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BAE Systems

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FY2019 Annual Report · BAE Systems
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Annual Report 
 2019

BAE Systems plc

Who we are

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

We employ a skilled workforce of 87,800 people1 
in more than 40 countries. We help our customers 
to stay a step ahead when protecting people 
and national security, critical infrastructure and 
vital information.

We also work closely with local partners to support 
economic development through the transfer of 
knowledge, skills and technology.

Further information can  
be found online by visiting 
baesystems.com

232

Shareholder  
information

1. Including share of equity accounted investments.

Strategic report
Who we are 

Our business at a glance 

Our key products and services 

Group financial highlights 

08

Operational  
key points

Operational key points 

Chairman’s letter 

Chief Executive’s review 

Group strategic framework 

Our markets 

How our business works 

Our stakeholders 

Companies Act Section 172 

Sustainability 

Group financial review 

Guidance for 2020 

Segmental review 

Electronic Systems 

Cyber & Intelligence 

Platforms & Services (US) 

Air 

Maritime 

Segmental looking forward 

How we manage risk 

Our principal risks 

53

Segmental 
review

02

04

06

08

10

14

18

20

24

26

28

34

44

52

53

54

58

62

66

70

74

76

78

Governance
Directors’ report

Chairman’s governance letter 

Board governance 

Board of directors 

Board information 

Governance disclosures 

Audit Committee report 

82

84

86

88

89

91

84

Board  
governance

Corporate Responsibility Committee report  95

Nominations Committee report 

Remuneration Committee report 

99

102

Annual remuneration report at a glance  107

Annual remuneration report 

Directors’ remuneration policy 

Statutory and other information 

Independent Auditor’s report 

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 

Notes to the Group accounts 

Company accounts

109

131

146

151

158

160

161

162

163

164

165

Company statement of comprehensive  
income 

226

Company statement of changes in equity  226

Company balance sheet 

Notes to the Company accounts 

227

228

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.

01

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsBAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Our business 
at a glance

BAE Systems has strong, established positions 
in the air, maritime, land and cyber domains.

Air

Maritime

Land

–  Design and manufacture of submarines
–  Design and manufacture of complex warships
–  Provision of naval ship repair and 
modernisation services in the US

–  Provision of in-service support to surface 
ships and facilities management in the UK

–  Design, manufacture and support of 

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

services for maritime platforms and equipment

–  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 electric and hybrid 

electric drive systems

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

–  Manufacture, development, upgrade and 

in-service support of Typhoon combat aircraft

–  Workshare partner for the design and 
manufacture of major sub-assemblies 
and systems, and provision of support 
for F-35 Lightning II combat aircraft
–  Design, manufacture and support of 

electronics equipment for military aircraft
–  In-service support of Tornado combat aircraft
–  Manufacture, upgrade and in-service support 

of Hawk trainer aircraft

–  Development of next-generation unmanned 
air systems and defence information systems
–  Design, manufacture and support of avionics 

equipment for commercial aircraft

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

H

G

A

F

E

B

D

E

A

D

A

D

C

B

C

A Typhoon

B F-35 Lightning II

C Defence electronics

D Tornado

E Commercial avionics

F Weapon systems

G Hawk

H Other

A Submarines

B Complex warships

C US naval ship repair

D UK naval support

E Other

21%

12%

21%

12%

10%

14%

3%

7%

C

B

A Combat vehicles

B Munitions

C Commercial

D Weapon systems/other

30%

17%

17%

14%

22%

39%

10%

6%

45%

Sales1 by domain

Sales1 by domain

Sales1 by domain

 52%

02

 25%

 18%

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 20192019 sales1

2019 revenue

 £20,109m

 £18,305m

Sales1 by destination

Sales1 by activity

BAE Systems has leading positions in its 
principal markets – the US, UK, the Kingdom 
of Saudi Arabia and Australia – as well as 
established positions in a number of other 
international markets.

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

E

A

D

A

C

D

C

A US

B UK

B

B

C Saudi Arabia

D Australia
E Other international markets2

A Platforms

B Military and technical services and support

C Electronic systems

D Cyber

34%

39%

22%

5%

43%

19%

13%

3%

22%

Sales1 by reporting segment

Employees by location

BAE Systems reports its performance through 
five principal reporting segments.

BAE Systems employs a skilled workforce of 
87,800 people3 in more than 40 countries.

E

E

A

Cyber

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

–  Supply of defence-grade cyber solutions 

for the commercial market

A

C

B

D

C

B

22%

9%

17%

37%

15%

A UK

B US

C Saudi Arabia

D Australia

E Other
Total employees3

33,800

31,700

6,500

4,300

11,500

87,800

04

35

Our key products 
and services

Our 
people

C

A

D

A Electronic Systems

B Cyber & Intelligence

C Platforms & Services (US)

D Air

E Maritime

20

44

53

Our 
markets

Group financial 
review

Segmental 
review

B

A US government

B UK and other governments

C Commercial

45%

37%

18%

Sales1 by domain

 5%

1.  Revenue plus the Group’s share of revenue of equity accounted investments.
2. Includes £0.6bn (3%) of sales generated under the Typhoon workshare agreement with Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH.
3. Including share of equity accounted investments.

03

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsBAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Our key products 
and services

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

E

F

G

H

A

B

C

D

04

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019I

J

K

L

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

B  Defence electronics
Design, manufacture and support of avionics 
equipment across a range of US and other 
allied nations’ military aircraft programmes, 
including a leadership position in the electronic 
warfare market.

C  Air support and training
Provision of support to operational capability, 
including maintenance, support and training 
for Typhoon aircraft in service with the UK, 
Saudi Arabian and Omani air forces. Under the 
Saudi British Defence Co-operation Programme, 
delivery of contracts for manpower, logistics 
and training, training aircraft (including Hawk) 
and upgrades to Tornado aircraft in Saudi 
Arabia. Provision of support for Hawk aircraft 
in service in 14 countries and support for the 
F-35 Lightning II fleet and systems across 
the UK, US and Australia.

D  Complex warships
Design and manufacture of two 65,000-tonne 
aircraft carriers, five Offshore Patrol Vessels and 
up to eight Type 26 frigates for the Royal Navy. 
The first Type 26 is expected to enter service 
in the mid-2020s. Contract signed in 2018 with 
the Australian government that provides the 
framework for the design and manufacture 
of Hunter Class frigates. Provider of design for 
the Canadian Surface Combatant programme.

E  Submarines
Design and manufacture of seven Astute Class 
nuclear-powered attack submarines for the Royal 
Navy. The first three Astute Class submarines are 
in operational service with the Royal Navy, with 
the remaining four boats in build. The final boat 
is expected to enter service in the mid-2020s. 
Design and manufacture of four Dreadnought 
Class nuclear-powered submarines to carry the 
UK’s Trident ballistic missiles. Manufacture of 
the first Dreadnought Class boat commenced 
in 2016.

F  Naval ship repair and support
Provision of naval ship repair and modernisation 
services in the US and UK, together with support 
to the navies of the US, UK and Australia. In the 
US, BAE Systems has facilities located on the 
Atlantic and Pacific coasts.

G  Combat vehicles
Upgrade of tracked vehicles, including: Bradley 
Fighting Vehicles; M88 recovery vehicles; design 
and manufacture of the M109 self-propelled 
howitzer and Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle; 
and development of light combat vehicles 
under the Mobile Protected Firepower 
programme for the US Army. Manufacture 
of amphibious vehicles for the US Marine 
Corps and international customers. Design, 
manufacture and support of the CV90 and 
BvS10 combat vehicles for international 
customers. Vehicle upgrade and support 
to the British Army through a joint venture 
with Rheinmetall.

H  Typhoon and Hawk manufacture 
and capability development
Manufacture of Typhoon major units and final 
assembly of aircraft. In Qatar the contract signed 
in 2017 to provide Typhoon and Hawk aircraft 
along with a bespoke support and training 
package is progressing to plan. Expansion 
of the capabilities of the aircraft.

I  Unmanned and future 
air system capabilities
Development of future air system capabilities, 
including joint investment with the UK 
government and industry in next-generation 
combat air systems. The Tempest programme 
was launched in 2018 in support of the 
UK Combat Air Strategy.

J  Commercial avionics equipment
Design, manufacture and support 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 
leading supplier of engine controls for GE, and 
is a major supplier of flight control electronics 
for Boeing and other aircraft platforms.

K  Weapon systems and munitions
Design and manufacture of naval gun systems, 
munitions, torpedoes, radars, naval command 
and combat systems, artillery systems, missile 
launchers and, through a 37.5% interest in 
MBDA, missiles and missile systems. BAE Systems 
also manages and operates complex ammunition 
plant operations for the US Army to produce 
insensitive munitions and propellant grains.

L  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 the financial services sector.

05

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsBAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Group financial 
highlights

We monitor the underlying financial performance of the Group using 
alternative performance measures. These measures are not defined in 
IFRS1 and are therefore considered to be non-GAAP2 measures. Accordingly, 
the relevant IFRS1 measures are also presented where appropriate.

–  Sales increased by £1.7bn, a 7% increase excluding the impact 

of currency translation3.

–  Underlying EBITA increased to £2,117m, a 5% increase on a constant 

currency basis3 and excluding the impact of IFRS 164.

–  Underlying earnings per share4,5 increased by 7% to 45.8p, excluding 
the one-off tax benefit arising from agreements reached in respect 
of overseas tax matters, net of a provision taken in respect of the 

estimated exposure arising from the EU’s decision regarding 
the UK’s Controlled Foreign Company regime.

–  Operating business cash flow4 increased by £314m to £1,307m.
–  Net debt decreased to £743m.
–  Order intake6 of £18.4bn.
–  Order backlog6 of £45.4bn.

Financial performance measures as defined by the Group

Sales 

KPI

Net debt 

BONUS   KPI

 £20,109m

(2018 £18,407m)

Definition Revenue plus the 
Group’s share of revenue of 
equity accounted investments.

Purpose Allows management to 
monitor the sales performance 
of subsidiaries and equity 
accounted investments.

 £(743)m

(2018 £(904)m)

Definition Cash and cash equivalents, 
less loans and overdrafts (including 
debt-related derivative financial 
instruments). Net debt does not 
include lease liabilities.

Purpose Allows management 
to monitor the indebtedness of 
the Group.

Underlying EBITA4 

 £2,117m

(2018 £1,928m)

KPI

Order intake6 

BONUS   KPI

Definition Operating profit 
excluding amortisation and 
impairment of intangible assets, 
finance costs and taxation expense 
of equity accounted investments 
(EBITA), and non-recurring items7.
Purpose Provides a measure of 
operating profitability that is 
comparable over time.

 £18,447m

(2018 £28,280m)

Definition Funded orders received 
from customers including the Group’s 
share of order intake of equity 
accounted investments.

Purpose Allows management 
to monitor the order intake of 
subsidiaries and equity accounted 
investments.

Underlying earnings per share4,5 

BONUS   KPI

Order backlog6

Excluding one-off tax benefit

 45.8p (2018 42.9p)
 50.8p (2018 42.9p)

Including one-off tax benefit

Definition Basic earnings per 
share excluding amortisation and 
impairment of intangible assets, 
non-cash finance movements on 
pensions and financial derivatives, 
and non-recurring items7.
Purpose Provides a measure 
of underlying performance that 
is comparable over time.

Operating business cash flow4 

KPI

 £1,307m

(2018 £993m)

06

Definition Net cash flow from 
operating activities excluding taxation 
and including net capital expenditure 
and lease principal amounts, financial 
investment and dividends from equity 
accounted investments.

Purpose Allows management to 
monitor the operational cash 
generation of the Group.

 £45.4bn

(2018 £48.4bn)

Definition Funded and unfunded 
unexecuted customer orders including 
the Group’s share of order backlog of 
equity accounted investments. 
Unfunded orders include the elements 
of US multi-year contracts for which 
funding has not been authorised 
by the customer.

Purpose Supports future years’ sales 
performance of subsidiaries and 
equity accounted investments.

KPI

BONUS

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

 75% of the UK executive directors’ 
bonuses are based on the achievement 
of financial KPIs (see page 122).

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019 
 
Reconciliations from the financial performance measures as 
defined by the Group to the financial performance measures 
defined in IFRS1 are provided in the Group financial review 
on pages 44 to 51.

–  Revenue increased by £1.5bn, a 7% increase excluding the 

impact of currency translation3.

–  Operating profit4 increased by £294m to £1,899m, including 

£27m of non-recurring charges (2018 £154m).

–  Basic earnings per share4 increased by 48% to 46.4p including 

the impact of the £161m one-off tax benefit.

–  Net cash flow from operating activities4 increased by £397m 
to £1,597m, with IFRS 16 net lease cash outflows of £273m 
now classified under financing and investing activities.

–  Group’s share of the pre-tax accounting net post-employment 
benefits deficit increased over the year by £0.5bn to £4.5bn.

–  Final dividend of 13.8p making a total of 23.2p per share 

for the year, an increase of 4.5% over 2018.

Financial performance measures defined in IFRS1

Other financial highlights

Revenue

Group’s share of the net post-employment benefits deficit

 £18,305m

(2018 £16,821m)

Definition Income derived from 
the provision of goods and services 
by the Company and its subsidiary 
undertakings.

 £(4.5)bn

(2018 £(4.0)bn8)

Definition Net International 
Accounting Standard 19 Employee 
Benefits deficit excluding amounts 
allocated to equity accounted 
investments.

Operating profit4

 £1,899m

(2018 £1,605m)

Dividend per share

Definition Profit for the year before 
finance costs and taxation expense. 
This measure includes finance costs 
and taxation expense of equity 
accounted investments.

 23.2p

(2018 22.2p)

Definition Interim dividend 
paid and final dividend 
proposed per share.

Basic earnings per share4

 46.4p

(2018 31.3p)

Definition Basic earnings per share 
in accordance with International 
Accounting Standard 33 Earnings 
per Share.

Net cash flow from operating activities4

 £1,597m

(2018 £1,200m)

Definition Net cash flow from 
operating activities in accordance 
with International Accounting 
Standard 7 Statement of Cash Flows.

1. International Financial Reporting Standards.
2. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
3. Current year compared with prior year translated at current year exchange rates.
4. The financial impact of the adoption of IFRS 16 Leases from 1 January 2019 is described 

on pages 44 to 51.

5. The one-off tax benefit is described on page 46.
6. Including share of equity accounted investments.
7. Items that are not relevant to an understanding of the Group’s underlying performance 

(see page 46).

8. The Saudi Arabia end of service benefit obligation of £97m at 31 December 2018 has 

been reclassified from trade and other payables to post-employment benefit obligations.

07

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsBAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Operational 
key points

In 2019, we delivered consistent and strong 
operational performance for our customers.

01

Ramp-up of F-35 production 
progressing well

03

US Army M109 Combat Vehicles 
achieved delivery targets

The production ramp-up of the F-35 programme 
is progressing well with 142 aft fuselage sets 
completed in 2019 and full rate production 
levels targeted in 2020. A Block 4 electronic 
warfare capability upgrade contract was 
awarded in June.

The Qatar Typhoon and Hawk programme 
is meeting its contractual milestones with 
Typhoon aircraft now to be delivered to 
an accelerated schedule.

The M109A7 programme addressed a number 
of corrective actions during the year and hit 
its delivery targets in the second half of the year.

The third of five Offshore Patrol Vessels, 
HMS Trent, was accepted by the Royal Navy 
in the year. The fourth ship was accepted in 
February 2020 and the final ship is expected 
to complete during 2020.

02

Qatar contract amendment to 
accelerate Typhoon deliveries 

04

Offshore Patrol Vessels programme 
on track for completion in 2020

05

Continued progress on Type 26 warship 
in the UK, Australia and Canada

Manufacturing work on the Type 26 programme 
in the UK continues to increase following cut 
steel on the second ship in August. The first 
formal design review on the Hunter Class 
programme in Australia is scheduled for March 
2020. Mobilisation activities on the Canadian 
Surface Combatant programme are progressing.

08

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019

06

Working together to develop the 
Tempest Future Combat Air System

In July a Memorandum of Understanding 
was signed between the UK and Sweden, 
and in September a Statement of Intent 
agreed between the UK and Italy, committing 
the three governments to work together 
on next-generation combat air capability.

The Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carrier 
build programme completed with HMS Prince 
of Wales entering Portsmouth in November 
and being accepted by the Royal Navy and 
commissioned alongside HMS Queen Elizabeth 
in December.

The build process for the Amphibious Combat 
Vehicles is well underway, with the 13 testing 
and Low-Rate Initial Production vehicles having 
been delivered.

Electronic Systems has received an initial $184m 
(£139m) award for APKWS® under the recently 
announced five-year $2.7bn (£2.0bn) Indefinite 
Delivery, Indefinite Quantity contract.

The first tandem docking of two large warships 
has taken place at the San Diego shipyard, 
with the USS Stethem and USS Decatur in dock 
for refurbishment.

07

Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carrier 
build programme achieves completion

09

Growing demand for Advanced 
Precision Kill Weapon System®

08

First deliveries of US Marine Corps’ 
Amphibious Combat Vehicles

10

Naval Ship Repair sees first 
US tandem docking

09

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsBAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Chairman’s 
letter

2019 proved to be another strong year for the Company and 
a valuable building block for growth in the years ahead as operational 
performance improved and strategic actions were taken.

Our performance
2019 was a year in which we saw improving 
operational performance against a backdrop 
of continued geopolitical turbulence. I believe 
our customer relationships are the bedrock 
of the business and our strength derives from 
four key pillars: firstly, a deep order backlog 
and long-term programme positions giving 
multi-year visibility; secondly, a diverse 
portfolio in products and markets, original 
equipment manufacture, and aftermarket 
services; thirdly, customer focus; and finally, 
a track record of successful partnerships 
in international markets to develop local 
industry, employment and skills, which 
are key requisites in the modern defence 
and security market.

Operationally, major new programmes 
secured in 2018, including US Amphibious 
Combat Vehicles, Typhoon and Hawk 
production for Qatar, and Hunter Class 
frigates in Australia all mobilised and made 
progress. Established programmes in the 
US, Air and Maritime drove top line growth 
for the Group. Steady progress was made 
addressing problem programmes in Platforms 
& Services (US) and Maritime. In the year we 
saw two very long-standing programmes 
come to an end with the successful retirement 
from service of the UK Tornado fleet and the 
completion of the UK’s Queen Elizabeth and 
Prince of Wales aircraft carriers. 

Overall, the Group maintained its strong 
balance between production and aftermarket 
services in terms of both revenue and margin. 
Equally, the geographic mix of the business 
evolved as our US and International business 
continued to grow and our UK and Kingdom 
of Saudi Arabia revenues remained stable. 

In summary, 2019 proved to be another strong 
year for the Company and a valuable building 
block for growth in the year ahead.

In January this year we announced that we 
had entered into definitive Asset Purchase 
Agreements to acquire Collins Aerospace’s 
Military Global Positioning System business 
and Raytheon’s Airborne Tactical Radios 
business. These two proposed acquisitions 
represent a unique opportunity to purchase 
high-quality technology-based businesses 
with market-leading capabilities and long 
histories of pioneering innovation in their 
fields. Together we believe these businesses 
will reinforce our position in the Electronic 
Systems sector and accelerate the growth 
profile of the business in the coming years.

Sir Roger Carr
Chairman

Five-year dividend history

(pence)

Dividend

(pence)

23.2

22.2

21.8

21.3

20.9

 23.2p
 +4.5%

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

10

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019These principles cannot always be measured 
or quantified, but I believe they reflect a 
mindset which sits alongside the skillset that 
delivers Charles Woodburn’s three strategic 
priorities of: driving operational excellence; 
improving competitiveness and efficiency; 
and advancing our technology.

I believe by fusing this sense of purpose 
with our actions, we will continue to operate 
and build a sustainable business of which 
all our stakeholders may be proud.

Our strategy
The strategy of the Company remains 
unchanged (see pages 18 and 19). This 
includes continuing to focus on the design, 
development and delivery of products and 
services as a world leader in the defence 
industry. We aim to employ technology in 
improving efficiency and competitiveness 
to succeed in defence and adjacent markets.

As a Board, we consider carefully the 
application of our cash resources to ensure a 
balance between the support of our pensions 
commitments, investment in the business, 
the reward of shareholders and the acquisition 
of companies, technologies or assets which 
support and sustain our strategy and add 
value to the Group.

Our strategy is reviewed regularly as part 
of normal Board discussion and carefully 
appraised at least annually at a separate 
Board event. In evolving the strategy, we 
respect the importance of government 
relationships and their commitment to defence 
spending. In a turbulent world, it is evident 
that governments are clear that protection of 
their people is a key priority and the allocation 
of funds to defence continues to underpin our 
strategy worldwide.

Politically, the outcome of the UK general 
election and the conclusion of the agreement 
to withdraw the UK from the EU has brought 
greater stability. Our relationships in the US, 
the Middle East and Australia are strong 
and constructive. It remains the case however, 
that the Group is reliant on the approval of 
export licences by a number of governments 
in order to provide capability to the Kingdom 
of Saudi Arabia. The withholding of such 
licences may have an adverse effect on our 
ability to provide such capability and we will 
seek to work closely with the UK government 
to manage the impact of any such occurrence 
in the months ahead.

Looking forward, our energies will remain 
focused on executing our strong order book 
successfully, reinforcing our position in the 
higher growth markets of our business, 
investing in new products and technologies 
and ensuring we have the talent to deliver 
sustained stakeholder rewards.

Our people
During the course of the year, considerable 
progress has been made in managing 
succession and developing the executive 
team as some roles end in retirement and 
new career opportunities emerge across 
the organisation.

The appointment of Charles Woodburn 
as Chief Executive was an important 
and successful step in ensuring the Group 
is equipped with and led by an individual 
of considerable talent, ability, energy and 
enthusiasm with a vision for the future 
and a commitment to daily delivery.

Our role
During the course of the year, there has been 
an increased focus from investors and the 
public as to the sustainability of our business, 
its purpose and its role in our communities.

As Chairman and as a Board, we have long 
held the view that it is not simply how much 
money we make, but how we make money 
that is of crucial importance.

As an industry, our activities are amongst 
the most highly regulated of any sector. 
Our defence exports are approved by the 
UK, US or other relevant governments 
and we carefully observe the rules and 
regulations which apply. 

In addition, whilst the business is complex 
and technically challenging, as Chairman, 
I believe the following principles capture 
the purpose of our organisation from 
apprentice to boardroom: 
–  we are proud of what we do in serving 
and equipping those who serve and 
protect us;

–  we inspire and excel in the work we 

do, the technologies we develop, and 
the talent we build;

–  we place safety above profit, people 

above process, ethics above outcomes 
– in a workplace culture that rewards 
merit, values diversity, and cares for 
the environment;

–  we work with our customers in a spirit 
of partnership combining self-interest 
and nations’ interests; 

–  we go the extra mile in the products 
that we make, the quality we deliver, 
and the services we offer;

–  we recognise we are entitled to nothing 

and must earn everything;

–  we seek to reward our stakeholders 

by honing our competitive edge, selling 
internationally, innovating constantly 
and executing flawlessly;

–  we observe all applicable rules and 

regulations in the way we do business, 
and seek to do the right thing simply 
because it is the right thing to do;

–  we trade responsibly, account conservatively, 
act with integrity and govern to ensure the 
long-term sustainability of the Company; and 

–  at the heart of our business – we are 
performance driven and values led.

11

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsBAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019In the two years Charles has held the role 
of Chief Executive, he has systematically 
built and strengthened his team with a mix 
of internal promotions and external hires, 
having acute awareness of balancing seasoned 
knowledge with fresh thinking. Evidence of 
the success of these moves is visible in all parts 
of the organisation and I am confident that 
the programme will continue in the coming 
12 months with a refreshed and talented 
executive team.

Whilst embedding leadership changes, the 
importance of having a strong pipeline of 
skills has not been overlooked. As a company 
we believe in the value of apprenticeships 
and continue to invest in high-quality training 
facilities as a foundation for developing 
the approximately 800 UK apprentices and 
250 graduates we will aim to recruit this 
year. Talent remains our most valuable asset 
and building our own firm base of skills and 
abilities through high-quality training has 
proved to be a winning formula.

Our Board
The Board is a valuable diverse mix of gender, 
experience and skills with talent drawn from 
different countries, industries and age groups. 
It is a Board I feel privileged to chair and 
appreciative of the valuable counsel they offer 
in both the strategic direction and operational 
performance of the business. Each member 
continues to demonstrate great enthusiasm 
for their role, a deep commitment to the 
business and a willingness to give unselfishly 
of their time and knowledge. Board chemistry 
is excellent enabling an atmosphere that 
encourages freedom of expression, debate 
and considered decision-making.

Time served has been carefully considered and 
we currently have a good balance of seasoned 
experience and recently-recruited capability.

Chairman’s letter 
continued

Our strategy in action

Employee  
engagement

Our Chairman and Board 
regularly engage directly with 
our employees, often while 
visiting our sites.

Sir Roger Carr, our Chairman, visited the 
Naval Ships business in Govan, Scotland. 
He received a detailed update on the business, 
saw HMS Glasgow and HMS Cardiff in 
build and met the Commander Officer 
and his team from HMS Tamar, our fourth 
Offshore Patrol Vessel.

He also met a number of apprentices 
and spent time with other members of 
the Naval Ships team in order to see the 
progress being made across programmes 
and in our teams.

18

Group strategic  
framework

More online 
baesystems.com

12

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019

Non-executive directors
We are respectful of UK governance 
recommendations on non-executive directors 
serving a maximum of nine years to preserve 
independence. Sadly, adherence to this 
recommendation results in the loss of 
considerable talent and experience from 
the Board which is inevitably much missed 
in a complex international business.

In seeking to preserve valuable experience, 
in 2018 we received approval to extend the 
term of our Senior Independent Non-Executive 
Director, Nick Rose, by one year, but it is with 
great regret that he must now stand down 
in February 2020.

Similarly, we were sorry to lose Harriet 
Green, who stepped down from the Board 
in November 2019 after nine years’ 
invaluable service.

I am delighted that Paula Rosput Reynolds, 
who chairs our Remuneration Committee, has 
agreed to remain on the Board for a further 
year with support from our major shareholders.

During the course of 2020 we will be seeking 
to recruit two new non-executive directors as 
part of our continuous succession planning.

Executive directors
2020 will be a year of change within the 
executive director leadership team. Peter 
Lynas, the Group Finance Director, will 
retire in March having served the Company 
and its predecessor businesses since 1985. 
Peter reinforced the rigour, discipline and 
structure of our financial systems and provided 
wise and seasoned management oversight 
to ensure the quality of our earnings, the 
health of our balance sheet and the trust 
of our stakeholders.

Similarly, Jerry DeMuro, the Chief Executive 
Officer of BAE Systems, Inc., will retire 
from the Board in March having joined the 
Company in 2014 after an outstanding career 
at senior levels within the defence industry. 
Jerry has led our Inc. business with considerable 
skill and has overseen the remarkable growth 
of our US business, most notably, the 
Electronic Systems sector which is a world 
leader in its field.

Peter and Jerry will leave the Group having 
been major contributors to its operational 
success, cultural development and 
stakeholder reputation.

Following their departures, there will be 
a seamless transition in April by the recently-
recruited Brad Greve to Group Finance 
Director, who will have had an induction period 
of seven months in the business prior to 
stepping up to the role and by Tom Arseneault, 
currently President & Chief Operating Officer 
of BAE Systems, Inc., to President and Chief 
Executive Officer of BAE Systems, Inc.

Summary
In summary, we are pleased to have delivered 
another year of strong performance with sales 
of £20.1bn, underlying earnings per share of 
45.8p, underpinned by an order backlog 
of £45.4bn and free cash flow of £850m.

The fundamentals of the business are 
sound, the order backlog substantial and 
the management team strong.

The Board therefore has recommended a 
final dividend of 13.8p for a total of 23.2p for 
the full year. Subject to shareholder approval 
at the May 2020 Annual General Meeting, 
the dividend will be paid on 1 June 2020 
to holders of ordinary shares registered 
on 17 April 2020.

Sir Roger Carr
Chairman

13

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsBAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Chief Executive’s 
review

BAE Systems improved its operational performance in 2019, delivered a 
good set of results and we continued to progress our strategic objectives, 
execution on which provides the basis for long-term sustainability and 
generation of shareholder value.

Introduction
In 2019, we delivered a good set of financial 
results underpinned by improving operational 
performance. Governments in our key markets 
continue to prioritise defence and security and 
there is a strong demand for our capabilities, 
products and services.

BAE Systems is a resilient company with 
long-term strength from its programmes, 
technologies, customer relationships and 
sustainability agenda. The Group maintained 
its strong balance between production and 
aftermarket services in terms of both revenue 
and margin, and the geographic mix of the 
business continued to evolve as our US and 
International business continued to grow and 
our UK and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia revenues 
remained stable. Following the significant 
international wins in recent years, as these 
programmes ramp-up they will become 
the second-largest revenue drivers for the 
Group behind our US-based businesses.

The Group strategy remains focused, 
consistent and is delivering results. Execution 
on the key strategic objectives of operational 
excellence, competitiveness and technological 
innovation is vital for the successful delivery 
of our order backlog, to deliver future growth 
and a high-performing sustainable business. 
Good progress in all areas was made in 2019. 

