted 
£m

Total 
£m 

4,183
2,920
2,487

2,332
2,464
–
377

2,198
1,508
1,176
–

288
172
–
20,105

–
–
270

–
–
–
–

–
–
159
(509)

–
–
145
65

4,183
2,920
2,757

2,332
2,464
–
377

2,198
1,508
1,335
(509)

288
172
145
20,170

–
640
454

–
–
158
2,044

–
–
–
–

–
36
–
3,332

–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
165
–

–
–
8
173

–
640
454

–
–
158
2,044

–
–
165
–

–
36
8
3,505

4,183
3,560
2,941

2,332
2,464
158
2,421

2,198
1,508
1,176
–

288
208
–
23,437

–
–
270

–
–
–
–

–
–
324
(509)

–
–
153
238

4,183
3,560
3,211

2,332
2,464
158
2,421

2,198
1,508
1,500
(509)

288
208
153
23,675

Includes £31m (2014 £14m) of the Company’s own ordinary shares. 

1. 
2.  Primarily comprises equities.
3.  Includes £257m (2014 £282m) of property occupied by Group companies. 

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

147

20. Retirement benefit obligations continued

Changes in the present value of the defined benefit obligations before allocation to equity accounted investments and other 
participating employers 

Defined benefit obligations at 1 January 2014

Current service cost
Contributions by employer in respect of employee salary sacrifice arrangements

Total current service cost
Members’ contributions 
Past service cost – plan amendments 
Actuarial loss due to changes in financial assumptions 
Actuarial loss due to changes in demographic assumptions 
Experience gains/(losses)
Interest expense
Foreign exchange translation
Benefits paid
Defined benefit obligations at 31 December 2014

Current service cost
Contributions by employer in respect of employee salary sacrifice arrangements

Total current service cost
Members’ contributions 
Past service cost – plan amendments 
Settlements
Actuarial gain due to changes in financial assumptions 
Actuarial gain due to changes in demographic assumptions 
Experience gains/(losses)
Interest expense
Foreign exchange translation
Benefits paid
Defined benefit obligations at 31 December 2015

UK defined 
 benefit 
pension 
schemes 
£m
(22,603)
(200)
(105)
(305)
(12)
(3)
(3,273)
(341)
435
(995)
–
861
(26,236)
(239)
(103)
(342)
(11)
(10)
–
1,348
–
224
(926)
–
920
(25,033)

US and 
other 
pension 
schemes 
£m
(3,340)
(9)
–
(9)
–
(1)
(405)
(283)
(6)
(160)
(236)
170
(4,270)
(11)
–
(11)
–
–
68
202
29
(4)
(174)
(230)
187
(4,203)

US 
healthcare 
schemes 
£m
(117)
(1)
–
(1)
–
–
(10)
(6)
(3)
(5)
(9)
5
(146)
(2)
–
(2)
–
–
–
7
2
1
(6)
(8)
7
(145)

Total 
£m
(26,060)
(210)
(105)
(315)
(12)
(4)
(3,688)
(630)
426
(1,160)
(245)
1,036
(30,652)
(252)
(103)
(355)
(11)
(10)
68
1,557
31
221
(1,106)
(238)
1,114
(29,381)

Amounts recognised in the income statement after allocation to equity accounted investments and other participating employers 

2015

2014

UK defined 
benefit 
pension 
schemes 
£m

US and 
other 
pension 
schemes 
£m

US 
healthcare 
schemes 
£m

Included in operating costs:

Current service cost
Past service cost – plan amendments
Settlements

Administrative expenses

Included in finance costs:

(177)
(10)
–
(187)
–
(187)

(11)
–
4
(7)
(12)
(19)

Net interest (expense)/income on retirement benefit 

obligations

(161)

(32)

Included in share of results of equity accounted 

investments:
Group’s share of equity accounted investments’ 

operating costs

Group’s share of equity accounted investments’ 

finance costs

(10)

(6)

–

–

(2)
–
–
(2)
(1)
(3)

1

–

–

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

UK defined 
benefit 
pension 
schemes 
£m

US and 
other 
pension 
schemes 
£m

US 
healthcare 
schemes 
£m

Total 
£m

(190)
(10)
4
(196)
(13)
(209)

(156)
(3)
–
(159)
(25)
(184)

(9)
(1)
–
(10)
(9)
(19)

(192)

(135)

(14)

(10)

(6)

(8)

(5)

–

–

Total 
£m

(166)
(4)
–
(170)
(35)
(205)

(147)

(8)

(5)

(1)
–
–
(1)
(1)
(2)

2

–

–

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
148

Notes to the Group accounts 
continued

20. Retirement benefit obligations continued

Sensitivity analysis
The sensitivity information has been derived using scenario analysis from the actuarial assumptions as at 31 December 2015 and keeping all other 
assumptions as set out on page 142. 

Financial assumptions
Changes in the following financial assumptions would have the following effect on the defined benefit pension obligation before allocation to 
equity accounted investments and other participating employers:

Discount rate:

0.1 percentage point increase
0.1 percentage point decrease

Inflation: 

0.1 percentage point increase
0.1 percentage point decrease

(Increase)/decrease 
£bn

0.5
(0.5)

(0.5)
0.5

The sensitivity analysis does not allow for the impact of the Group’s risk management activities in respect of interest rate and inflation risk (see 
page 141) on the valuation of the assets. Across all of its pension schemes, the Group is hedged against approximately 35% and 40% of interest 
rate and inflation risk, respectively, measured relative to the funding liabilities. The Group’s US schemes are not indexed with inflation.

The sensitivity of the valuation of the liabilities to changes in the inflation assumption presented above assumes that a 0.1 percentage point 
change to expectations of future inflation results in a 0.1 percentage point change to all inflation-related assumptions (rate of increase in salaries, 
rate of increase in deferred pensions and rate of increase in pensions in payment) used to value the liabilities. However, upper and lower limits 
exist on the majority of inflation-related benefits such that a change in expectations of future inflation may not have the same impact on the 
inflation-related benefits, and hence will result in a smaller change to the valuation of the liabilities. Accordingly, extrapolation of the above results 
beyond the specific sensitivity figures shown may not be appropriate. To illustrate this, the (increase)/decrease in the defined benefit pension 
obligation resulting from larger changes in the inflation assumption would be as follows:

Inflation:

0.5 percentage point increase
0.5 percentage point decrease
1.0 percentage point increase
1.0 percentage point decrease

(Increase)/decrease 
£bn

(1.6)
1.6
(3.2)
3.0

Demographic assumptions
Changes in the life expectancy assumption, including the benefit of longevity swap arrangements (see longevity risk on page 141), would have 
the following effect on the total IAS 19 deficit: 

Life expectancy: 
One-year increase
One-year decrease

(Increase)/decrease 
£bn

(0.9)
0.9

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

149

21. Provisions

A provision is recognised in the balance sheet when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, it is 
probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and the amount has been reliably estimated. If the 
effect is material, provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at an appropriate pre-tax discount rate.

Warranties and after-sales service
Warranties and after-sales service are provided in the normal course of business with provisions for associated costs being made based on 
an assessment of future claims with reference to past experience. A provision for warranties is recognised when the underlying products and 
services are sold. The provision is based on historical warranty data and a weighting of possible outcomes against their associated probabilities.

Reorganisations
A provision for restructuring is recognised when the Group has approved a detailed and formal restructuring plan, and the restructuring has 
either commenced or has been publicly announced. The costs associated with the reorganisation programmes are supported by detailed plans 
and based on previous experience as well as other known factors. Future operating costs are not provided for.

Legal, contractual and environmental
The Group holds provisions for expected legal, contractual and environmental costs that it expects to incur over an extended period. These 
costs are based on past experience of similar items and other known factors and represent management’s best estimate of the likely outcome. 

Other
Other provisions include provisions for onerous contracts, which are recognised when the expected benefits to be derived by the Group from 
a contract are lower than the unavoidable cost of meeting its obligations under the contract.

Non-current
Current
At 1 January 2015
Created
Utilised
Released
Reclassification between categories
Net present value adjustments 
Foreign exchange adjustments
At 31 December 2015
Represented by:
Non-current
Current

Warranties  
and 
after-sales 
service 
£m
50
30
80
43
(30)
(10)
–
–
2
85

48
37
85

Legal, 
contractual  
and 
environmental 
£m
281
135
416
69
(52)
(41)
14
14
9
429

Reorganisations 
£m
46
91
137
52
(95)
(29)
–
–
–
65

–
65
65

278
151
429

Other 
£m
59
59
118
24
(24)
(34)
(14)
3
3
76

28
48
76

Total 
£m
436
315
751
188
(201)
(114)
–
17
14
655

354
301
655

Warranties and after-sales service 
Warranty and after-sales service costs are generally incurred within three years post-delivery. Whilst actual events could result in potentially 
significant differences to the quantum, but not the timing, of the outflows in relation to the provisions, management has reflected current 
knowledge in assessing the provision levels. 

Reorganisations 
Reorganisation costs are generally incurred within one to three years. There is limited volatility around the timing and amount of the ultimate 
outflows related to these provisions. 

Legal, contractual and environmental 
Reflecting the inherent uncertainty within many legal proceedings, the timing and amount of the outflows could differ significantly from the 
amount provided.

Other 
There are no individually significant provisions included within other provisions. 

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

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150

Notes to the Group accounts 
continued

22. Share capital and other reserves

Share capital

Issued and fully paid
At 1 January 2014
Repurchased and cancelled
At 31 December 2014
Repurchased and cancelled
At 31 December 2015

Equity

Non-equity

Total

Ordinary shares of 2.5p each

Special Share of £1

Number of 
shares  
m

Nominal 
value 
£m

Number of 
shares 

Nominal 
value 
£

Nominal 
value 
£m

3,536
(67)
3,469
(2)
3,467

89
(2)
87
–
87

1
–
1
–
1

1
–
1
–
1

89
(2)
87
–
87

Special Share
One Special Share of £1 in the Company is held on behalf of the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (the Special Shareholder). 
Certain provisions of the Company’s Articles of Association cannot be amended without the consent of the Special Shareholder. These provisions 
include the requirement that no foreign person, or foreign persons acting in concert, can have more than a 15% voting interest in the Company, 
the requirement that the majority of the directors are British, and the requirement that the Chief Executive and any executive Chairman are British 
citizens. The effect of these requirements can also be amended by regulations made by the directors and approved by the Special Shareholder.

The Special Shareholder may require the Company at any time to redeem the Special Share at par or to convert the Special Share into one 
ordinary voting share. The Special Shareholder is entitled to receive notice of and to attend general meetings and class meetings of the Company’s 
shareholders, but has no voting right, nor other rights, other than to speak in relation to any business in respect of the Special Share.

Share buyback
In 2015, 1,450,000 (2014 67,417,000) ordinary shares of 2.5p were repurchased under the three-year buyback programme announced in 
February 2013 and such repurchased shares have been cancelled. 

Treasury shares
As at 31 December 2015, 301,808,103 (2014 315,826,614) ordinary shares of 2.5p each with an aggregate nominal value of £7,545,203 (2014 
£7,895,665) were held in treasury. During 2015, 14,018,511 (2014 11,818,338) treasury shares were used to satisfy awards and options under the 
Share Incentive Plan, International Share Incentive Plan, Restricted Share Plan and Executive Share Option Plan. 

Own shares held
Own shares held, including treasury shares and shares held by BAE Systems Employee Share Option Plan (ESOP) Trust, are recognised as a deduction 
from retained earnings. 

BAE Systems ESOP Trust 
The Group has an ESOP discretionary trust to administer the share plans and to acquire Company shares, using funds loaned by the Group, to meet 
commitments to Group employees. Dividend waivers were in operation for shares within the ESOP Trust, other than those owned beneficially by 
the participants, for the dividends paid in June and November 2015. 

At 31 December 2015, the ESOP held 897,873 (2014 1,509,844) ordinary shares of 2.5p each, with a market value of £4m (2014 £7m). The shares 
held by the ESOP are recorded at cost and deducted from retained earnings until such time as the shares vest unconditionally to employees. 

A dividend waiver was also in operation for the dividends paid in June and November 2015 over shares within the Company’s Share Incentive Plan 
Trust other than those shares owned beneficially by the participants.

Equity dividends

Equity dividends on ordinary share capital are recognised as a liability in the period in which they are declared. The interim dividend is recognised 
when it has been approved by the Board and the final dividend is recognised when it has been approved by the shareholders at the Annual 
General Meeting.

Prior year final 12.3p dividend per ordinary share paid in the year (2014 12.1p)
Interim 8.4p dividend per ordinary share paid in the year (2014 8.2p)

2015 
£m
389
266
655

2014 
£m
383
259
642

After the balance sheet date, the directors proposed a final dividend of 12.5p per ordinary share. The dividend, which is subject to shareholder 
approval, will be paid on 1 June 2016 to shareholders registered on 22 April 2016. The ex-dividend date is 21 April 2016.

Shareholders who do not at present participate in the Company’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan and wish to receive the final dividend in shares 
rather than cash should complete a mandate form for the Dividend Reinvestment Plan and return it to the registrars no later than 10 May 2016.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

22. Share capital and other reserves continued

Other reserves

At 1 January 2014
Currency translation on foreign currency net investments:

Subsidiaries
Equity accounted investments

Amounts charged to hedging reserve 
Tax on other comprehensive income
Net purchase of own shares
At 31 December 2014
Currency translation on foreign currency net investments:

Subsidiaries
Equity accounted investments

Reclassification of cumulative currency translation reserve 

on disposal

Amounts charged to hedging reserve 
Tax on other comprehensive income
At 31 December 2015

1.  Restated.

Merger 
reserve 
£m
4,589

Statutory 
reserve 
£m
202

Revaluation 
reserve 
£m
10

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 
£m
1

Hedging 
reserve 
£m
31

Translation 
reserve 
£m
35

–
–
–
–
–
4,589

–
–

–
–
–
4,589

–
–
–
–
–
202

–
–

–
–
–
202

–
–
–
–
–
10

–
–

–
–
–
10

–
–
–
–
2
3

–
–

–
–
–
3

–
–
(92)
19
–
(42)

–
–

–
(25)
5
(62)

2771
(13)1
–
–
–
299

261
(45)

20
–
–
535

151

Total 
£m
4,868

2771
(13)1
(92)
19
2
5,061

261
(45)

20
(25)
5
5,277

Merger reserve
The merger reserve arose on the acquisition of the Marconi Electronic Systems (MES) business by British Aerospace in 1999 to form BAE Systems, 
and represents the amount by which the fair value of the shares issued by British Aerospace as consideration exceeded their nominal value. 

Statutory reserve
Under Section 4 of the British Aerospace Act 1980, this reserve may only be applied in paying up unissued shares of the Company to be allotted 
to members of the Company as fully paid bonus shares.

Revaluation reserve
The revaluation reserve relates to the revaluation at fair value of the net assets of the BVT joint venture previously held as an equity accounted 
investment on the acquisition of the remaining 45% interest in 2009.

Capital redemption reserve
The capital redemption reserve represents the cumulative nominal value of the Company’s ordinary shares repurchased and subsequently 
cancelled. During the year ended 31 December 2015, 1,450,000 (2014 67,417,000) ordinary shares with a nominal value of £nil (2014 £2m) 
were repurchased and have been subsequently cancelled. 

Hedging reserve
The hedging reserve comprises the effective portion of the cumulative net change in the fair value of cash flow hedging instruments related 
to hedged transactions that have not yet occurred. 

Translation reserve
The translation reserve comprises all foreign currency differences arising from the translation of the financial statements of foreign operations.

Capital
The Group funds its operations through a mixture of equity funding and debt financing, including bank and capital market borrowings.

At 31 December 2015, the Group’s capital was £3,064m (2014 £1,919m), which comprises total equity of £3,002m (2014 £1,877m), excluding 
amounts accumulated in equity relating to cash flow hedges of £62m (2014 £42m). Net debt (as defined by the Group) was £1,422m (2014 £1,032m).

The capital structure of the Group reflects the judgement of the directors of an appropriate balance of funding required. The Group’s policy is to 
maintain an investment grade credit rating and ensure operating flexibility, whilst: 

– meeting its pension obligations;

– continuing to pursue organic investment opportunities; 

– paying dividends in line with the Group’s policy of long-term sustainable cover of around two times underlying earnings (see note 7);

– making accelerated returns of capital to shareholders when the balance sheet allows and only when the return from doing so is in excess of the 

Group’s Weighted Average Cost of Capital; and 

– investing in value-enhancing acquisitions, where market conditions are right and where they deliver on the Group’s strategy.

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152

Notes to the Group accounts 
continued

23. Cash flow analysis

Operating business cash flow

Cash inflow from operating activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment, and investment property
Purchase of intangible assets
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment, and investment property
Proceeds from sale of non-current other investments
Equity accounted investment funding
Dividends received from equity accounted investments
Operating business cash flow

Electronic Systems
Cyber & Intelligence
Platforms & Services (US)
Platforms & Services (UK)
Platforms & Services (International)
HQ
Operating business cash flow

1. Re-presented for the reallocation of the Integrated Electronics & Warfare Systems activities from Platforms & Services (US) to Cyber & Intelligence.

Cash flows from acquisitions and disposals 

Proceeds from sale of subsidiary undertakings 
Cash and cash equivalents disposed of with subsidiary undertakings
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary undertakings (net of cash disposed)
Purchase of subsidiary undertakings 
Cash and cash equivalents acquired from purchase of subsidiary undertakings 
Acquisitions and disposals

2015 
£m
924
(359)
(54)
136
1
(8)
41
681

2015 
£m
323
93
100
220
164
(219)
681

2015 
£m
34
(13)
21
(5)
–
16

2014  
£m 
913
(263)
(59)
539
–
(2)
63
1,191

20141
£m 
246
125
147
173
881
(381)
1,191

2014  
£m 
–
–
–
(233)
3
(230)

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Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

153

24. Net (debt)/cash (as defined by the Group)

Key Performance Indicator – Net (debt)/cash
Net (debt)/cash comprises cash and cash equivalents, less loans and overdrafts (including debt-related derivative financial instruments) and cash 
received on customers’ account1. 

Movement in net (debt)/cash (as defined by the Group)

Operating business cash flow
Interest 
Taxation
Free cash inflow 
Acquisitions and disposals
Net sale/(purchase) of own shares 
Equity dividends paid
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
Cash inflow from matured derivative financial instruments
Cash inflow from movement in cash collateral
Cash inflow from loans
Cash outflow from repayment of loans
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Foreign exchange adjustments 
Other non-cash movements
Less: Cash classified as held for sale
Less: Movement in cash received on customers’ account1
Less: Cash inflow from loans
Less: Cash outflow from repayment of loans
Movement in net debt (as defined by the Group)
Opening net debt (as defined by the Group)
Closing net debt (as defined by the Group)

Components of net (debt)/cash (as defined by the Group) 

Debt-related derivative financial instrument assets – non-current
Cash and cash equivalents
Less: Cash classified as held for sale
Cash (as defined by the Group)
Loans – non-current
Loans and overdrafts – current
Debt (as defined by the Group) 
Net debt (as defined by the Group) 

Notes
23

23

Notes
13
16

17
18
18

2015 
£m
681
(173)
(116)
392
16
1
(655)
(40)
12
3
1,625
(1,135)
219
(165)
46
–
–
(1,625)
1,135
(390)
(1,032)
(1,422)

2015 
£m
53
2,537
–
2,590
(3,775)
(237)
(4,012)
(1,422)

2014 
£m
1,191
(145)
(92)
954
(230)
(281)
(642)
(14)
8
10
679
(398)
86
(146)
13
(6)
1
(679)
398
(333)
(699)
(1,032)

2014 
£m
10
2,314
(6)
2,318
(2,868)
(482)
(3,350)
(1,032)

1.  Cash received on customers’ account is the unexpended cash received from customers in advance of delivery which is subject to advance payment guarantees unrelated to 

Group performance. 

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
154

Notes to the Group accounts 
continued

25. Acquisition and disposal of subsidiaries

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method as at the acquisition date, which is the date on which control is 
transferred to the Group. The Group measures goodwill as the acquisition-date fair value of the consideration transferred, including the amount 
of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree, less the net of the acquisition-date fair values of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities 
assumed, including contingent liabilities as required by IFRS 3, Business Combinations. 

Consideration transferred includes the fair values of assets transferred, liabilities incurred by the Group to the previous owners of the acquiree, 
equity interests issued by the Group, contingent consideration, and share-based payment awards of the acquiree that are replaced in the 
business combination. Any contingent consideration payable is recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. Subsequent changes to the fair 
value of contingent consideration that is not classified as equity are recognised in the income statement. 

Transaction costs that the Group incurs in connection with a business combination, such as finder’s fees, legal fees, due diligence fees, and 
other professional and consulting fees, are expensed as incurred. 

Subsidiaries acquired during 2015
In June, the Group completed the acquisition of Eclipse Electronic Systems, Inc., a provider of advanced Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance 
products and services, for cash consideration of $8m (£5m).

Subsidiaries disposed of during 2015
In April, the Group completed the sale of its 75% holding in BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa (Pty) Limited for cash consideration of 
655 million Rand (£36m).

Cash consideration
Transaction costs paid
Cash proceeds
Net assets disposed:

Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Deferred tax assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other payables
Deferred tax liabilities
Provisions

Non-controlling interest disposed
Cumulative currency translation loss
Loss on disposal of businesses

£m

(19)
(9)
(7)
(9)
(3)
(13)
8
2
6

£m
36
(2)
34

(44)
6
(20)
(24)

Subsidiaries acquired during 2014
In 2014, the Group acquired Perimeter Internetworking Corp., trading as SilverSky; an additional 59% shareholding in Saudi Development and 
Training Company; and Signal Innovations Group, Inc. For all acquisitions made during 2014, there were no adjustments made in 2015 to the 
provisional fair values.

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155

26. Fair value measurement

Fair value of financial instruments
Certain of the Group’s financial instruments are held at fair value.

The fair value of a financial instrument is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction 
between market participants at the balance sheet date.

The fair values of financial instruments held at fair value have been determined based on available market information at the balance sheet date, 
and the valuation methodologies listed below:

– the fair values of forward foreign exchange contracts are calculated by discounting the contracted forward values and translating at the 

appropriate balance sheet rates; 

– the fair values of both interest rate and cross-currency swaps are calculated by discounting expected future principal and interest cash flows 

and translating at the appropriate balance sheet rates; and 

– the fair values of loans and overdrafts have been estimated by discounting the future cash flows to net present values using appropriate 

market-based interest rates prevailing at 31 December. 

Due to the variability of the valuation factors, the fair values presented at 31 December may not be indicative of the amounts the Group would 
expect to realise in the current market environment.

Fair value hierarchy
The fair value measurement hierarchy is as follows:

– Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; 

– Level 2 – 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 – Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (i.e. unobservable inputs).

Carrying amounts and fair values of certain financial instruments

Financial instruments measured at fair value:

Non-current
Available-for-sale financial assets 
Other receivables1 
Other financial assets
Other financial liabilities
Loans
Trade and other payables1
Current
Other financial assets
Other financial liabilities

Financial instruments not measured at fair value:

Non-current
Loans
Current
Cash and cash equivalents
Loans and overdrafts 

1.  Represents US deferred compensation plan assets and liabilities.

2015

2014

Carrying 
amount 
£m

Fair 
value 
£m

Carrying 
amount 
£m

Notes

6
234
107
(72)
(346)
(264)

105
(130)

6
234
107
(72)
(346)
(264)

105
(130)

12
13
13
18
19

13
13

7
238
38
(79)
(325)
(262)

46
(107)

Fair 
value 
£m

7
238
38
(79)
(325)
(262)

46
(107)

18

(3,429)

(3,704)

(2,543)

(2,900)

16
18

2,537
(237)

2,537
(241)

2,308
(482)

2,308
(494)

All of the financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value are classified as level 2 using the fair value hierarchy. There were no transfers 
between levels during the year. 

Financial assets and liabilities in the Group’s consolidated balance sheet are either held at fair value or their carrying value approximates to fair 
value, with the exception of loans, most of which are held at amortised cost.

The fair value of total loans and overdrafts estimated using market prices at 31 December 2015 is £4,291m (2014 £3,719m).

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

 
 
Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
156

Notes to the Group accounts 
continued

27. Financial risk management

Interest rate risk
The Group’s objective is to manage its exposure to interest rate fluctuations on borrowings through varying the proportion of fixed rate debt 
relative to floating rate debt with derivative instruments, including interest rate and cross-currency swaps. 

The Group’s interest rate management policy is that a minimum of 50% (2014 50%) and a maximum of 90% (2014 90%) of gross debt is 
maintained at fixed interest rates. At 31 December 2015, the Group had 83% (2014 81%) of fixed rate debt and 17% (2014 19%) of floating 
rate debt based on a gross debt of £4.0bn, including debt-related derivative financial assets (2014 £3.3bn).