Operationally, programme performance 
improvement is now being delivered. We will 
continue to drive programme performance 
to ensure successful delivery of our order 
backlog and the expected improvements 
in long-term cash generation. However, our 
safety performance in the year fell below 
our high expectations. The safety and 
wellbeing of our employees is paramount. 
To that end, we have sought external 
expertise to review a number of our sites 
and strengthened our team with new heads 
of safety in the UK and US to refocus and 
sharpen our thinking in this critical area.

Investment in self-funded research and 
development increased in the year and 
our portfolio was further bolstered by two 
technology-focused acquisitions. We aim 
to further increase technology funding in the 
coming years especially in Air and Electronic 
Systems as we look to maintain and enhance 
our long-term strategic positions. 

The Group maintained its strong balance between 
production and aftermarket services in terms of both 
revenue and margin, and the geographic mix of the business 
continued to evolve as our US and International business 
continued to grow and our UK and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 
revenues remained stable.

Charles Woodburn
Chief Executive

14

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 201938

Our 
values

The Controls and Avionics and Power and 
Propulsion Solutions businesses are leveraging 
capabilities from our defence base to provide 
adjacencies into the commercial markets, 
giving exposure to the expanding civil 
aerospace market through our engine 
and flight control franchises.

The business remains focused on investment 
in emerging technologies and leveraging 
customer funding to maintain, develop and 
grow our strong market positions. Aligned 
with this strategy, Electronic Systems acquired 
the Riptide Autonomous Solutions business, 
a developer of unmanned underwater vehicles, 
in June 2019.

In January 2020, the Group announced two 
asset purchase agreements worth a total 
estimated $2.2bn for the proposed 
acquisitions of Collins Aerospace’s Military 
Global Positioning System business and 
Raytheon’s Airborne Tactical Radios business, 
both of which would be integrated into the 
Electronic Systems portfolio. These proposed 
acquisitions are conditional upon the 
successful closing of the pending Raytheon 
and United Technologies Corporation merger, 
as well as other customary closing conditions 
and required US regulatory approvals.

Platforms & Services (US) made steady 
progress in addressing its operational 
challenges. The US-based combat vehicles 
business is implementing a number of process 
and automation improvements to meet 
increased production volumes across multiple 
programmes with lessons learned being 
applied across the portfolio. The M109A7 
met its delivery targets in the second half of 
the year and initial deliveries were made on 
the Amphibious Combat Vehicle programme. 
Further contract awards were received for 
the M88A3 modernisation and Bradley A4 
programmes, strengthening the order backlog. 
Looking into 2020 the business will have three 
upgrade and three new-build programmes 
ramping up through its facilities.

We recognise that the way we do 
business and the actions and behaviours 
we demonstrate are vital for the long-term 
strength and sustainability of our business. 
Our behaviours are integral to the delivery 
of our strategy as we look to empower 
employees, create a diverse and inclusive 
working environment, recruit and retain 
talent and invest in technology and new 
facilities. Strong governance is at the heart 
of everything we do. This provides the base 
from which environmental and social activities 
are embedded in the business to deliver a 
positive social impact, a sustainable business, 
and ensure we do business in the right way.

2019 performance
US
Our US-based portfolio remains well 
aligned with customer priorities and the 
key focus areas outlined in the US National 
Defense Strategy.

The passage and signing of the fiscal year 
2020 Defense Appropriations bill ended 
the Continuing Resolution and maintained 
funding support for many key BAE Systems 
programmes, including combat vehicles, 
F-35, electronic warfare programmes, and 
current and future precision weapons systems.

The fiscal year 2020 measure includes a 
top line budget of $738bn for defence, 
a 3% increase over 2019, and lawmakers 
have already agreed to a bipartisan deal 
setting the defence spending caps for fiscal 
year 2021 at $740.5bn. Whilst we remain 
cautiously optimistic about the budget 
process, numerous ongoing political issues 
may continue to detract from the timely 
passage of appropriations legislation.

Our US electronics business delivered 
another standout operational performance 
in 2019, especially in our core franchise 
positions in the high-technology areas 
of electronic warfare, precision-guided 
munitions, Intelligence, Surveillance and 
Reconnaissance, and electro-optics. The 
business closed with a record order backlog 
and the outlook for all its defence-focused 
divisions is positive with the portfolio well 
positioned to address key growth areas. 
These capabilities are also being leveraged on 
international as well as domestic programmes. 

15

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsBAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Chief Executive’s review 
continued

The sector continued to shape its market-
leading US naval ship repair business, 
maintaining a strong bid pipeline for repair 
and modernisation services, and working 
with the US Navy to improve utilisation levels. 
To this end, it was a strategic step forward 
in October when the first destroyer tandem 
docking in our San Diego facility was achieved. 
The ship repair and naval guns franchises are 
well supported by the growth outlook in the 
US Navy budget and projected fleet size. 
With the delivery of the final constructed ship 
in March and the sale of the Mobile shipyard, 
we exited commercial shipbuilding. 

In our US-based Intelligence & Security 
business, we are maintaining a high level 
of bid activity and a strong pipeline despite 
a highly competitive and evolving market. 
The business is delivering on contracts with 
good programme and financial performance 
in the year.

UK
The UK is Europe’s largest defence market. 
The UK government recently stated its 
commitment to uphold the NATO 
commitment to spend at least 2% of 
Gross Domestic Product on defence, and 
to increase the defence budget by at least 
0.5% above inflation, in every year of the 
current parliament. The government is also 
expected to launch an Integrated Foreign 
Policy, Defence and Security Review during 
the course of 2020.

In Maritime, the aircraft carrier build 
programme was completed with HMS Prince 
of Wales being accepted by the customer. 
The Offshore Patrol Vessels programme 
stabilised in the year delivering the second 
and third ships. The fourth ship was accepted 
in February 2020, and the final ship is expected 
to complete this year. Manufacturing work on 
the Type 26 programme in the UK continues 
to increase following cut steel on the second 
ship in August. Activity on the Dreadnought 
programme ramped up throughout the 
year with revenues now exceeding those 
on the Astute programme. The associated 
major programme of building works 
continued to progress.

BAE Systems will of course support the 
UK government in achieving its aim to 
ensure that the UK maintains its key role 
in European security and defence post-Brexit 
and to strengthen bilateral relationships with 
key partners in Europe. This will be important 
for ongoing collaboration in the development 
of defence capabilities.

The Group has relatively limited UK-EU 
trading and the majority of persons employed 
in the UK are UK nationals, with only limited 
movement of EU nationals into and out of 
the Group’s UK businesses. Accordingly, the 
resulting Brexit near-term impacts across 
the business are likely to be limited. 

The work under the Team Tempest 
contract to develop next-generation 
combat air technologies, skills and expertise, 
in collaboration with UK government and 
industry partners, continues at pace. In the 
second half of the year the commitment 
of both Sweden and Italy to work with the 
UK on creating next-generation combat air 
capability was a welcome development.

During 2019, we remained focused on 
the execution of our long-term contracted 
positions in Air and Maritime. 

In Air, the production ramp-up of rear 
fuselage assemblies for the F-35 Lightning II 
aircraft progressed well with 142 sets delivered. 
Full-rate production levels of approximately 
160 sets are targeted in 2020. As the UK 
and global fleets grow, securing a long-term 
support position on the F-35 Lightning II 
remains a key focus.

With imminent completion of the current 
partner nation deliveries, Typhoon production 
is now focused on the sub-assembly build 
on the Kuwait and Qatar programmes, 
which sustain production into the mid-2020s. 
The potential pipeline for Typhoon additional 
orders remains positive, with opportunities 
both with partner nations and through 
exports with existing and new customers. 
Securing additional orders would extend 
production revenue levels. 

Typhoon support delivered the expected 
operational performance levels and, with 
the Centurion standard having been declared, 
the UK Tornado fleet successfully retired 
from service on schedule.

16

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019International
Our defence and security capabilities 
remain highly relevant in an uncertain global 
environment with complex threats. During 
2019, we further widened our international 
reach through the export win in Canada 
and a number of Foreign Military Sales 
through our Electronic Systems business. 
There are good prospects in existing and 
new international markets for our products 
and services in air, maritime, land and cyber 
security. Defence and security remains high on 
national agendas with the need in many cases 
to recapitalise or upgrade ageing equipment.

In Saudi Arabia, we continue to work closely 
with industry partners and UK government 
to ensure that the export licences required to 
enable us to fulfil our contractual obligations 
in the Kingdom are in place. On the Hawk 
programme, the first in-Kingdom final 
assembled aircraft were completed and 
entered into service.

BAE Systems continues to address current 
and potential new requirements as part 
of long-standing agreements between the 
UK government and the Saudi Arabian 
government as we continue to work on the 
localisation of defence capabilities in Saudi 
Arabia, in support of the Saudi Arabian 
government’s National Transformation Plan 
and Vision 2030. Over many years, the 
Group has developed and taken shareholdings 
in local Saudi businesses. The Group is 
restructuring its portfolio of interests in these 
businesses and in the year, it disposed of its 
shareholding in Aircraft Accessories and 
Components Company. Following the 
Group’s subsidiary, Overhaul and Maintenance 
Company, entering into a heads of terms for 
the sale of its 50% shareholding in Advanced 
Electronics Company to Saudi Arabian Military 
Industries, negotiations are continuing 
and the transaction is expected to take 
place in 2020. 

In Qatar the contract between BAE Systems 
and the Government of the State of Qatar 
for the supply of 24 Typhoon and nine 
Hawk aircraft to the Qatar Amiri Air Force, 
along with a bespoke support and training 
package, is meeting its contractual milestones 
with Typhoon aircraft delivery now aligned 
to an accelerated schedule which was agreed 
in the year.

In Australia, the initial four-year design and 
productionisation phase on the Hunter Class 
programme commenced and the first formal 
integrated baseline review is scheduled to 
commence in Q1 2020. Production of the 
first ship is expected to commence in South 
Australia in the early 2020s. This Hunter Class 
programme will, over time, double the size 
of our current Australian business. 

Following contract signing in February 2019, 
BAE Systems is providing the design, based 
on the Type 26, for the Canadian Surface 
Combatant programme. Mobilisation activities 
are progressing on the programme.

Whilst operating under a difficult geopolitical 
backdrop, the MBDA joint venture has 
continued to win orders in both domestic 
and international markets. The business 
continues to invest in new products and is 
well placed to benefit from defence spend 
increases in a number of European countries 
and international opportunities.

Cyber security
In our Applied Intelligence business, the 
UK Government Services division performed 
well. Following a strategic review, the Group 
commenced a process for the disposal of 
the Applied Intelligence US-based software-
as-a-service business and decided to exit the 
UK-based Managed Security Services business. 
Cyber security is an increasingly important part 
of government security and a core element of 
stewardship for companies in a sophisticated 
and persistent threat environment. The services 
and products we offer in the remaining core 
business, including the Financial Services 
division, are expected to drive growth and 
improved returns as the market continues 
to develop.

Balance sheet and capital allocation
The Group’s balance sheet is 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 
expects to continue to meet its pension 
obligations, invest in research and technology 
and pursue other organic investment 
opportunities, and plans to pay dividends in 
line with its policy of long-term sustainable 
cover of around two times underlying 
earnings. Investment in value-enhancing 
acquisitions and returns to shareholders 
through a share buyback will be considered 
in line with our clear and consistent strategy 
and capital allocation policy.

A $1bn 6.375% bond, of which $500m 
had been converted to a floating rate bond 
by utilising interest rate swaps, matured 
and was repaid in June 2019.

Post-employment benefits schemes
The Group’s share of the pre-tax accounting 
net post-employment benefits deficit increased 
to £4.5bn (2018 £4.0bn). The impact of lower 
discount rates increasing liabilities was in some 
part offset by good asset returns and changes 
in mortality assumptions.

In October 2019, six of the Group’s nine 
UK pension schemes (including the two 
largest schemes) were consolidated into a 
single scheme. Following that consolidation, 
the Company agreed with the new Trustee 
Board to bring forward the funding valuation 
of the combined scheme to 31 October 2019 
from the previously scheduled date of 
31 March 2020.

After consultation with The Pensions Regulator 
in the UK, the Group has reached agreement 
with the Trustee Board of the combined 
scheme on the accelerated funding valuation 
and revised deficit recovery plan.

At the 31 October 2019 funding valuation 
date, the deficit was £1.9bn. The current 
deficit recovery plan which runs to 2026 
will be replaced by a new deficit recovery 
plan, under which a one-off payment of 
£1bn is to be made in the coming months, 
with approximately £240m of funding payable 
in the scheme year ending 31 March 2020 
and approximately £250m by 31 March 2021.

Executive Committee changes
At the start of 2019 David Armstrong was 
appointed as Group Business Development 
Director following Alan Garwood’s retirement. 
In June, Mark Phillips was appointed Group 
Communications Director and in May, 
Andrew Wolstenholme left the Company 
and was replaced by Glynn Phillips as Group 
Managing Director Maritime. Brad Greve 
joined the Executive Committee in September 
following his appointment as Group Finance 
Director designate to succeed Peter Lynas and 
joins the BAE Systems plc Board on 1 April 
2020. At the start of 2020 Ben Hudson was 
appointed as Chief Technology Officer, 
replacing Nigel Whitehead who announced 
his intention to retire.

Summary
Our business benefits from a large order 
backlog, with established positions on 
long-term programmes in the US, UK, 
Saudi Arabia and Australia. Our strategy 
is clear and well defined with governments 
in our key markets continuing to prioritise 
defence and security, with strong demand 
for our capabilities. Through execution 
of our strategy, BAE Systems is well placed 
to maximise opportunities, deal with 
the challenges and deliver a business 
focused on sustainability and generating 
shareholder value.

Charles Woodburn
Chief Executive

17

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsBAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Group strategic 
framework

Our strategy is comprised of five key long-term areas of focus that will help 
us to achieve our vision and mission. It is centred on maintaining and growing 
our core franchises and securing growth opportunities through advancing 
our three strategic priorities and demonstrating the Company behaviours. 

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

Our mission
To provide a vital advantage to help our 
customers to protect what really matters

Maintain and grow our 
defence business

Our strategy

Progress during the year

Outlook

–  Sales growth of 7% on a constant currency 
basis – all sectors delivered sales growth
–  US business book-to-bill ratio of over one
–  Number of major programmes ramping up 
in Electronic Systems, US Combat Vehicles 
and Air

–  Design partner on 15-ship Canadian Surface 

Combatant programme

–  Increased self-funded R&D spend 

–  Strong order backlog and established positions 
on long-term programmes provide a strong 
platform to deliver growth in mid term
–  Opportunities in Air – Typhoon orders, 

F-35 sustainment, MBDA 

–  Opportunities in Electronic Systems to maintain 

growth outlook

–  Opportunities in US Combat Vehicles – 

growth expected from existing programmes 
and international opportunities

–  Geopolitical risks still remain

Continue to grow our 
business in adjacent 
markets

–  Commercial work in Electronic Systems 

increased in the year

–  Well placed to benefit from the continued 

growth in the commercial aerospace market 

–  Our battery electric and fuel cell electric systems 

–  Cyber security opportunities with allied 

recorded five million zero emission miles

governments and global financial services markets

–  Financial Services within Applied Intelligence 

–  Our hybrid propulsion technology is well 

secured 6% increase in order intake

placed as demand for low and zero emission 
technology grows

Develop and expand our 
international business

–  Qatar programme ramping up
–  MBDA revenue growth
–  M777 in India – first deliveries in partnership 

with Mahindra Defence Systems Ltd

–  Continue to widen reach and relationships 

in targeted end markets

–  Opportunities to further positions in current 

International markets and develop new markets

–  Strong bid pipeline in Europe, Middle East 

and Asia Pacific

Inspire and develop 
a diverse workforce 
to drive success

Enhance financial 
performance and deliver 
sustainable growth in 
shareholder value

–  Introduced future-focused company 

behaviours and sharpened our approach 
to performance management

–  Focus on enhancing our employer brand and 

recruitment practices to meet hiring requirements 
in some of our markets

–  Improved talent identification and 

–  Invest in developing and recruiting future-critical 

succession planning

–  Strategic workforce plans helping identify 
and plan for critical skills requirements

–  Continued focus on early careers – recruited 

over 700 apprentices in the UK

–  Increased accountability and leadership visibility 

on diversity and inclusion commitments

–  Strong financial performance
–  Enabled a dividend increase of 4.5%

skills among new generations to establish 
medium- to long-term skills pipeline

–  Accelerate work on talent identification and career 

development to ensure robust succession plans
–  Focus on inclusion and increase representation 
of women in leadership and engineering roles

–  Strong order backlog and established positions 
on long-term programmes provide a strong 
platform to deliver mid-term growth

–  Focus on expanding long-term cash generation

Our values

Trusted

1

2

3

4

5

18

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Through successful execution of this strategy we look 
to deliver a high-performing, well-run sustainable 
business which will deliver long-term shareholder value.

Our strategic priorities

Our three strategic priorities which are embedded throughout 
the Group provide the link between our longer-term strategy and 
near-term business objectives for all our employees.

Drive operational 
excellence

Continuously improve 
competitiveness and efficiency

Advance and further  
leverage our technology

Successes in 2019
–  Offshore Patrol Vessel and M109 

programmes stabilised

–  Management strengthened with 
a blend of internal promotions 
and external hires

–  Leading Complex Projects, 

Programmes and Portfolios (LCP3) 
development programme rolled out

–  HMS Prince of Wales delivered 
and commissioned on schedule

Our priorities for 2020
–  US Combat Vehicles long-term 

multi-programme delivery

–  Enhance recruitment practices and 

further leverage strategic workforce 
planning to deliver business plans

–  Engineering leaders development 

programme roll-out

Successes in 2019
–  Supply chain targets achieved

–  Spend analytic tool implemented and 

Successes in 2019
–  Increased year-on-year self-funded  

R&D spend by 7%

‘Partner to Win’ programme established

–  Riptide and Prismatic acquisitions

–  Process improvements and robotic 

–  Tempest programme advancement

welding machines installed in 
US Combat Vehicles

–  First destroyer tandem docking  

in San Diego 

Our priorities for 2020
–  Continue to drive supply chain savings  

and ‘Partner to Win’ programme

–  Increased collaboration across the 
Group and with industry partners

–  Increased level of classified work 

–  FAST LABs™ awards for leading-edge 
technology development, such as 
machine-learning capabilities for space 
situational awareness

Our priorities for 2020
–  Target further increases in self-funded 
R&D spend and technology bolt-on 
acquisitions

–  Continued focus on identifying and 

–  Continue to accelerate our investment 

securing talent and critical skills to fulfil 
future requirements

in Electronic Systems’ strategic 
priority areas

–  Continue to develop UK university 

partnerships

Innovative

Bold

19

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsBAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Our  
markets

BAE Systems has leading positions in its principal markets – in the 
US, UK, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Australia – as well as 
established positions in a number of other international markets. 
We are one of the largest global defence and security companies.

Supporting our customers
Our strategy is focused on providing a vital 
advantage to our customers around the world. 
In particular, we have built strong positions 
aligned with our core defence platforms to 
support our customers in our four principal 
markets. These principal markets – the 
US, UK, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and 
Australia – have been identified as having 
a significant and sustained commitment 
to defence and security. BAE Systems has 
established strong and enduring relationships 
in these markets and is recognised as playing 
a key role in the industrial capability of each 
of these countries.

Our unique position and capabilities
Our strong position in the US through the 
Special Security Agreement, together with 
our standing as the leading defence contractor 
in the UK, provides us with unique capabilities 
that can be leveraged across the Group to 
support our customers. In addition, our diverse 
portfolio of capabilities in the air, maritime, 
land and cyber domains, provides us with 
a comprehensive offering for our customers 
around the world making us one of the 
broadest and most geographically diverse 
major defence companies.

Responding to changes in defence 
and security requirements
Our business continues to respond to 
geopolitical and technology trends that will 
influence and shape our customers’ defence 
and security requirements now and in the 
future. Our excellence in complex engineering, 
developing cutting-edge technology and 
seeking innovative solutions enables us to 
respond to our customers’ requirements for 
greater agility, global reach, and advanced 
technology products and services.

Growth aspirations 
In recent years a number of key markets 
for the Group have either returned to growth 
or stabilised spending in response to an 
increasingly uncertain and multi-threat security 
environment. This has provided a growth 
platform for the Group in 2019 and the 
coming years.

20

We have a significant and increasing 
international presence following a number of 
significant wins in the last few years. Through 
long-standing customer relationships and 
continuing to develop new ones, combined 
with the ability to leverage our range of 
capabilities around the Group, we continue 
to see further opportunities in a number 
of international markets.

66

Air

Accessible global defence markets1

Top ten global defence markets accessible for business by the Group ($bn)

1. US

2. Saudi Arabia

3. India

4. UK

5. France

6. Japan

7. Germany

8. South Korea

9. Australia

10. Brazil

57

57

55

52

48

43

39

31

27

671

Principal markets

Source: 2018 US budget as shown in the Department of Defense Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Request and, outside 
the US, Jane’s Defence Budgets (based on 2018 total defence budgets and constant 2019 US dollars).

BAE Systems’ global defence market position

Top ten global defence contractors’ revenue ($bn)

1. Lockheed Martin

2. Boeing

3. Northrop Grumman

4. Raytheon

5. Aviation Industry Corporation of China

6. General Dynamics

7. BAE Systems

8. China North Industries Group Corporation Limited

9. Airbus

10. China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation

15

13

12

51

34

25

25

25

24

22

Source: Defense News Top 100 for 2019 (based on 2018 numbers). Exchange rate applied to BAE Systems is $1.276/£1.

1.  Markets inaccessible for business by BAE Systems are excluded.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019E

A

D

C

US

B

Sales1 by destination
A US

B UK

C Saudi Arabia

D Australia
E Other international markets2

43%

19%

13%

3%

22%

The US continues to represent the single largest defence 
market in the world. BAE Systems remains a top ten defence 
supplier in the US.

In July 2019 a two-year budget agreement 
was signed to lift the deficit ceiling and budget 
caps. The fiscal year 2020 appropriations bill 
was passed in December, closing out the 
Continuing Resolution. The fiscal year 2020 
measure and the currently established fiscal 
year 2021 defence spending cap continue 
to demonstrate strong bi-partisan support 
for defence, and maintains support for our 
medium-term planning assumptions and 
positive momentum for military readiness 
and modernisation programmes.

The portfolio of the US-based business 
is well-aligned with customer priorities 
and growth areas as outlined in the 
National Defense Strategy, which include 
combat vehicles, precision-guided munitions, 
naval ship repair and modernisation 
services, electronic warfare, hypersonics 
and space security. 

BAE Systems has strong positions on a 
number of premier defence programmes, 
including F-35 Lightning II, M109 self-
propelled howitzer, Armored Multi-Purpose 
Vehicle, Amphibious Combat Vehicle and we 
are a leader in advanced electronic systems, 
real-time intelligence and analysis, naval gun 
systems and artillery systems.

In addition to our position on US defence 
programmes, the US-based portfolio is also 
focused on Foreign Military Sales and direct 
international sales to allied nations.

We continue to deliver on and look to 
enhance existing commercial programmes, 
including engine and flight controls, and 
electric drive propulsion systems. 

Sales1

 £8,642m

62

Platforms & 
Services (US)

1.  Revenue plus the Group’s share of revenue 

of equity accounted investments.

2. Includes £0.6bn (3%) of sales generated 

under the Typhoon workshare agreement 
with Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH.

21

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsBAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Our markets 
continued

UK

BAE Systems remains the largest defence company 
in the UK, with strong and long‑standing relationships 
with the Ministry of Defence and our supply chain.

The UK is Europe’s largest defence market. 
The UK government recently stated its 
commitment to uphold the NATO commitment 
to spend at least 2% of Gross Domestic 
Product on defence and to increase the 
defence budget by at least 0.5% above 
inflation, in every year of the current 
parliament. The government is also expected 
to launch an Integrated Foreign Policy, 
Defence and Security Review during 2020. 

The UK Combat Air Strategy announced 
in July 2018 and the existing National 
Shipbuilding Strategy send a strong signal 
about the UK’s commitment to retaining 
a leading position in the combat air and 
maritime domains. These strategies enable 
long-term planning and joint government 
and industry investment in next-generation 
platforms, systems and technologies and 
the workforce required to deliver them.

BAE Systems plays an important role in 
providing capabilities to support the UK 
government and armed forces in the 
air, maritime, land and cyber domains. 
Our involvement across the major UK defence 
programmes, including Typhoon aircraft, 
Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers, Type 26 
frigates, and Astute and Dreadnought Class 
submarines, maintains our diverse skillsets, 
allowing us to provide a vital advantage to 
our UK customers and in some circumstances 
provide exportable products and services. 
The UK government provides vital support 
in the pursuit of international export 
opportunities, recognising the value that 
BAE Systems and the defence industry 
contributes to the UK economy.

Our UK-managed global cyber business has 
a focused strategy to ensure that we support 
our government and commercial customers 
as cyber security becomes an increasingly 
important part of a sophisticated and 
persistent threat environment. 

Sales1

 £3,850m

Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi 
Arabia continues to be 
a leading military power 
and one of the largest 
defence markets globally.

Saudi Arabia has a strong commitment 
to defence and security spending driven 
by regional security instability. 

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy to 
promote in-Kingdom industrialisation and 
diversification away from reliance on oil 
continues to shape our activities in support 
of Saudi Arabia’s national objectives of 
technology development, local skills, and 
the development of an indigenous defence 
industry and capability. Through the 
restructuring of the Group’s portfolio of 
interests in a number of industrial companies, 
along with sustaining current industrialised 
capability and building on our strong history 
in Saudi Arabia, we are working with Saudi 
Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) to explore 
how we can collaborate to deliver further 
In-Kingdom Industrial Participation.

We remain well placed as a leading 
in-country contractor in support of air 
defence platforms and training systems 
for the Royal Saudi Air Force, as well as 
support for mine countermeasure vessels 
for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces. 

Sales1

 £2,693m

22

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019

 
 
Australia

International

BAE Systems has many strong and enduring relationships 
in other international markets.

Our US businesses export combat vehicles 
and precision weapon systems to a number 
of international customers and leverage 
further international markets through our 
partnerships in defence and commercial 
electronics. The outlook in the Asia-Pacific 
region to further those export opportunities 
looks positive.

Through our shareholding in MBDA, our 
position in the missiles and missile systems 
market continues to grow in European 
domestic and other international markets. 
MBDA and the Eurofighter consortium look 
well placed to benefit from the expected 
European defence spending increases as a 
number of countries look to move nearer to 
their NATO commitments. Eurofighter partner 
nations Germany and Spain are considering 
future Typhoon orders and other Typhoon 
and support opportunities are being pursued 
in the Middle East and Europe. 

Sales1

 £4,257m

Regional security tensions, the growing 
emphasis on indigenous capabilities and 
varying economic conditions continue to 
influence defence spending internationally. 
In Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, 
BAE Systems has developed and seeks 
to further relationships with partners 
and customers in a number of countries.

In Qatar the contract to provide Typhoon and 
Hawk aircraft along with a bespoke support 
and training package is progressing to plan.

In Oman we provide support to Typhoon 
and Hawk aircraft and naval vessels.

In Canada, BAE Systems is the design 
partner on the Canadian Surface Combatant 
programme of 15 ships for the Royal Canadian 
Navy. This long-term programme has now 
commenced and we are working on other 
prospects with the Canadian customer.

We have a strong presence in Sweden 
through BAE Systems Hägglunds supplying 
and supporting tracked vehicles for 
international customers.

In Turkey we are collaborating on the initial 
development phase of the indigenous 
fifth-generation fighter jet, TF-X, for the 
Turkish Air Force and we maintain our 
position in armoured combat vehicles 
through the FNSS joint venture.

In India, we have long-established 
relationships with local industry partners, 
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited on Hawk 
aircraft and Mahindra Defence Services 
Limited on M777 howitzers.

In Malaysia, we are a supplier to the 
armed forces, both directly and through 
joint ventures.

BAE Systems is one of the 
largest defence companies 
in Australia, with strong 
activities across all domains.

Regional instability and the rapid pace 
of military modernisation and technology 
advancement in the Asia-Pacific region 
continue to drive the government’s 
commitment to defence spending, with 
major recapitalisation programmes underway 
in the air, maritime and land domains.

The government has indicated its intent 
to grow defence spending by committing 
to spend 2% of Gross Domestic Product 
by 2020/21. As part of this commitment, 
the government has made clear its objective 
to build a stronger, sustainable and 
internationally competitive domestic defence 
industry, ensuring that over time the nation 
has in place a sovereign industrial base 
that has the skills, knowledge and capability 
to manage and support the platforms and 
systems in which it has invested as well as 
exporting its own products and services.

We are well positioned to support this 
through an established business and a 
workforce based at more than 25 sites 
across the country, in addition to our ability 
to leverage our international positions within 
the Group to support domestic Australian 
products in international markets.

We currently provide support to the 
Australian Defence Force through engineering, 
programme management and sustainment 
solutions, including the Jindalee Operational 
Radar Network upgrade, Hawk Lead-In Fighter 
support, F-35 Lightning II sustainment, and 
Anzac frigate support and upgrade. The 
award to BAE Systems Australia in 2018 of 
the nine-ship Hunter Class Frigate programme, 
to be built at the ASC Shipbuilding leased 
shipyard facility in Adelaide will in time give 
the business a balanced portfolio of build 
and support work. 

Sales1

 £667m

1.  Revenue plus the Group’s share of revenue 

of equity accounted investments.

23

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsBAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019 
 
How our 
business works

We help our customers stay a step ahead when protecting people, 
national security, critical infrastructure and vital information.