Based on contracted maturities and/or repricing dates, the following amounts are exposed to interest rate risk over the future as shown below: 

Cash and cash equivalents
Loans and overdrafts

Less than  
one year 
£m
2,537
(681)

Between one  
and two years 
£m
–
(681)

More than  
two years 
£m
–
(681)

The floating rate debt has been predominantly achieved by entering into interest rate swaps which swap the fixed rate US dollar interest payable 
on debt into either floating rate sterling or US dollars. At the end of 2015, the Group had a total of $1.0bn (2014 $1.0bn) of this type of swap 
outstanding with a weighted average duration of 3.6 years (2014 4.6 years). In respect of the fixed rate debt, the weighted average period in 
respect of which interest is fixed was 11.5 years (2014 10.1 years).

Given the level of short-term interest rates during the year, the average cost of the floating rate debt was 3.5% (2014 4.1%) on US dollars. 
The cost of the fixed rate debt was 4.9% (2014 5.4%). 

A change of 100 basis points in short-term rates applied to the average fixed/floating mix and level of borrowings would vary the interest cost 
to the Group by £7m (2014 £6m). 

In respect of cash deposits, given the fluctuation in the Group’s working capital requirements, cash is generally invested for short-term periods 
based at floating interest rates. A change of 100 basis points in the average interest rates during the year applied to the average cash deposits 
would vary the interest receivable by £7m (2014 £9m).

Liquidity risk
Contractual cash flows on financial liabilities
The contracted cash flows on loans and overdrafts, and derivative financial instruments at the reporting date are shown below, classified by 
maturity. The cash flows are shown on a gross basis, are not discounted and include estimated interest payments where applicable.

31 December 2015

Contracted cash flow

Less  
than 
one  
year 
£m
(431)

Between 
one and 
five  
years 
£m
(1,698)

More 
than 
five  
years 
£m
(3,939)

Carrying 
amount 
£m
(4,012)

Total 
£m
(6,068)

Carrying 
amount 
£m
(3,350)

(299)
814
(555)
35

(217)
238
(89)
55

50
27
(77)
–

(466)
1,079
(721)
90

31 December 2014

Contracted cash flow

Less  
than 
one  
year 
£m
(655)

Between 
one and 
five 
years 
£m
(1,420)

More  
than 
five  
years 
£m
(2,926)

(39)
707
(696)
24

(41)
761
(696)
(27)

71
47
(118)
–

(96)

(5)

(13)

2,133
441
(2,672)
98
3

3

6
4

(4)
–
4
–
(1)

(1)

11
(3)

–

–
–
–
–
–

–

55
55

(18)

(107)

(4)

2,129
441
(2,668)
98
2

2

72
56

1,399
507
(2,044)
138
4

4

6
6

(5)

10
(102)

(3)

(9)
–
9
–
(4)

(4)

2
(5)

–

–
–
–
–
–

–

23
23

Total 
£m
(5,001)

(9)
1,515
(1,510)
(3)

(7)

1,390
507
(2,035)
138
–

–

31
24

Loans and overdrafts

(Sale)/purchase contracts:

US dollar
Euro
Sterling
Other

Cash flow hedges – foreign 

exchange contracts
Purchase/(sale) contracts: 

US dollar
Euro
Sterling
Other
Interest rate contracts

Other foreign exchange/interest 

rate contracts

Debt-related derivative financial 

instruments

Other financial assets and liabilities

53

53
10

Contractual cash flows in respect of all other financial liabilities are equal to the balance sheet carrying amount. Current contractual amounts 
relating to other financial liabilities, such as trade payables, are settled within the normal operating cycle of the business.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

157

27. Financial risk management continued

Borrowing facilities
The Group’s objective is to maintain adequate undrawn committed borrowing facilities. 

At 31 December 2015, the Group had a committed Revolving Credit Facility (RCF) of £2bn (2014 £2bn). The RCF is contracted until 2018 at £2bn 
and from 2018 to 2020 at £1.9bn. The RCF was undrawn throughout the year. The RCF also acts as a back stop to Commercial Paper issued by 
the Group. At 31 December 2015, the Group had no Commercial Paper in issue (2014 £nil).

Cash management
Cash flow forecasting is performed by the businesses on a monthly basis. The Group monitors a rolling forecast of its liquidity requirements to 
ensure that there is sufficient cash to meet operational needs and maintain adequate headroom. 

Surplus cash held by the businesses over and above balances required for working capital management is loaned to the Group’s centralised 
treasury department. Surplus cash is invested in interest bearing current accounts, term deposits, money market deposits and marketable 
securities, choosing instruments with appropriate maturities or sufficient liquidity to provide sufficient headroom as determined by cash forecasts. 

The Group’s objective is to monitor and control counterparty credit risk and credit limit utilisation. The Group adopts a conservative approach to 
the investment of its surplus cash. It is deposited with financial institutions with the strongest credit ratings for short periods. The cash and cash 
equivalents balance at 31 December 2015 of £2,537m (2014 £2,308m) was invested with 35 (2014 30) financial institutions. A credit limit is 
allocated to each institution taking account of its market capitalisation, credit rating and credit default swap price. 

The cash and cash equivalents of the Group are invested in non-speculative financial instruments which are usually highly liquid, such as 
short-term deposits. The Group, therefore, believes it has reduced its exposure to counterparty credit risk through this process. 

Currency risk
The Group’s objective is to reduce its exposure to transactional volatility in earnings and cash flows from movements in foreign currency 
exchange rates, mainly the US dollar, Euro, Saudi Riyal and Australian dollar.

The Group is exposed to movements in foreign currency exchange rates in respect of foreign currency denominated transactions. All material 
firm transactional exposures are hedged and the Group aims, where possible, to apply hedge accounting to these transactions.

The Group is exposed to movements in foreign currency exchange rates in respect of the translation of net assets and income statements of 
foreign subsidiaries and equity accounted investments. The Group does not hedge the translation effect of exchange rate movements on the 
income statements or balance sheets of foreign subsidiaries and equity accounted investments it regards as long-term investments.

Credit risk 
The Group has material receivables due from the UK, US and Saudi Arabian governments where credit risk is not considered an issue. For the 
remaining trade receivables, a provision for bad debts has been calculated taking into account individual assessments based on past credit history 
and prior knowledge of debtor insolvency or other credit risk, and no one counterparty constitutes more than 12% of the balance (2014 7%).

The ageing of trade receivables is detailed below:

Not past due and not impaired
Up to 180 days overdue and not impaired
Past 180 days overdue and not impaired
Past 180 days overdue and impaired

Movements on the provision for bad debts are as follows:

At 1 January
Created
Utilised
Released
Foreign exchange adjustments
At 31 December

2015

Provision 
£m
–
–
–
(25)
(25)

Gross 
£m
807
376
101
25
1,309

Net 
£m
807
376
101
–
1,284

2014

Provision 
£m
–
–
–
(28)
(28)

Gross 
£m
611
266
58
28
963

2015 
£m
28
8
(3)
(9)
1
25

Net 
£m
611
266
58
–
935

2014 
£m
27
15
(4)
(11)
1
28

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Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
158

Notes to the Group accounts 
continued

28. Share-based payments

The Group has granted equity-settled share options and Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) arrangements, and cash-settled share appreciation 
rights to employees. 

Equity-settled share options and LTIP arrangements are measured at fair value at the date of grant using an option pricing model. 

The fair value is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the Group’s estimate of the number of shares that will 
actually vest.

Cash-settled share options are measured at fair value at the balance sheet date. The Group recognises a liability at the balance sheet date 
based on these fair values, and taking into account the estimated number that will actually vest and the relative completion of the vesting 
period. Changes in the value of this liability are recognised in the income statement for the year.

Details of the terms and conditions of each share-based payment plan are given in the Annual remuneration report on pages 73 to 86. 

Expense in year

Executive Share Option Plan 
Performance Share Plan
Restricted Share Plan 

2015

2014

Equity-settled 
£m
6
6
4
16

Equity-settled 
£m
4
5
5
14

The Group also incurred a charge of £28m (2014 £28m) in respect of the equity-settled all-employee free shares and matching Partnership Shares 
elements of the Share Incentive Plan.

Executive Share Option Plan

2015

2014

Number of 
 shares 
’000

35,594
9,349
(9,838)
(2,940)
32,165
4,307

694
(678)
(16)
–
–

2015

Weighted 
average 
 exercise 
price 
£

Number of 
 shares 
’000

Weighted 
average 
 exercise 
price 
£

3.70
5.25
3.38
3.52
4.26
3.30

2.69
2.69
2.71
–
–

30,959
10,578
(1,644)
(4,299)
35,594
3,633

1,802
(1,078)
(30)
694
694

2014

3.52
4.12
3.07
3.71
3.70
4.30

2.38
2.19
2.07
2.69
2.69

Equity-settled
3.01 – 5.43
8
0.76

Cash-settled
–
–
–

Equity-settled
2.64 – 4.79
8
0.64

Cash-settled
2.64 – 3.56
–
–

Equity-settled options
Outstanding at the beginning of the year
Granted during the year
Exercised during the year
Expired during the year
Outstanding at the end of the year
Exercisable at the end of the year
Cash-settled share appreciation rights
Outstanding at the beginning of the year
Exercised during the year
Expired during the year
Outstanding at the end of the year
Exercisable at the end of the year

Range of exercise price of outstanding options (£)
Weighted average remaining contracted life (years)
Weighted average fair value of options granted (£)

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

159

28. Share-based payments continued

Performance Share Plan, Share Matching Plan and Restricted Share Plan 

Outstanding at the beginning of the year
Granted during the year
Exercised during the year
Expired during the year
Outstanding at the end of the year
Exercisable at the end of the year

Weighted average remaining contracted life (years)
Weighted average fair value of awards granted (£)

All awards are equity-settled.

Performance Share Plan

Share Matching Plan

Restricted Share Plan

2015 
Number of 
 shares 
’000
18,868 
7,167 
(335)
(6,038)
19,662 
204 

2015
5
4.49

2014 
Number of 
shares 
’000
21,693
8,678
(637)
(10,866)
18,868
266

2014
5
3.01

2015 
Number of 
 shares 
’000
5,618 
–
–
(3,366)
2,252 
–

2015
–
–

2014 
Number of 
shares 
’000
11,201
–
–
(5,583)
5,618
–

2014
1
–

2015 
Number of 
 shares 
’000
3,760 
1,218 
(1,876)
(255)
2,847 
–

2014 
Number of 
shares 
’000
6,070
1,205
(2,872)
(643)
3,760
–

2015
5 
5.12

2014
5
4.12

The exercise price for the Performance Share Plan and Restricted Share Plan is £nil (2014 £nil).

Details of options/awards granted in the year
The fair value of equity-settled options/awards granted in the year has been measured using the weighted average inputs below and the following 
valuation models: 

Executive Share Option Plan – Binomial model
Performance Share Plan – Monte Carlo
Restricted Share Plan – Dividend valuation model

Range of share price at date of grant (£)
Expected option/award life (years)
Volatility (%)
Risk free interest rate (%)

2015

2014
4.38 – 5.43 4.12 – 4.51
3 – 10
21 – 24
1.0 – 1.2

3 – 10
20 – 21
0.5 – 0.9

Volatility was calculated with reference to the Group’s weekly share price volatility, after allowing for dividends and stock splits, for the greater of 
30 weeks or for the period until vest date.

The average share price in the year was £4.87 (2014 £4.33).

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
160

Notes to the Group accounts 
continued

29. Related party transactions

The Group has a related party relationship with its directors and key management personnel (see below), equity accounted investments (note 11) 
and pension schemes (note 20).

Transactions occur with the equity accounted investments in the normal course of business, are priced on an arm’s-length basis and settled on 
normal trade terms. The more significant transactions are disclosed below: 

Related party
Advanced Electronics Company Limited
CTA International SAS
Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH
FADEC International LLC
Gripen International KB
MBDA SAS
Panavia Aircraft GmbH
Saudi Development and Training 

Company Limited (SDT)2

Sales to  
related party

Purchases from  
related party

Amounts owed by 
related party

Amounts owed to 
related party1

Management 
recharges1

2015 
£m
22
15
1,417
72
–
23
53

2014 
£m
9
3
1,087
74
–
22
34

n/a
1,602

–
1,229

2015 
£m
46
–
–
–
–
286
47

n/a
379

2014 
£m
56
–
11
–
–
90
44

8
209

2015 
£m
–
11
37
–
19
6
2

n/a
75

2014 
£m
–
2
64
–
15
6
5

n/a
92

2015 
£m
–
–
65
–
14
367
–

n/a
446

2014 
£m
–
–
77
–
14
403
–

n/a
494

2015 
£m
–
–
–
–
–
17
–

n/a
17

2014 
£m
–
–
–
–
–
17
–

–
17

1.  Also relates to disclosures under IAS 24, Related Party Disclosures, for the parent company, BAE Systems plc. At 31 December 2015, £405m (2014 £453m) was owed 

by BAE Systems plc and £41m (2014 £41m) by other Group subsidiaries.

2.  For the period from 1 January 2014 to 15 September 2014 when the Group accounted for its share of the results of SDT under the equity method, in accordance with 

IAS 28, Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures (revised 2011). 

The Group considers key management personnel as defined under IAS 24, Related Party Disclosures, to be the members of the Group’s Executive 
Committee and the Company’s non-executive directors. Fuller disclosures on directors’ remuneration are set out in the Annual remuneration 
report on pages 73 to 86. Total emoluments for directors and key management personnel charged to the Consolidated income statement were: 

2015 
£’000

2014 
£’000
14,831 14,383
1,678
1,702
3,320
20,996 21,083

2,021
–
4,144

Short-term employee benefits
Post-employment benefits
Termination benefits
Share-based payments

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

161

30. Contingent liabilities and commitments

Guarantees and performance bonds
The Group has entered into a number of guarantee and performance bond arrangements in the normal course of business and regards these 
as insurance contracts. Provision is made for any amounts that the directors consider may become payable under such arrangements.

Operating lease commitments – where the Group is the lessee
The Group leases various offices, factories and shipyards under non-cancellable operating lease agreements. The leases have varying terms, 
including escalation clauses, renewal rights and purchase options. None of these terms represent unusual arrangements or create material 
onerous or beneficial rights or obligations.

The future aggregate minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases and associated future minimum sublease income are 
as follows:

Payments due:

Not later than one year
Later than one year and not later than five years
Later than five years

Total of future minimum sublease income under non-cancellable subleases 

Capital commitments
Capital expenditure contracted for but not provided for in the accounts is as follows:

Property, plant and equipment1
Intangible assets

1. 

Includes £99m (2014 £nil) at Barrow-in-Furness, UK, relating to the Successor submarine programme funded by the UK government.

2015 
£m

2014 
£m

222
710
779
1,711

213
678
810
1,701

139

159

2015 
£m
264
8
272

2014 
£m
142
3
145

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
162

Notes to the Group accounts 
continued

31. Information about related undertakings

In accordance with Section 409 of the Companies Act 2006, a full list of subsidiaries and equity accounted investments as at 31 December 2015 
is disclosed below. Unless otherwise stated, the Group’s shareholding represents ordinary shares held indirectly by BAE Systems plc, the year end 
is 31 December and the address of the registered office is Warwick House, PO Box 87, Farnborough Aerospace Centre, Farnborough, Hampshire 
GU14 6YU, United Kingdom. No subsidiary undertakings have been excluded from the consolidation.

Subsidiaries – wholly-owned
4219 Lafayette, LLC21
4219-120 Lafayette Center Drive, Chantilly VA 20151, 
United States

Aerosystems International Limited
Lupin Way, Alvington, Yeovil, Somerset BA22 8UZ,  
United Kingdom

Alabama Dry Dock and Shipbuilding, LLC21
PO Box 3202, Main Gate, Dunlap Drive,  
Mobile AL 36652, United States

Alvis Pension Scheme Trustees Limited

Alvis Limited

Alvis Vickers Limited
Armor Holdings Inc.6
2000 North 15th Street, 11th Floor, Arlington  
VA 22201, United States

Armstrong Whitworth Aircraft Limited1
Atlantic-Alabama Holding Company, LLC21
PO Box 3202, Main Gate, Dunlap Drive,  
Mobile AL 36652, United States

Australian Marine Engineering Corporation 
(Finance) Pty Limited
Evans Building, Taranaki Road, Edinburgh Parks, Edinburgh 
SA 5111, Australia

Avro International Aerospace Limited1
BAE Systems (Aberdeen) Limited13,15
Saltire Court, 20 Castle Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2EG, 
United Kingdom

BAE Systems (Al Diriyah C4i) Limited1
BAE Systems (Aviation Services) Limited
BAE Systems (Bristol House) Limited1,11,15
15 Canada Square, London E14 5GL, United Kingdom

BAE Systems (Canada) Inc.
220 Laurier Avenue West, Suite 1200, Ottawa ON K1P 5Z9, 
Canada

BAE Systems (Combat and Radar Systems) Limited
PO Box 727, St. Paul’s Gate, New Street, St. Helier JE4 8ZB, Jersey

BAE Systems (Consultancy Services) Limited

BAE Systems (Corporate Air Travel) Limited 
BAE Systems (CS&SI – Qatar) Limited1
BAE Systems (Defence Systems) Limited

BAE Systems (Dynamics) Limited

BAE Systems (Farnborough 1) Limited

BAE Systems (Farnborough 2) Limited

BAE Systems (Farnborough 3) Limited 

BAE Systems (Finance) Limited 

BAE Systems (Funding Two) Limited

BAE Systems (Funding Three) Limited

BAE Systems (Gripen Overseas) Limited 

BAE Systems (Hawk Synthetic Training) Limited
BAE Systems (Holdings) Limited1
BAE Systems (Insurance) Limited 

BAE Systems (International) Limited 
BAE Systems (Jersey) Limited1
PO Box 727, St. Paul’s Gate, New Street, St. Helier JE4 8ZB, Jersey

BAE Systems (Kazakhstan) Limited 
BAE Systems (Land and Sea Systems) Limited11
BAE Systems (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
16th Floor, Wisma Sime Darby, Jalan Raja Laut, 50350 
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

BAE Systems (MEH) Limited

BAE Systems (Military Air) Overseas Limited

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

BAE Systems (Moose Jaw) Inc.1,5
LeBlanc Nichols, The Chambers, 1000-300 Terry Fox Drive, 
Ottawa ON K2K 0E3, Canada

BAE Systems (Nominees) Limited1
BAE Systems (Oman) Limited
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited10 
BAE Systems (Operations) Singapore Pte Limited
One Marina Boulevard #28-00, Singapore 018989, Singapore

BAE Systems (Overseas Holdings) Limited 

BAE Systems (Poland) Sp. z o.o.
ul. Abp. A. Baraniaka 88, 61-131 Poznan, Poland

BAE Systems (Projects) Limited 

BAE Systems (Property Investments) Limited 
BAE Systems (Stanmore) Limited15
15 Canada Square, London E14 5GL, United Kingdom

BAE Systems (Sweden) AB16
c/o Advokatfirman DLA Nordic KB, Box 7315, SE-103 90 
Stockholm, Sweden

BAE Systems (Vehicles and Equipment) Limited
BAE Systems 2000 Pension Plan Trustees Limited1
BAE Systems AB13
Box 5676, SE-114 86 Stockholm, Sweden

BAE Systems Al Diriyah Programme Limited1
BAE Systems Applied Intelligence (Asia Pacific) 
Pte Limited
United Square, 101 Thomson Road, #25-03/04, 307591, 
Singapore

BAE Systems Applied Intelligence (Australia) 
Pty Limited
Level 12, 16-20 Bridge Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

BAE Systems Applied Intelligence (Belgium) NV
Geldenaaksebaan 329, B-3001, Heverlee, Leuven, Belgium

BAE Systems Applied Intelligence Canada Inc.
1959 Upper Water Street, Suite 900, Halifax NS B3J 2X2, 
Canada

BAE Systems Applied Intelligence (Connect) A/S
Bouet Mollevej 3-5, 9400 Norresundby, Denmark

BAE Systems Applied Intelligence Inc.5
5th Floor, Suite 1920, 256 Franklin Street, Boston MA 02110, 
United States

BAE Systems Applied Intelligence GCS Inc.6
1676 International Drive, 10th Floor, Suite 1000,  
McLean VA 22102, United States

BAE Systems Applied Intelligence (GCS) Limited
Surrey Research Park, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7YP, 
United Kingdom

BAE Systems Applied Intelligence (Integration) Limited
Surrey Research Park, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7YP, 
United Kingdom

BAE Systems Applied Intelligence (International) Limited
Priestley Road, Surrey Research Park, Guildford,  
Surrey GU2 7YP, United Kingdom

BAE Systems Applied Intelligence (Ireland) Limited
Level 5, Block 4, Dundrum Town Centre, Sandyford Road, 
Dundrum, Dublin 16, D16 A4W6, Ireland

BAE Systems Applied Intelligence (Luxembourg) SARL
1 Boulevard de la Foire, L-1528 Luxembourg, Luxembourg

BAE Systems Applied Intelligence (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
16th Floor, Wisma Sime Darby, Jalan Raja Laut, 50350 
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

BAE Systems Applied Intelligence (Spain) S.A.
Paseo de la Castellana, 141, Cuzco IV, 28046 Madrid, Spain

BAE Systems Applied Intelligence (UK) Limited

BAE Systems Applied Intelligence A/S
Bouet Mollevej 3, 9400 Norresundby, Denmark

BAE Systems Applied Intelligence France SAS
112 Avenue Kleber, 75016, Paris, France

BAE Systems Applied Intelligence Limited
Surrey Research Park, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7YP, 
United Kingdom

BAE Systems Applied Intelligence LLC21
8200 Greensboro Drive, 9th Floor, McLean VA 22102, 
United States

BAE Systems Applied Intelligence New Zealand Limited
c/o Russell McVeagh, Vero Centre, 48 Shortland Street, 
Auckland Central, 1140, New Zealand

BAE Systems Applied Intelligence Pty Limited
Level 12, 16-20 Bridge Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

BAE Systems Applied Intelligence US Corp6
440 Wheelers Farms Road, Suite 202, Milford CT 06461, 
United States

BAE Systems Australia Datagate Pty Limited
Evans Building, Taranaki Road, Edinburgh Parks, Edinburgh 
SA 5111, Australia

BAE Systems Australia Defence Holdings Pty Limited
Evans Building, Taranaki Road, Edinburgh Parks, Edinburgh 
SA 5111, Australia

BAE Systems Australia Defence Pty Limited14
Evans Building, Taranaki Road, Edinburgh Parks, Edinburgh 
SA 5111, Australia

BAE Systems Australia (Electronic Systems) Pty Limited
Evans Building, Taranaki Road, Edinburgh Parks, Edinburgh 
SA 5111, Australia

BAE Systems Australia (NSW) Holdings Pty Limited
Evans Building, Taranaki Road, Edinburgh Parks, Edinburgh 
SA 5111, Australia

BAE Systems Australia (NSW) Pty Limited
Evans Building, Taranaki Road, Edinburgh Parks, Edinburgh 
SA 5111, Australia

BAE Systems Australia (Singapore) Pte Limited19
c/o Koh Choo Services Pte Ltd, 150 Cecil Street #15-01, 
Singapore 069543, Singapore

BAE Systems Australia Holdings Limited1
Evans Building, Taranaki Road, Edinburgh Parks, Edinburgh 
SA 5111, Australia

BAE Systems Australia Limited
Evans Building, Taranaki Road, Edinburgh Parks, Edinburgh 
SA 5111, Australia

BAE Systems Australia Logistics Pty Limited10
Evans Building, Taranaki Road, Edinburgh Parks, Edinburgh 
SA 5111, Australia

BAE Systems Australia Sea Sentinel Project Pty Limited
Evans Building, Taranaki Road, Edinburgh Parks, Edinburgh 
SA 5111, Australia

BAE Systems Avionics Overseas Limited15
15 Canada Square, London E14 5GL, United Kingdom

BAE Systems Avionics Singapore Pte Limited
One Marina Boulevard, #28-00, Singapore 018989, Singapore

BAE Systems Bofors AB
SE-691 80 Karlskoga, Sweden

BAE Systems Bofors Holdings Sdn Bhd
Level 21, Suite 21.01, The Gardens South Tower, Mid Valley City, 
Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

BAE Systems Capital Limited1
PO Box 727, St. Paul’s Gate, New Street, St. Helier JE4 8ZB, Jersey

BAE Systems China (Exports) Limited 

BAE Systems C-ITS AB
Box 5676, SE-114 86 Stockholm, Sweden

BAE Systems Command and Control Limited10,15
15 Canada Square, London E14 5GL, United Kingdom

BAE Systems Communications Limited1
BAE Systems Communications Solutions, LLC21
PO Box 111, Knowledge Oasis Muscat, Building 4, 2nd Floor, 
Muscat, Oman

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

163

31. Information about related undertakings continued

BAE Systems InFlight Systems (Overseas) Limited15
15 Canada Square, London E14 5GL, United Kingdom

BAE Systems Protection Systems Inc.7
7822 South 46th Street, Phoenix AZ 85044, United States

Subsidiaries – wholly-owned continued
BAE Systems Controls Inc.5
1098 Clark Street, Endicott NY 13760, United States

BAE Systems Creole Inc.7
3701 Outlet Ctr. Drive, Suite 15, Sealy TX 77474-4904, 
United States