Our business model

We aim to create sustainable value 
for all our stakeholders.

Identifying customer needs
–  We have established positions on long-term programmes

–  Strong and collaborative relationships with our customers

–  Our position as a trusted supplier allows us to identify 

emerging trends and opportunities for growth

Research and development
–  Technology and innovation underpin our strategy and the 

development of products and services

–  Partner with academic and industrial leaders to develop 

new technologies that support our future product strategies

–  Clear focus for our research and development spend and 
that of our customers aligned to future product strategies

Services, sustainment and upgrade
–  Provide competitive services that add value for 

our customers

–  Technical expertise acquired through product design 

and development

–  Flexibility and responsiveness to maximise availability 

of our customers’ products

Advanced manufacturing, commissioning 
and integration
–  Investment in advanced manufacturing techniques and facilities

–  Focus on operational excellence with safety as a priority

–  Management of complex projects and collaboration across 

global supply chains

Our business model is underpinned by:

Our values
Our values of Trusted, 
Innovative and Bold and our 
Behaviours ensure our focus 
is on how we create value 
rather than simply how much 
money we make. Our people 
are empowered to make the 
right decisions and know 
where to go to seek help.

Our people
Our workplace culture rewards 
merit, values diversity and 
encourages everyone to be 
their best. We are committed to 
nurturing talent and developing 
highly-skilled people. We are 
training the next generation of 
engineers and business leaders 
to be able to drive innovation 
and solve complex challenges.

Our technology
We focus on technology 
innovation and engineering 
excellence, prioritising and 
investing in next-generation 
research and development 
programmes to deliver 
competitive solutions to 
meet our current and future 
customers’ needs.

Our partners and  
key relationships
We recognise the important 
contribution provided by 
our suppliers and partners 
and we maintain close 
relationships with them 
which help us to create 
best-in-class, cost-effective 
products and services.

18

Group strategic 
framework

35

Our 
people

43

Our 
technology

39

Our partners and 
key relationships

24

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Non-financial information statement
The sections of the Strategic report entitled ‘How our 
business works’, ‘Our stakeholders’, ‘Companies Act 
Section 172’ and ‘Sustainability’ (pages 24 to 43), 
constitute the Non-Financial Statement as required 
by the Companies Act 2006 as amended.

Generating sustainable value

Customers
Our largest customers are governments, but we 
also sell to large prime contractors and commercial 
businesses. We never lose sight of who the end users 
of our products and services are and we take on and 
solve some of their most complex and challenging 
engineering and technology projects to give them 
a competitive edge and help them to protect what 
matters most.

Employment
High-value jobs are supported by BAE Systems in 
the markets where we and our suppliers operate. 
We support jobs through direct employment, through 
the indirect impact of the employees employed as a 
result of our supply chain spending and through those 
jobs supported by the consumer spending of our 
employees and of those in our supply chain.

Contribution to local communities
We take our role in communities seriously. 
We contribute to the economic prosperity of the 
places where our people live and work. Supporting 
causes that have meaning to our business and 
the communities in which we operate is vitally 
important to us and our employees.

Returns for shareholders
Through the careful long-term sustainable management 
of our business we will be well placed to continue to 
generate good returns for our shareholders.

25

Bidding and contracting
–  Focus on value for our customers while effectively 

managing risk

–  Record of delivery on complex projects

–  Partnerships with a network of suppliers supporting 

economic development

Designing and developing
–  Engineering expertise in developing cutting-edge products 

and services

–  Product safety embedded in our designs to maximise safety 

in the manufacture and use of our products

–  Products are designed and developed in a way that provides 

for future flexibility with the ability to upgrade in an agile manner

Responsible sourcing 
and impact
We take pride in managing our 
operations responsibly. We care 
for the places where we operate, 
we are committed to reducing our 
environmental impact and invest 
in technologies to reduce carbon 
emissions and water use.

Our governance 
framework
We are accountable for all that 
we do – our robust governance 
framework sets out how we do 
business. Together with our Code 
of Conduct, which requires our 
employees to conduct business 
in an ethical way, it enables us 
to earn and maintain the trust 
of our stakeholders.

40

Responsible sourcing 
and impact

84

Board  
governance

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsBAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Our  
stakeholders

Understanding and aiming to exceed the expectations of 
our stakeholders is critical to the long-term sustainability 
of our business and the vital role we play in helping our 
customers to protect people, information and nations.

Our people

Our customers

Our end users

Our suppliers

Our partners

BAE Systems

Our communities

Our shareholders

Our pensioners

Regulators

Stakeholder group

Description

Areas of interest

Why we engage

How we engage

Our people

Employees of 
BAE Systems

–  Ensuring our people 

can fulfil their potential 
at work

–  Recruitment 
–  Training and development
–  Reward and recognition
–  Diversity and inclusion
–  How we work together

The skills, capabilities and 
commitment of our people are 
critical to ensuring the long-term 
sustainability of our business 
and delivering the innovation 
needed to solve our customers’ 
complex challenges.

Effective engagement enables our 
employees to contribute to improving 
business performance and helps us 
to create an environment in which 
everyone can fulfil their potential.

We keep employees informed 
about what is happening across 
the business using a variety of 
media, including our intranet, 
email and employee app, through 
podcasts, newsletters, leadership 
blogs and trade union forums, 
and also through leadership 
briefings and team meetings 
where we seek to listen to 
employees’ views and opinions. 
Employees are encouraged to share 
their views through our channels 
and employee surveys. We also 
engage with trade unions in 
Australia and the UK and labour 
unions in the US.

Large governments 
and their procurement 
bodies, large prime 
contractors and 
commercial businesses

–  Value for money
–  Quality of products 

and services

–  Risk management
–  Timely delivery

The men and women 
who use our products 
and services, often 
members of the 
Armed Forces and 
Security Services

–  Quality of products 

and services

–  Reliability of our teams 
to rectify issues quickly

 Understanding our customers’ 
needs and challenges is central 
to our product strategies and 
how and where we invest in 
technologies and infrastructure.

Through regular dialogue and 
face-to-face meetings, integrated 
project teams, joint reviews of 
programme performance, events 
and exhibitions.

Our end users protect people, 
information and nations.

We work very closely with the men 
and women who use our products 
and services, in some instances our 
people work alongside them at 
their facilities or bases. We also 
engage through regular dialogue 
and face-to-face meetings.

Our customers

Our end users

26

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Stakeholder group

Description

Areas of interest

Why we engage

How we engage

Our suppliers

The companies we 
work with to deliver 
products and services 
to our customers

Our partners

Other industry 
companies or 
academic institutions 
who we work with

–  Labour and skills 
requirements

–  Cost of materials 
and operations
–  Terms of trade
–  Timely payment
–  Sustainable sourcing

–  Product and service 

development
–  R&D investment

Our communities

The people who 
live where we 
work and charitable 
organisations 
we support

–  The value we bring 
to the communities 
in which we operate

–  Employment
– Local community factors

Our shareholders

Investors who provide 
capital to the business

Our pensioners

Members and 
trustees of our 
pension schemes

–  Profitability, growth 
potential and cash 
generation

–  Capital allocation; returns 
via dividend and buyback
–  Operational performance
–  Quality of management
–  Governance, environmental 

and social policies

–  Share price performance

–  Company performance
–  Member benefits
–  Pension fund 

investment strategy

–  Deficit recovery

Our suppliers and an effective, 
efficient and sustainable supply chain 
are essential to enable us to deliver 
for our customers and end users.

Through performance reviews, 
forums, regular dialogue and best 
practice sharing.

We benefit from partnering with 
other organisations to leverage 
expertise or technology so that we 
can offer the best possible products 
and services to our customers.

Through regular dialogue and 
face-to-face meetings, forums 
and conferences and integrated 
project teams.

 To ensure we maintain the trust 
of the communities where we work. 
To understand and respond to any 
issues important to our communities.

 To provide employment opportunities 
and contribute to the economic 
prosperity of the places where 
our people live and work.

To ensure the owners of our shares 
and potential investors in the 
Company have a full understanding 
of our business including the strategy, 
growth potential and risks in the 
business as well as the overall 
performance of the business.

Through community forums, 
volunteering and fundraising, 
STEM initiatives, Schools 
Roadshows and programmes 
such as Movement To Work.

Through a regular dialogue with 
analysts and investors conducted 
through investor meetings and 
roadshows, capital market days, 
results presentations, Annual 
General Meeting, regulatory 
disclosures, our website and 
investor relations app.

To ensure our pensioners have access 
to all the information they need to 
manage their pension.

Through newsletters, our website 
and pensions contact centres.

Regulators

Bodies that supervise 
industry or business 
activities

–  Industry or business 

policies and regulations

In order to have a constructive dialogue 
with those who impact the regulations 
which can influence our business.

Through regular dialogue and 
via trade associations.

We also engage with other organisations who have a focus on business or defence and security issues to understand factors that can impact 
our business and how we operate.

27

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsBAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Companies Act 
Section 172

The directors of BAE Systems – and those of all UK companies 
– must act in accordance with a set of general duties. These include 
a duty under Section 172 of the Companies Act to promote the 
success of the Company and in doing so they must have regard 
(amongst other things) to the factors summarised below.

Typically, in large and complex companies 
such as BAE Systems, the directors fulfil their 
duties partly through a governance framework 
that delegates day-to-day decision-making 
to employees of the Company. The Board 
recognises that such delegation needs to be 
part of a robust governance structure, which 
covers: the values and behaviours expected of 
our employees; the standards that they must 
adhere to; how we engage with stakeholders; 
and how the Board assures itself that the 
governance structure and system of controls 
continue to be robust.

The following summarises how the 
directors had regard to the respective 
elements of Section 172 factors set out 
below in the fulfilment of their duties 
during 2019. More information on this 
can be found throughout this report, 
particularly in the sections highlighted.

The Board recognises that the Company 
has a range of stakeholders that it needs 
to have regard to when fulfilling its duties 
under Section 172. An analysis of its 
principal stakeholders can be found 
on pages 26 and 27.

Companies Act 2006, Section 172(1)
 “A director of a company must act in the way, he considers, in good faith, would be 
most likely to promote the success of the company for the benefit of its members as a 
whole, and in doing so have regard (amongst other matters) to the following factors:
(a)  the likely consequences of any decision in the long term;
(b) the interests of the company’s employees;
(c)   the need to foster the company’s business relationships with suppliers, customers 

and others;

(d) the impact of the company’s operations on the community and the environment;
(e)   the desirability of the company maintaining a reputation for high standards of business 

conduct; and

(f)  the need to act fairly as between members of the company.”

84

Board 
governance

28

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Our approach

Examples of how we have had regard to this factor during the year

Long-term consequences of decisions

Developing strategy
The Board oversees a structured approach to the development of the 
Company’s strategy, looking at commercial considerations and the 
development of current and possible future markets. It also takes a long-term 
perspective on matters such as possible geopolitical change, strategic 
workforce requirements and the impact of new technology. Long-term 
business planning and key strategic decisions are undertaken in line with 
the strategy agreed by the Board.

Research and development
Through the strategy development and business planning processes, the 
Board approves the level of R&D funding and priorities for such investment.

Bidding for new business
A significant part of our business involves complex, long-term programmes. 
The quality of the input and decision-making when bidding for such work is 
critical to our long-term performance, and ultimately our viability. Consequently, 
the Board oversees core business processes designed to ensure that, when 
we win new business, we are well placed to deliver on our commitments 
and deliver products and services that fully meet our customers’ requirements 
and deliver an appropriate return. To ensure that proper judgement is 
exercised over bids, there are certain mandated levels of approval, with 
decisions on the largest bids being reserved ultimately for the Board.

Capital allocation
The Company’s capital allocation policy, including its approach to the payment 
of dividends, has been agreed by the Board and ensures that key balance 
sheet-related decisions are made within a long-term policy structure.

People strategy
Our ability to deliver on our commitments to customers and sustain the 
business in the long term is highly dependent on the skills and know-how 
of our workforce. With new technologies emerging, we recognise that the 
balance and type of skills we require is changing. We are planning for the 
future by identifying the key skills we require and how we acquire these 
through the training and development of our existing workforce, and also by 
targeting and attracting new employees. Apprenticeship and graduate entry 
schemes are an important part of how we develop the highly-skilled workforce 
that is essential to our success. We are also focusing on generational changes 
in the workplace to create a productive environment for our future workforce. 
A key element for all our workplace activity is listening to our employees 
to understand what they value most in terms of the working environment 
and the development of their careers with BAE Systems. 

Strategic actions
During its annual strategy review in November 2019, the Board identified 
further investment in our US Electronic Systems business as a strategic priority 
to help to support the long-term success of the Company. Towards the end 
of 2019, it became aware of an opportunity to acquire Collins Aerospace’s 
Military Global Positioning System business and Raytheon’s Airborne Tactical 
Radios business. The strategic planning work undertaken by the Board meant 
that it was well placed to understand the strong strategic and financial 
rationale for acquiring these businesses, and how they would further enhance 
the opportunity for continued growth in Electronic Systems. Following initial 
Board discussion and approvals in December 2019, it subsequently agreed 
the Company’s bid that led to the recently announced proposed acquisition 
of these businesses.

In 2019, the Board agreed the proposed sale of our interest in a Saudi 
Arabian joint venture company, Advanced Electronics Company, to 
Saudi Arabian Military Industries, the Saudi Arabian national development 
and support holding company for local defence industries. The sale is 
expected to complete in 2020. This transaction will be an important 
step in the long-term strategic development of our Saudi Arabian 
support business.

During the year, we completed the strategic realignment of our Land UK 
business through the establishment of a joint venture, Rheinmetall 
BAE Systems Land (RBSL). One of the key factors in agreeing the RBSL joint 
venture was the need to sustain 450 jobs and retain key skills in the Land UK 
business. We anticipate that the combination of the two businesses will also 
help in accessing new business opportunities and thereby provide for potential 
growth in the UK workforce.

Investment in research and development
The Company has invested in R&D in line with the priorities agreed by the 
Board. Our US Electronic Systems business was the focus of much of this, as 
we invested to keep it at the forefront of capability in the areas of electronic 
warfare, precision-guided munitions, intelligence, surveillance and 
reconnaissance, and electro-optics.

In the UK, through the Tempest programme, we funded significant new 
R&D investment in the development of the cutting-edge technologies required 
for next-generation combat air systems.

Bids
The Board considered a number of major bids during the year and approved 
the terms on which these were submitted to potential customers. These 
included approval for the pricing of a major bid to be submitted by our 
Electronic Systems business for the production of electronic warfare sets 
for the F-35 programme.

Dividends
Consistent with its capital allocation policy, during the year the Board 
made decisions in respect of the 2018 final dividend and an interim dividend 
for 2019.

Strategic workforce planning
During the year, the Board reviewed the work being undertaken by our 
Human Resources function on strategic workforce planning, and how this 
was being used to determine future workforce requirements and particular 
skills needs. This work included an analysis of our success in retaining people 
and the perspective we have gained from our workforce engagement surveys 
on what their priorities are in terms of working practices and the career 
opportunities we provide. The Board welcomed the investment we continue 
to make in our outstanding UK apprenticeship programmes. In addition, the 
Board agreed proposals to revamp the UK graduate recruitment programme 
to ensure it is aligned with our future workforce requirements, and the 
launch of an early careers structure to complement the apprentice 
and graduate programmes.

14

Chief Executive’s 
review

24

How our 
business works

44

Group financial 
review

76

How we 
manage risk

84

Board 
governance

29

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsBAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Companies Act Section 172 
continued

Our approach

Examples of how we have had regard to this factor during the year

The interest of Company employees

Our commitment to employees
We are committed to creating a culture where all our employees can give 
their best. Our Code of Conduct provides employees with guidance on 
matters such as the support we provide, respect for their rights within the 
workplace, and how issues and concerns are dealt with. The Board oversees 
the mechanisms we have in place to help to ensure employees can raise 
any matters of concern, and how such matters are considered and, where 
necessary, investigated.

Reward
Employees are provided with competitive reward packages that reflect their 
individual responsibilities and contribution to business performance. We also 
recognise individual and team successes.

Diversity and inclusion
We are committed to being an inclusive organisation with a diverse workforce 
that reflects the global communities in which we work. Our current priority is 
to ensure diversity and inclusion is embedded in the very core of our business, 
in our practices, policies, education and training to ensure that all of our 
employees are valued and respected and can thrive during their careers at 
BAE Systems. Our leaders are held accountable for making progress and each 
business owns and drives strategies in support of our priorities. Progress on 
our key priorities is monitored to assist the Board in tracking its progress.

Safety
The Board, through the Corporate Responsibility Committee, oversees our 
objective of driving towards world-class levels of safety performance.

Board employee engagement
As part of its annual programme, Directors regularly engage directly with 
Company employees. In 2019 this included visits to a number of sites including 
Norfolk, Radford and Endicott in the US, and Barrow, Glasgow and Stevenage 
in the UK. In 2018 the Board agreed that the Corporate Responsibility 
Committee would lead on engagement with the Company’s workforce, 
with the aim of strengthening the employee voice in the boardroom.

Investing in jobs and skills
In 2019, the Board visited the recently opened Academy for Skills and 
Knowledge at our Barrow site in the UK. The Academy is a £25m investment 
to provide the engineering skills needed for the long-term success of our 
Submarines business. More than 1,500 employees use the facility each month, 
including the 700 apprentices employed in the business – some of whom met 
with the Directors during their visit.

Rewarding employees
The Remuneration Committee conducted an in-depth review of entire 
workforce remuneration and the alignment of incentives with the Company’s 
culture. The review covered the structuring of pay and incentives across the 
Group. It also looked at how we are using eight future-focused behaviours 
to help to ensure that incentives and culture are aligned. These behaviours 
are aimed at strengthening and developing the attributes we need to succeed 
in the future, creating a positive, inclusive workplace for all employees. 

The Remuneration Committee, on behalf of the Board, also oversees the 
operation of the Free Shares Plan, through which Group employees (other 
than those in the US, where other local reward/incentive plans apply) regularly 
receive awards of shares based on the Company’s annual performance. 
Last year, in respect of 2018 performance, the Committee agreed an award to 
the value of £394 for all eligible employees, with over 3.4 million BAE Systems 
shares being awarded to 41,142 employees.

Alignment of incentives with employee interests
In determining the level of awards payable to Executive Directors and 
other senior executives under the Annual Incentive Plan, the Remuneration 
Committee reviews performance against the safety, and diversity and 
inclusion objectives.

35

Our 
people

84

Board 
governance

109

Annual 
remuneration report

30

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Our approach

Business relationships

Examples of how we have had regard to this factor during the year

Customers
The nature of our business means that we have a relatively small number of 
customers, with whom we typically enjoy high value, long-term relationships 
that are focused on the delivery of complex and technically challenging 
programmes. Senior operational leaders, including the Chief Executive, are 
responsible for managing the important relationships we have with our 
customers – engaging with them, providing visibility of our performance 
and responding to their requirements. Other Board members – particularly 
the Chairman – also engage directly with customers, which helps to develop 
relationships and ensure the customer voice is heard in the boardroom.

Suppliers
The Company looks to work with suppliers that embrace standards of ethical 
behaviour that are consistent with our own. To clarify what we expect from 
our suppliers and their supply chains, we developed our Supplier Principles 
– Guidance for Responsible Business, which reflect the standards we set for 
ourselves. The Principles outline a set of ‘best practice’ expectations, based 
on our Code of Conduct, The United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, 
International Labour Organisation Conventions, and national laws and 
regulations that apply. They also contain information included within 
International Forum on Business Ethical Conduct’s Supply Chain Code 
of Conduct and reinforce our stance on responsible procurement. We are 
committed to conducting business responsibly and to maintaining and 
improving systems and processes to reduce the risk of slavery or human 
trafficking in our business or supply chain.

We work with suppliers and their supply chains to provide fully-compliant, 
cost-effective goods, services and solutions. Our supplier relationships are 
often long-term due to the length of our product lifecycles, therefore we aim 
to work with suppliers who share our values and who embrace standards of 
ethical behaviour consistent with our own.

The Board received a report from the Group Finance Director on the 
performance of the Company’s largest UK subsidiaries relative to the 
requirements of the UK government’s Prompt Payment Code. This included 
details of the actions being taken to address a deterioration in performance 
by certain subsidiaries compared with previous years. The Board will continue 
to monitor performance in this area.

Programme delivery
Delivering on the commitments we make to our customers is critical to our 
long-term success. During 2019 the Board’s oversight of performance focused 
on how best to ensure that major new programmes, such as Type 26 frigate 
and the associated Australian and Canadian contracts, are resourced and can 
meet programme milestones agreed with customers. As part of this, we 
recognised learning opportunities from some of the challenges and successes 
we have had on new US combat vehicle and electronic systems programmes.

During the year, Board members spent time understanding more about the 
UK government’s Future Combat Air Strategy and Team Tempest, and how 
we continue to develop our relationship with the customer on a programme 
that is of strategic importance to our UK Air business. This partnership 
illustrates how we work closely with key customers to understand and 
anticipate their future needs, which is critical to the investment decisions 
we make in developing and acquiring new technology and capabilities.

Customer satisfaction
Our defence customers are typically national governments or other major 
defence contractors for whom we are a significant supplier. At Board level, 
the Chief Executive and the President and Chief Executive Officer of our 
US business meet regularly with customers and, as necessary, subsequently 
brief the Board on the status of these important relationships and how we 
are delivering on our commitments. During the year, the Board was also 
provided with details of the output from our customer satisfaction process, 
as managed by our Group Business Development function.

Suppliers
During the year the Board met with senior leaders from our Procurement 
function to review the work they are doing in working with our suppliers 
to ensure we procure goods and services on a cost-effective basis, and 
consistent with mutually-agreed quality and delivery requirements. The Board 
was supportive of the strategic actions being taken to develop long-term 
relationships with key suppliers on major contracts, including those for our 
international anti-submarine frigate programmes and the Tempest future 
combat air programme. Such activity is mutually beneficial. For suppliers, this 
can be the basis of enduring relationships that allow them to invest for the 
long term, and for us, this reduces our critical supplier risks, assists in the 
development of new capability and reduces costs.

39

Our 
partners

31

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsBAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Companies Act Section 172 
continued

Our approach

Examples of how we have had regard to this factor during the year

Impact on community and environment

Community
We proactively consider, manage and review the impact we have on our 
local communities as part of the delivery of long-term sustainable business 
performance. The programmes we support are closely aligned with our 
business, from work with charities which support armed forces personnel 
and their families, to promoting the study of Science, Technology, 
Engineering and Mathematics. 

Community
During the year the Board visited the Company’s site in Barrow-in-Furness, 
the centre of our Submarines business. As part of the visit, the Board engaged 
with local management to understand the importance of the local community 
to the long-term sustainability of that business. As a major employer in the 
region, being able to access the necessary skills is vital to our success and 
we are actively involved in supporting local education and training initiatives. 

Graduates and apprentices are vital to the continued success of our business 
and we invest in all of our early careers schemes, sustaining and developing 
new skills. As part of our continued commitment to nurture talent and 
develop high-end skills for the future, we recruited over 700 apprentices 
and almost 250 graduates in the UK in 2019.

During the Board’s time in Barrow it visited the recently-opened Academy for 
Skills and Knowledge, the second such establishment created by the Company 
in the UK in recent years. The directors had the opportunity to meet and 
engage with some of our apprentices and experience this state-of-the-art 
£25m training academy at first hand.

Environment
As a major manufacturer, we recognise that our operations have an 
environmental impact – from the energy and resources used in operations, 
to the waste generated. We are committed to reducing the environmental 
impact of our operations and products, minimising our ecological 
footprint and in turn, decreasing our operational costs. The Board’s 
Corporate Responsibility Committee provides oversight of our 
environmental commitments.

Environment
Ecological sustainability remained firmly on the 2019 agenda, with the 
Board visiting our site in Endicott, New York to develop its understanding 
of our electric and hybrid power and propulsion systems business and how 
our products are helping to achieve more sustainable transport solutions.

38

Our 
values

39

Responsible 
sourcing and impact

Reputation for high standards of business conduct

Values
Our business is underpinned by our Values – Trusted, Innovative and Bold. 
Together these values describe who we are and who we strive to be – they 
inform our decision-making and define our shared culture.

Responsible trading
Responsible business conduct is fundamental to the long-term success of 
the Company. We do not compromise on the way we conduct business 
and consistency of this approach is key to defining the Company reputation. 
Set out in our Operational Framework, we have four Responsible Trading 
Principles that underpin all of our business activity, they are:
–   we understand and support our customers’ national security and other 

requirements;

–  we work to our values in all that we do;
–   we assess carefully our products and services with the objective that neither 

we nor our customers are exposed to significant reputational risk; and

–  we are as open as practicable about the nature of our business.

Code of Conduct
Responsible behaviour is fundamental to how we do business. It is not just 
about what we do but how we do it that is vitally important to both the 
reputation and success of our Company. Our Code of Conduct sets out the 
standards and behaviours expected of all our employees, and details the 
guidance and support that we provide to help employees to meet the high 
standards of business conduct – legally and ethically – that our customers 
and other stakeholders expect.

Speaking up
We are committed to building a responsible culture where employees 
can speak up if they have questions or concerns. To assist with this, all 
employees have access to our 24-hour Ethics Helpline and an identified 
local Ethics Officer.

The right behaviours
During the year the Board considered the Company’s culture and its alignment 
with our values. As part of this the Board welcomed the adoption of eight 
future-focused behaviours – Creativity, Adaptability, Collaboration, Develop 
People, Integrity, Courage, Inspiration and Strategic Vision – that will help 
ensure that we are focused both on what we do and how we do it. These are 
the behaviours we are looking to see demonstrated, advocated and embedded 
across the Company, and our leadership, workforce engagement and incentive 
processes are being aligned to help to achieve this.

Product Trading Policy
The Board’s Corporate Responsibility Committee reviewed the application of 
our Product Trading Policy during 2019, looking at a specific key export market 
and understanding how policy requirements had been applied from the initial 
identification of a business winning opportunity, through to contract award 
and the establishment of local support and compliance infrastructure.

Advisers Policy
The Company engages third parties to provide advice on sales and marketing, 
the strategic aims and the political context of its business. Our Advisers Policy 
governs the appointment, payment and management of such parties. 
Recognising the risks associated with this activity, the Corporate Responsibility 
Committee regularly reviews the operation of this Policy and the associated 
compliance arrangements. During 2019, the Committee undertook such 
a review, which covered details of all adviser appointments and an overview 
of compliance activity.

Ethics Helpline and ethics monitors
During 2019 the Board reviewed how employees are encouraged to seek 
guidance, raise concerns or report issues, if necessary to an Ethics Officer 
or to the Ethics Helpline. We have appointed and trained over 160 Ethics 
Officers covering all our businesses. Where necessary, matters raised with 
these officers and through our Ethics Helpline are investigated using expertise 
available through the Company’s Legal, Audit and HR functions. In addition, 
we are developing and rolling-out support mechanisms for employees 
affected by matters dealt with through these ethics processes.

38

Our 
values

32

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Our approach

Examples of how we have had regard to this factor during the year

Acting fairly between members of the Company

Shareholder engagement
The Directors understand their duty to act fairly between different 
shareholders as required by UK company law and the Company’s regulatory 
obligations pursuant to its UK listing.

Investor meetings and engagement
Shareholder contact is the responsibility of the executive directors and the 
Investor Relations team who manage and develop the Group’s external 
relationships with institutional investors, prospective investors and analysts. 
They conduct a comprehensive programme of investor meetings, webcasts, 
conferences, industry events and calls, particularly following the release of 
annual and half-year results, and trading updates.

28

Directors’ 
duties

84

Board 
governance

Investor Capital Market Days
In 2019, institutional investors and analysts were invited to our Warton facility 
in the UK for a site visit and briefing on the Air business, our largest sector.

Board engagement and investor feedback
The views of analysts and major investors are fed back to the Board on 
a regular basis, especially following roadshows; and Investor Relations 
regularly circulates updates to the Board.

A formal investor perception study conducted by an independent corporate 
advisory firm on major investor views, share price performance, the share 
register, and the investor relations programme is conducted every other 
year. This allows the Board to monitor performance and increase focus 
in certain areas.

The Chairman holds individual shareholder meetings during the year with 
major investors, and he and other non-executive directors are available 
to attend meetings with major shareholders at the request of either party 
to gain an understanding of any issues and concerns.

The Remuneration Committee Chairman writes to and consults with 
major shareholders and voting agencies annually on proposals regarding 
executive remuneration.

Brad Greve, Group Finance Director designate, has met key shareholders 
as part of his induction.

Annual General Meeting
The AGM provides an important opportunity for our shareholders to 
participate in the governance of the Company and for the Board to engage 
and communicate with private and institutional investors.

The meeting also provides all shareholders with the opportunity to vote on 
the resolutions put to them either electronically via the Company’s website, 
by post or in person at the meeting. 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.

33

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsBAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Sustainability

We are a business that operates responsibly and with integrity, 
supporting performance by managing both current and future 
risks and opportunities.

We are one of the world’s largest 
defence and security companies. 
Our global footprint and wide range 
of products and services means 
that our markets are subject to 
significant shifts and challenges 
in geopolitics; public spending and 
security priorities; and engineering 
and cyber technology. We monitor 
and respond to these changes 
as part of our business operations.

Our approach to UN Sustainable 
Development Goals
We recognise the importance of sustainable 
development in ensuring that we can 
operate, compete and effectively manage 
current and future business opportunities 
alongside understanding our impact on 
the wider community.

The UN Sustainable Development Goals 
(SDGs) provide a framework for development 
and address the challenges that the global 
population faces from tackling climate change 
and environmental risks through to managing 
societal needs and building economic 
growth. Together the goals also contribute 
substantially to the realisation of human rights.

We recognise that we can make a valuable 
contribution towards the SDGs which we 
are able to influence.

Our current sustainability agenda supports 
the following SDGs:
3. Good health and well-being
4. Quality education
5. Gender equality
8. Decent work and economic growth
12. Responsible consumption and production
13. Climate action
16. Peace, justice and strong institutions
17. Partnerships for the goals

2020 priorities
During 2020, we will be undertaking a 
formal review of our Environmental, Social 
and Governance risks including climate-
related risks, and engaging with stakeholders 
on our sustainability approach, to ensure 
our agenda and priorities remain relevant 
and informed by a wide range of views.

Sustainability agenda
Our sustainability agenda is fundamental 
to the success of our business. It supports 
our global business and provides a framework 
on how we do business. It is driven from 
the top with input from a wide range of 
stakeholders. When we think about what 
is material we consider how our approach 
to sustainability will drive success, contribute 
to our wider communities and reduce our 
impact on the environment.

The following priorities are considered and 
managed as part of our sustainability agenda:
–  People – our ability to deliver against 
our strategy is dependent on recruiting 
and retaining people with appropriate 
talent and skills;

–  Safety and wellbeing – ensuring a safe 
and constructive working environment is 
a fundamental responsibility;

–  Ethics and business conduct – our licence 

to trade is dependent upon adherence 
to our policies and high standards 
of conduct and behaviour;

–  Responsible supply chain – our 

responsibilities and ability to operate 
require a sustainable supply chain. We 
also recognise the potential risks associated 
with an extensive supplier network, such 
as modern slavery and human trafficking;

–  Human rights – we are committed to 
respecting human rights. This applies 
equally to our employees, our suppliers 
and business partners;

–  Environment and climate change – 
the risk that climate change will have a 
significant and lasting impact on economic 
growth and prosperity is a factor that 
all companies need to recognise and 
respond to;

–  Community – supporting causes that 
have meaning to our business and the 
communities in which we operate is 
important to us; and

–  Investment in technology and research 

and development – technology and 
innovation underpin our strategy and the 
development of our products and services.

Robust governance remains at the core of 
our business as detailed in the Governance 
section on pages 82 to 156 and underpins 
the sustainability of the business.

76

How we 
manage risk

78

Our principal  
risks

34

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Whilst robust governance remains at the core of our business, 
we recognise the long-term sustainability of our business 
is also dependent on us managing the environmental and 
social impacts of our business.

Creating an inspiring and inclusive 
workplace for our people
It is through the diverse talent, skills and 
commitment of our employees that we 
are able to take on and solve some of our 
customers’ most complex and demanding 
engineering and technology challenges. 
We strive to create an inclusive workplace 
in which all our employees give their best 
for our customers and are recognised 
and rewarded for their contribution.

Our People strategy
Our People strategy sets out how we inspire 
and develop high-performing teams and 
individuals, able to fulfil their potential in an 
inclusive and supportive working environment.

Our People Policy lays the foundations, 
setting out our people management 
expectations, including in relation to diversity 
and inclusion, training and development, 
reward, and employee engagement.

Our Group Human Resources (HR) Director 
reports directly to the Chief Executive and 
chairs the Global HR Council, ensuring our 
People strategy supports the Integrated 
Business Plan and People Policy to meet the 
needs of our business and our customers.

Our approach
Recognising that our ways of working are 
critical to achieving our strategic priorities, we 
have increased our focus on assessing and 
rewarding both what our people achieve, and 
how they achieve it.

During 2019, we introduced a set of Company 
Behaviours to define how we want to work 
together and with our stakeholders, encouraging 
attributes such as collaboration, innovation, 
creativity and adaptability that will underpin 
personal, team and organisational success. 
Together, the behaviours and our shared 
strategic objectives give clarity on what is 
expected and how we can work together to 
deliver our strategy and achieve our potential. 

Our focus on performance has strengthened 
our ability to identify and develop people and 
key skills across the Group, to help us to build 
a strong, diverse pipeline of talent to fulfil 
our future needs. In 2019 we introduced an 
enhanced talent management and succession 
planning process, featuring talent reviews with 
the Chief Executive, to ensure we have broad 
and consistent visibility of our talent across 
the Group. This is enabling more targeted 
development and career planning, greater 
mobility and effective succession planning.

Our refreshed approach to global mobility 
is supporting a greater number of our people 
in growing their capabilities and careers through 
experience of our international operations. 
The number of employees on international 
assignment increased by about 12% in 2019 
and employees’ positive feedback on their 
experience increased by around 10%.

Our business is dependent on our ability 
to recruit and retain a wide range of people 
with the appropriate talent and skills to 
deliver excellence to our customers, including 
engineers, designers, software developers 
and project managers, and we have identified 
this as a principal risk (see page 81). We are 
building strategic workforce planning into 
our Integrated Business Planning processes 
to ensure our plans take account of the 
people, skills, technology and facilities 
we will need to deliver our future plans.

We encourage all employees to evolve their 
skills to meet our customers’ current and 
future requirements, supporting them through 
career frameworks, online and face-to-face 
training and development programmes.

We look to draw people from a wide 
range of backgrounds to bring diversity 
of experience and thinking to our teams. 
We offer award-winning apprenticeship 
and graduate programmes to bring fresh 
talent into our business and help individuals 
develop skills for a fulfilling career. In 2019 
we recruited over 700 apprentices in the UK 
– one of our highest intakes in recent years. 
We have 500 graduate scheme members 
in the UK and 68 undergraduate students on 
a 12-month industrial placement, and in 2019, 
we hosted 140 summer interns. In the US we 
supported 773 intern positions in 2019 and 
had 90 participants in the US apprenticeship 
programme, resulting in 43 full-time hires.

In the US we recruit diverse talent from top 
universities to join our functional leadership 
development programmes in areas such as 
engineering, manufacturing and finance. 
These programmes are designed to provide 
the training and rotational experiences needed 
to keep our early-career talent engaged and 
our most mission-critical functions strong.

In 2019, 42% of our global hires (over 4,000 
positions) were into Science, Technology, 
Engineering and Maths (STEM) roles. In our 
US business we hired 392 college graduates, 
and 83% of these college hires were in 
STEM roles.

To help to mitigate the STEM skills shortage 
and increase the diversity of the pipeline 
of STEM talent in our major markets, we 
continue our commitment to engaging 
children and young adults in STEM subjects 
and careers. In the UK, we reached over 
100,000 students and young people in 
2019 through a range of STEM outreach 
programmes and sponsorships. 

In the US, we continue to sponsor 
championship events with FIRST Robotics, 
engaging young people in exciting, 
mentor-based programmes that build 
STEM skills, inspire innovation and develop 
communication and leadership skills. In 
addition, the US business continued to invest 
in the National Math and Science Initiative 
including its College Readiness Program, to 
support more consistent access to high-quality 
education for students of military families.

We have further strengthened our 
commitment to diversity and inclusion 
through clear, common objectives focused 
on attracting and retaining a diverse 
workforce that reflects market availability 
at all levels of the organisation, and 
advancing an inclusive workplace where 
employees feel that their differences are 
valued and intentionally leveraged. 

Our leaders are held accountable for progress 
against these objectives through local targets, 
measured through robust data analysis of 
the demographic profile of our workforce. 

In 2019, our leaders were active in role-
modelling inclusion and supporting diversity 
celebrations, initiatives and events, in addition 
to embedding inclusive leadership as an 
everyday habit.

We actively encourage and support the 
development of Employee Resource Groups 
(ERGs) to foster a diverse and inclusive 
workforce. Our ERGs include: Gender 
(UK, US, KSA and Australia), Veterans (US), 
Disability (UK, US and KSA), Race (UK and US), 
LGBTQ+ (UK and US) plus Hispanic/Latino, 
Black/African American and inter-generational 
ERGs in the US.

We understand that people perform at their 
best when they feel engaged with the work 
they do and who they are doing it for, and 
feel fairly rewarded for their contribution.

35

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsBAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019We keep our employees informed and 
engaged through our intranet and employee 
app, email, podcasts, newsletters, leadership 
blogs and briefings, and through our line 
managers who help to connect everyone’s 
daily work to our mission.

We have a range of policies in place to support 
employees to achieve balance between their 
work commitments and personal priorities 
including Maternity, Paternity, Adoption and 
Shared Parental Leave policies, agile and 
flexible working practices and career breaks.

We provide our employees with competitive 
reward packages which reflect their individual 
responsibilities and contribution to business 
performance and we recognise individual and 
team successes through a variety of financial 
and non-financial recognition schemes across 
the organisation. We also offer post-retirement 
benefit plans aligned to competitive practice 
in each relevant home market. We encourage 
employees to become shareholders in 
BAE Systems and, in some markets, offer 
share schemes to support this.

2020 priorities
–  Support business objectives by fulfilling 
record recruitment numbers in some of 
our major markets through efficient and 
effective recruitment processes.

–  Build and maintain a robust pipeline of 

talent and critical skills to fulfil our customers’ 
future requirements, through ongoing focus 
on training, development, performance 
management and succession planning.
–  Build on our organisational strengths by 

embedding our Company Behaviours into 
our recruitment, performance, reward and 
recognition practices.

–  Increase the diversity of our workforce and 
continue to build diversity and inclusion into 
our processes, practices, policies, systems 
and training.

–  Further embed strategic workforce planning 
to inform medium- and long-term business 
decision-making.

Gender pay gap
We have published our third annual 
gender pay gap report in line with 
UK regulations. For 2019, the average 
gender pay gap for our UK workforce 
was 10.3% (2018 9.0%), which is lower 
than the current UK national average 
of 17.3%. We have a gender pay gap 
because we employ around four times 
more men than women and a greater 
proportion of our senior leadership 
population is male. We rely on employing 
large numbers of employees with STEM 
qualifications and we, like other 
companies, face challenges recruiting 
females with these qualifications because 
there are significantly fewer women who 
study and work in these fields. We are 
working hard to improve our gender 
balance and to increase the number 
of women in senior executive positions 
and in engineering roles.

Trade unions/labour unions
We seek to maintain constructive 
relationships with trade unions in Australia 
and the UK and labour unions in the US. 
Of our UK workforce, 69% are covered 
by collective bargaining agreements and 
approximately 55% of the UK workforce 
are trade union members. In the US 
approximately 11% of the workforce 
is covered by a collective bargaining 
agreement. In the UK, we have excellent 
relationships with the main organisations 
involved and organise regular meetings 
through our Corporate Trade Union 
Consultation Council. We have structures 
in place to work with trade union 
representatives in our local markets, where 
it is appropriate and legally acceptable.

Sustainability 
continued

Male
8
67%

306
82%

62,000
78%

Female
4
33%

69
18%

17,000
22%

Gender diversity

Board

Senior managers1,2

Total employees3,4

Age diversity3,4

E

A

B

6,000

16,000

25,000

22,000

10,000

D

C

A 24 years and younger

B 25–34 years

C 35–49 years

D 50–59 years

E 60 years and older

1. Senior managers are defined as employees (excluding 

executive directors) 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.

2. Excludes executive directors.
3. Excluding share of equity accounted investments and 

rounded to the nearest thousand employees.

4. BAE Systems Internal Audit has reviewed and confirmed 
effective systems, processes and controls are in place 
to collate and validate this data.

36

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Safety and wellbeing
The safety and wellbeing of our employees 
is paramount. Operationally our safety 
performance in the year fell below our high 
expectations. To that end, we have sought 
external expertise to review a number of our 
sites and strengthened our team with new 
heads of safety in the UK and US to re-focus 
and sharpen our thinking in this critical area.

Many of our people work in challenging 
environments and on some of the most 
complex engineering projects.

Risks to the safety of our employees are many 
and varied across the Group. They include 
slips, trips and falls, work in confined spaces, 
machinery operation and explosion risks 
associated with the manufacture of munitions, 
amongst others. We monitor and aim to 
eliminate, mitigate or manage all risks, where 
possible. Our approach to identifying and 
assessing safety risks is embedded within our 
approach to risk management (see page 76). 

We strive for world-class safety conditions; 
our management of this area is necessarily 
strong and tailored towards achieving a 
world-class standard. We work hard to create 
a working environment which contributes 
to employee physical and mental wellbeing. 
It is our collective focus on employee 
wellbeing and the health and safety of 
employees and those who work on, or visit, 
our sites that is a contributory factor to the 
success of our organisation. We have a range 
of programmes focused on this. Where there 
are identified hazards, we provide employees 
exposed to these with protective equipment 
and regular monitoring, which allows us 
to understand their working environment 
and make it as safe as possible.

Our policies detail expectations of all our 
employees, driving continual improvement 
in safety standards. We employ teams of 
specialists to understand and mitigate safety 
risks, and, at a senior level, part of the 
executive bonus structure is aligned to meeting 
specific safety key performance indicators. 

Our wellbeing programmes include policies 
to support employees in balancing their work 
and personal responsibilities. It is especially 
important to us that we support wider 
issues that our employees may face in their 
daily lives, and our Employee Assistance 
Programme provides assistance to employees 
across a range of issues, including mental 
and financial wellbeing. Assistance comes 
in the form of face-to-face and telephone 
counselling. We are progressively introducing 
mental health awareness and mental health 
first aider training to support our employees.

To ensure an improving safety culture and 
to incentivise leadership in this area, the Board 
continues to prioritise safety in the business 
through the inclusion of a specific safety 
objective that is designed to be realistic, 
but stretching.

Performance against the safety element 
of the executive bonus is determined by the 
Corporate Responsibility Committee, taking 
account of the level of significant risk 
reduction and improvement in safety culture, 
as well as targeted improvements against 
key safety indicators, including a reduction 
in recordable accidents. 

Line managers are also incentivised to achieve 
the desired safety culture and additional 
personal objectives are identified through the 
Performance Development Review process.

We use the Recordable Accident Rate as a 
key performance indicator to assess workplace 
safety improvements. This metric, along with 
the number of major injuries and progress 
on culture and risk reduction, is used to 
determine an element of executive bonus. 
During 2019, our Recordable Accident Rate 
did not meet our 10% reduction target. 
Our US business, however, did meet the 
stretch target, with an improvement of 
16%, but this was offset by the deterioration 
in performance in some parts of our Air sector 
and in our UK Maritime businesses. Major 
injuries also showed a small deterioration 
across the UK in particular. The health and 
safety of our employees continues to be our 
highest priority and a number of improvement 
actions and measures have been put in place 
to rectify the 2019 performance.

The portion of executive bonus associated 
with safety performance has been assigned 
accordingly with the US receiving a payout 
commensurate with a strong performance 
and those parts of our Maritime and Air 
businesses who did not meet target receiving 
zero. At Group level, a small part of the 
available award was made in recognition 
of strong performances in the US.

2020 priorities
During 2020 we will aim to:
–  reduce the overall significant safety 

risk rating;

–  drive improvements in behavioural 

safety; and

–  demonstrate improvements against 

key safety indicators.

Recordable Accident Rate 
(per 100,000 employees)1 

2019

2018

BONUS   KPI

470

471

Major injuries recorded1 

BONUS

2019

2018

BONUS

38

37

3% of the UK executive directors’ bonuses are based 
on the achievement of safety KPIs (see page 122).

1. BAE Systems Internal Audit has reviewed and confirmed 
effective systems, processes and controls are in place 
to collate and validate this data.

37

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsBAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Sustainability 
continued

Total ethics enquiries1

2019

2018

1,432

1,286

Anonymity rate

 35% (2018 28%) 

2019 ethics enquiries by type1

1

2

3

4

5

272

237

179

114

1 Guidance and advice

2 Employee relations and conduct

3 Management practices

4 Accounting charges practices

5 Other

630

Dismissals for reasons relating 
to unethical behaviour1

2019

2018

257

219

1. BAE Systems Internal Audit has reviewed and confirmed 
effective systems, processes and controls are in place 
to collate and validate this data.

38

Ethics and business conduct
Our success depends on us being trusted by 
all our stakeholders to uphold high standards 
of business conduct. 

We have a zero-tolerance policy regarding 
bribery and corruption in all its forms. 
Our anti-corruption programme guides 
and supports our employees in making 
responsible decisions. It is designed to ensure 
adherence to the relevant legal and regulatory 
requirements recognising the bribery and 
corruption risks faced by the Company. 
It also helps employees to understand 
what is expected of them and to create an 
environment in which employees feel they can 
ask questions and raise issues and concerns. 

This is embedded in our governance 
framework which outlines a set of operational 
standards that apply everywhere we operate. 
It is embedded through our key global policies 
and processes, including: 
–  Advisers Policy – which governs the 

appointment, management and payment 
of third parties who are engaged to assist 
with our sales and marketing activities or 
the strategic development of the Group;

–  Gifts and Hospitality Policy – which 

governs the offering, giving or receiving 
of gifts or hospitality;

–  Conflict of Interest Policy – designed 
to ensure that personal conflicts of 
interest do not impair employees’ 
judgement and damage the Group’s 
integrity and interests; and

–  Facilitation Payments Policy – designed 
to ensure that facilitation payments are 
not paid and that the Group and its 
employees seek to eliminate the practice 
of facilitation payments.

Other policies include our Finance Policy, 
Fraud Prevention Policy, Export Control Policy, 
Lobbying, Political Donations and Other 
Political Activity Policy, Offset Policy and 
Procurement Policy, which include measures 
to address bribery and corruption risks.

The programme receives both internal and 
external oversight and assurance. Risk-based 
due diligence procedures have been 
implemented to address bribery, corruption 
and other financial and non-financial risk, 
and our policies include processes for 
risk-based internal and external approvals, 
ongoing monitoring and repeat due diligence. 
We drive improvements in the programme 
annually to ensure it continues to meet 
best practice. 

The programme also includes our Code 
of Conduct and training which covers 
scenarios our employees may face, defines 
the standards and behaviours we aspire 
to every day and gives guidance on where 
to go for further advice. All employees 
are required to complete training annually. 
During 2019, 97% of our employees 
completed this training, with the majority of 
those who did not complete being employees 
on secondment, maternity leave, sick leave or 
other long-term absence. These employees 
will complete the training in due course on 
their return to the business.

We collect data on ethics enquiries and 
dismissals for reasons relating to unethical 
behaviour (see opposite). In 2019 there were 
1,432 ethics enquiries, an increase of 11% 
on 2018. This trend is mostly driven from our 
US business, which has continued to encourage 
people to speak up and is maintaining 
communications to remind employees 
of the methods for making contact.

Our Code of Conduct training actively 
encourages all employees to speak up if they 
have a concern or talk to someone if they 
need guidance. We recommend employees 
talk to a colleague, their manager, HR or 
a Legal contact. We also actively promote 
our Ethics Officers and Ethics Helpline 
across our businesses, which means 
employees can raise issues or seek guidance 
in person and in confidence.

Our 2019 anonymity rate of 35% compares 
favourably with international benchmarks. 
It has increased since prior years, driven by 
a rise in the use of our helpline in the US 
to anonymously report low-risk concerns. 
We welcome all use of our helpline.

Our overall number of dismissals increased 
to 257 in 2019, due to an increase in the 
BAE Systems, Inc. business. The reason 
for this increase is due to policy changes 
that reflect an emphasis on respect in 
the workplace.

For the principal risks relating to compliance 
with anti-bribery and anti-corruption 
regulations and how the risk is mitigated, 
see the laws and regulations risk description 
on page 80.

Customers’ requirements 
and expectations
The defence industry is subject to strict 
regulatory controls. We maintain stringent 
internal controls that govern what we sell 
and to whom. Our Product Trading Policy 
and Responsible Trading Principles help us to 
make informed decisions about the business 
opportunities we pursue based on our values.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Export of controlled goods must be authorised 
by governments before a transfer can proceed. 
Failure to comply with all relevant laws and 
regulations could result in serious penalties 
for BAE Systems and the individuals concerned 
and could harm national security and foreign 
policy interests. Our Export Control Policy and 
Procedures are designed to ensure compliance 
with relevant regulations, as well as to detect 
and provide timely responses to actual or 
suspected violations, including prompt 
investigations and appropriate remedial actions.

To clarify what we expect from our suppliers 
and their supply chains we have developed 
the Supplier Principles – Guidance for 
Responsible Business (the Principles), which 
reflect the standards we set for our Board 
and employees.

The Principles specify compliance with all 
relevant national and international laws 
and include matters such as anti-corruption 
behaviours, environmental issues, responsible 
payment, conflict minerals and how 
employees are treated. 

2020 priorities
During 2020, we will review and update 
our Code of Conduct.

Responsible supply chain
We create best-in-class products and services 
through extensive collaboration with more 
than 22,000 suppliers worldwide. During 
2019, we spent over £11bn across the world 
with directly-contracted suppliers. These 
relationships are usually long-lasting due 
to the complex nature of our products 
and their long lifecycles. 

We aim to ensure that those we work 
with follow the same strict ethical standards 
that we place on ourselves. A large part 
of our business relies on relationships and 
partnerships with others, whether it be a 
strategic adviser, a supplier or a joint venture 
partner. In order to do business ethically, 
how our third parties behave is of the 
utmost importance.

We have policies in place which detail how 
we work with advisers and our expectations 
of them. Our supply chain management 
processes are comprehensive, focused on 
high achievement of our standards as well as 
practising a partnership approach with regard 
to community and social issues. Our joint 
venture arrangements are set out at the start 
of the venture to enhance our working 
relationships over the long term.

Risk-based due diligence is undertaken for all 
third parties with whom we engage, whether 
supplier, adviser, potential joint venture 
partner, acquisition target or other third party. 
Where required, this can include establishing 
the identity of the third party in terms of 
beneficial ownership and gathering of 
sufficient information to assess relevant 
bribery and corruption risks. At the contracting 
stage we ensure that contracts contain 
appropriate anti-corruption and anti-bribery 
provisions and stipulate the expectation to 
comply with our standards on ethical business 
conduct, compliance, safety, environmental 
management and human rights.

Once a supplier has been approved and a 
contract has been signed, we conduct further 
due diligence annually as a minimum or where 
there is a significant change in our relationship 
with the supplier. Suppliers are actively 
managed and monitored throughout the 
life of their contract. 

We use the Principles as a risk 
management framework to assess new 
suppliers. They are also used as an integral 
part of our supplier evaluation, due 
diligence, request for information, request 
for proposal, pre-qualification, selection 
and approval processes. 

During 2019, we undertook supply chain 
assurance activity to assess compliance with 
our Supplier Principles and the UK Modern 
Slavery Act. Our assessments covered 10% 
of global spend. 12 low-level risks were 
identified and resolved. We also held supplier 
events across our business to facilitate best 
practice sharing and champion the 
sustainability agenda.

It is important to us that we work with 
our suppliers to deliver aspects of our 
sustainability agenda. A key area of focus is 
the development and education of the current 
and future workforce, and we encourage our 
suppliers to be involved with apprenticeship 
schemes and other career development 
programmes. Two areas of focus where 
we work in partnership with our suppliers 
in the UK are:
–  supporting our supply chain in engaging 
with and inspiring the next generation 
within the education system by utilising 
a STEM How to Guide that was created 
by BAE Systems and the Women’s Business 
Council. The guide targets Small and 
Medium Enterprises to provide the links 
and resources for them to become STEM 
ambassadors and deliver activities working 
with schools and youth groups; and
–  reaching out to the individuals (16-24) 

who are not in education, employment 
or training by utilising the Movement to 
Work programme. This programme provides 
high-quality work training opportunities, 
including vocational training, mentoring and 
on-the-job experience, linking placements 
where possible to jobs or apprenticeships 
to create sustainable employment. In 2019, 
90 people completed placements within 
our UK businesses, with nearly 80% of 
them going on to secure employment 
or further/higher education.

2020 priorities
During 2020, we will aim to:
–  review and update our Supplier Principles 

– Guidance for Responsible Business;
–  extend coverage of Supplier Principles 

assurance; and

–  continue to assess our business partners 
and suppliers on the adoption of our 
Supplier Principles and compliance with 
the UK Modern Slavery Act.

Human rights
We are committed to respecting human 
rights wherever we operate, within our 
sphere of influence. This applies equally to 
our employees, our suppliers and business 
partners, all of whom are expected to adopt 
the same or similarly high standards of ethical 
behaviour. We are committed to conducting 
business responsibly and to maintaining and 
improving systems and processes to reduce 
the risk of slavery and human trafficking in 
our business or supply chain.

Our Code of Conduct and other global 
policies and processes mandated under 
the Operational Framework, together with 
our supporting principles and guidance on 
responsible trading and suppliers, support 
our commitment to human rights and are 
regularly reviewed. This results, for example, 
in due diligence being carried out during the 
supplier evaluation stage against non-financial 
risks, including human rights, working hours, 
harassment and unlawful discrimination, 
anti-whistleblowing, slavery, human trafficking 
and child labour.

Suppliers are regularly reviewed throughout 
their contractual relationships against such 
non-financial risks. In 2019, we published 
our response to the UK Modern Slavery 
Act and a statement in response to the 
California Transparency in Supply Chain 
Act on our website.

Our approach to identifying and assessing 
human rights risks is embedded within our 
approach to risk management (see page 76).

39

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsBAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Sustainability 
continued

Environment and climate change
Responsibility for environmental issues sits 
with our Chief Executive. He is the owner 
of our Environmental Policy which details our 
commitment to addressing environmental 
impacts related to our products and activities, 
including climate change.

He is supported by the Board and Corporate 
Responsibility Committee in ensuring that an 
appropriate environmental programme and 
performance objectives are set and flowed 
down across the business. These objectives 
are intended to mitigate the Group’s 
environmental impact, including in relation 
to climate change, in the immediate and long 
term, to enable the Group to deliver against 
its environmental commitments within its 
business model. The Corporate Responsibility 
Committee monitors progress in this area.

As a major manufacturer, we recognise that 
all of our operations have an impact on the 
environment, from the energy and resources 
we use, to the products we manufacture and 
the waste we generate. We are committed to 
high standards of environmental management 
and undertake activities with the aim of 
reducing the environmental impact of our 
operations, products and supply chain. Such 
activities range from considering resource use 
on sites; to finding energy efficiencies in the 
design of major platforms; to controlling and 
reducing hazardous materials in the supply 
chain. Some of these activities aid in the 
reduction of greenhouse gas emissions that 
BAE Systems produces and, in turn, contribute 
towards mitigating climate change globally.

Emerging environmental risk is considered 
and managed. Examples of this include an 
internal task force on Registration, Evaluation, 
Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals, 
potential operating considerations for 
materials within our products and plans 
to move to 60% sourcing of renewable 
energy across the UK estate.

On a short-term basis, an inherent risk for 
our business, driven by changes in regulation, 
is carbon taxes, particularly the Climate Change 
Levy which applies to our UK operations. 
Although the magnitude of this risk has been 
assessed to be relatively low, it will have a 
direct impact on our operational costs. 

1. International Organization for Standardization.

40

For example, the majority of our GHG 
emissions come from the energy we use 
across our facilities. Our focus is on making 
our facilities more efficient and generating 
electricity from lower-emission sources. During 
2019, our top ten largest sites accounted for 
76% of our total energy consumption. By 
these sites setting energy reduction targets, 
they have the biggest influence in reducing 
our energy use and, in turn, our direct and 
indirect GHG emissions.

All of these sites operate an environmental 
management system, with 100% certified to 
ISO1 14001, with an aim to reduce their energy 
consumption and in turn GHG emissions.

As a business, our aim is to continually improve 
energy efficiency and the de-carbonising of 
our energy supply to reduce GHG emissions. 
In the 12 months to 31 October 2019, 
Group-wide GHG emissions have seen a 
steady decline in most of the higher polluting 
sources, especially coal, resulting in both 
Scope 1 and 2 emissions falling. There has 
also been a 2.3% reduction in the number 
of kilometres travelled, which along with 
the increased fuel efficiency of aircraft, has 
led to a considerable reduction of 8.77% 
in Scope 3 emissions.

Throughout the organisation, we set objectives 
to improve the performance of our operations 
and reduce the generation of waste, emissions 
and other discharges, such as effluents.

Our businesses also set targets to reduce 
water consumption. Some common steps 
taken include turning off water-intensive 
machinery outside of working hours, 
preventing leaks from underground pipes 
and installing dual-flush lavatory cisterns. 

To realise the most efficient reduction of 
emissions, waste and discharges we assess 
the full lifecycle of our products taking 
account of scarcity of resources and increasing 
environmental constraints, from design, 
manufacturing and use, to the end-of-life 
phase of our products, such as reconditioning 
and reuse.

Due to the long lifecycle of our products, 
we have to be aware of the long-term risks 
to our business and products, inclusive of 
environmental factors such as climate change. 
One key long-term risk that we have identified 
relates to extreme weather events (which may 
be increasing as a result of climate change). 
Extreme weather events, primarily flood risks, 
have the potential to directly impact our 
operations and, in turn, programme schedules. 

Other direct environmental risks include:
–  breaches of environmental requirements 
resulting in fines and/or the termination 
of permits;

–  advancing technology and innovation;
–  changes in regulatory requirements; and
–  social and political change, differing 

legislation and policy in our various markets.

Indirect environmental risk includes the 
impact of use of products by customers 
and supply chain risk.