BAE Systems Datagate Limited

BAE Systems Datagate Holdings Limited
BAE Systems Defence Limited1
BAE Systems Deployed Systems Limited2
BAE Systems Detica GmbH
Pfingstweidstrasse 3, 60316 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

BAE Systems Display Technologies Limited

BAE Systems do Brasil Ltda
SCN Quadra 5 Bloco A, Ed. Brasilia Shopping, Torre Norte, 
Sala 426, Brasilia, DF CEP:70715-900, Brazil

BAE Systems Electronic Systems (Overseas) Limited

BAE Systems Electronics Limited 

BAE Systems Enterprises Limited 
BAE Systems Executive Pension Scheme Trustees Limited1
BAE Systems Finance (Ireland)22
Level 5, Block 4, Dundrum Town Centre, Sandyford Road, 
Dundrum, Dublin 16, D16 A4W6, Ireland

BAE Systems Finance B.V.
c/o SGG Netherlands N.V., Hoogoorddreef 15,  
1101 BA Amsterdam, Netherlands

BAE Systems Finance Inc.6
45479 Holiday Drive, Sterling VA 20166, United States

BAE Systems Flight Training (Australia) Pty Limited10
Evans Building, Taranaki Road, Edinburgh Parks, Edinburgh 
SA 5111, Australia

BAE Systems Funds Management1,22
BAE Systems Global Combat Systems Bridging Limited

BAE Systems Global Combat Systems Limited

BAE Systems Global Combat Systems Munitions Limited
BAE Systems Global Mobility LLC21
1300 Wilson Blvd., Arlington VA 22209, United States

BAE Systems Global Tactical Systems LLC21
3701 Outlet Ctr. Drive, Suite 15, Sealy TX 77474-4904, 
United States

BAE Systems Hägglunds AB
SE-691 80, Karlskoga, Sweden

BAE Systems Hawaii Shipyards Inc.6
3049 Ualena Street, Suite 915, Honolulu HI 96819, United States

BAE Systems Holdings (South Africa) (Pty) Limited
Central Office Park No. 5, 257 Jean Avenue, Centurion, 
Gauteng, 0157, South Africa

BAE Systems Holdings B.V.
c/o SGG Netherlands N.V., Hoogoorddreef 15,  
1101 BA Amsterdam, Netherlands

BAE Systems Holdings Germany GmbH7
c/o Heuking Kühn Lüer Wojtek, Neuer Wall 63, 20354 
Hamburg, Germany

BAE Systems Holding GmbH
Hauptstrasse 48, 82433 Bad Kohlgrub, Germany

BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems 
Integration Inc.6
65 Spit Brook Road, Nashua NH 03061, United States

BAE Systems Information Solutions Inc.6
8201 Greensboro Drive, McLean VA 22102, United States

BAE Systems Insurance (Isle of Man) Limited
Tower House, Loch Promenade, Douglas, IM1 2LZ,  
Isle of Man, United Kingdom

BAE Systems Insyte Limited15
15 Canada Square, London E14 5GL, United Kingdom

BAE Systems Integrated System Technologies 
(KSA) Limited

BAE Systems Integrated System Technologies 
(Overseas) Limited

BAE Systems Integrated System Technologies GmbH
Hans-Stießberger-Str. 2b, 85540 Haar, Germany

BAE Systems Integrated System Technologies Limited
BAE Systems International Inc.5
1101 Wilson Blvd, Ste 2000, Arlington VA 22209, United States

BAE Systems Land & Armaments Holdings Inc.6
2000 North 15th Street, 11th Floor, Arlington VA 22201, 
United States

BAE Systems Land & Armaments Inc.6
2000 North 15th Street, 11th Floor, Arlington VA 22201, 
United States

BAE Systems Land & Armaments L.P.21
2000 North 15th Street, 11th Floor, Arlington VA 22201, 
United States

BAE Systems Land Systems ATF Limited

BAE Systems Land Systems (Finance) Limited
BAE Systems Land Systems FMTV International Inc.7
1101 Wilson Blvd, Ste 2000, Arlington VA 22209, United States

BAE Systems Land Systems (Investments AVG) Limited15
15 Canada Square, London E14 5GL, United Kingdom

BAE Systems Land Systems (Investments South Africa) 
Limited

BAE Systems Land Systems (Investments) Limited

BAE Systems Land Systems (Logistics) Limited

BAE Systems Land Systems Pinzgauer Limited

BAE Systems Land Systems Pinzgauer (Holdings) Limited

BAE Systems Land Systems (Ranges) Limited

BAE Systems Land Systems (Singapore Investments) 
Limited

BAE Systems Logistica Ltda
SCN Quadra 5 Bloco A, Ed. Brasilia Shopping, Torre Norte, 
Sala 426, Brasilia, DF CEP:70715-900, Brazil

BAE Systems Marine (Holdings) Limited 

BAE Systems Marine (YSL) Limited

BAE Systems Marine Limited 
BAE Systems Maritime Engineering & Services Inc.6
7330 Engineer Road, Suite A, San Diego CA 92111, United States

BAE Systems Holdings Inc.5
1101 Wilson Blvd, Ste 2000, Arlington VA 22209, United States

BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair Inc.6
750 West Berkley Avenue, Norfolk VA 23523, United States

BAE Systems Holdings International LLC21
1101 Wilson Blvd, Ste 2000, Arlington VA 22209, United States

BAE Systems Oman LLC21
PO Box 74, Postal Code 111, Seeb, Oman

BAE Systems Imaging Solutions Inc.5
1841 Zanker Road, Suite 50, San Jose CA 95112, United States

BAE Systems, Inc.6
1101 Wilson Blvd, Ste 2000, Arlington VA 22209, United States

BAE Systems India (Services) Private Limited17
2nd Floor, Hotel Le-Meridien Commercial Tower, Raisina Road, 
New Delhi 110001, India

BAE Systems India (Homeland Security) Private Limited17
2nd Floor, Hotel Le-Meridien Commercial Tower, Raisina Road, 
New Delhi 110001, India

BAE Systems India (Technology) Private Limited17
2nd Floor, Hotel Le-Meridien Commercial Tower, Raisina Road, 
New Delhi 110001, India

BAE Systems India (Ventures) Private Limited17
2nd Floor, Hotel Le-Meridien Commercial Tower, Raisina Road, 
New Delhi 110001, India

BAE Systems Ordnance Systems Inc.6
4509 West Stone Drive, Kingsport TN 37660-9982, 
United States

BAE Systems Overseas Inc.6
1101 Wilson Blvd, Ste 2000, Arlington VA 22209, United States

BAE Systems PAMCO Services International Inc.7
3701 Outlet Ctr. Drive, Suite 15, Sealy TX 77474-4904, 
United States

BAE Systems Pension Funds CIF Trustees Limited1
BAE Systems Pension Funds Investment 
Management Limited1,18
BAE Systems Pension Funds Trustees Limited1 
BAE Systems Project Services Limited

BAE Systems Projects (Canada) Limited 

BAE Systems Properties Limited 

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

BAE Systems Quest Limited1 
BAE Systems Regional Aircraft (Japan) KK6
Minami Azabu T&F Building 8th Floor,  
4-11-22 Minami Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan

BAE Systems Regional Aircraft Colombia SAS
c/o Brigard & Urrutia, Calle 70 A No. 4-41, Bogota, Colombia

BAE Systems Resolution Inc.7
3701 Outlet Ctr. Drive, Suite 15, Sealy TX 77474-4904, 
United States

BAE Systems RO Defense Inc.6
1801 Electronics Drive, Anniston AL 36207, United States

BAE Systems Rokar International Limited
PO Box 45059, 11 Hartom Street, Mount Hotzvim, 
91450 Jerusalem, Israel

BAE Systems S&S Holdings Inc.7
3701 Outlet Ctr. Drive, Suite 15, Sealy TX 77474-4904, 
United States

BAE Systems S&S Operations Inc.6
3701 Outlet Ctr. Drive, Suite 15, Sealy TX 77474-4904, 
United States

BAE Systems San Diego Ship Repair Inc.6
2205 East Belt Street, Foot of Sampson Street, San Diego 
CA 92113, United States

BAE Systems San Francisco Ship Repair Inc.6
Foot of 20th Street at Illinois Street, San Francisco 
CA 94107-7644, United States

BAE Systems Saudi Limited
PO Box 1732, Riyadh 11441, Saudi Arabia

BAE Systems Saudi Arabia (Maintenance 
and Equipment Services) Limited
PO Box 1732, Riyadh 11441, Saudi Arabia

BAE Systems Saudi Arabia (Vehicles and 
Equipment Holdings) Limited1
BAE Systems Saudi Arabia (Vehicles and 
Equipment Nominees) Limited1
BAE Systems Shared Services Inc.6
11215 Rushmore Drive, Charlotte NC 28277, United States

BAE Systems Shared Services (Overseas) Limited
BAE Systems Share Plans Trustee Limited1 
BAE Systems Ship Repair Inc.6
750 West Berkley Ave., Norfolk VA 23523, United States

BAE Systems Southeast Shipyards Alabama LLC21
PO Box 3202, Main Gate, Dunlap Drive, Mobile AL 36652, 
United States

BAE Systems Southeast Shipyards AMHC Inc.6,21
8500 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville FL 32226, United States

BAE Systems Southeast Shipyards Jacksonville LLC21
8500 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville FL 32226, United States

BAE Systems Southeast Shipyards Mayport LLC21
8500 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville FL 32226, United States

BAE Systems SSY Alabama Property Holdings LLC21
PO Box 3202, Main Gate, Dunlap Drive, Mobile AL 36652, 
United States

BAE Systems SSY Floating Dry Dock Holdings LLC21
8500 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville FL 32226, United States

BAE Systems SSY Florida Property Holdings LLC21
8500 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville FL 32226, United States

BAE Systems Surface Ships (Holdings) Limited

BAE Systems Surface Ships Limited

BAE Systems Surface Ships (Projects) Limited 

BAE Systems Surface Ships Intermediate Holdings Limited 

BAE Systems Surface Ships Integrated Support Limited 
BAE Systems Surface Ships International Limited13 
BAE Systems Surface Ships Maritime Limited 
BAE Systems Surface Ships Portsmouth Limited13 
BAE Systems Surface Ships Projects (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
Level 14, West Block, Wisma Selangor Dredging, 142-C, 
Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

BAE Systems Surface Ships Property Services Limited 
BAE Systems Surface Ships Support Limited10
BAE Systems Surface Ships Hellas A.E.16
3 Strategiou Tombra Street, Aghia Paraskevi,  
GR 153 42 Athens, Greece

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
164

Notes to the Group accounts 
continued

31. Information about related undertakings continued

Subsidiaries – wholly-owned continued
BAE Systems Surface Ships (Overseas) Limited

BAE Systems SWS Defence AB
SE-691 80 Karlskoga, Sweden

BAE Systems Tactical Vehicle Systems LP21
3701 Outlet Ctr. Drive, Suite 15, Sealy TX 77474-4904, 
United States

BAE Systems Technology Solutions & Services Inc.6
3701 Outlet Ctr. Drive, Suite 15, Sealy TX 77474-4904, 
United States

BAE Systems Training Services Limited
BAE Systems TVS Holdings Inc.6
3701 Outlet Ctr. Drive, Suite 15, Sealy TX 77474-4904, 
United States

BAE Systems TVS Holdings LLC21
3701 Outlet Ctr. Drive, Suite 15, Sealy TX 77474-4904, 
United States

BAE Systems TVS Inc.7
3701 Outlet Ctr. Drive, Suite 15, Sealy TX 77474-4904, 
United States

BAE Systems Zephyr Corporation5
c/o The Corporation Trust Company, Corporation Trust Center, 
1209 Orange Street, City of Wilmington, County of New Castle 
DE 19801, United States

BAE Systems Zephyr Fifth Corporation5
c/o The Corporation Trust Company, Corporation Trust Center, 
1209 Orange Street, City of Wilmington, County of New Castle 
DE 19801, United States

BAE Systems Zephyr Fourth Corporation5
c/o The Corporation Trust Company, Corporation Trust Center, 
1209 Orange Street, City of Wilmington, County of New Castle 
DE 19801, United States

BAE Systems Zephyr Second Corporation5
c/o The Corporation Trust Company, Corporation Trust Center, 
1209 Orange Street, City of Wilmington, County of New Castle 
DE 19801, United States

BAE Systems Zephyr Third Corporation5
c/o The Corporation Trust Company, Corporation Trust Center, 
1209 Orange Street, City of Wilmington, County of New Castle 
DE 19801, United States

Brabazon Limited 
British Aerospace (Far East) Limited20
Level 54, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen’s Road East, Hong Kong