Our Environmental Policy mandates that we 
have an environmental management system 
(EMS) in place for all of our businesses. 
Short- and long-term risks outlined above 
are built into business EMS systems. Part 
of the EMS process is to define issues and 
set appropriate targets for the reduction 
of environmental impacts and risks.

We also take account of the opportunities 
associated with climate change. These 
include ways in which we can use our 
advanced engineering capabilities to develop 
new products and services that support low 
carbon or reduced emissions requirements. 
An example of this is the development of 
selective catalytic reduction technologies 
and hybrid propulsion systems. 

Our approach to environmental targets 
Environmental issues are by their nature 
global, and we are committed as a business 
to tackling these global issues, such as water 
scarcity, flooding, the contribution of 
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to climate 
change, and waste or effluent affecting the 
quality of our inland or sea waters. 

The profile of our business, with large-scale 
projects and fluctuations in orders, makes it 
challenging to set a global emissions reduction 
target. Each year, we set energy targets at 
business level that contribute to an overall 
reduction. It is with this locally-tailored 
approach that we drive energy efficiency.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Task Force on Climate-related 
Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
The TCFD was set up to develop 
recommendations to help companies and 
other organisations disclose clear, comparable 
and consistent information about the risks and 
opportunities presented by climate change. 

We are supportive of the move to improve 
the coherence and consistency of disclosures 
in this area. We are working towards 
reporting our commitments on climate-
related matters in line with the TCFD 
recommendations by 2022. 

2020 priorities
During 2020 we will further evaluate the 
implications of climate-related risks and 
opportunities and further develop our 
approach to reporting on climate change 
in line with TCFD and establish targets 
for carbon across the Group.

Greenhouse gas emissions data from 1 November 2018 to 31 October 2019 
(tonnes CO2e)

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

2019

2018

480,932

492,6732

Electricity and steam purchased 
for BAE Systems use (Scope 2 – 
location‑based)1

2019

2018

484,504

514,187

Business travel in non‑BAE Systems 
vehicles (Scope 3)1

2019

138,020

2018

151,280

Total greenhouse gas emissions1

2019

2018

Total greenhouse gas emissions 
per employee3

2019

2018

1,103,456

1,158,1402

14

14

1. Reviewed and confirmed by Ramboll UK Limited.
2. Initial Scope 1 and total amount of tCO2e emitted 
in 2018 is lower than previously reported. This is 
due to an over-estimation of the amount of natural 
gas consumed within the UK during the previous 
reporting period.

3. Excluding share of equity accounted investments.

To see our Basis of Reporting 2019 visit 
baesystems.com/2019crdata

Methodology
The greenhouse gas emissions data is reported in 
line with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate 
Accounting and Reporting Standard ‘Operational 
Control’ method, and emission factors for fuels and 
electricity are published at www.gov.uk/government/ 
collections/government-conversion-factors-for-
company-reporting.

For the 2019 reporting cycle, the 2019 emissions factors 
have been utilised as opposed to the 2018 factors. 
In previous years the emissions factors used for the 
Group’s greenhouse gas emissions reporting have 
been a year behind, mainly due to the factors not being 
released in time for half-year assurance (for example, 
2016 emissions factors used for 2017 reporting cycle). 
Going forward, the emissions factors used will coincide 
with the year of the reporting cycle as these are the 
latest factors available for the majority of the Group’s 
reporting period.

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 travel 
suppliers’ procurement records.

Emissions from joint ventures and pension scheme 
properties not occupied by the Group are not included. 
Where a business or facility is acquired during a 
reporting year, it will be included in our reporting in 
the next full reporting year after the change.

The Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions associated 
with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol ‘market-based’ 
method have been calculated as 517,035 tonnes CO2e1. 
Supplier-specific emission factors have been sought for 
our most significant operating regions, but were either 
deemed of insufficient quality to use at present, or were 
unavailable. Therefore, in line with the GHG Protocol 
Guidance, this figure has been calculated using 
residual-mix emission factors where available for our 
UK, US and Swedish operations. In our other significant 
operating regions, residual-mix emission factors are 
either unavailable or the resulting absolute emissions 
at Group level are within the margin of error and, 
therefore, country-specific emissions factors have 
been used in line with the GHG Protocol Guidance.

41

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsBAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Sustainability 
continued

Fostering strong community partnerships
Supporting causes that have meaning to 
our business and the communities in which 
we operate is important to us. 

During 2019 the Group contributed 
more than £11m1 to local, national and 
international charities and not-for-profit 
organisations through our community 
investment programme. This includes 
charitable sponsorships, donations, 
employee fundraising and volunteering.

Our approach
Our approach, aligned to our Community 
Investment Policy, aims to build and nurture 
mutually beneficial relationships between our 
business, our people and local stakeholders. 
We partner with organisations on initiatives 
that have meaning and impact to our business 
and employees.

We have key criteria, where measurable 
impact can be demonstrated, and these are:
–  Armed forces – supporting active service 

personnel, veterans and their families;
–  Education and skills – inspiring young 

people to consider STEM subjects 
and careers; and

–  Local community – working to support 
the communities in which we operate.

Our community investment programme is 
governed by an overarching global strategy, 
and supported by market-level programmes. 
This approach allows markets to ensure 
their programme is relevant to their lines 
of business, charitable needs, culture and 
local communities, whilst being aligned 
to the overall Group approach.

Our policy does not allow payments to third 
party fundraisers nor directly to individuals, 
and is focused on ensuring the charitable 
organisation receives funding directly.

To avoid the risk of conflicts of interest, 
any community investment activity is tested 
against the principle that it does not place, or 
does not appear to place, actual or potential 
customers, suppliers or government officials 
under any obligations.

We have a Global Community Investment 
Committee which governs our approach, 
and there is a robust process (through 
our Operational Framework) in place to 
approve requests for community investment 
spend. This Committee reports to the 
Executive Committee on all community 
investment activities, including employee 
fundraising activities. 

1. Deloitte LLP has provided limited assurance on 
the following community indicator – total value 
of Community Investment programme donations.

42

Our impact
We collaborate with organisations that can 
demonstrate a positive impact and encourage 
our employees to volunteer in support of 
their work. These include not-for-profit 
organisations and education providers.

We use the London Benchmarking Group 
methodology to define the value of our 
support and its impact on our community 
partners, in comparison with our peers and 
other organisations. Our reporting data is 
externally assured every year. All community 
investment-related expenditure and any 
associated employee fundraising is reported 
through an online system and validated by 
an external assurance provider.

As well as donations, sponsorship and 
employee fundraising, we develop and 
support structured education programmes 
and enable our employees to volunteer their 
skills and time. Volunteering remains an 
important part of our employees’ career 
journey and can be pursued as a personal 
development goal. We actively seek 
partnerships where our employees can get 
involved and show their support. In Saudi 
Arabia and the UK our education ambassadors 
have offered their time to encourage 
school-age children to pursue STEM subjects 
and careers.

We have strong ties with armed forces 
charities across a number of our markets, and 
an important strand of our strategy is support 
for organisations that assist active service 
personnel, veterans and their families. In the 
UK we are supporting Team Invictus UK on 
their journey to the Invictus Games The Hague 
2020, a partnership which has enabled a 
number of employees to get directly involved 
through volunteering. In the US we partner 
with The Mission Continues, which empowers 
veterans to continue their service in 
transformative ways within their communities 
and supports their transition to new careers 
that draw upon their military service.

Based on local practices, we apply 
matched funding and offer volunteering 
opportunities for our employees, encouraging 
them to support our charitable partners 
and communities in alignment with our 
Global Community Investment Strategy 
and focus areas.

Our communications team also supports 
awareness-raising efforts, promoting projects 
and community causes.

2020 priorities
During 2020, we will continue to focus 
on supporting the armed forces through 
established and new partnerships, and we 
will drive engagement with young people 
through our education programmes.

Investment in technology and research 
and development (R&D)
Technology and innovation underpin our 
strategy and the development of our products 
and services across Air, Maritime, Land and 
Cyber. By working across these domains, 
we can ensure that improvements in one area 
can be repurposed for others. For example, 
our patented waveguide technology – 
developed initially for the LiteHUD® head-up 
display to provide information to pilots – has 
now been miniaturised to fit in Augmented 
Reality glasses and trialled with the Royal Navy 
on a ship’s bridge. We are also developing 
applications for use in civil aviation, which 
have the potential to provide significant 
improvements to operational performance 
and safety.

Our structured approach defines the 
capabilities and technologies we need to 
deliver our business and product strategy, 
which ensures a clear focus for our research 
and development spend. At the outset, 
we plan for multiple uses of our technology, 
maximising its value both financially and in 
capability delivered to our customers.

In 2019, we spent £1.5bn (2018 £1.5bn) 
on R&D, of which £237m (2018 £222m) 
was funded by BAE Systems. In addition, 
the Group’s share of the R&D expenditure 
of its equity accounted investments in 
2019 was £0.3bn (2018 £0.2bn). 

We protect our investments in technologies 
and have a portfolio of patents and patent 
applications covering approximately 2,500 
inventions worldwide. Combined with a 
clear strategy for managing our Intellectual 
Property, we seek to create additional 
value through licences and sales of rights 
to other organisations. 

Collaboration
We partner with our customers, other 
companies and academia to develop 
new technologies, as well as investing in 
technologies or assets that complement our 
existing capabilities or our future product 
strategy. We often work with small- and 
medium-sized enterprises to develop 
embryonic technology that is then matured 
for use in our own products and services.

In the UK we work directly with our 
five Strategic University Partners on 
new technologies and currently sponsor 
over 90 PhD students under the Industrial 
Collaborative Awards in Science and 
Engineering programme, which allows 
postgraduate research students to receive 
high-quality research training in collaboration 
with a commercial partner. One example is 
the University of Southampton’s research – in 
partnership with the University of Nottingham 
and Lloyd’s Register – into new materials that 
make less noise underwater, intended to 
reduce the impact of shipping on marine life. 

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019In our Electronic Systems sector in the US, we 
innovate science, technology and engineering 
breakthroughs to solve challenges spanning 
the areas of advanced electronics, autonomy, 
cyber, electronic warfare and sensors and 
processing for applications on programmes 
across the defence, aerospace and security 
domains. In particular, our FAST Labs™ R&D 
teams leverage internal resources and funding 
from US Department of Defense research 
organisations to accelerate the velocity of 
our innovation – moving faster and with a 
stronger sense of direction to more effectively 
address our customers’ requirements for the 
rapid development of new technologies.

We also deploy seedcorn funding to develop 
technology or ideas that could deliver real 
value, but are too new or untested to offer 
guaranteed results. Over the last five years 
we have funded more than 40 projects 
with more than £40m of investment. 
Around half the projects have moved into 
product lines – in line with expectations 
for early-stage research and development 
programmes – and the potential business 
returns run into many times that value. One 
such project was our autonomous P24 Rigid 
Inflatable Sea Boat, now generating interest 
from customers around the world. Announced 
in July 2019, this is the first boat of its kind, 
capable of 100 nautical miles in autonomous 
pursuit mode.

Technology in our business
The use of technology, innovations and 
advanced manufacturing techniques across 
our business is essential in driving greater 
efficiency and increased productivity. Our 
Chief Technology Officer’s team is dedicated 
to advancing and applying new technology 
throughout our business.

2020 priorities
In 2020 we will continue to increase 
collaboration both across the Group and with 
our strategic partners. The Tempest programme 
will continue to be a priority. These include 
significant efficiency improvements through 
our Industry 4.0 work, meaning high fidelity 
digital designs move more seamlessly 
through testing, manufacture, training 
and further development.

We are also developing several technologies 
to help customers improve sustainability, 
deliver greater operational efficiencies and 
reduce energy usage.

Of specific interest to the Committee is the 
adherence to responsible business policies 
around the Group. Due to differences in 
regulatory regimes and different commercial 
arrangements, implementation of these 
policies in some markets can be more 
challenging than in others. The Committee 
is therefore interested in understanding 
how BAE Systems practically does business 
in different markets, how responsible trading 
risks are managed and the decision-making 
process behind our presence in certain 
markets. The Committee looks for robust 
adherence to policies and also how any 
additional controls and compliance measures 
may be used to reduce both operational 
and reputational risk. 

At Board level, the Corporate Responsibility 
Committee, along with the Audit Committee, 
reviews the Operational Assurance Statement 
completed by the businesses bi-annually.

Governance
Our Chief Executive has primary responsibility 
for delivery of the business strategy. He is 
supported on sustainability matters by the 
Group Director Governance, Conduct and 
Sustainability who advises on sustainability 
strategy, its measurement and direction.

The governance of our business is fundamental 
to BAE Systems. Our Operational Framework 
sets out our approach and the policies, 
processes and standards to which we adhere, 
more detail of which is set out on pages 
84 and 85.

Our Board Corporate Responsibility 
Committee is dedicated to the oversight 
of many aspects of the Company’s 
performance in sustainability and it takes 
a longer-term view in reviewing challenges 
and opportunities in this area. The Committee 
meets as part of the Board’s annual schedule 
of meetings (see page 88), and agrees the 
Group’s priorities and objectives relating to 
our health and safety, ethics and responsible 
business conduct, responsible trading 
principles, diversity and inclusion, stakeholder 
and employee engagement (including the 
requirements of the UK Corporate Governance 
Code to understand the views of employees), 
and supplier conduct. As well as receiving 
regular updates on these areas, the 
Committee undertakes deep-dive activities 
into specific areas – such as when there has 
been a specific health and safety incident, or 
to further understand the specific challenges 
and successes of developing a diverse and 
inclusive workforce.

For further information see our website  
baesystems.com/sustainability

84

Board 
governance

43

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsBAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Group financial 
review

We monitor the underlying financial performance of the Group using the 
alternative performance measures defined on page 6. These measures are 
not defined in IFRS1 and, therefore, are considered to be non‑GAAP2 measures. 
Accordingly, the relevant IFRS1 measures are also presented where appropriate.

Accounting change
With effect from 1 January 2019, the 
Group adopted IFRS 16 Leases. This results 
in almost all leases being recognised on 
the balance sheet by lessees. The Group 
has applied the modified retrospective 
transition approach and therefore has 
not restated comparative amounts for 
the year ended 31 December 2018.

Underlying EBITA and operating profit 
are both approximately £50m higher 
than the prior year as a depreciation 
charge on leased assets is reported, 
rather than the operating lease expense 
previously recognised. Net finance 
costs have also increased under IFRS 16 
by approximately £50m owing to the 
recognition of the interest charge element 
of the lease liabilities.

Peter Lynas
Group Finance Director

44

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019 Financial performance

Measures as defined by the Group

Measures defined in IFRS1

Sales 

KPI

Revenue

 £20,109m

(2018 £18,407m)

Underlying EBITA3 

 £2,117m

(2018 £1,928m)

 £18,305m

(2018 £16,821m)

KPI

Operating profit3

 £1,899m

(2018 £1,605m)

Underlying earnings per share3,4 

BONUS   KPI

Basic earnings per share3

Excluding one-off tax benefit 

Including one-off tax benefit

 45.8p 

(2018 42.9p) 

 50.8p

(2018 42.9p)

 46.4p

(2018 31.3p)

Operating business cash flow3 

KPI

Net cash flow from operating activities3

 £1,307m

(2018 £993m)

Net debt 

 £(743)m

(2018 £(904)m)

 £1,597m

(2018 £1,200m)

BONUS   KPI

Order intake5 

BONUS   KPI

 £18,447m

(2018 £28,280m)

Order backlog5

 £45.4bn

(2018 £48.4bn)

BONUS

 75% of the UK executive directors’ bonuses 
are based on the achievement of financial 
KPIs (see page 122).

06

Alternative performance 
measure definitions

1. International Financial Reporting Standards.
2. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
3. The financial impact of the adoption of IFRS 16 Leases is described on pages 44 to 51.
4. The one-off tax benefit is described on page 46.
5. Including share of equity accounted investments.

45

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsBAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019 
Group financial review 
continued

Income statement
Sales increased by £1.7bn to £20.1bn 
(2018 £18.4bn), a 7% increase on a 
constant currency basis1.

Underlying EBITA increased to £2,117m 
(2018 £1,928m), giving a return on sales of 
10.5% (2018 10.5%). Excluding the impacts 
of IFRS 16 and exchange translation, growth 
was 5%.

Revenue increased by £1.5bn to £18.3bn 
(2018 £16.8bn), a 7% increase on a constant 
currency basis1.

Operating profit increased by £294m 
to £1,899m (2018 £1,605m). There was 
a favourable exchange translation impact 
of £36m.

Non-recurring items in 2019 of £27m 
comprises a £36m charge relating to the 
derecognition of Enterprise Resource Planning 
software intangible assets in the Air sector, 
charges of £13m relating to legal disputes 
arising from historical disposals, a gain 
of £14m on the sale of the Group’s 55% 
shareholding in BAE Systems Global Combat 
Systems Limited upon formation of the 
Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land joint venture, 
and a gain of £8m relating to the disposal 
of Aircraft Accessories and Components 
Company. Non-recurring items in 2018 of 
£154m represented a Guaranteed Minimum 
Pension equalisation charge of £114m, and 
a loss on disposal of the Mobile, Alabama, 
shipyard of £40m.

Amortisation of intangible assets is £109m 
(2018 £85m), the increase mainly a result of 
new IT systems becoming operational.

Impairment of intangible assets in 2019 
is £6m. In 2018 the charge represented the 
impairment of Silversky customer-related 
intangibles in the Applied Intelligence business.

Net finance costs, including equity 
accounted investments, were £296m 
(2018 £394m). The underlying interest charge, 
excluding pension accounting, and fair value 
and foreign exchange adjustments on financial 
instruments and investments increased to 
£257m (2018 £215m). Net interest expense 
on the Group’s pension deficit was £117m 
(2018 £106m). There was a credit in respect 
of fair value and foreign exchange adjustments 
of £78m (2018 £73m charge) on exchange 
translation of US dollar-denominated bonds.

46

The calculation of the underlying effective 
tax rate is shown in note 6 to the Group 
accounts on page 174.

The underlying effective tax rate for 2020 
is expected to increase from 19% to around 
20%, with the final rate dependent on the 
geographical mix of profits.

Taxation expense, including equity accounted 
investments, of £147m (2018 £229m) reflects 
the Group’s underlying effective tax rate for 
the year of 19%, less a £161m credit in respect 
of two items. Following agreements reached 
in respect of overseas tax matters, a one-off 
benefit has been recognised; and following 
review of the April 2019 EU Commission 
decision that concluded that the UK’s 
Controlled Foreign Company regime partially 
represents State Aid, a provision has been 
recognised for the estimated exposure. The 
underlying effective rate increased to 19% 
from 18% in 2018.

KPI

KPI

KPI

KPI

Income statement

Financial performance measures as defined by the Group

Sales

Underlying EBITA

Return on sales

Financial performance measures defined in IFRS2

Revenue

Operating profit

Return on revenue

Reconciliation of sales to revenue

Sales

Deduct Share of sales by equity accounted investments

Add Sales to equity accounted investments

Revenue

Reconciliation of underlying EBITA to operating profit

Underlying EBITA

Non-recurring items

Amortisation of intangible assets

Impairment of intangible assets

Financial expense of equity accounted investments

Taxation expense of equity accounted investments

Operating profit

Net finance costs

Taxation expense

Profit for the year

Underlying interest expense3

Net interest expense on post-employment benefit obligations

Fair value and foreign exchange adjustments on financial 

instruments and investments

Net finance costs (including equity accounted investments)

Exchange rates

Average

£/$

£/€

£/A$

Sensitivity analysis

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

$

€

A$

2019
£m

20,109

2,117

10.5%

£m

18,305

1,899

10.4%

2018
£m

18,407

1,928

10.5%

£m

16,821

1,605

9.5%

£m

£m

20,109

(2,878)

1,074

18,407

(2,812)

1,226

18,305

16,821

£m

2,117

(27)

(109)

(6)

(23)

(53)

£m

1,928

(154)

(85)

(33)

(13)

(38)

1,899

1,605

(273)

(94)

(381)

(191)

1,532

1,033

(215)

(106)

(73)

(394)

2018

1.335

1.130

1.786

(257)

(117)

78

(296)

2019

1.277

1.141

1.836

£m

675

100

40

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Earnings per share
Underlying earnings per share excluding 
the one-off tax benefit for the year increased 
by 7% to 45.8p (2018 42.9p). Underlying 
earnings per share including the one-off 
tax benefit for the year was 50.8p.

Basic earnings per share was 46.4p 
(2018 31.3p).

The application of IFRS 16 Leases for the 
first time in 2019 has had no material impact 
on earnings per share.

Orders
Order intake4 decreased by £9.8bn 
to £18,447m (2018 £28,280m).

Order backlog4 decreased by £3.0bn 
to £45.4bn, with trading on multi-year, 
long-term contracts in the Air sector partly 
offset by growth in the US businesses.

Earnings per share

Financial performance measures as defined by the Group

Underlying earnings (excluding the one-off tax benefit)

2019

2018

£1,457m £1,370m

Underlying earnings per share (excluding the one-off tax benefit)

KPI

45.8p

42.9p

Underlying earnings (including the one-off tax benefit)

Underlying earnings per share (including the one-off tax benefit)

£1,618m £1,370m

50.8p

42.9p

Financial performance measures defined in IFRS2

Profit for the year attributable to equity shareholders

Basic earnings per share

£1,476m £1,000m

46.4p

31.3p

Reconciliation of underlying EBITA to underlying earnings

Underlying EBITA

Underlying net interest expense (including equity accounted investments)3

Taxation expense (at the underlying effective tax rate,  

excluding the one-off tax benefit)

Non-controlling interests

Underlying earnings (excluding the one-off tax benefit)

One-off tax benefit

Underlying earnings (including the one-off tax benefit)

Reconciliation of underlying earnings to profit for the year 
attributable to equity shareholders

Underlying earnings (excluding the one-off tax benefit)

Non-recurring items, post tax

Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets, post tax

Net interest expense on post-employment benefit obligations, post tax

Fair value and foreign exchange adjustments on financial instruments 

and investments, post tax

One-off tax benefit

Profit for the year attributable to equity shareholders

Non-controlling interests

Profit for the year

Orders

£m

2,117

(257)

1,860

(347)

(56)

1,457

161

1,618

£m

1,457

(18)

(93)

(95)

64

161

1,476

56

1,532

£m

1,928

(215)

1,713

(310)

(33)

1,370

–

1,370

£m

1,370

(126)

(97)

(87)

(60)

–

1,000

33

1,033

Financial performance measures as defined by the Group

Order intake4

Order backlog4

2019

2018

KPI

£18,447m £28,280m

£45.4bn

£48.4bn

1. Current year compared with prior year translated at current year exchange rates.
2. International Financial Reporting Standards.
3. Underlying net interest expense is defined as finance costs for the Group and its share of equity 
accounted investments, excluding net interest expense on post-employment benefit obligations 
and fair value and foreign exchange adjustments on financial instruments and investments.

4. Including share of equity accounted investments.

47

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsBAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Group financial review 
continued

Cash flow

Financial performance measures as defined by the Group

Operating business cash flow

Financial performance measures defined in IFRS1

Net cash flow from operating activities

Reconciliation from operating business cash flow  
to net cash flow from operating activities

Operating business cash flow

Add back Net capital expenditure and financial investment

Add back Principal element of lease payments and receipts

Deduct Dividends received from equity accounted investments

Deduct Taxation 

Net cash flow from operating activities 

Net capital expenditure and financial investment

Principal element of finance lease receipts

Dividends received from equity accounted investments

Interest received

Acquisitions and disposals1

Net cash flow from investing activities 

Interest paid

Net sale of own shares

Equity dividends paid 

Partial disposal of shareholding in subsidiary undertaking1

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

Principal element of lease payments

Cash flow from matured derivative financial instruments 

(excluding cash flow hedges)

Movement in cash collateral

Net cash flow from loans

Net cash flow from financing activities

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

Add back Net cash flow from loans

Foreign exchange translation

Other non-cash movements

Decrease/(increase) in net debt

Opening net debt

Net debt

Operating business cash flow

Interest paid, net of interest received

Taxation

Free cash flow (as defined by the Group)2

KPI

KPI

KPI

2019
£m

1,307

£m

1,597

£m

1,307

454

230

(142)

(252)

1,597

(454)

9

142

28

43

(232)

(233)

–

(724)

31

(56)

(239)

40

1

(782)

(1,962)

(597)

782

72

(96)

161

(904)

(743)

1,307

(205)

(252)

850

2018
£m

993

£m

1,200

£m

993

464

–

(57)

(200)

1,200

(464)

–

57

25

24

(358)

(203)

1

(703)

17

(28)

–

6

2

(7)

(915)

(73)

7

(188)

102

(152)

(752)

(904)

993

(178)

(200)

615

1. 2018 comparatives have been reclassified to present a cash inflow of £17m in respect of a partial disposal of the 

Group’s shareholding in a subsidiary undertaking within financing activities. This cash flow was previously presented 
in investing activities.

214

Notes 26 and 28 to the Group accounts

1. International Financial Reporting Standards.
2. Free cash flow is defined as operating business cash flow less interest paid (net) and taxation.

48

Cash flow
Operating business cash inflow was 
£1,307m (2018 £993m), which includes 
cash contributions in respect of pension 
deficit funding, over and above service 
costs, for the UK and US schemes totalling 
£231m on a funding basis.

Net cash inflow from operating activities 
was £1,597m (2018 £1,200m). Under 
IFRS 16 net lease cash outflows of £273m 
are now classified under financing and 
investing activities.

Taxation payments increased to £252m 
(2018 £200m) partly reflecting payments 
in Australia following the end of utilisation 
of prior year losses.

Net capital expenditure and financial 
investment was £454m (2018 £464m).

Dividends received from equity 
accounted investments of £142m 
(2018 £57m) were primarily receipts from 
MBDA (£73m), Advanced Electronics 
Company (£38m) and FNSS (£17m).

Interest received was £28m (2018 £25m).

The cash inflows in respect of acquisitions, 
disposals, held for sale assets and the 
partial disposal of shareholdings in 
subsidiary undertakings represent 
the disposal of Aircraft Accessories and 
Components Company (£26m), the disposal 
of the UK-based land vehicles business into 
the RBSL joint venture (£29m), the reduction 
in the Group’s shareholding in Overhaul and 
Maintenance Company (£31m) (2018 £17m), 
less the investment in Riptide Autonomous 
Solutions (£9m) and the Prismatic acquisition 
(£3m). The cash inflow in 2018 of £24m 
included cash acquired as part of the 
ASC Shipbuilding acquisition (£14m) and 
cash received on the sale of the Mobile, 
Alabama, shipyard (£12m).

Interest paid was £233m (2018 £203m).

Equity dividends paid in 2019 represents 
the 2018 final (£423m) and 2019 interim 
(£301m) dividends.

Dividends paid to non-controlling 
interests increased to £56m (2018 £28m), 
reflecting a higher payment by Saudi 
Maintenance & Supply Chain Management 
Company, in which the Group has a 
51% shareholding.

There was a cash inflow from matured 
derivative financial instruments of £40m 
(2018 £6m), arising from rolling hedges relating 
to balances within the Group’s subsidiaries 
and equity accounted investments.

Foreign exchange translation primarily 
arises in respect of the Group’s US dollar-
denominated borrowing.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Balance sheet

Summarised balance sheet

Intangible assets 

Property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets and investment property1 

Equity accounted investments and other investments

Working capital1,2 

Lease liabilities

Group’s share of net IAS 19 post-employment benefits deficit2

Net tax assets and liabilities

Net other financial assets and liabilities

Net debt

Net assets held for sale

Net assets

2019
£m

2018
£m

10,371

10,658

3,188

441

(2,854)

(1,291)

(4,455)

690

34

(743)

130

5,511

2,017

442

(3,191)

–

(4,029)

449

70

(904)

106

5,618

KPI

1. Funding received of £524m (2018 £446m) from the UK government for property, plant and equipment 

at Barrow-in-Furness, UK, relating to the Dreadnought submarine programme included in working capital in 
the Consolidated balance sheet is presented here in property, plant and equipment, and investment property.
2. The Saudi Arabia end of service benefit obligation of £97m at 31 December 2018 has been reclassified from 

trade and other payables to post-retirement benefit obligations.

Components of net debt

Cash and cash equivalents

Debt-related derivative financial instruments (net)

Loans – non-current

Loans and overdrafts – current

Net debt

Exchange rates

Year end

£/$

£/€

£/A$

KPI

£m

2,587

67

£m

3,232

163

(3,020)

(3,514)

(377)

(743)

(785)

(904)

2019

1.324

1.180

1.884

2018

1.274

1.114

1.809

Accounting net pension deficit – bridge

Maturity of the Group’s borrowings

(£bn)

2018

Add back 2018 allocation3

Change in mortality assumptions 

Interest on liabilities

Return on assets

Real discount rate

Other

Deduct 2019 allocation3

2019

(4.0)

(0.3)

0.5

(0.9)

3.0

(3.2)

0.1

0.3

(4.5)

(£bn)

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

2027

2028

(1.1)

(1.1)

(0.7)

(0.7 4)

(3.4)

(3.0)

(2.6)

(2.2)

(2.2)

(1.6)

200

Note 23 to the Group accounts

198

Note 21 to the Group accounts

3. Amounts allocated to equity accounted investments.
4. Repayable in 2041 (£0.3bn) and 2044 (£0.4bn).

Balance sheet
The £0.3bn decrease in intangible assets 
to £10.4bn (2018 £10.7bn) mainly reflects 
exchange translation.

Property, plant and equipment, right-
of-use assets and investment property 
is £3.2bn (2018 £2.0bn). Under IFRS 16 Leases, 
the balance sheet now includes right-of-use 
assets and lease liabilities.

Equity accounted investments and 
other investments was broadly unchanged 
at £441m (2018 £442m) mainly reflecting the 
Group’s share of profit for the year (£168m), 
offset by increased pension allocation from 
the higher deficit (£52m) and dividends 
received (£142m). The new investment in 
the RBSL joint venture more than offsets the 
reclassification to held for sale of Advanced 
Electronics Company.

The Group’s share of the net IAS 19 
post-employment benefits deficit 
increased to £4.5bn (2018 £4.0bn). The 
impact of lower discount rates increasing 
liabilities was partly offset by strong asset 
returns and changes in mortality assumptions. 
The major movements in the net deficit are 
shown in the bridge chart on this page.

Details of the Group’s post-employment 
benefits schemes are provided in note 23 
to the Group accounts on page 200.

A net deferred tax asset of £0.8bn (2018 
£0.7bn) relating to the Group’s pension 
deficit is included within net tax assets 
and liabilities.

In aggregate, there was a £0.3bn increase 
in working capital largely reflecting 
utilisation of provisions, some inventory build 
in the US businesses and timing of receivables. 
There was some usage of last year’s customer 
funding on the Qatar programme.

The Group’s net debt at 31 December 2019 
is £743m, a net decrease of £161m from 
the position at the start of the year. The $1bn 
6.375% bond, of which $500m had been 
converted into a floating rate bond by utilising 
interest rate swaps, matured and was repaid 
in June 2019. The maturity of the Group’s 
borrowings is shown in the chart on this page. 

Cash and cash equivalents of £2,587m 
(2018 £3,232m) are held primarily for the 
repayment of debt securities, pension deficit 
funding, payment of the 2019 final dividend 
and management of working capital.

Net assets held for sale represent the 
Applied Intelligence US-based software-as-
a-service business and Advanced Electronics 
Company in Saudi Arabia. The 2018 net assets 
held for sale comprised the UK-based combat 
vehicles business, where the Group subsequently 
formed a joint venture with Rheinmetall, and 
the Overhaul and Maintenance Company’s 
85.7% shareholding in Aircraft Accessories 
and Components Company, the disposal of 
which completed in January 2019.

49

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsBAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Group financial review 
continued

Accounting policies
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 £18.3bn (year ended 31 December 2019) 
See note 1 to the Group accounts
Carrying value of goodwill
Goodwill £10.0bn (at 31 December 2019) 
See note 8 to the Group accounts
Deferred tax asset on post-employment 
benefit obligations
Deferred tax asset on post-employment scheme 
deficits £0.8bn (at 31 December 2019) 
See note 15 to the Group accounts
Tax provisions
Tax provisions £180m (at 31 December 2019) 
See note 17 to the Group accounts
Post-employment benefit obligations
Group’s share of the net IAS 19 post-employment 
scheme deficit £4.5bn (at 31 December 2019) 
See note 23 to the Group accounts

158

Critical accounting policies

Changes in accounting policies
With effect from 1 January 2019, the 
Group adopted IFRS 16 Leases. This results 
in almost all leases being recognised on the 
balance sheet by lessees. The Group has 
applied the modified retrospective transition 
approach and therefore has not restated 
comparative amounts for the year ended 
31 December 2018.

There are no accounting policy changes which 
are expected to have a significant impact on 
the Group with effect from 1 January 2020.

Capital
Objectives
Maintain the Group’s investment grade credit 
rating and ensure operating flexibility, whilst:
–  meeting its pension obligations;
–  investing in research and technology 

and pursuing other 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 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:

Rating

Outlook

Category

Moody’s Investors Service

Baa2

Stable

Investment grade

Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services

BBB

Stable

Investment grade

Fitch Ratings

BBB

Stable

Investment grade

212

Note 25 to the Group accounts

Dividends
As part of the Group’s capital allocation policy, 
the Group plans to pay dividends in line with 
its policy of long-term sustainable cover of 
around two times underlying earnings.

The Board has recommended a final dividend 
of 13.8p per share making a total of 23.2p 
per share for the year, an increase of 4.5% 
over 2018. At this level, the annual dividend 
is covered two times by underlying earnings. 
Subject to shareholder approval at the 2020 
Annual General Meeting, the dividend will be 
paid on 1 June 2020 to holders of ordinary 
shares registered on 17 April 2020. The 
ex-dividend date is 16 April 2020.

At 31 December 2019, the Company had 
retained earnings of £3.0bn (2018 £2.8bn), the 
non-distributable portion of which is £767m 
(2018 £707m) (see page 226). Total external 
dividends relating to 2019 are £743m (2018 
£711m), including the interim dividend paid 
during the year of £301m (2018 £288m) and 
the final dividend proposed of approximately 
£442m (2018 £423m). On an annual basis, 
the Company receives dividends from its 
subsidiaries to increase its distributable 
reserves and, accordingly, the Company 
expects to have sufficient distributable 
reserves to support its dividend policy.

The Group’s dividend policy is underpinned 
by its viability and going concern statements 
(see pages 89 and 90).

50

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019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 July 2018 (www.cbi.org.uk/
media/3710/2018-02-07-statement-of-tax-
principles.pdf).

173

Note 6 to the Group accounts

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 does not tolerate activities 
designed to facilitate tax evasion offences.

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. In the UK, 
the Group is subject to an annual risk 
assessment by HM Revenue & Customs 
and strives to achieve as low a risk rating as 
can be achieved by a group of BAE Systems’ 
size and complexity.

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 
regard 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.

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 
April 2024 is available to meet 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 
strong 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:
(a)  the income statements or balance 
sheets of foreign subsidiaries; and
(b)  equity accounted investments it 

regards as long-term investments.

189

Note 14 to the Group accounts

51

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsBAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Guidance  
for 2020

Whilst the Group is subject to geopolitical uncertainties, the following 
guidance is provided on current expected operational performance.
Impacts from the proposed acquisitions announced in January of the Collins Aerospace Military Global Positioning System 
business and Raytheon’s Airborne Tactical Radios business are not included in the following guidance.

For the year ending 31 December 2020, the Group’s underlying earnings per share is expected to grow by mid-single digit 
percentage compared to the full-year underlying earnings per share in 2019 of 45.8p, assuming a $1.30 to sterling exchange rate.

The guidance is based on the measures used to monitor the underlying financial performance of the Group. Reconciliations 
from these measures to the financial performance measures defined in International Financial Reporting Standards for 2019 
are provided in the Group financial review on pages 44 to 51.

Electronic Systems

Cyber & Intelligence

Platforms & Services (US)

– Sales, in US dollar terms, are expected to show 
mid-single digit percentage growth driven by a 
number of electronic warfare contracts including 
F-35. Some 70% of projected sales are in the 
2019 closing order backlog, similar to last year.

– Margin1 is expected to be at the higher end 

of our 14% to 16% range.

– In aggregate, we expect sales to be in line with 2019.

– Sales, in US dollar terms, are expected to 

– The US business, which represented some 70% 
of this segment in 2019, is expected to show 
low-single digit percentage growth.

– In the Applied Intelligence business we expect 

good top line expansion in the Government and 
Financial Services areas. However, the proposed 
disposal of the Silversky business is expected to 
reduce sales by approximately $100m.

– Margin1 in 2020 is expected to improve into 

the 7% to 8% range. The US business is again 
expected to contribute around the 8% to 9% mark. 
In Applied Intelligence we expect the business to 
move back into profitability absent the restructuring 
charge and following the expected exit of the two 
proposed business disposals.

show high-single digit percentage growth 
with increasing volumes from the US Combat 
Vehicles backlog and in ship repair. More than 
80% of guidance is within the closing order 
backlog, similar to last year.

– Margin1 is expected to remain at the low 

end of the 8% to 9% range. The ramp up of 
vehicle deliveries, particularly on the Armored 
Multi-Purpose Vehicle, together with trading 
of the Mobile Protected Firepower development 
programme will continue to be at initial low 
margin levels.

HQ
– HQ costs are expected to be slightly lower 

than in 2019.

– Underlying finance costs are expected to 
be around 10% lower. There will be a full 
year of benefit following the repayment 
of the high coupon $1bn bond in June 2019. 
Net present value charges will also be lower. 
These will be partly offset by the cost of the 
term debt to support the planned £1bn 
of accelerated pension deficit funding.

– The underlying effective tax rate is expected 
to increase from 19% to around 20%, with 
the final rate dependent on the geographical 
mix of profits.

– Minority interest is expected to increase 
to around £75m as we complete further 
sell downs in our Saudi partner companies.

– The Group is targeting free cash flow of 

£3.5bn to £3.8bn in the three-year period 
2020 to 2022, with close to £1bn expected 
in 2020.

Air

Maritime

– Sales are expected to show mid-single digit 
percentage growth, for increased activity on 
the Qatar Typhoon and Hawk programme and 
on F-35 as full rate production levels are achieved. 
Close to 90% of sales guidance is within the 
closing order backlog.

– Sales are expected to be stable overall. Activity 

on the Carrier and Offshore Patrol Vessel 
programmes is almost complete. These are offset 
by increases in the Dreadnought submarine and 
Type 26 programmes. Around 80% of guidance 
is already covered by the order backlog.

– Margin1 levels are expected to be at the top end 

of our 8% to 9% range.

– Margin1 is expected to be lower than 2019, towards 
the bottom end of our 11% to 13% range. There is 
a headwind from higher pension service costs, as 
well as the further increase in self-funded research 
and development expenditure on the Tempest 
programme. Partly offsetting these is an expected 
step up in Qatar margin recognition.

1. Underlying EBITA as a percentage of sales.

52

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Segmental  
review

The Group reports its performance through 
five principal reporting segments.

Financial performance measures

As defined by the Group

Defined in IFRS2

KPI

KPI

KPI

KPI

Year ended 31 December 2019

54

Electronic Systems

58

Cyber & Intelligence

62

Platforms & Services (US)

66

Air

70

Maritime

HQ3

Deduct Intra-group

Deduct Taxation4

Sales
£m

4,439

1,732

3,337

7,457

3,116

387

(359)

Underlying
EBITA
£m

Return
on sales
%

Operating
business 
cash flow
£m

Order
intake1
£m

Order
backlog1
£bn

Revenue
£m

Operating
profit/(loss)
£m

Return
on revenue
%

15.5

5.3

8.0

11.9

8.6

687

91

267

887

268

(83)

672

68

241

408

150

(232)

5,023

1,846

4,020

4,594

2,875

386

(297)

6.0

1.8

5.8

23.9

8.6

–

(0.7)

4,439

1,732

3,185

6,153

3,071

43

(318)

672

80

239

777

253

(122)

15.1

4.6

7.5

12.6

8.2

Total

20,109

2,117

10.5

1,307

18,447

45.4

18,305

1,899

10.4

Net cash  
flow from  
operating
activities
£m

833

99

305

497

289

(174)

(252)

1,597

We use financial performance measures as defined by the Group to monitor the underlying financial performance of the Group’s reporting 
segments. Reconciliations from these measures to the financial performance measures defined in IFRS2 are provided in the Group financial 
review on pages 44 to 51. Reconciliations by reporting segment for revenue and operating profit are included in note 1 to the Group accounts 
(see page 165) and for net cash flow from operating activities in note 26 to the Group accounts (see page 214).

1. Including share of equity accounted investments.
2. International Financial Reporting Standards.
3. HQ comprises the Group’s head office activities, together with a 49% interest in Air Astana.
4. Taxation is managed on a Group-wide basis.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019

53

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements Electronic Systems
Segmental review continued

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, precision guidance and seeker 
solutions, next-generation military communications systems and data links, 
persistent surveillance capabilities and hybrid-electric drive systems.
Electronic Combat Solutions provides a 
depth of capability in advanced electronic 
warfare solutions for airborne applications, 
including electronic support, electronic attack, 
and electronic protection technologies.

C4ISR Systems 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 resiliency products.

Technology
At the core of Electronic Systems, our 
FAST Labs™ innovation hub supports 
R&D across the business, developing and 
proving new technologies to accelerate 
their transition into customer programmes. 
Our FAST Labs scientists and engineers 
create and evolve technology capabilities 
in advanced electronics, autonomy, 
cyber, electronic warfare, and sensors 
and processing, often in partnership 
with the US Defense Advanced Research 
Projects Agency, universities, commercial 
technology companies and other 
research laboratories, to solve complex 
challenges in the fields of defence, 
aerospace and security.

Controls & Avionics Solutions develops 
and produces electronics for military and 
commercial aircraft, including fly-by-wire flight 
controls, full authority digital engine controls, 
flight deck systems, cabin management 
systems and mission computers.

Power & Propulsion 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.

Survivability, Targeting & Sensing 
Solutions 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.

54

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019

Sales by domain

C

A

(%)

B

A Air

B Maritime

C Land

80%

3%

17%

Sales by line of business

(%)

D

A

C

B

A Electronic Combat

B Survivability, Targeting & Sensing

C C4ISR Systems

D Controls & Avionics/ 

Power & Propulsion Solutions

31%

20%

25%

24%

Sales analysis: Defence and commercial

(%)

B

A

Operational and strategic key points

–  Growing demand for Advanced Precision 

–  Continuing growth in space resilience domain.

Kill Weapon System (APKWS®) laser-guided 
rockets, with production awards totalling 
over $400m (£302m) received in the year.

–  Over 500 electronic warfare systems 
delivered for the F-35 Lightning II 
programme, and awarded production 
and Block 4 modernisation contracts 
worth more than $750m (£566m).

–  Acquired Riptide Autonomous Solutions 

to advance capabilities in maritime mission 
requirements.

–  Establishing new facilities in Huntsville, 

Alabama and Manchester, New Hampshire 
to meet the record order backlog.

–  Active interceptors certified for Gulfstream 
G500 and G600 jets and in production.

–  Battery electric and fuel cell electric 

transit systems recorded five million zero 
emission miles.

Employees1

 16,600

Financial performance

Financial performance measures  
as defined by the Group

Financial performance  
measures defined in IFRS2

Sales

Underlying EBITA

Return on sales

Operating business 

cash flow

Order intake1

Order backlog1

KPI

KPI

KPI

KPI

2019

2018

£4,439m £3,965m

Revenue

£687m

15.5%

£606m

Operating profit

15.3%

Return on revenue

Cash flow from 

2019

2018

£4,439m £3,965m

£672m

15.1%

£590m

14.9%

£672m

£431m

operating activities

£833m

£575m

£5,023m £4,624m

£6.0bn

£5.4bn

–  Sales compared to 2018 were up 7% 

–  As expected, cash conversion of EBITA3 

at $5.7bn (£4.4bn). Growth in the defence 
business was at 9% driven by the F-35 
programme, APKWS® volumes and 
increased classified activity. Commercial 
sales of engine and flight controls and 
hybrid-electric drive systems also grew 
and at $1.2bn (£0.9bn) now amount 
to 21% of the sector.

was very strong in the second half of the 
year, and close to 100% for the full year.

–  Order backlog was another record 

high, at $7.9bn (£6.0bn), with significant 
awards on F-35 for LRIP 14 and Block 4 
development, APKWS® volumes and 
the Radar Warning Receiver upgrade.

–  Underlying EBITA was up to $877m 
(£687m), delivering a return on sales 
of 15.5%, at the higher end of our 
guidance range.

Sales

 £4,439m

A Defence

B Commercial

79%

21%

06

Alternative performance 
measure definitions

1. Including share of equity accounted investments.
2. International Financial Reporting Standards.
3. Operating business cash flow as a percentage of underlying EBITA.

55

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsBAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019 Electronic Systems
Segmental review continued

C4ISR Systems
Consistent with our strategy to obtain and 
incubate small business innovations that can 
yield disruptive technology breakthroughs, 
our Electronic Systems FAST Labs™ 
organisation acquired the key assets of 
Riptide Autonomous Solutions to advance 
our capabilities to address expanding 
maritime mission requirements for integrated, 
flexible, modular, unmanned underwater 
vehicle solutions. 

In the space resilience domain, we are a 
leading provider of space-qualified subsystems 
and components. We continue to experience 
growth in the areas of integrated on-board 
processors, reconfigurable processing payloads 
and secure communications. In May, our 
radiation-hardened electronic products 
achieved 10,000 cumulative years in orbit.

We have been awarded funding from the 
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency 
to integrate machine-learning into platforms 
that exploit radio frequency signals in 
increasingly crowded electromagnetic 
spectrum environments. Our flexible, 
reconfigurable hardware solutions will provide 
commercial and military users with greater, 
automated situational awareness of their 
operating environment. 

The Compass Call programme continues 
its long history of sustaining and upgrading 
the prime mission equipment in support 
of the existing EC-130H fleet. Cross-decking 
the mission system onto the newly-designated 
Gulfstream G550 jet, the programme is 
currently executing contracts with a total 
value of nearly $500m (£378m).

Due to the sensitive nature of electronic 
combat systems and technology, 
approximately one quarter of our revenues 
in this business area are driven by our work 
on classified programmes.

Survivability, Targeting  
& Sensing Solutions
Our APKWS® laser-guided rocket is 
experiencing growing demand, with 
over 36,000 units delivered to date. The 
programme received a five-year Indefinite 
Delivery, Indefinite Quantity contract worth 
up to $2.7bn (£2.0bn). Further production 
awards totalling over $400m (£302m) were 
received this year. In addition to expanding 
US military use, the system is generating 
strong international interest. 

We are developing a next-generation missile 
warning system for the US Army under the 
Limited Interim Missile Warning System 
programme. We are completing qualification 
and continue to support government testing. 
We also received additional funding to enable 
fielding on other US Army aircraft variants.

Both fixed- and rotary-wing demonstrations 
of our Striker® II helmet-mounted display 
are ongoing and full development awaits 
customer funding.

Operational performance

Electronic Combat Solutions
Staying at the forefront of emerging threats 
and delivering next-generation electronic 
warfare (EW) capabilities are important 
discriminators for success. As a leader in EW, 
we continue to see growth across our portfolio 
for both US and international customers.

The F-35 Lightning II programme completed 
deliveries for Lot 11 and achieved the 
milestone of delivering over 500 EW systems. 
In addition, the programme was awarded a 
Block 4 modernisation and further F-35 EW 
system production contracts from Lockheed 
Martin totalling over $750m (£566m). 
We continue to operate under a five-year 
Performance Based Logistics contract to 
provide material availability and support 
for the F-35 sustainment programme. 

Executing on our current contract from 
Boeing, we continue to deliver to the 
United States Air Force our Eagle Passive 
Active Warning Survivability System, which 
provides advanced aircraft protection and 
has completed successful F-15 aircraft flight 
tests despite experiencing cost and schedule 
overruns. We were also awarded a $495m 
(£374m) contract to digitally upgrade our 
ALR-56 Radar Warning Receiver system, 
enhancing the capability of our technology 
on F-15 jets.

Providing advanced EW capability for 
international F-15 aircraft, we continue 
to deliver on our contract from Boeing 
and Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex, 
totalling more than $1bn (£0.8bn) for the 
installation of the Digital Electronic Warfare 
System (DEWS) on new and existing F-15 
aircraft. We are also executing a contract 
worth in excess of $300m (£227m) to provide 
DEWS to support the sale of new F-15 aircraft 
to another international customer.

As a provider of the long-range sensor and 
targeting technology for the Long Range 
Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM), we have completed 
Lot 1 production for our prime contractor 
Lockheed Martin. In addition, we received 
a contract modification to a previous Lot 2 
production award, increasing this contract 
award to $78m (£59m).

56

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Looking forward
Forward-looking information for the 
Electronic Systems reporting segment 
is provided later in this report.

74

Segmental  
looking forward

Controls & Avionics Solutions
We continue to develop the integrated flight 
control electronics and remote electronic units 
for Boeing’s next-generation 777X aircraft. 
A successful first flight of the aircraft was 
conducted in January 2020 and the business 
is continuing software updates and systems 
verification testing in support of the aircraft 
certification efforts. During the year, our 
737 MAX production rates were scaled back 
in line with Boeing’s reduced demand.

Our active inceptors received certification 
for the Gulfstream G500 and G600 and are 
now in production. A derivative, LinkEdge™ 
(Active Parallel Actuation Subsystem), is 
being developed for the Chinook CH-47. 

Our engine control product line continues to 
see strong performance from FADEC Alliance, 
a joint venture between GE Aviation and 
FADEC International (our joint venture with 
Safran Electronics & Defense). We have 
successfully completed component 
certification testing of the engine control 
for the Boeing 777X aircraft.

Under the recently-awarded Improved Turbine 
Engine Program, we will provide the Electronic 
Engine Controls to modernise the US Army’s 
Black Hawk and Apache fleets.

Development of the F-35 vehicle management 
computer technology refresh is proceeding 
to plan and we are actively engaged with 
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in moving 
towards a sustainment contract for the active 
inceptor systems.

Power & Propulsion Solutions
With 12,000 electric-hybrid propulsion transit 
buses in operation globally, we have launched 
the next-generation battery electric system to 
a market moving to zero emission technology. 
This year, our battery electric and fuel cell 
electric systems recorded five million zero 
emission miles. As cities work to reach low 
emission targets, this number is expected 
to grow significantly.

The demand for low and zero emission 
technology is growing in both commercial 
and military applications, with a number 
of European cities employing fully electric 
vehicles powered by our technology. Our first 
and largest transit customer, New York City 
Transit (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) 
announced its decision to purchase up to 
a further 435 electric-hybrid power and 
propulsion systems from BAE Systems. 
In addition, the maritime domain is now 
adopting green technology and our electric-
hybrid systems are powering both passenger 
and cargo vessels.

Our strategy in action

Integrating 
our technology 
to address  
underwater 
missions

Our acquisition of the Riptide family of unmanned 
underwater vehicles (UUVs) will enable us to offer 
best‑in‑class hydrodynamics, ultra‑low power electronics 
and innovative energy technology that can be affordably 
scaled, tailored, and customised to meet their requirements.

By integrating Riptide’s platforms and technology with our broad spectrum 
of payload options, we are positioned to offer customers flexible solutions 
that support a variety of critical missions. Our extensive expertise in sonar, 
signal intelligence, sensor fusion, undersea communications, electronic 
warfare, autonomous systems and UUV platforms enables us to affordably 
address rapidly expanding maritime mission requirements in the global 
defence, commercial, and research markets.

18

Group strategic  
framework

More online 
baesystems.com

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019

57

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements Cyber & Intelligence
Segmental review continued

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 
financial security activities.

Intelligence & Security comprises the three 
US-based Intelligence & Security businesses.

Air Force Solutions focuses on providing 
the US Air Force and its combatant commands 
with innovative solutions to help to modernise, 
maintain, test, and cyber-harden aircraft, 
radars, missile systems, and mission 
applications that detect and deter threats 
to national security.

Integrated Defense Solutions provides the 
US Army, Navy, and federal civilian markets 
with systems engineering, integration and 
sustainment services for C4ISR systems and 
enterprise IT networks that enhance mission 
effectiveness. Our solutions are deployed 
across platforms and networks in the 
air, maritime, land and cyber domains.

Intelligence Solutions provides innovative 
mission-enabling solutions and services 
to enhance the collection, analysis, and 
processing of data across US civilian 
and military intelligence communities. 
Our business also develops and deploys 
high-assurance networks that facilitate the 
secure sharing of data amongst intelligence 
agencies in support of national security.

Applied Intelligence provides data intelligence 
solutions which enable governments and 
commercial organisations to defend against 
national-scale threats, protect their networks 
and data against sophisticated attacks and 
operate successfully in cyberspace. Our solutions 
are delivered as licensed technologies, 
software-as-a-service subscriptions, through 
outsourced managed services, and via 
consulting and systems integration projects.

Government is focused on delivering 
national security and intelligence solutions 
to the UK and allied international 
governments. The business also delivers 
enterprise-level data and digital services 
to UK government departments.

Financial Services delivers anti-fraud and 
regulatory compliance solutions to banking 
and insurance customers across Europe, 
North America, the Middle East, Africa 
and Asia-Pacific.

58

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019

Sales by business

(%)

B

A

A Applied Intelligence

B Intelligence & Security

30%

70%

Sales by line of business:  
Intelligence & Security

(%)

C

A

Operational and strategic key points

Intelligence & Security
–  Received orders exceeding $100m (£76m) 
to provide logistics sustainment support 
to US Air Force Space Command.

–  Awarded $437m (£330m) task order to 

provide open source support to US Army 
and Army Intelligence & Security Command 
approved partners.

Applied Intelligence
–  Divestment of the Silversky business and 

exit from the UK-based Managed Security 
Services business in progress at year-end. 
Restructuring charge of £20m recognised 
in the year.

–  Strong order intake and revenue growth 

in the Government business unit.

–  Technology offerings further developed 
and the business achieved four Amazon 
Web Services designations, recognising 
our technical proficiency and 
operational excellence.

Employees1

 10,100

Financial performance

Financial performance measures  
as defined by the Group

Financial performance  
measures defined in IFRS2

Sales

Underlying EBITA

Return on sales

Operating business 

cash flow

Order intake1

Order backlog1

KPI

KPI

KPI

KPI

2019

2018

£1,732m £1,678m

Revenue

£91m

5.3%

£111m

Operating profit

6.6%

Return on revenue

Cash flow from 

2019

2018

£1,732m £1,678m

£80m

4.6%

£59m

3.5%

£68m

£85m

operating activities

£99m

£96m

£1,846m £1,802m

£1.8bn

£1.9bn

B

–  In aggregate, sales were broadly unchanged 

–  Disposal of the Silversky business and 

A Air Force Solutions

B Integrated Defense Solutions

C Intelligence Solutions

26%

32%

42%

Sales analysis: Applied Intelligence

C

A

(%)

B

on a constant currency basis at $2.2bn 
(£1.7bn). Sales in the US business were 
2% lower owing to customer awards made 
but subsequently protested. In the Applied 
Intelligence business, sales were up 4%, 
all arising in the Government business line.

–  Return on sales in the US business was 

in line with the prior year at 9.1%. Within 
Applied Intelligence, the business recorded 
a loss of £20m following the restructuring 
charge taken in the first half of the year.

exit from the UK-based Managed Security 
Service are expected in the near future, 
both of which will improve profitability 
in future years.

–  As expected, order backlog was stable 

at $2.3bn (£1.8bn), after adjusting for the 
expected Applied Intelligence disposals.

Sales

 £1,732m

A Government

B Financial Services

C Technology & Commercial

65%

20%

15%

1. Including share of equity accounted investments.
2. International Financial Reporting Standards.

06

Alternative performance 
measure definitions

59

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsBAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Applied Intelligence
As at the 2019 year-end, negotiations 
relating to the disposal of the US-based 
software-as-a-service business were ongoing.

Government
The Government business delivered 
good growth in orders. Performance was 
particularly strong in UK National Security 
which benefited from the signing of a 
number of transformational multi-year 
deals. Revenue growth followed the higher 
order intake, with increased headcount 
and continuing investment in talent in a 
competitive labour market for highly-skilled 
software engineers with enhanced security 
clearances. Profitability continued to benefit 
from cost control and greater efficiency in 
sales and management activity in the 
International business in particular.

Financial Services
The Financial Services business has seen a 
significant increase in business development 
investment in the year. The higher spend on 
product engineering culminated in the launch 
of a new version of NetReveal®, v8.0, in the 
first half of the year. Response to the product 
has been positive and has led to a number of 
pipeline opportunities for upgrades to existing 
customers and deployment to new customers. 
The conversion of these opportunities drove 
order intake growth in the second half of the 
year and positions the business for higher 
levels of growth in the future.

Looking forward
Forward-looking information for the 
Cyber & Intelligence reporting segment 
is provided later in this report.

74

Segmental  
looking forward

 Cyber & Intelligence
Segmental review continued

Operational performance

Intelligence & Security
Air Force Solutions
We received orders exceeding $100m 
(£76m) to provide logistics sustainment 
support to US Air Force Space Command 
for instrumentation tracking (radar, 
telemetry and optics) systems, which includes 
26 agencies across the US Department of 
Defense, Department of Energy, National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration, 
plus six foreign governments.

On the US Air Force Intercontinental Ballistic 
Missile Integration Support Contractor 
Program, we were awarded a sole-source 
modification to increase the contract ceiling by 
$93m (£70m) to $1.1bn (£0.8bn). The period 
of performance remains through to January 
2022, and our work includes programme 
management, systems engineering, integration 
and testing, sustainment and cyber defence.

Integrated Defense Solutions
We are executing the fourth year of 
a five-year, $368m (£278m) sole-source 
contract to support weapons systems 
on board US Ohio and UK Vanguard Class 
submarines, as well as future US Columbia 
Class and UK Dreadnought Class submarines.

The US Navy has awarded the business 
a five-year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite 
Quantity (IDIQ) contract with an expected 
lifecycle value of $280m (£211m) to 
modernise and maintain command, 
control, communications, computers, cyber, 
intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance 
systems aboard new construction aircraft 
carriers and large deck amphibious ships.

We secured a $126m (£95m) contract for 
the US Marshals Service (USMS), a component 
of the US Department of Justice. The business 
will provide mission-critical IT infrastructure 
support, sustainment operations and 
engineering services to the USMS Information 
Technology Division.