British Aerospace (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd20
Unit 30-01, Level 30, Tower A, Vertical Business Suite, 
Avenue 3, Bangsar South, No.8, Jalan Kerinchi,  
59200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

British Aircraft Corporation (Pension Fund Trustees) 
Limited1
British Aircraft Corporation Limited1
Buckfield Properties Limited
Camtro Limited12,15
15 Canada Square, London E14 5GL, United Kingdom

Cashhold Limited1,10
CPS International, Inc.7
c/o Benedetti & Benedetti, Comosa Building, 21st Floor, 
Ave. Samuel Lewis, PO Box 850120, Panama 5, Panama

Creole (Nigeria) Limited10
Tapa House (2nd Floor), 45, Imman Dauda St (Abosede Kuboye 
Crescent Entrance) Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria

Detica B.V.
Luna ArenA, Herikerbergweg 238, 1101 CM Amsterdam, 
Netherlands

Detica Group Holdings (Ireland) Limited
Level 5, Block 4, Dundrum Town Centre, Sandyford Road, 
Dundrum, Dublin 16, D16 A4W6, Ireland

Detica Group Limited
Detica Holdings Limited15
8 Salisbury Square, London EC4Y 8BB, United Kingdom

Detica Ireland Limited13
Level 5, Block 4, Dundrum Town Centre, Sandyford Road, 
Dundrum, Dublin 16, D16 A4W6, Ireland

Detica Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V.
Torre Esmeralda II, Blvd Manuel Avila Camacho No. 36  
Piso 18, Lomas de Chapultepec, 11000 D.F., Mexico

Detica Patent Limited
Level 5, Block 4, Dundrum Town Centre, Sandyford Road, 
Dundrum, Dublin 16, D16 A4W6, Ireland

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Detica Services, Inc.
8200 Greensboro Drive, 9th Floor, McLean VA 22102, 
United States

ETI Engineering, Inc.6
1676 International Drive, 10th Floor, Suite 1000,  
McLean VA 22102, United States

Gloster Aircraft Limited1
Granada Enterprises Limited
PO Box 1732, Riyadh 11441, Saudi Arabia

Hägglunds Vehicle GmbH
Ernst-Grote Strasse 13, 30916 Isernhagen, Germany 

Hawker Siddeley Aviation Limited1
Hawker Siddeley Dynamics Limited1 
H-B Utveckling, H-B Development AB
Nybrogatan 7, SE-114 34 Stockholm, Sweden

Hertfordshire Estates Limited10
HSA/HSD Pension Fund Trustees Limited1 
Hunter Aerospace Corporation Pty Limited
Evans Building, Taranaki Road, Edinburgh Parks, Edinburgh 
SA 5111, Australia

International Military Sales Limited
Jetstream Aircraft Limited1
Prestwick International Airport, Prestwick, Ayrshire KA9 2RW, 
United Kingdom

Kalamind Limited

Land Services Arabia Ltd.
Business Gate Building 7, Floor 1, Riyadh 11482, Saudi Arabia

Lemacrown Limited12
m.a. International Limited15
15 Canada Square, London E14 5GL, United Kingdom

MES Holdco Limited
PO Box 727, St. Paul’s Gate, New Street, St. Helier JE4 8ZB, Jersey

MES Interco22
MES Nominees Limited

Meslink Limited

Muiden Chemie International B.V.
c/o SGG Netherlands N.V., Hoogoorddreef 15,  
1101 BA Amsterdam, Netherlands

Newcombe Properties Limited 

Overhaul and Maintenance Company Limited
PO Box 1732, Riyadh 11441, Saudi Arabia

PAMCO Servicios Internationales de Mexico,  
S. de R.L. de C.V.7
c/o Gonzalez Calvillo y Forastieri, S.C.,  
Centro Empresarial Lomas, Monte Peloux No. 111, Piso 5, 
Lomas de Chapultepec, 11000 D.F., Mexico

Piper Group plc 

Pitch Technologies AB
Repslagaregatan 25, SE-582 22 Linköping, Sweden

Port Solent Limited 

Port Solent Marina Limited
PT. BAE Systems Services6
Wisma 46, Kota BNI, 34th Floor, Suite 34.01.A,  
Jl. Jenderal Sudirman Kavling 71, Jakarta 10220, Indonesia

Reflectone UK Limited15
15 Canada Square, London E14 5GL, United Kingdom

Representaciones SSTS, CA7
Ave Francisco de Miranda, Centro Lido El Rosal Oficina 71B, 
Caracas, Venezuela

Royal Ordnance B.V.
c/o SGG Netherlands N.V., Hoogoorddreef 15,  
1101 BA Amsterdam, Netherlands

Royal Ordnance (Crown Service) Pension Scheme 
Trustees Limited 
Royal Ordnance Maschinen und Anlagenbau Gmbh16
Heckler & Koch Straße 1, D-78727 Oberndorf a.N, Germany

Royal Ordnance Senior Staff Pension Scheme 
Trustees Limited
Royal Ordnance Speciality Metals Limited1
RPL (Electronics) Limited15
15 Canada Square, London E14 5GL, United Kingdom

RWT Limited1
Salford Electrical Instruments Limited 

Scentcivil Limited
Scottish Aviation Limited1
Prestwick International Airport, Prestwick, Ayrshire KA9 2RW, 
United Kingdom

Sepia, LLC21
4219-120 Lafayette Center Drive, Chantilly VA 20151, 
United States

Shipbuilding (MSF) Pty Limited
Evans Building, Taranaki Road, Edinburgh Parks, Edinburgh 
SA 5111, Australia

Shipbuilding (VIC) Pty Limited
Evans Building, Taranaki Road, Edinburgh Parks, Edinburgh 
SA 5111, Australia

Stephen Howe Systems Limited
Alvington, Yeovil, Somerset BA22 8UZ, United Kingdom

Stewart & Stevenson Operations (Nigeria) Limited7
Tapa House (2nd Floor), 45, Imman Dauda St (Abosede Kuboye 
Crescent Entrance), Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria

Stewart & Stevenson TVS UK Limited

Stratsec.net Sdn Bhd
c/o MSCMS Corporate Services Sdn Bhd, Unit C-01-15, 
SME Technopreneur Centre 2, 2260 Jalan Usahawan 1, 
63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

Support Solutions General Services and Contracting 
Company/Limited Liability company16,21
House No. 145, Street No. 1, Qtr. 611, Al Andulous Area, 
Al Mansour, Baghdad, Iraq

TDS International Pty Limited
Evans Building, Taranaki Road, Edinburgh Parks, Edinburgh 
SA 5111, Australia

TDS International Holdings Pty Limited8
Evans Building, Taranaki Road, Edinburgh Parks, Edinburgh 
SA 5111, Australia

Tenix Philippines Inc.16,19
1605 Tower One, Ayala Triangle, Ayala Avenue, Makati City, 
1226, Philippines

The Blackburn Aeroplane & Motor Co Limited1
The Bristol Aviation Company Limited1
The British & Colonial Aeroplane Co. Limited1
The Leeds Partnership Limited10
The Supermarine Aviation Works Limited1,11
Thomas Sopwith Aviation Company Limited1
VSEL Birkenhead Limited 

Warship Design Services Limited 
Westover Controls Incorporated6
1098 Clark Street, Endicott NY 13760, United States

Subsidiaries – not wholly-owned
Aircraft Accessories & Components Co Limited (85.7%)
PO Box 13532, Jeddah 21434, Saudi Arabia

Aircraft Research Association Limited (87.1%)1
Manton Lane, Bedford MK41 7PF, United Kingdom

BAE Systems Saudi Development and Training 
Company Limited (99%)3
PO Box 67775, Riyadh 11517, Saudi Arabia

BAE Systems SDT (UK) Limited (99%)
Flight Control System Management GmbH (66.6%)4
PO Box 801109, 81663 Munich, Germany

Hägglunds Foremost Inc. (66.7%)5
1616 Meridian Road N.E., Calgary AB T2A 2PL, Canada

International Systems Engineering Company Limited 
(90.6%)
PO Box 54002, Riyadh 11514, Saudi Arabia

Saudi Maintenance & Supply Chain Management 
Company Limited (51%)
PO Box 1732, Riyadh 11441, Saudi Arabia

Saudi Technology & Logistics Services Limited (65%)1
PO Box 1732, Riyadh 11441, Saudi Arabia

U.S. Munitions, LLC (51%)21
1713 Burdette Crossing, Blue Springs MO 64015, United States

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

165

31. Information about related undertakings continued

Equity accounted investments23
Advanced Electronics Company Limited (50%)
PO Box 90916, Riyadh 11623, Saudi Arabia

Air Astana (49%)5
Zakarpatskaya Str 4A, 050039 Almaty, Kazakhstan

AMSH B.V. (50%)9
Weena 210-212, 3012 NJ Rotterdam, Netherlands

BAeHAL Software Limited (40%)1,17
Airport Lane, HAL Estate, Bangalore 560010, India

BHIC Bofors Defense Asia Sdn Bhd (49%)
Suite B, Menara Maxis, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

BAE (Consultancy Services) Malaysia Sdn Bhd (49%)
Tkt.11, Wisma Damansara, Damansara Heights, 50490 
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

CTA International SAS (50%)
13 Route De La Miniere, 78000 Versailles, France

Data Link Solutions L.L.C. (50%)20,21
400 Collins Ave, Cedar Rapids IA 52498, United States

Eurofighter Aircraft Management GmbH (33%)1
Am Soldnermoos 17, 85399 Hallbergmoos, Germany

Eurofighter International Limited (33%)1,9
Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH (33%)1
Am Soldnermoos 17, 85399 Hallbergmoos, Germany

European Aerosystems Limited (50%)1,8
FADEC International LLC (50%)21
1098 Clark Street, Endicott NY 13760, United States

FAST Holdings Limited (50%)8,17
FAST Training Services Limited (50%)17
FBV Designs Limited (50%)8,17
33 Wigmore Street, London W1U 1QX, United Kingdom

FNSS Savunma Sistemleri A.S (49%)8
PK 37, Golbasi 06830, Ankara, Turkey

Gripen International KB (50%)21
SE-581 88 Linköping, Sweden

MBDA Holdings SAS (25%)
1 Avenue Réaumur, 92350 Le Plessis-Robinson, France

Nobeli Business Support AB (34%)
SE-691 80 Karlskoga, Sweden

Nurol BAE Systems Hava Sistemleri Anonim  
S¸ irketi (49%)9
Arjantin Cad. No: 7 06700, Gaziosmanpas¸ a, Ankara, Turkey

Panavia Aircraft GmbH (42.5%)1
Am Soldnermoos 17, 85399 Hallbergmoos, Germany

Patria Hägglunds Oy (50%)
Naulakatu 3, Fl -33100 Tampere, Finland

Saab-BAe Systems Gripen AB (50%)1
SE-581 88 Linköping, Sweden

Saab Bofors Test Center AB (30%)
SE-691 80 Karlskoga, Sweden

Sandstone Integrated Operations, LLC (20%)21
2016 Mt. Athos Road, Lynchburg VA 24504, United States

Seele-Alvis Fenestration Limited (43.5%)8,19
Unit A33, Jack’s Place, 6 Corbett Place, London E1 6NN, 
United Kingdom

SIKA International Limited (50%)8
Spectrum Technologies Public Limited 
Company (20%)1,17
Western Avenue, Bridgend Industrial Estate, Bridgend,  
Mid Glamorgan CF31 3RT, United Kingdom

Tirs Mateen & Co LLC (50%)21
PO Box 3369, Postal Code 111, Seeb, Oman

Winner Developments Limited (33.3%)

Notes
1.  Directly owned by BAE Systems plc.
2.  40% owned by BAE Systems plc.
3.  1% owned by BAE Systems plc.
4.  33.3% owned by BAE Systems plc.
5.  Ownership held in common stock.
6.  Ownership held in common shares.
7.  Ownership held in authorized shares.
8.  Ownership held in class of A shares.
9.  Ownership held in class of B shares.
10. Ownership held in class of A shares and B shares.
11.   Ownership held in class of A shares, B shares 

and preference shares.

12.  Ownership held in ordinary shares and class 

of A shares.

13.  Ownership held in ordinary shares and 

preference shares.

14.  Ownership held in ordinary shares and 

redeemable preference shares.
15. In members’ voluntary liquidation.
16. In liquidation.
17.  Year end 31 March.
18. Year end 5 April.
19. Year end 30 June.
20. Year end 30 September.
21.  Unincorporated entity for which the address 

given is the principal place of business.