The business has been awarded a $300m 
(£227m) contract to provide enterprise and 
mission-critical IT support to the Federal 
Emergency Management Agency’s Operations 
and Maintenance Division. The programme 
will provide IT infrastructure modernisation, 
system sustainment and telecommunications, 
network and helpdesk services.

We were awarded a $212m (£160m) 
US Navy follow-on contract for the design, 
acquisition, integration and test of 
radio communication suites for Guided 
Missile Destroyers and other US Navy 
and Coast Guard ships. This win continues 
our near 50-year legacy as an integrator 
of mission-critical shipboard systems.

60

The business was awarded a five-year, 
$200m (£151m) contract to provide systems 
engineering, security management, modelling 
and simulation, and training services to help 
in the US government defence cyber mission.

Intelligence Solutions
The team is executing on a number of task 
order contracts valued at approximately 
$320m (£242m) to provide motion-imagery 
analysis, training, and research support 
services to the US intelligence community, 
and provide technical, functional, and general 
support to enhance the situational awareness 
and training of US Army troops deployed 
around the world.

A $70m (£53m) engineering change 
proposal was secured, extending the period 
of performance on a contract originally 
awarded in 2013 to provide high-performance 
computing and infrastructure support to the 
US intelligence community.

The business was awarded a significant 
follow-on contract and a new award with 
a combined value of over $490m (£370m) 
to provide critical intelligence support 
to the US government.

We were awarded a new $437m (£330m) 
task order to provide open source support 
for the Army and Army Intelligence & Security 
Command approved partners, to provide 
training, policy and governance 
recommendations, assessments and 
implementation of emerging capabilities, 
and to establish and manage a secure cloud 
hosting environment for these efforts. 

The business was awarded a prime position 
on Solutions for Intelligence Analysis 3, 
a ten-year multiple award IDIQ contract. 
The company will provide worldwide 
coverage, support and assistance to the 
Defense Intelligence Agency delivering timely, 
objective and cogent military intelligence 
to defence planners and policy makers. 

We are delivering our first Federated Secure 
Cloud implementation, supporting multiple 
independent levels of security, and leveraging 
this capability into adjacent customers. In 
addition, the business has established multiple 
commercial cloud partnerships to drive 
additional services revenue across defence 
and intelligence customers.

Among a number of strategic developments 
in 2019, the business furthered its technology 
offerings and attained Amazon DevOps, 
Government and Disaster Response and 
Public Safety Competencies, as well as being 
named an Amazon Web Services Premier 
Consulting Partner. 

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Our strategy in action

Partnering to build 
trusted cloud and 
cyber capabilities

In 2019, we established new partnerships 
and expanded upon existing relationships 
with commercial technology companies 
aimed at further establishing our cloud 
and cyber capabilities.

By achieving four new Amazon Web Services (AWS) 
designations – Government Competency, DevOps 
Competency, Disaster Response & Public Safety 
Competency, and Premier Consulting Partner – 
our people and processes have been recognised 
for outstanding innovation.

These trusted, independent accreditations of our 
technical proficiency and operational excellence prove 
we understand the mission and are a valued partner 
of AWS in their cloud operations. As a valued partner, 
we’ve joined an exclusive group of organisations with 
access to cutting-edge innovations and groundbreaking 
collaboration efforts that enable us to address 
our customers’ most pressing IT needs. This AWS 
connection also helps us to scale and optimise the 
security solutions we provide to the US defence 
and intelligence communities, leveraging the latest 
technology to support their missions.

18

Group strategic  
framework

More online 
baesystems.com

61

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsBAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Platforms & Services (US)
Segmental review continued

Platforms & Services (US), with operations in the US, UK and Sweden, 
manufactures combat vehicles, weapons and munitions, and delivers 
services and sustainment activities, including naval ship repair, and the 
management and operation 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 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 
and operation of the US Army’s Holston 
and Radford facilities.

US Ship Repair is a major provider of 
non-nuclear ship repair, modernisation, 
overhaul and conversions to the US Navy, 
government and commercial maritime 
customers. It has four operational sites 
in the US located on the Atlantic and 
Pacific coasts, and Hawaii.

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

FNSS, the Turkish land systems business 
in which BAE Systems holds a 49% 
interest, produces and upgrades tracked 
and wheeled military vehicles for Turkish 
and international customers.

62

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019

Sales by domain

(%)

C

A

B

A Air

B Maritime

C Land

1%

36%

63%

Sales by line of business

(%)

C

E

D

A

Operational and strategic key points

–  Deliveries of the M109A7 self-propelled 
howitzer and ammunition carrier vehicle 
sets are progressing and the decision to 
proceed to full-rate production was made 
in Q1 2020.

–  First deliveries achieved of the Amphibious 
Combat Vehicle to the US Marine Corps.
–  Contract modification award of $575m 

(£434m) received for LRIP vehicles on the 
Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle programme.

–  Work underway to upgrade 332 vehicles 

to the Bradley A4 configuration.

–  Awarded contracts worth $466m (£352m) 

to upgrade configuration on various 
M88 vehicles.

–  First tandem docking of two large warships 
in San Diego dry-dock for contracts worth 
more than $170m (£128m).

–  Deliveries continue of the M777 

ultra-lightweight howitzer to the Indian 
Army, with subsequent systems to be 
assembled at the Mahindra Defence 
Systems facility.

Employees1

 12,500

Financial performance

Financial performance measures  
as defined by the Group

Financial performance  
measures defined in IFRS2

Sales

Underlying EBITA

Return on sales

Operating business 

cash flow

Order intake1

Order backlog1

KPI

KPI

KPI

KPI

2019

2018

£3,337m £3,005m

Revenue

£267m

£210m

Operating profit

8.0%

7.0%

Return on revenue

Cash flow from 

2019

2018

£3,185m £2,864m

£239m

7.5%

£161m

5.6%

£241m

£(30)m

operating activities

£305m

£31m

£4,020m £3,693m

£5.8bn

£5.4bn

B

A US Combat Vehicles

B Weapon Systems

C US Ship Repair

D BAE Systems Hägglunds

E FNSS

32%

34%

25%

5%

4%

Sales analysis: Platforms and services

(%)

B

A

–  Sales in the year were up 6% to $4.3bn 

(£3.3bn), within guidance. In the US Combat 
Vehicles business, the second half challenge 
to deliver the ramp up in M109A7 deliveries 
was met.

–  Return on sales performance for the 

year improved to 8.0% with no material 
charges taken in the year. As regards the 
ramp in Combat Vehicles sales, we are 
trading profit on the Armored Multi-
Purpose Vehicle and Amphibious Combat 
Vehicle programmes at an initial low level.

–  Cash flow performance was very strong 
in the second half of the year as vehicle 
production deliveries increased and 
working capital was liquidated.

–  Order backlog was further increased 
to $7.7bn (£5.8bn), with total in-year 
funded Combat Vehicle orders received 
of $2.5bn (£1.9bn).

Sales

 £3,337m

A Platforms

B Services

41%

59%

06

Alternative performance 
measure definitions

1. Including share of equity accounted investments.
2. International Financial Reporting Standards.

63

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsBAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Platforms & Services (US)
Segmental review continued

Ordnance Systems
We manage, operate and modernise the 
US Army’s Radford and Holston munitions 
facilities.

At Holston, production operations 
impacted by a fire in January 2019 resulted 
in a £10m charge recognised in the 
HQ segment under the Group insurance 
arrangement. Modernisation activities 
continue under multiple contracts to 
construct a natural gas-fired steam facility, 
a waste water management facility that is 
nearing completion, as well as the design, 
construction and commissioning of new 
production facilities to improve efficiency 
and modernise energetics manufacturing.

At Radford, in addition to ongoing operations, 
work continues on the construction of a 
modernised nitrocellulose facility, and we are 
actively managing ongoing subcontractor 
performance issues, cost and schedule 
overruns, and related disputes.

US Ship Repair
Our US maintenance and modernisation 
shipyards remain in strong demand. In 2019, 
we secured orders across our US shipyards 
totalling approximately $1bn (£0.8bn), including 
awards to service the USS The Sullivans in 
Jacksonville and the USS Vicksburg in Norfolk.

In September, we received two contracts 
totalling more than $170m (£128m) for the 
repair and maintenance of the guided-missile 
destroyers USS Stethem and USS Decatur 
in San Diego, resulting in the first tandem 
docking of two large warships in our 
San Diego dry-dock. 

Following a thorough analysis of the new 
Multiple Award Contract structure being 
implemented in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, we 
informed the Navy we will not bid for future 
work in Hawaii, and will focus on completing 
existing contracts. 

We continue to work on US Army 
contracts for production and sustainment 
of M88 recovery vehicles, to include 
upgrades from the M88A1 to the M88A2 
HERCULES configuration. In September 
we received a $148m (£112m) contract 
to upgrade an additional 43 vehicles, 
and were competitively selected for a 
$318m (£240m) contract to upgrade to 
the next-generation M88A3 configuration 
to restore single-vehicle recovery.

Internationally, the delivery of an additional 
11 Assault Amphibious Vehicles for Japan was 
completed in the second half of the year and 
work continues on 36 vehicles for Taiwan. 
The delivery of 32 M109A5+ self-propelled 
howitzers to the Brazilian Army was 
completed in the second half of the year. 

Weapon Systems
Deliveries of M777 ultra-lightweight howitzers 
continue to the Indian Army under a $542m 
(£409m) Foreign Military Sale contract for 145 
M777s. The initial guns are being built in our 
facilities, with at least 120 subsequent systems 
to be assembled in India at Mahindra Defence 
Systems’ new facility.

We received two orders totalling $85m 
(£64m) from the US Navy to deliver six Mk45 
Mod 4 gun systems, providing a solid US Navy 
order book of 20 Mk45 systems. We are also 
delivering 57mm Mk110 gun systems to the 
US Navy and Coast Guard, with nearly 60 
systems now delivered to US maritime forces.

We continue to execute on contracts for 
155mm BONUS ammunition to the Swedish 
Army and the US Army. Under a 2016 contract 
modification, we are providing 24 additional 
ARCHER artillery systems to the Swedish 
government, and we are under multiple 
export contracts to deliver 40 Mk4 and 
57 Mk3 naval gun systems.

We continue to perform on a $183m (£138m) 
contract to provide the Maritime Indirect Fire 
System for the UK Royal Navy’s Type 26 
frigate, which includes Mk45 Mod 4 gun 
systems, automated ammunition handling 
systems and gun fire control systems.

Under the latest contract awarded in March, 
we are to produce 28 more Virginia Payload 
Module tubes for the US Navy’s Block V 
Virginia-class submarines.

Operational performance

US Combat Vehicles
The business continues to make progress 
towards achieving consistent production 
throughput across multiple programmes with 
the implementation of ongoing improvements 
and investments in modernising facilities and 
manufacturing technologies, including 
automation and robotic welding.

We are leveraging the lessons learned on 
the M109A7 programme and continue to 
integrate innovative manufacturing capabilities 
during the early stages of the production 
of new combat vehicles. While schedule 
adjustments have been necessary, addressing 
these challenges will facilitate consistency 
of quality and delivery for our customers, 
and bring long-term benefits across our 
vehicle programmes.

Initial Amphibious Combat Vehicles (ACVs) 
were delivered to the US Marine Corps under 
Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP), with a third 
LRIP contract received in October bringing the 
total value to $458m (£346m) for 90 vehicles. 
Under a $67m (£51m) contract awarded in 
June, we have begun design and development 
activities on two new mission variants of the 
ACV family of vehicles. 

As one of two competitors, we continue 
to work on the US Army’s Mobile Protected 
Firepower programme under a $376m 
(£284m) contract for the engineering 
and manufacturing development phase 
for rapid prototyping efforts.

On the US Army’s Armored Multi-Purpose 
Vehicle programme, we were awarded 
a $575m (£434m) contract modification, 
bringing the cumulative award value to 
$873m (£659m). Initial LRIP vehicles are 
scheduled to begin delivery in 2020.

We continue to progress the LRIP phase of 
the M109A7 programme, with contracts in 
2018 and 2019 totalling approximately $750m 
(£566m) for 108 vehicle sets. These cumulative 
LRIP awards include the recent December 
contract modification and long-lead material 
funding. The decision to proceed to full-rate 
production was subsequently made in the 
first quarter of 2020. In July, we received 
a $45m (£34m) contract to support the 
integration of the Extended Range Cannon 
Artillery on the M109A7 to double the 
range of the gun system, which is among 
the Army’s top priorities.

Work has begun under contracts for 
332 vehicles, valued at $578m (£437m) to 
upgrade to the Bradley A4 configuration.

64

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019BAE Systems Hägglunds
With an installed base of nearly 1,300 
CV90 vehicles in Sweden and across six other 
international markets, the business continues 
to pursue contractual opportunities, including 
the Czech Republic’s competition to replace 
its fleet of BMP2 Infantry Combat Vehicles.

Work is progressing to refurbish Swedish 
CV90s, and initial deliveries have begun on 
the integration of 40 Mjölner mortar systems 
under a separate contract. We were selected 
by the Dutch Army to integrate the Elbit 
Systems’ Iron Fist Active Protection System 
on its fleet of CV90s.

32 BvS10 all-terrain vehicles under contract 
for Austria were delivered for final acceptance.

FNSS
FNSS, our land systems joint venture based 
in Turkey, continues to perform under its 
$524m (£396m) programme to produce 
259 8x8 wheeled armoured vehicles for 
the Royal Malaysian Army. Deliveries 
continue under a contract with Oman for 
PARS wheeled armoured vehicles in 8x8 
and 6x6 configurations.

Work progresses under multiple contracts 
for the Turkish Armed Forces, including a 
€278m (£236m) contract for 260 anti-tank 
vehicles, an €84m (£71m) contract for air 
defence vehicles, a €155m (£131m) contract 
for 27 assault amphibious vehicles, and 
a contract worth €154m (£131m) for 
100 special purpose 8x8 and 6x6 vehicles.

Looking forward
Forward-looking information for the 
Platforms & Services (US) reporting 
segment is provided later in this report.

75

Segmental  
looking forward

Our strategy in action

Two destroyers, 
one dry-dock

In October, our San Diego Ship 
Repair business put two US Navy 
guided-missile destroyers into 
its dry-dock simultaneously, 
accomplishing the massive feat 
on a scale that had previously 
never been achieved in the port.

The USS Stethem and USS Decatur were 
lifted out of the water under combined 
contracts worth $171m (£129m) and are 
scheduled to remain in the dry-dock until 
April 2020. Each ship displaces 9,000 tons 
and is more than 500 feet long. This tandem 
docking capacity was made possible with 
the introduction into operations of our 
55,000-ton dry-dock in 2017 – an investment 
to achieve precisely this critical capability and 
help the US Navy to meet its maintenance 
requirements and return the ships more 
efficiently back to the fleet.

18

Group strategic 
framework

More online 
baesystems.com

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019

65

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsAir
Segmental review continued

Air comprises the Group’s UK‑based air activities for 
European and International Markets, and US Programmes, 
and its businesses in Saudi Arabia and Australia, together 
with its 37.5% interest in the European MBDA joint venture.

Our UK-based business includes programmes 
in European and International Markets for the 
production of Typhoon combat and Hawk 
trainer aircraft, support and upgrades for 
Typhoon, Tornado and Hawk aircraft, and 
development of next-generation Air Systems 
and defence information systems, as well 
as US Programmes, primarily the UK-based 
F-35 Lightning II manufacture, engineering 
development and support activity.

In Saudi Arabia, the business provides 
operational capability support to the 
country’s air and naval forces through 
UK/Saudi government-to-government 
programmes. The Saudi British Defence 
Co-operation Programme and Salam 
Typhoon project provide for multi-year 
contracts between the governments.

In Australia, the business primarily delivers 
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.

The Type 26 frigate was selected for the 
Commonwealth of Australia’s Hunter Class 
nine-ship Future Frigate programme, with 
a framework agreement including the scope 
for the initial design and productionisation 
phase signed in December 2018. 

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

Technology
Underpinning the Air strategy is a set of 
technology and capability enablers which 
allow BAE Systems to invest in evolving 
today’s portfolio and create a pathway to 
future products and services, an example 
of this is our PHASA-35™ product (see 
page 69). Our ambitious vision of providing 
capable, affordable, flexible system of 
systems across the air, space, cyber and 
information space, is underpinned by an 
investment in key technologies that ensure 
our processes and facilities, from digital 
twins, to additive manufacturing, 
augmented reality, artificial intelligence 
and collaborative robotics, are fit for 
the future.

Our investment into the Laser Directed 
Energy Weapons area is in assessing 
disruptive effect technologies for use 
in future operations. Our investment in 
Reaction Engines Limited is testing the 
market opportunity for hypersonic-related 
technology applications. We are also 
investing in our infrastructure through our 
high-tech factory of the future and our 
evolving Air Labs and Air Works capability 
that looks to improve the schedule and 
cost performance across our design, 
manufacturing and support lifecycle.

In this era of rapid technological change, 
our engagement with innovators from 
across defence, commerce, government 
and academia seeks to quickly mature 
technology applications that deliver a 
competitive edge though our strategic 
technology investments.

66

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019

Sales by line of business

E

A

(%)

D

Operational and strategic key points

–  Qatar Typhoon and Hawk aircraft programme 
met its contractual milestones in the year. 
Contract amendment agreed to accelerate 
Typhoon deliveries.

–  F-35 programme Lots 12 to 14 price 

negotiations concluded. 142 rear fuselage 
assemblies delivered in the year in line with 
ramp-up to full rate production in 2020. 

B

–  Tempest technology maturation 

–  UK Tornado fleet successfully retired 
from service on schedule following 
RAF declaration that Typhoon had met 
Centurion standard with embodiment 
across the Typhoon fleet.

–  The design and production readiness 
phase of the Hunter Class programme 
for the Royal Australian Navy continues 
to make good progress.

C

A European and International Markets

B US Programmes

C Saudi Arabia

D Australia

E MBDA

28%

11%

35%

10%

16%

programme contracted between industry 
and UK government. Italy and Sweden 
governments committed to working with 
UK to develop next-generation combat 
air capability.

–  The first four Hawk aircraft assembled in 
Saudi Arabia were accepted and entered 
service in-Kingdom.

Employees1

 28,300

Sales analysis: Platforms and services

(%)

Financial performance

B

A

Financial performance measures  
as defined by the Group

Financial performance  
measures defined in IFRS2

A Platforms

B Services

43%

57%

Sales

Underlying EBITA

Return on sales

Operating business 

cash flow

Order intake1

Order backlog1

KPI

KPI

KPI

KPI

2019

2018

£7,457m £6,712m

Revenue

£887m

11.9%

£859m

Operating profit

12.8%

Return on revenue

Cash flow from 

2019

2018

£6,153m £5,579m

£777m

12.6%

£810m

14.5%

£408m

£666m

operating activities

£497m

£719m

£4,594m £14,845m

£23.9bn

£27.4bn

–  Cash flow largely reflects the utilisation 
of provisions, timing on receivables, and 
the difference between joint venture profits 
and cash dividends received. There was also 
some usage of prior year Qatar funding.

–  Order backlog reduced to £23.9bn, 

primarily for the trading on multi-year 
orders, received in prior years, for the Saudi 
Arabian support and Qatar programmes.

Sales

 £7,457m

–  Sales were up 11% at £7.5bn. As expected 
there was higher production activity on the 
new Typhoon and Hawk programme for 
Qatar, and the F-35 programme continues 
to ramp up towards full rate next year. 
In addition sales from MBDA grew 
on deliveries to Egypt and Qatar.

–  The return on sales of 11.9% was ahead 
of expectations on strong programme 
execution. It reflects low initial profit 
recognition on the early stages of the Qatar 
programme, and increased self-funded 
research and development on the Tempest 
future combat air development. Last year’s 
return on sales benefited by 70bps from 
the completing Oman Typhoon contract. 

06

Alternative performance 
measure definitions

1. Including share of equity accounted investments.
2. International Financial Reporting Standards.

67

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsBAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Air
Segmental review continued

Operational performance

European and International Markets
Mobilisation activity on the 24 Typhoon and 
nine Hawk aircraft and associated support 
and training contract for the Government 
of the State of Qatar has progressed to 
plan with all initial milestones achieved. 
A contract amendment was agreed during 
the year accelerating Typhoon deliveries 
and contract milestones.

The first eight of 28 major units on the 
Kuwait Typhoon contract, secured by Italian 
Eurofighter partner Leonardo, have been 
delivered. The remaining major units are 
planned for delivery by 2022.

In the year, the Royal Air Force accepted 
the final three Typhoon aircraft from the 
UK final assembly facility. The German, 
Italian and Spanish Air Forces accepted a 
total of 11 aircraft in 2019, leaving one of 
the 88 Tranche 3 aircraft to be delivered.

Following the declaration by the Royal Air 
Force that Typhoon had met Centurion 
standard in December 2018, enabling the 
transition of capabilities from Tornado to 
Typhoon, the UK Tornado fleet successfully 
retired from service on schedule. Centurion 
standard has now been embodied across 
the Typhoon fleet.

In the UK, under a ten-year partnership 
arrangement, and in Oman, under a five-year 
availability service contract, we continue 
to support Typhoon fleets to achieve 
customer target flying hours. BAE Systems 
continues to support the European Partner 
Nations’ own support arrangements.

Support to the Royal Air Force’s UK fleet 
of Hawk fast jet trainer aircraft continues 
through the long-term availability contract. 
We are in discussions with the UK on future 
Hawk support arrangements and we continue 
to support users of Hawk trainer aircraft 
around the world.

The next phase of the Tempest technology 
maturation programme was contracted 
between industry and the UK government. 
This was followed by the signing of a 
Memorandum of Understanding between 
the UK and Sweden in July, and a Statement 
of Intent between the UK and Italy in 
September, committing the respective 
governments to working with the UK 
government to develop next-generation 
combat air capability.

Progress continues on the collaboration 
for the design and development phase 
of an indigenous fifth-generation fighter 
jet for the Turkish Air Force. 

68

US Programmes
On the F-35 programme, price negotiations 
on Lots 12 to 14 concluded in the second 
half of 2019 and the business is ramping up 
to full-rate production by the end of 2020. 
In the period, 142 rear fuselage assemblies 
were delivered under the Low-Rate Initial 
Production contracts for Lots 11 to 13, 
bringing total deliveries on the programme 
to over 600.

At RAF Marham in the UK, following the 
declaration of Initial Operational Capability 
in 2018, we continue to support the customer 
in integrating the F-35 into its operational 
fleet and forward deployments.

BAE Systems continues to play a growing 
role on the F-35 sustainment programme 
including the supply of spares and technical 
support, software products, upgrades and 
specialist manpower services.

Saudi Arabia
The Group is reliant on the continued 
approval of export licences by a number 
of governments in order to continue supplies 
to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Following 
extensions being granted by the German 
government to a number of export licences 
on joint collaborative programmes, we are 
working closely with industry partners 
and the UK government to continue to 
fulfil the contractual support arrangements 
in Saudi Arabia on the key European 
collaboration programmes.

In June 2019, the Court of Appeal of England 
and Wales directed the Secretary of State 
for International Trade to revisit the decision-
making process for granting export licences 
for the sale of military equipment to the 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for possible use 
in the conflict in Yemen and to retake its 
decisions regarding such licences on that 
basis. The Company will assess the result 
of the retaking by the Secretary of State 
of such decisions, once they have been 
made. Pursuant to the Order of the Court, 
the Secretary of State undertook not to grant 
new licences for the export of arms or military 
equipment to Saudi Arabia for possible use 
in the conflict in Yemen until such decisions 
have been retaken. Both the Secretary of State 
and the other party to the proceedings have 
sought and obtained permission to appeal 
the Court’s ruling to the Supreme Court.

In March 2018, the UK and the Kingdom 
of Saudi Arabia signed a Memorandum of 
Intent for the supply of a further 48 Typhoon 
aircraft, support and transfer of technology 
and capability. This would enable BAE Systems 
to continue with the localisation of defence 
capabilities in Saudi Arabia. Final assembly of 
all 48 Typhoon aircraft would be in-Kingdom.

The business continues to perform against the 
contract secured in 2018 to provide Typhoon 
support services to the Royal Saudi Air Force 
through to 2022.

The Saudi British Defence Co-operation 
Programme five-year funding agreement 
through to 2021 comprises a number of 
contracts, including support to the Tornado 
fleet and provision of Officer and Aircrew 
Training for the Royal Saudi Air Force, as 
well as engineering and logistics services 
for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces. These 
services continue to progress well. Previous 
issues relating to the availability of the 
Hawk trainer aircraft have been addressed 
and the aircraft availability is now consistent 
with the contractual requirements.

Four Hawk aircraft assembled in-Kingdom 
have been accepted and entered service with 
the Royal Saudi Air Force in the year. The 
company has delivered all of the 22 major 
units to meet this final assembly programme.

Work continues to reorganise our portfolio of 
interests in a number of industrial companies 
in Saudi Arabia. Riyadh Wings Aviation 
Academy LLC increased its ownership in 
2019 to 23.5% in the Group’s Overhaul and 
Maintenance Company (OMC) subsidiary. 
Additionally during the year OMC disposed 
of its 85.7% shareholding in Aircraft 
Accessories and Components Company. 
Following OMC entering into a heads of 
terms for the sale of its 50% shareholding 
in Advanced Electronics Company to 
Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), 
negotiations are continuing and the 
transaction is expected to take place 
in the first half of 2020.

Through the restructuring of the Group’s 
portfolio of interests in its Kingdom of Saudi 
Arabia industrial companies, along with 
transformation activities to transfer local 
capability into these companies, we are 
working in partnership with SAMI to explore 
how we can collaborate to deliver further 
In-Kingdom Industrial Participation, in line 
with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. 

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Australia
The initial design and production readiness 
phase of the Hunter Class programme for 
the Royal Australian Navy continues to make 
progress, and the integration of ASC 
Shipbuilding into our Australian operations 
is progressing well. The first Integrated 
Baseline Review on the programme is 
expected to be completed in Q2 2020.

Progress continues on the Jindalee Operational 
Radar Network upgrade contract secured in 
2018 from the Commonwealth of Australia, 
with the System Requirements Review 
completed and the first tranche programme 
baseline under review. On the sustainment 
contract, support to the three radar sites 
continues to see all operational milestones 
being achieved to plan. 

Final acceptance of the Royal Australian 
Navy’s two Landing Helicopter Docks is 
expected to be in 2020. Responsibility 
for future support has now been fully 
transitioned to Naval Ship Management.

Progress on the sustainment and upgrade 
of the Anzac fleet under the Warship Asset 
Management Alliance continues with the first 
of class, HMAS Arunta, now deployed back to 
operations. The second vessel, HMAS Anzac, 
has now undocked.

The Hawk Mk127 Lead-In Fighter project 
did not meet all aircraft availability 
requirements for the year. The pilot training 
programme however, was for the most part 
not impacted. The upgrade of the Hawk 
fleet to meet the F-35 training requirements 
has been completed.

Sustainment activity continues for the regional 
F-35 fleet at our Williamtown facility, with 
13 aircraft now on base.

We were notified in September that we had 
been unsuccessful in our bid for the Land 400 
Phase 3 Combat Vehicle programme.

Our strategy in action

Pushing  
technological 
boundaries

As part of our strategy to develop breakthrough technologies, 
in 2019 we reached an agreement to acquire Prismatic Ltd.

We began an initial collaboration with Prismatic in April 2018 and since 
that time we have been working at pace to develop two 35-metre 
solar-powered Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) prototypes, various sensor 
payloads and operational concepts.
The PHASA-35® is a UAV with the potential to transform the Air and Space 
market as it offers a more affordable alternative to conventional satellite 
technology. The design intent is to enable a flight at 65,000 feet for up to 
a year through the use of long-life battery technology and ultra-lightweight 
solar cells.
The PHASA-35® successfully completed its maiden flight in February 2020.

18

Group strategic  
framework

More online 
baesystems.com

MBDA
During 2019, MBDA secured development 
contracts for Enhanced Modular Air Defence 
Solutions in Italy and for Enforcer missile 
systems in Germany. Further contracts 
for Meteor were secured for additional 
tranches in France and Germany, as well as 
an integration contract for the South Korean 
KF-X fighter aircraft. Other contract awards 
include ASRAAM for Typhoon in Oman and 
in Qatar (the latter having already ordered 
Meteor and Brimstone) and a number of 
key support contracts for both European 
domestic and international customers.

In June, the MBDA/Lockheed Martin joint 
venture submitted to the German customer 
the updated TLVS (Ground-Based Air Defence 
System) proposal.

Good progress has been made on a number 
of development programmes including: 
the next-generation MICA missile; Spear 
Capability 3; and Aster Block 1 New Technology. 
In addition, the Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon 
(the Anglo/French co-operation programme 
to replace Storm Shadow/Harpoon in the UK 
and SCALP/Exocet in France) has successfully 
achieved its concept review, an important 
step in the decision to launch the following 
phases of the programme. Progress has also 
continued on production programmes, 
notably MICA missile deliveries for a number 
of international customers.

Looking forward
Forward-looking information for the 
Air reporting segment is provided later 
in this report.

75

Segmental  
looking forward

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019

69

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsMaritime
Segmental review continued

Maritime comprises the Group’s 
UK‑based maritime and land activities.