22. Unlimited company.
23.  For companies incorporated outside of the 

United Kingdom, the country of incorporation 
is shown in the address.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
166

Company statement of comprehensive income
for the year ended 31 December

Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income
Items that will not be reclassified to the income statement:

Remeasurements on retirement benefit schemes

Items that may be reclassified to the income statement:

Amounts credited to hedging reserve

Total other comprehensive income for the year (net of tax)
Total comprehensive income for the year

1.  Restated on adoption of Financial Reporting Standard (FRS) 101, Reduced Disclosure Framework.

Company statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 31 December

2015
£m
94

14

7
21
115

20141
£m
1,193

(59)

10
(49)
1,144

At 1 January 2014 (as previously reported)2
Effect of transition to FRS 101 (note 12)
At 1 January 2014 (restated on adoption of FRS 101)
Profit for the year
Total other comprehensive income for the year
Share-based payments
Net purchase of own shares
Ordinary share dividends
At 31 December 2014 (restated on adoption of FRS 101)
Profit for the year
Total other comprehensive income for the year
Shared-based payments
Net sale of own shares
Ordinary share dividends
Non-distributable reserve transfer
At 31 December 2015

Issued share 
capital 
£m
89
–
89
–
–
–
(2)
–
87
–
–
–
–
–
–
87

Share 
premium 
£m
1,249
–
1,249
–
–
–
–
–
1,249
–
–
–
–
–
–
1,249

Other 
reserves 
£m
290
(24)
266
–
10
–
2
–
278
–
7
–
–
–
(67)
218

Retained
earnings1
£m
2,360
(179)
2,181
1,193
(59)
37
(281)
(642)
2,429
94
14
39
1
(655)
67
1,989

Total 
equity
£m
3,988
(203)
3,785
1,193
(49)
37
(281)
(642)
4,043
94
21
39
1
(655)
–
3,543

1.  The non-distributable portion of retained earnings is £255m (2014 £196m).
2.  Restated for a correction to amounts due to other Group companies, a net increase of £81m to retained earnings.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

167

Notes

2015
£m

20141
£m

2

8
4

3

4

5

8
4
7

5
6
4
7

9

31
20
8,138
5
6
151
8,351

3,221
14
212
2,061
5,508
13,859

(1,005)
(5)
(259)
(98)
(105)
(1,472)

(237)
(8,430)
(165)
(12)
(8,844)
(10,316)
3,543

87
1,249
218
1,989
3,543

11
8
8,169
9
5
105
8,307

3,225
32
128
1,792
5,177
13,484

(1,197)
(12)
(270)
(98)
(109)
(1,686)

(1)
(7,609)
(134)
(11)
(7,755)
(9,441)
4,043

87
1,249
278
2,429
4,043

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

Company balance sheet
as at 31 December

Non-current assets
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investments in subsidiary undertakings and participating interests 
Other receivables
Retirement benefit surpluses
Other financial assets

Current assets
Trade and other receivables
Current tax
Other financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets
Non-current liabilities
Loans
Other payables
Retirement benefit obligations
Other financial liabilities
Provisions

Current liabilities
Loans and overdrafts
Trade and other payables
Other financial liabilities
Provisions

Total liabilities
Net assets

Capital and reserves
Issued share capital
Share premium 
Other reserves
Retained earnings
Total equity

1.  Restated on adoption of FRS 101 and for a correction to amounts due to other Group companies.

Approved by the Board on 17 February 2016 and signed on its behalf by:

I G King 
Chief Executive 

P J Lynas 
Group Finance Director 

Registered number: 1470151

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
168

Notes to the Company accounts

1. Preparation

Basis of preparation
These financial statements were prepared in accordance with 
Financial Reporting Standard (FRS) 101, Reduced Disclosure Framework. 
Amendments to FRS 101 (2013/14 Cycle), issued in July 2014 and 
effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015, has been 
applied. Amendments to FRS 101 (2014/15 cycle and other minor 
amendments), issued in July 2015 and effective for periods beginning 
on or after 1 January 2016, has been early adopted and applied.

In preparing these financial statements, the Company applies the 
recognition, measurement and disclosure requirements of International 
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the EU (EU-adopted 
IFRS), but makes amendments where necessary in order to comply 
with the Companies Act 2006 and has set out below where advantage 
of the FRS 101 disclosure exemptions has been taken:

– the requirements of paragraphs 45(b) and 46 to 52 of IFRS 2, 

Share-based Payment;

In its transition to FRS 101, the Company has applied IFRS 1, whilst 
ensuring that its assets and liabilities are measured in compliance with 
FRS 101. An explanation of how the transition to FRS 101 has affected 
the Company’s reported financial performance and position is provided 
in note 12 to the Company accounts.

The Company intends to continue to prepare its financial statements 
in accordance with FRS 101.

The Company is exempt under Section 400 of the Companies Act 2006 
from the requirement to prepare consolidated financial statements as it 
and its subsidiary undertakings are included by full consolidation in the 
Group accounts on pages 106 to 165. Accordingly, these financial 
statements present information about the Company as an individual 
undertaking and not as a group.

In accordance with Section 408(3) of the Companies Act 2006, the 
Company is exempt from the requirement to present its own income 
statement. The amount of profit for the year of the Company is 
disclosed in the Company statement of comprehensive income.

– the requirements of paragraphs 62, B64(d), B64(e), B64(g), B64(h), 
B64(j), to B64(m), B64(n)(ii), B64(o)(ii), B64(p), B64(q)(ii), B66 and 
B67 of IFRS 3, Business Combinations;

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost 
convention, as modified by the revaluation of relevant financial assets 
and financial liabilities (including derivative instruments).

Significant accounting policies
The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of 
these individual financial statements are set out below. These policies 
have been applied consistently to all the years presented, unless 
otherwise stated.

Investments in subsidiary undertakings and participating interests
Fixed asset investments in shares in subsidiary undertakings and 
participating interests are stated at cost less provision for impairment.

Other significant accounting policies
Other significant accounting policies are consistent with the Group 
accounts and the table below references where they are disclosed.

Significant accounting policy

Loans and overdrafts
Pension schemes
Provisions

Page

137
139
149

– the requirements of paragraph 33(c) of IFRS 5, Non-current Assets 

Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations;

– the requirements of IFRS 7, Financial Instruments: Disclosures;

– the requirements of paragraphs 91 to 99 of IFRS 13, Fair Value 

Measurement;

– the requirement in paragraph 38 of IAS 1, Presentation of Financial 

Statements, to present comparative information in respect of: 
paragraph 79(a)(iv) of IAS 1; paragraph 73(e) of IAS 16, Property, 
Plant and Equipment; paragraph 118(e) of IAS 38, Intangible Assets; 
and paragraphs 76 and 79(d) of IAS 40, Investment Property;

– the requirements of paragraphs 10(d), 10(f), 16, 38A, 38B, 38C, 38D, 
40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, 111 and 134 to 136 of IAS 1, Presentation of 
Financial Statements;

– the requirements of IAS 7, Statement of Cash Flows;

– the requirements of paragraphs 30 and 31 of IAS 8, Accounting 

Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors;

– the requirements of paragraphs 17 and 18A of IAS 24, Related Party 

Disclosures;

– the requirements in IAS 24, Related Party Disclosures, to disclose 
related party transactions entered into between two or more 
members of a group, provided that any subsidiary which is a party 
to the transaction is wholly owned by such a member; and

– the requirements of paragraphs 130(f)(ii), 130(f)(iii), 134(d) to 134(f) 

and 135(c) to 135(e) of IAS 36, Impairment of Assets.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

2. Investments in subsidiary undertakings and participating interests

Cost
At 1 January 2015
Additions
Disposals
At 31 December 2015
Impairment provisions
At 1 January and 31 December 2015
Net carrying value
At 31 December 2015
At 31 December 2014

3. Trade and other receivables

Current
Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings
Amounts owed by Group joint ventures
Prepayments and accrued income
Other receivables

4. Other financial assets and liabilities

Non-current
Cash flow hedges – foreign exchange contracts
Other foreign exchange/interest rate contracts
Debt-related derivative financial instruments – assets1

Current
Cash flow hedges – foreign exchange contracts
Other foreign exchange/interest rate contracts

169

£m

8,183
8
(39)
8,152

14

8,138
8,169

2015
£m

2014
£m

3,159
5
45
12
3,221

3,182
5
23
15
3,225

2015

2014

Assets
£m

Liabilities
£m

Assets
£m

Liabilities
£m

8
97
46
151

5
207
212

–
(98)
–
(98)

–
(165)
(165)

4
95
6
105

2
126
128

–
(98)
–
(98)

–
(134)
(134)

2014
£m
1
3
23
27

1.  Debt-related derivative financial instrument assets are presented as other financial assets. Debt-related derivative financial instrument liabilities are presented as a 

component of loans and overdrafts (see note 5).

The contractual cash flows on derivative financial instruments at the reporting date are shown below, classified by maturity.

Less than one year
Between one and five years
More than five years

2015
£m
2
9
55
66

Full disclosures relating to the Group’s other financial assets and liabilities, and financial risk management strategies are given in notes 13, 26 and 
27 to the Group accounts.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
170

Notes to the Company accounts 
continued

5. Loans and overdrafts

Non-current
US$350m 3.5% bond, repayable 2016
US$500m 4.75% bond, repayable 2021
£400m 4.125% bond, repayable 2022
US$400m 5.8% bond, repayable 2041
Debt-related derivative financial instruments – liabilities

Current
US$350m 3.5% bond, repayable 2016
Overdrafts

6. Trade and other payables

Current
Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings
Amounts owed to Group joint ventures
Accruals and deferred income 
Other payables

1.  Restated for a correction to amounts due to other Group companies.

7. Provisions

Non-current
Current
At 1 January 2015
Created
Utilised
Net present value adjustments
At 31 December 2015
Represented by:
Non-current
Current

2015
£m

–
339
398
268
–
1,005

237
–
237

2014
£m

224
320
398
254
1
1,197

–
1
1

2015
£m

20141
£m

7,824
405
100
101
8,430

6,978
453
46
132 
7,609

Contracts 
and other
£m
109
11
120
2
(11)
6
117

105
12
117

The Company holds provisions for contractual costs that it expects to incur over an extended period. These costs are based on past experience 
of similar items and represent management’s best estimate of the likely outcome.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

171

8. Retirement benefit obligations

The Company participates in all of the Group’s UK pension schemes. Full disclosures relating to these schemes are given in note 20 to the 
Group accounts.

Amounts recognised on the balance sheet
The table below shows a reconciliation between the gross assets and liabilities of the Group’s UK pension schemes and the amounts recognised 
on the Company’s balance sheet after allocation to other participating employers. 

Present value of unfunded obligations
Present value of funded obligations
Fair value of scheme assets
Total IAS 19 deficit, net
Allocated to other participating employers
Company’s share of IAS 19 deficit, net
Represented by:

Retirement benefit surpluses 
Retirement benefit obligations 

2015
£m
(59)
(24,974)
20,209
(4,824)
4,571
(253)

2014
£m
(41)
(26,195)
20,170
(6,066)
5,801
(265)

6
(259)
(253)

5
(270)
(265)

9. Share capital and other reserves

Share capital
Disclosures in respect of the Company’s share capital are provided in note 22 to the Group accounts.

Other reserves

At 1 January 2014 (as previously reported)
Effect of transition to FRS 101 (note 12)
At 1 January 2014 (restated on adoption of FRS 101)
Amounts credited to hedging reserve
Net purchase of own shares
At 31 December 2014 (restated on adoption of FRS 101)
Amounts credited to hedging reserve
Transfer to retained earnings
At 31 December 2015

Capital 
reserve
£m
24
(24)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Non-
distributable 
reserve
£m
67
–
67
–
–
67
–
(67)
–

Statutory 
reserve
£m
202
–
202
–
–
202
–
–
202

Capital 
redemption 
reserve
£m
1
–
1
–
2
3
–
–
3

Hedging 
reserve
£m
(4)
–
(4)
10
–
6
7
–
13

Total
£m
290
(24)
266
10
2
278
7
(67)
218

Statutory reserve
Under Section 4 of the British Aerospace Act 1980, this reserve may only be applied in paying up unissued shares of the Company to be allotted 
to members of the Company as fully paid bonus shares.

Capital redemption reserve
The capital redemption reserve represents the cumulative nominal value of the Company’s ordinary shares repurchased and subsequently 
cancelled. During the year ended 31 December 2015, 1,450,000 (2014 67,417,000) ordinary shares with a nominal value of £nil (2014 £2m) 
were repurchased and have been subsequently cancelled.

Hedging reserve
The hedging reserve comprises the effective portion of the cumulative net change in the fair value of cash flow hedging instruments related 
to hedged transactions that have not yet occurred.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
172

Notes to the Company accounts 
continued

10. Share-based payments

Options over shares of the Company have been granted to employees of the Company under various plans. Details of the terms and conditions 
of each share-based payment plan are given in the Annual remuneration report on pages 73 to 86.

2015

2014

Range of 
exercise price  
of outstanding 
options
(£)
3.01 – 5.43
–
–
–

Weighted 
average 
remaining 
contracted life
(years)
8
5
–
5

Range of  
exercise price  
of outstanding 
options
(£)
2.64 – 4.79
–
–
–

Weighted  
average  
remaining 
contracted life 
(years)
7
5
1
5

Executive Share Option Plan
Performance Share Plan
Share Matching Plan
Restricted Share Plan

The average share price in the year was £4.87 (2014 £4.33).

11. Other information

Company audit fee
Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for the audit of the Company’s annual accounts totalled £1,759,000 (2014 £1,669,000).

Employees
The total number of employees of the Company at 31 December 2015 was 1,030 (2014 1,189). Total staff costs, excluding charges for share-based 
payments, were £98m (2014 £111m).

Related party transactions
Disclosures in respect of related party transactions are provided in note 29 to the Group accounts.

The Company also has a related party relationship with its directors and key management personnel, and pension schemes.

Directors’ emoluments
Under Schedule 5 of the Large and Medium-Sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 (Schedule 5), total directors’ 
emoluments, excluding Company pension contributions, were £6,949,237 (2014 £6,601,189); these amounts are calculated on a different basis 
to emoluments in the Annual remuneration report which are calculated under Schedule 8 of the Large and Medium-Sized Companies and 
Groups (Accounts and Reports) (Amendment) Regulations 2013 (Schedule 8 (2013)). These emoluments were paid for their services on behalf 
of the BAE Systems Group. No emoluments related specifically to their work for the Company. Under Schedule 5, the aggregate gains made 
by the directors from the exercise of share options in 2015 as at the date of exercise was £992,252 (2014 £739,401) and the net aggregate value 
of assets received by directors in 2015 from Long-Term Incentive Plans as calculated at the date of vesting was £nil (2014 £nil); these amounts are 
calculated on a different basis from the valuation of share plan benefits under Schedule 8 (2013) in the Annual remuneration report. Retirement 
benefits are accruing to two directors in respect of defined benefit schemes and to one director in respect of defined contribution schemes.

Company guaranteed borrowings
Borrowings by subsidiary undertakings totalling £2,764m (2014 £2,146m), which are included in the Group’s borrowings, have been guaranteed 
by the Company.

Information about related undertakings
In accordance with Section 409 of the Companies Act 2006, a full list of the Company’s subsidiaries and significant holdings is included in 
note 31 to the Group accounts.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

173

12. Explanation of transition to FRS 101

As stated in note 1, these are the Company’s first financial statements prepared in accordance with FRS 101.

The accounting policies set out in note 1 have been applied in preparing the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2015, the 
comparative information for the year ended 31 December 2014 and the opening FRS 101 balance sheet at 1 January 2014 (the Company’s date 
of transition).

In preparing its FRS 101 balance sheets, the Company has adjusted amounts reported in financial statements prepared in prior years in accordance 
with its previous basis of accounting. An explanation of how the transition to FRS 101 has affected the Company’s reported financial performance 
and position is set out in the following tables.

Impact of transition to FRS 101 on the Company statement of comprehensive income

Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income
Items that will not be reclassified to the income statement:

Remeasurements on retirement benefit schemes

Items that may be reclassified to the income statement:

Amounts credited to hedging reserve

Total other comprehensive income for the year (net of tax)
Total comprehensive income for the year

Year ended 31 December 2014

As  
previously 
reported
£m
1,183

Pension 
schemes
adjustment1
£m
10

FRS 101
£m
1,193

–

10
10
1,193

(59)

–
(59)
(49)

(59)

10
(49)
1,144

1. 

It had been the Company’s policy to account for the UK defined benefit pension schemes in which it participates as defined contribution schemes as permitted by FRS 17, 
Retirement Benefits. Upon transition to FRS 101, the Company has been allocated a share of the assets and liabilities of the Group’s UK defined benefit pension schemes 
using an allocation method intended to reflect a reasonable approximation of its share of the deficit.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements
174

Notes to the Company accounts 
continued

12. Explanation of transition to FRS 101 continued

Impact of transition to FRS 101 on the Company balance sheet

Non-current assets
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investments in subsidiary undertakings and participating interests
Other receivables
Other financial assets

Current assets
Trade and other receivables
Current tax
Other financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets
Non-current liabilities
Loans
Other payables
Retirement benefit obligations
Other financial liabilities
Provisions

Current liabilities
Loans and overdrafts
Trade and other payables
Other financial liabilities
Provisions 

Total liabilities
Net assets

Capital and reserves
Issued share capital
Share premium
Other reserves
Retained earnings
Total equity

1 January 2014 (the Company’s date of transition)

As  
previously
reported1
£m

Pension 
schemes
adjustment2
£m

Other 
transition 
adjustments
£m

–
10
8,057
22
80
8,169

3,630
32
126
1,732
5,520
13,689

(1,159)
(21)
–
(86)
(36)
(1,302)

(100)
(8,142)
(141)
(16)
(8,399)
(9,701)
3,988

89
1,249
290
2,360
3,988

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
11
(214)
–
–
(203)

–
–
–
–
–
(203)
(203)

–
–
–
(203)
(203)

FRS 101
£m

1
9
8,057
22
80
8,169

3,630
32
126
1,732
5,520
13,689

(1,159)
(10)
(214)
(86)
(36)
(1,505)

(100)
(8,142)
(141)
(16)
(8,399)
(9,904)
3,785

1
(1)
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
(24)
24
–

89
1,249
266
2,181
3,785

1.  Restated for a correction to amounts due to other Group companies.
2. 

It had been the Company’s policy to account for the UK defined benefit pension schemes in which it participates as defined contribution schemes as permitted by FRS 17, 
Retirement Benefits. Upon transition to FRS 101, the Company has been allocated a share of the assets and liabilities of the Group’s UK defined benefit pension schemes 
using an allocation method intended to reflect a reasonable approximation of its share of the deficit.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Financial statements

12. Explanation of transition to FRS 101 continued

Non-current assets
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investments in subsidiary undertakings and participating interests
Other receivables
Retirement benefit surpluses
Other financial assets

Current assets
Trade and other receivables
Current tax
Other financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets
Non-current liabilities
Loans
Other payables
Retirement benefit obligations
Other financial liabilities
Provisions

Current liabilities
Loans and overdrafts
Trade and other payables
Other financial liabilities
Provisions 

Total liabilities
Net assets

Capital and reserves
Issued share capital
Share premium
Other reserves
Retained earnings
Total equity

175

FRS 101
£m

11
8
8,169
9
5
105
8,307

3,225
32
128
1,792
5,177
13,484

(1,197)
(12)
(270)
(98)
(109)
(1,686)

(1)
(7,609)
(134)
(11)
(7,755)
(9,441)
4,043

1
(1)
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
(24)
24
–

87
1,249
278
2,429
4,043

31 December 2014

As  
previously
reported1
£m

Pension 
schemes
adjustment2
£m

Other 
transition 
adjustments
£m

10
9
8,169
9
–
105
8,302

3,225
32
128
1,792
5,177
13,479

(1,197)
(25)
–
(98)
(109)
(1,429)

(1)
(7,609)
(134)
(11)
(7,755)
(9,184)
4,295

87
1,249
302
2,657
4,295

–
–
–
–
5
–
5

–
–
–
–
–
5

–
13
(270)
–
–
(257)

–
–
–
–
–
(257)
(252)

–
–
–
(252)
(252)

1.  Restated for a correction to amounts due to other Group companies.
2. 

It had been the Company’s policy to account for the UK defined benefit pension schemes in which it participates as defined contribution schemes as permitted by FRS 17, 
Retirement Benefits. Upon transition to FRS 101, the Company has been allocated a share of the assets and liabilities of the Group’s UK defined benefit pension schemes 
using an allocation method intended to reflect a reasonable approximation of its share of the deficit.

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

Strategic report | Directors’ report | Investor resources
176

Shareholder information

Registered office
6 Carlton Gardens 
London 
SW1Y 5AD 
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 (0)1252 373232 
Company website: baesystems.com 
Registered in England and Wales, No. 1470151 

Registrars
Equiniti Limited (0140) 
Aspect House 
Spencer Road 
Lancing 
West Sussex 
BN99 6DA  
United Kingdom

If you have any queries regarding your shareholding or need to notify 
any changes to your personal details, please contact Equiniti. 

Equiniti’s website (help.shareview.co.uk) includes a comprehensive 
set of answers to many frequently asked questions relating to 
managing a shareholding. If you cannot find the answer to your 
question, there is an online e-mail form, which will help to ensure your 
question is directed to the most appropriate team for a response. 
Alternatively, you can call the BAE Systems Helpline on 0371 384 2044 
or, from outside the UK, +44 121 415 7058. Lines are open from 
8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, excluding UK Bank holidays. 

In addition, the following services are offered to shareholders:

– Shareview – online access to your shareholding, including 

balance movements, indicative share prices and information on 
recent payments

– Dividend mandates – have your dividends paid directly into either 
your UK bank/building society account or an overseas bank account

– Dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP) – have your dividend 

reinvested in shares purchased on the stock market

More information on all these services can be found on Equiniti’s 
website (shareview.co.uk).

BEWARE OF SHARE FRAUD

American Depositary Receipts
BAE Systems plc American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) are traded 
on the Over The Counter market (OTC) under the symbol BAESY. 
One ADR represents four BAE Systems plc ordinary shares. 
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. is the depositary. If you should have 
any queries, please contact: 
JPMorgan Chase & Co 
PO Box 64504 
St Paul 
MN 55164-0854 USA 
Email: jpmorgan.adr@wellsfargo.com 
Telephone number for general queries: (800) 990 1135 
Telephone number from outside the US: +1 651 453 2128 

ShareGift
ShareGift, the share donation charity (registered charity number 
1052686), accepts donations of small parcels of shares which may 
be uneconomic to sell. Details of the scheme are available from 
ShareGift at sharegift.org, by telephone on 020 7930 3737 
or by e-mail: help@sharegift.org 

Share price information
The middle market price of the Company’s ordinary shares on 
31 December 2015 was 499.6p and the range during the year 
was 425.5p to 547.0p. 

For more information
Visit the Shareholder information section of our website:  
investors.baesystems.com

FINANCIAL CALENDAR
Financial year end
Annual General Meeting
2015 final ordinary dividend payable
2016 half-yearly results announcement
2016 interim ordinary dividend payable
2016 full-year results: 
– preliminary announcement 
– Annual Report
2016 final ordinary dividend payable

31 December
4 May 2016
1 June 2016
28 July 2016
30 November 2016

February 2017 
March 2017
June 2017

Fraudsters use persuasive and high-pressure tactics to lure investors into scams.
They may offer to sell shares that turn out to be worthless or non-existent, or to buy shares at an inflated price in return for an upfront payment.
While high profits are promised, if you buy or sell shares in this way you will probably lose your money.
5,000 people contact the Financial Conduct Authority about share fraud each year, with victims losing an average of £20,000.
How to avoid share fraud 
1. Keep in mind that firms authorised by the FCA are unlikely to 
contact you out of the blue with an offer to buy or sell shares.
2. Do not get into a conversation, note the name of the person 

6. Call the FCA on 0800 111 6768 if the firm does not have contact 

details on the Register or you are told they are out of date.

7. Search the list of unauthorised firms to avoid at 

and firm contacting you and then end the call.

scamsmart.fca.org.uk/warninglist

3. Check the Financial Services Register from fca.org.uk to 
see if the person and firm contacting you is authorised by 
the FCA.

8. Consider that if you buy or sell shares from an unauthorised firm 
you will not have access to the Financial Ombudsman Service or 
Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

4. Beware of fraudsters claiming to be from an authorised firm, 

copying its website or giving you false contact details.

5. Use the firm’s contact details listed on the Register if you want 

9. Think seriously about getting independent financial and 
professional advice before you hand over any money.
10.  Remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

to call it back.

Report a scam 
If you are approached by fraudsters please tell the FCA using the FCA Consumer Helpline on 0800 111 6768, or the share fraud reporting 
form at fca.org.uk/scams, where you can also find out more about investment scams.
If you have already paid money to share fraudsters you should contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or online at actionfraud.police.uk

BAE Systems | Annual Report 2015

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BAE Systems plc 
6 Carlton Gardens 
London SW1Y 5AD 
United Kingdom 
Telephone: +44 (0) 1252 373232 
baesystems.com

Registered in England and Wales No. 1470151

© BAE Systems plc 2016. All rights reserved

BAE SYSTEMS is a registered trade mark of BAE Systems plc.