Maritime programmes include the 
construction of the two Queen Elizabeth Class 
aircraft carriers, five River Class Offshore Patrol 
Vessels and seven Astute Class submarines 
for the Royal Navy, as well as the design 
and production of the Royal Navy’s future 
Dreadnought Class submarine and Type 26 
frigate. Additionally the Maritime portfolio 
includes in-service support, including the 
delivery of training services and management 
of HM Naval Base Portsmouth and the design 
and manufacture of combat systems, 
torpedoes and radars.

Land UK designs, develops and 
manufactures a comprehensive range 
of munitions products servicing its main 
customer, the UK Ministry of Defence, as 
well as international customers. In July 2019, 
the business formed a joint venture with 
Rheinmetall to create a joint UK-based 
military land vehicle design, manufacturing 
and support business. Land UK also develops 
and manufactures cased-telescoped weapons 
through its CTA International joint venture.

70

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019

Sales by domain

(%)

B

A

A Maritime

B Land

91%

9%

Sales by line of business

(%)

C

A

B

A Naval Ships

B Submarines

C Land UK

44%

47%

9%

Sales analysis: Platforms and services

(%)

B

A

Operational and strategic key points

–  HMS Prince of Wales vessel acceptance 

–  A £230m seven-year Torpedo Repair 

achieved in December.

and Maintenance contract was awarded.

–  Four River Class Offshore Patrol Vessels have 
now been accepted, with the programme 
on target for completion in 2020.

–  The UK combat vehicles joint venture 

between Rheinmetall and BAE Systems 
Land UK was launched on 1 July.

–  Construction commenced on second of the 
three contracted Type 26 frigates in August.

–  Construction of the first Dreadnought Class 

submarine continues to advance, with 
£1.4bn of funding received in the year.

–  Design requirements for the Canadian 
Surface Combatant are progressing 
towards finalisation with partners and 
the Royal Canadian Navy.

–  Sea trials for the fourth Astute Class 

submarine are due to take place in 2020.

Employees1

 16,300

Financial performance

Financial performance measures  
as defined by the Group

Financial performance  
measures defined in IFRS2

Sales

Underlying EBITA

Return on sales

Operating business 

cash flow

Order intake1

Order backlog1

KPI

KPI

KPI

KPI

2019

2018

£3,116m £2,975m

Revenue

£268m

£209m

Operating profit

8.6%

7.0%

Return on revenue

Cash flow from 

2019

2018

£3,071m £2,940m

£253m

8.2%

£191m

6.5%

£150m

£67m

operating activities

£289m

£190m

£2,875m £3,513m

£8.6bn

£9.0bn

–  Sales in the Maritime businesses were 
up 5%, ahead of guidance, at £3.1bn. 
Whilst the Dreadnought submarine and 
Type 26 programmes continue to ramp 
up, the Carrier and Offshore Patrol Vessel 
programmes are close to completion. 
Activity levels in Portsmouth Naval Base 
support remained strong through the year.

–  Return on sales was at 8.6%, within our 

guidance range.

–  The operating cash inflow of £150m 
reflects utilisation of the Naval Ships 
provision created last year and the 
completion of the Carrier programme.

–  Order backlog has reduced slightly to 

£8.6bn, with further awards for funding 
on the Dreadnought programme 
outweighed by trading on the Astute, 
Carrier and Type 26 programmes.

Sales

 £3,116m

A Platforms

B Services

69%

31%

06

Alternative performance 
measure definitions

1. Including share of equity accounted investments.
2. International Financial Reporting Standards.

71

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsBAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Maritime
Segmental review continued

Operational performance

Maritime
Naval Ships
The second Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft 
carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, departed Rosyth 
in September to undertake comprehensive 
sea trials before entering Portsmouth for the 
first time in November and being accepted 
in December. The first Queen Elizabeth Class 
aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, 
celebrated a significant milestone in October 
with the first UK F-35s landing on board for 
operational trials, with HMS Dragon, the 
BAE Systems-designed and manufactured 
Type 45 destroyer, escorting. 

Four of the five River Class Offshore Patrol 
Vessels have now been accepted by the 
Ministry of Defence and we are working 
to a schedule which would see programme 
completion in 2020.

The first three City Class Type 26 frigates are 
on contract with construction underway on 
the first two ships. The programme currently 
employs over 2,000 people and approximately 
one half of the First of Class, HMS Glasgow, is 
under construction and she remains on track 
to enter service in the mid-2020s. Work 
continues on the second ship, HMS Cardiff, 
following the formal start of full-scale 
manufacture in August. Investment in site 
infrastructure in our Glasgow shipyards 
continues with dock readiness works 
progressing well and new office space 
to be completed in early 2020.

Following the success of the Global Combat 
Ship design in Australia and Canada both 
programmes are gaining momentum as 
teams are mobilised. Work continues to 
transfer product and process knowledge, 
share experiences of complex operations 
and help to prepare the organisation in 
Australia for the transition of delivery 
responsibility. We are working closely with 
our partners and the Royal Canadian Navy 
to finalise the design requirements for the 
Canadian Surface Combatant. 

Submarines
BAE Systems is a member of the Dreadnought 
Alliance, working alongside the Submarine 
Delivery Agency and Rolls-Royce to deliver a 
replacement for the Royal Navy’s Vanguard 
class, which carries the UK’s independent 
nuclear deterrent. The value of the programme 
to the Company to date is £5.2bn, with 
contract funding of £1.4bn received in 2019. 
Four Dreadnought Class submarines will be 
built in Barrow, with the first of these due to 
be in operational service in the early 2030s. 
Construction of the first submarine continues 
to advance with many of the major pressure 
hull units now manufactured. The major 
programme of investment to redevelop 
the Barrow site to support the delivery of 
Dreadnought is well underway, with several 
of the new facilities now complete and 
in operation. 

The first three Astute Class submarines are 
in operational service with the Royal Navy. 
The remaining four boats are at an advanced 
stage of construction. The fourth boat, 
Audacious, is in the final stages of testing 
and commissioning ahead of sea trials. 

Maritime Services
Our Maritime Services business is responsible 
for management and maintenance of 
HM Naval Base Portsmouth and supports 
more than half of the Royal Navy’s surface 
fleet, including the Type 45 destroyers, 
through the Maritime Support Delivery 
Framework (MSDF) contract which runs 
to March 2020. An 18-month extension to 
MSDF is due to be finalised in March 2020. 
In November, HMS Prince of Wales arrived at 
HM Naval Base Portsmouth, her home port.

The company was awarded the Torpedo 
Repair and Maintenance contract. This 
seven-year contract is worth £230m and 
secured over 100 highly skilled jobs at the 
Broad Oak site in Portsmouth. 

Progress continued on the £270m Spearfish 
torpedo upgrade programme, with the 
demonstration phase forecast to complete 
in 2020.

The company was awarded four contracts to 
support the repair and maintenance of over 
600 small boats operated by the Royal Navy, 
the Royal Marines, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, 
the Army and the Ministry of Defence Police 
over a period of six and a half years.

Land UK
The munitions business continues to provide 
UK and international customers with a wide 
range of light and heavy munitions, as well 
as offering complementary support services 
for development, testing and evaluation. 
We continue to work with the UK Ministry 
of Defence to agree a replacement to the 
existing Munitions Acquisition Supply 
Solution partnering agreement.

In July 2019, following receipt of regulatory 
approvals, the business formed a joint venture 
with Rheinmetall, Rheinmetall BAE Systems 
Land (RBSL), to create a joint UK-based land 
vehicle design, manufacturing and support 
business. Rheinmetall purchased a 55% 
stake in the existing BAE Systems UK-based 
combat vehicles business for £31.5m with 
BAE Systems retaining 45%. This transaction 
did not include the Land UK munitions 
business or its holding in the CTA International 
joint venture with Nexter. 

The UK Ministry of Defence has now awarded 
the £2.3bn contract to provide the British 
Army with over 500 8x8 armoured vehicles. 
The contract was awarded to Artec GmbH, 
comprising Rheinmetall and Krauss-Maffei 
Wegmann. Rheinmetall will subcontract 
approximately half the production to RBSL 
which will undertake vehicle structure 
fabrication, assembly, integration and test 
of the vehicles at its Telford facility.

During the year, 95 40mm cased-telescopic 
cannons were delivered to the Ministry of 
Defence by CTA International, bringing 
cumulative deliveries to 370. This entirely 
new cannon design – currently being integrated 
in the British Army’s new Ajax and upgraded 
Warrior vehicles – has also been selected by 
the Belgian Army for its Jaguar vehicles. 

Looking forward
Forward-looking information for the 
Maritime reporting segment is provided 
later in this report.

75

Segmental  
looking forward

72

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Our strategy in action

Delivering  
next-generation 
naval capability

In November, HMS Prince of Wales, the 
second of two aircraft carriers designed and 
constructed for the Royal Navy, sailed into her 
home port of Portsmouth Naval Base for the 
first time, following the successful completion 
of her first stage sea trials nearly two weeks 
ahead of schedule.

It marked an important and proud milestone for everyone 
who has worked on the Queen Elizabeth Class programme 
across the UK. The ship’s arrival into Portsmouth represented 
the culmination of 16 years of work by the Aircraft Carrier 
Alliance – a unique alliancing relationship between 
BAE Systems, Babcock, Thales and the UK Ministry of 
Defence. More than 10,000 people across the UK have 
been involved in the programme to deliver the Queen 
Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers, with six British shipbuilding 
yards across the country playing a vital role in the ships’ 
design and construction.

18

Group strategic  
framework

More online 
baesystems.com

73

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsBAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Segmental 
looking forward

BAE Systems has five principal reporting segments, Electronic Systems, 
Cyber & Intelligence, Platforms & Services (US), Air and Maritime, which 
align with the strategic direction of the Group.

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 
financial security activities.

Intelligence & Security
The outlook for the US government services 
sector is stable, although market conditions 
remain highly competitive and continue 
to evolve. The US business remains well 
positioned and will continue to leverage its 
established market positions and reputation 
for reliable and adaptable performance to 
meet customer demands for innovative, 
cost-effective and cyber-hardened solutions 
to pursue both recompeted contracts and new 
business across its portfolio of sustainment, 
integration and modernisation solutions for 
military and intelligence customers. 

Applied Intelligence
The services and products we offer under 
our Government and Financial Services 
divisions are well placed to deliver growth 
and increased profitability, as cyber security 
becomes an increasingly important part 
of a nation’s security and a core element of 
stewardship for companies in a sophisticated 
and persistent threat environment.

2019 Sales1

E

D

A

C

B

A Electronic Systems

B Cyber & Intelligence

C Platforms & Services (US)

D Air

E Maritime

2019 Underlying EBITA2

E

A

D

B

C

A Electronic Systems

B Cyber & Intelligence

C Platforms & Services (US)

D Air

E Maritime

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, 
precision guidance and seeker 
solutions, next-generation military 
communications systems and 
data links, persistent surveillance 
capabilities and hybrid electric 
drive systems.

Electronic Systems is well positioned to 
address current and evolving US defence 
priority programmes from its strong franchise 
positions in electronic warfare, precision 
guidance and seeker solutions. Electronic 
Systems has a long-standing programme of 
research and development. Its focus remains 
on maintaining a diverse portfolio of defence 
and commercial products and capabilities 
for US and international customers.

The business expects to benefit from its 
ability to apply innovative technology solutions 
that meet defence customers’ changing 
requirements. As a result, the business is 
well positioned for the medium term with 
strong significant roles on F-35 Lightning II, 
F-15 upgrade and classified programmes, 
as well as with specific products such as 
APKWS®. Over the longer term, the business 
is poised to leverage its technology strength 
in emerging areas of demand such as precision 
weaponry, space resilience, hyper-velocity 
and autonomous vehicles. In the commercial 
aviation market, Electronic Systems’ 
technology innovations are enabling the 
business to maintain its long-standing 
customer positions and to compete for, 
and win, new business and with our electric 
hybrid propulsion capability we are well 
placed to continue to address the need 
for low and zero emission technology.

22%

9%

17%

37%

15%

31%

4%

12%

40%

13%

1.  Revenue plus the Group’s share of revenue 

of equity accounted investments.

2.  Operating profit excluding amortisation and 

impairment of intangible assets, finance costs and 
taxation expense of equity accounted investments 
(EBITA), and non-recurring items.

74

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Platforms & Services (US), with 
operations in the US, UK and 
Sweden, manufactures combat 
vehicles, weapons and munitions, 
and delivers services and 
sustainment activities, including 
naval ship repair, and the 
management and operation 
of government-owned 
munitions facilities.

Combat Vehicles is underpinned by a 
growing order backlog and incumbencies 
on key franchise programmes. These include 
the US Army’s Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle, 
M109A7 self-propelled howitzer, Bradley 
upgrade programmes, Amphibious Combat 
Vehicle, M88, as well as the CV90 and 
BvS10 export programmes from BAE Systems 
Hägglunds. FNSS continues to execute on its 
order book of both Turkish and international 
orders. These long-term contracts and franchise 
positions make the combat vehicles business 
well placed for growth in the medium term. 
The team is working on, and is closely 
following, the US Army’s acquisition plans 
for its next generation of combat vehicles, 
in particular the mobile protected firepower 
and robotic combat vehicle programmes. 

In the maritime domain, the sector has a 
strong position on naval gun programmes 
and US Navy ship repair activities where 
the business has invested in facilities in key 
homeports. This capitalised infrastructure 
represents a high barrier to entry, and the 
business remains well aligned to the US Navy’s 
operational strategy. The Group remains a 
leading provider of gun systems and precision 
strike capabilities and, in the complex 
ordnance manufacturing business, continues 
to manage and operate the US Army’s 
Radford and Holston munitions facilities 
under previously awarded contracts.

Air comprises the Group’s UK-based 
air activities for European and 
International Markets, and US 
Programmes, and its businesses 
in Saudi Arabia and Australia, 
together with its 37.5% interest in 
the European MBDA joint venture.

Future Typhoon production and support 
sales are underpinned by existing contracts. 
Discussions continue in relation to potential 
further contract awards for Typhoon which 
would extend current production revenues. 
Production of rear fuselage assemblies for the 
F-35 will increase in 2020 to reach its expected 
peak rate for the decade. The business plays 
a significant role in the F-35 sustainment 
programme, and revenues are set to grow 
as the number of aircraft deployed increases 
over the coming years. Defence and security 
remain priorities for the UK government. 
The UK Combat Air Strategy provides the base 
to enable long-term planning and investment 
in a key strategic part of the business.

In Saudi Arabia, the In-Kingdom Industrial 
Participation programme continues to make 
good progress consistent with our long-term 
strategy, as well as the Saudi Arabian 
government’s National Transformation Plan 
and Vision 2030. In order to provide ongoing 
capability to international customers, the 
Group is reliant on the continued approval 
of export licences by a number of governments. 
The withholding of such export licences 
may have an adverse effect on the Group’s 
provision of capability to the Kingdom of 
Saudi Arabia and the Group will seek to work 
closely with the UK government to manage 
the impact of any such occurrence.

The Australian business has long-term 
sustainment and upgrade activities in maritime, 
air, wide-area surveillance, missile defence and 
electronic systems. The Hunter Class frigate 
programme is expected to drive growth in 
the coming years.

MBDA has a strong order book which is 
driving increasing production and sales. 
Development programmes continue to improve 
the long-term capabilities of the business, and 
as European nations embark on new combat 
air systems development, MBDA will be well 
placed to provide the technologies and system 
solutions required to deliver efficient and 
competitive armaments to these platforms.

06

20

Alternative performance 
measure definitions

Our 
markets

Maritime comprises the 
Group’s UK-based maritime 
and land activities.

Overall the outlook is stable based on 
long-term contracted positions. Within 
Submarines, the business is executing the 
Astute Class programme, with four boats still 
in build. On the Dreadnought programme 
manufacturing activities continue on the 
first of class boat. Investment continues 
in the Barrow facilities in order to provide 
the capabilities to deliver these long-term 
programmes through the next decade 
and beyond. In shipbuilding, following 
the completion of the two aircraft carriers, 
sales are underpinned by the manufacture 
of Type 26 frigates. The through-life 
support of surface ship platforms provides 
a sustainable business in technical services 
and mid-life upgrades. 

Land UK
Future work will be underpinned by 
existing support contracts and the expected 
workshare on the Mechanised Infantry 
Vehicle programme.

Munitions supply continues under the 
Munitions Acquisition Supply Solution 
partnering agreement secured in 2008.

75

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsBAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019How we  
manage risk

Effective management of risks 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 
the Group 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:

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 Risk Management Policy is 
set out in the Operational Framework, the 
Group’s detailed governance framework.

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 resources, 
intellectual and physical property, and 
financial resources, through an effective risk 
management process, underpinned where 
appropriate by insurance.

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 
processes are that risks are monitored 
continuously, associated action plans reviewed, 
appropriate contingencies provisioned and 
this information reported through established 
management control procedures.

76

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 
2019 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 and Group functions 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 and Group 
functions. 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. These key risks are reported 
to the Board on a regular basis.

Principal and emerging risks
The Board has carried out a robust assessment 
of the emerging and principal risks facing the 
Group. Emerging and principal risks have been 
identified, and are managed or mitigated, 
through the application of the policies and 
processes outlined above.

Principal risks include those that would 
threaten the Group’s business model, future 
performance, solvency, liquidity or reputation. 
Risks have been identified as principal based 
on the likelihood of occurrence, the potential 
impact on the Group and the timescale over 
which they might occur. The principal risks, 
together with details of how they are being 
mitigated and managed, are detailed on 
pages 78 to 81. 

78

Our 
principal risks

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Risk management framework

Board – Overall responsibility for risk management

Risk challenge, monitoring and reporting

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

Corporate Responsibility Committee
Non-financial Risk Register

Risk challenge, monitoring and reporting

Risk challenge, monitoring and reporting

Risk challenge, monitoring and reporting

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

Risk challenge, monitoring and reporting

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

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

Strategic objectives and shareholder value

Project objectives and financial return

Business Risk
Risk Management Policy – Mandated Policy*

Project Risk
Lifecycle Management Framework – Mandated Policy*

Identification
Financial and non-financial risks  
recorded in risk registers

Identification
Financial and non-financial risks  
recorded in risk registers

04

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

01

03

Analysis
Risks analysed 
for impact 
and probability 
to determine 
gross exposure

02

04

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

01

03

Analysis
Risks analysed 
for impact 
and probability 
to determine 
gross exposure

02

Evaluation
Risk exposure reviewed  
and risks prioritised

Evaluation
Risk exposure reviewed  
and risks prioritised

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

Lifecycle Management Project Performance Review*
Regular management review of project performance and issues 
to ensure that appropriate decisions and actions are taken

Audit Review Board
Assurance of the Business and Project Risk management processes as mandated in  
the Audit Charter. Including Operational and Non-financial Risk Management assurance

*As defined in the Group’s Operational Framework.

84

Operational 
Framework

77

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsBAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Our  
principal risks

Risks are identified 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.

Description

Impact

Mitigation

Defence spending
The Group is dependent on defence spending.

In 2019, 92% of the Group’s sales were defence-related.

Defence spending by governments can fluctuate depending 
on change of government policy, other 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 UK.

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

Government customers
The Group’s largest customers are governments.

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 
US, UK 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. 
Governments also from time to time review their terms of trade 
and underlying policies and seek to impose such new terms 
and policies when entering into new contracts.

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.

78

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.

The business is geographically spread across US, UK 
and international defence markets:
–  in the US, in July 2019 a two-year budget agreement 
was signed to lift the deficit ceiling and budget caps. 
The fiscal year 2020 appropriations bill was passed 
in December, closing out the Continuing Resolution. 
The fiscal year 2020 measure and the currently established 
fiscal year 2021 defence spending cap continue to 
demonstrate strong bi-partisan support for defence, 
and maintains support for our medium-term planning 
assumptions and positive momentum for military 
readiness and modernisation programmes;

–  in the UK, defence and security remains a priority for the 
UK government. The UK government recently stated its 
commitment to uphold the NATO commitment to spend 
at least 2% of Gross Domestic Product on defence, and 
to increase the defence budget by at least 0.5% above 
inflation, in every year of the current Parliament. The 
government is also expected to launch an Integrated 
Foreign Policy, Defence and Security Review during 
the course of 2020;

–  in Saudi Arabia, regional tensions continue to dictate 

that defence remains a high priority; and

–  in Australia, regional instability and the rapid pace 

of military modernisation and technology advancement 
in the Asia-Pacific region continue to drive the 
government’s commitment to defence spending, 
with major recapitalisation programmes underway 
in the air, maritime and land domains. The government 
has indicated its intent to grow defence spending by 
committing to spend 2% of GDP by 2020/21.

The diverse product and services portfolio is marketed 
across a range of defence markets. BAE Systems benefits 
from a large order backlog, with established positions 
on long-term programmes in the US, UK, Saudi Arabia 
and Australia.

BAE Systems has a portfolio of commercial businesses, 
including commercial avionics.

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.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Description

Impact

Mitigation

International markets
The Group operates in international markets.

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

The risks of operating in some countries include: social and 
political changes impacting the business environment; 
economic downturns, political instability and civil disturbances; 
the imposition of restraints on the movement of capital; the 
introduction of burdensome taxes or tariffs; change of export 
control and other government policy and regulations in the UK, 
US and all other relevant jurisdictions; and the inability to obtain 
or maintain the necessary export licences.

In June 2019, the Court of Appeal of England and Wales directed 
the United Kingdom Secretary of State for International Trade to 
revisit the decision-making process for granting licences for the 
sale of military equipment to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for 
possible use in the conflict in Yemen and to retake its decisions 
regarding such licences on that basis. BAE Systems will assess the 
result of the retaking by the Secretary of State of such decisions, 
once they have been made. Pursuant to the Order of the Court, 
the Secretary of State undertook not to grant new licences for 
the export of arms or military equipment to Saudi Arabia for 
possible use in the conflict in Yemen until such decisions have 
been retaken. Both the Secretary of State and the other party to 
the proceedings have sought and obtained permission to appeal 
the Court’s ruling to the Supreme Court.

The Group is exposed to volatility arising from movements in 
currency exchange rates, particularly in respect of the US dollar, 
euro, Saudi riyal and Australian dollar. There has been volatility 
in currency exchange rates in the period since the EU referendum 
in the UK.

The terms of the UK’s relationship with the EU after the end 
of the transition phase on 31 December 2020 are currently 
uncertain, rendering it difficult for the Group to prepare in 
detail for the changes in the regulatory environment that are 
likely to apply beyond the transition phase. 

There is also a risk that, as a result of the UK leaving the EU, 
the Group’s ability to take part in collaborative industrial 
programmes in Europe could encounter new EU barriers.

The occurrence of any 
such events could have a 
material adverse effect on 
the Group’s future results 
and financial condition. 
The risk of the Group’s 
inability to obtain and 
maintain the necessary 
export licences for our 
business in Saudi Arabia 
could affect the Group’s 
provision of capability 
to the country.

The Group has a balanced portfolio of businesses across 
a number of markets internationally. The Group benefits 
from a large order backlog, with established positions 
on long-term programmes in the US, UK, Saudi Arabia 
and Australia.

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.

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

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

BAE Systems benefits from 
a large order backlog with 
established positions on 
long-term programmes in 
the US, UK, Saudi Arabia 
and Australia and there is 
relatively limited UK-EU 
trading. In respect of people, 
the majority of persons 
employed in the UK are UK 
nationals, with only limited 
movement of EU nationals 
into and out of the Group’s 
UK businesses. Accordingly, 
the resulting Brexit near-term 
impacts across the business 
are likely to be limited. 

The UK’s departure from the EU with a Withdrawal 
Agreement and entry into a transition phase has materially 
reduced the risk of an immediate change in trading 
arrangements with the EU. The planning that the Group 
undertook for a potential no-deal Brexit will help to inform 
our preparations for the possible range of outcomes 
following the end of the transition phase, including but 
not limited to customs procedures, export controls, and 
the use of speciality chemicals, which is currently authorised 
by an EU agency.

Separately, BAE Systems will support the UK government 
in achieving its aim to ensure that the UK maintains its 
key role in European security and defence post-Brexit, 
and to strengthen bilateral relationships with key partners 
in Europe. This will be important for ongoing collaboration 
in the development of defence capabilities.

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

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 
US and UK.

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

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 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.

79

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsBAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Our principal risks 
continued

Description

Impact

Mitigation

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

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.

BAE Systems has a well-established legal and regulatory 
compliance structure aimed at ensuring adherence to regulatory 
requirements and identifying 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.

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

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

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

In 2019, 46% of the Group’s sales were generated 
by its 15 largest programmes. At 31 December 
2019, 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.

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.

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

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.

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

A leadership development programme for project directors 
continues to be deployed across the Group, covering the 
leadership competencies required to manage complex projects 
containing significant levels of risk and uncertainty.

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.

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.

80

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Description

Impact

Mitigation

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

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 funding deficits may be adversely affected by 
changes in a number of factors, including investment 
returns and members’ anticipated longevity.

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.

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

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.

In the UK, new employees have been offered membership of 
defined contribution rather than defined benefit schemes since 
April 2012 and, in the US, employees have not accrued salary- 
related benefits in defined benefit schemes since January 2013.

In October 2019 the assets and liabilities of six of the Group’s 
pension schemes were consolidated into a single scheme. 
This was carried out to drive long-term efficiencies. Following 
the merger, the Company and Trustees agreed to carry out 
an early triennial funding valuation as at 31 October 2019. 
In February 2020 that valuation and deficit recovery plan were 
agreed with the Trustees after consultation with The Pensions 
Regulator in the UK. The funding deficit as at 31 October 2019 
was £1.9bn. As part of the valuation agreement, the Company 
has agreed to pay £1bn into the Scheme in the coming months, 
representing an advancement of £1bn of deficit contributions 
due between 2022 and 2026.

The next UK triennial funding valuations for the other smaller 
UK pension schemes will be carried out as at 31 March 2020. 
The latest update shows that these schemes remain in surplus.

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

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

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.

The Group’s business plan is targeting an 
increasing level of business in international export 
markets outside the US and UK. It is important 
that the Group recruits and retains management 
with the necessary international skills and 
experience in the relevant jurisdictions.

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

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.

Acquisitions
The anticipated benefits of acquisitions may not be achieved.

BAE Systems considers investment in value-
enhancing acquisitions where market conditions 
are right and where they deliver on its strategy. 
Whether BAE Systems realises the anticipated 
benefits from these transactions depends upon the 
successful integration of the acquired businesses 
as well as their post-acquisition performance in 
the markets in which they operate.

The diversion of management 
attention to integration efforts 
and the performance of the acquired 
businesses below expectations 
could adversely affect BAE Systems’ 
business and create the risk of 
impairments arising on goodwill 
and other intangible assets.

The Group has established policies in place to manage the 
acquisition process, monitor the integration and performance 
of acquired businesses, and identify potential impairments.

The risk entitled ‘The anticipated benefits of acquisitions may not be achieved’ is a new risk included in this year’s report as a result of the proposed acquisitions 
by the Group for a total estimated $2.2bn of Collins Aerospace’s Military Global Positioning System business and Raytheon’s Airborne Tactical Radios business. 
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 19 February 2020.
David Parkes
Company Secretary

81

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsBAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Chairman’s 
governance letter

The Board, of course, is supplemented by 
Committees which provide a more granular 
engagement in all aspects of oversight and 
governance from Remuneration to Audit to 
Nominations and to Corporate Responsibility. 
The tone at the top sets the standards of good 
governance and behaviour that flow through 
the organisation. I am therefore confident that 
these Committees and the Board as a whole 
function effectively as guardians of good 
corporate discipline, rigour and behaviour.

Board leadership
The first principle in the UK Corporate 
Governance Code deals with a board leading 
a company, and, in doing so, promoting its 
long-term sustainable success for shareholders 
and also contributing to wider society. Good 
strategy and business planning underpin 
long-term success, and for two days last 
November the Board undertook a detailed 
review of these matters. We looked at the 
global defence, aerospace and security 
markets, and at the opportunities we have to 
grow the business. The Board also considered 
the need to invest in the future, recognising 
that well-focused investment is vital to the 
long-term success of the Company – whether 
that is in R&D, people and skills or acquiring 
complementary businesses. One of the 
priorities we confirmed during these discussions 
was the strategic priority of investing in the 
future of our US Electronic Systems business. 
These discussions meant that we were well 
placed to react when the opportunity arose 
shortly afterwards to acquire two high-quality 
complementary businesses that became 
available at short notice.

In addition to investing for the future, the 
long-term sustainable success of a company 
must be based on a well-developed 
understanding of the risks that could affect 
a business and the steps that can be taken 
to mitigate them. As part of last November’s 
Strategy Review, the Board looked at the 
business plan for the next five years, and 
also considered the principal risks that could 
impact the Company during this period and 
the resources available to sustain the Company 
should one or more of these risks impact our 
business. This work was an essential part of 
the analysis behind the statement we make 
on page 89 regarding the prospects of the 
Company and its ability to meet its liabilities 
as they fall due over the five-year period of 
our business plan. 

The less tangible matters of company culture 
and values are equally as important to the 
long-term sustainable success of the company. 
At the heart of our culture, our behaviours 
are essential in ensuring that our employees 
have the right approach when it comes to 
developing the business and delivering for 
our customers and other stakeholders. It is 
also fundamental to maintaining a reputation 

for high standards of conduct and thereby 
retaining the trust of our customers and 
wider society. 

During the year, the Board discussed culture 
with the Chief Executive and he shared with 
directors the work being done to clearly define 
behaviours to ensure we focus on performance, 
not just in terms of what we do, but how we 
do it. The Board will continue to be vigilant in 
monitoring our culture, values and how these 
behaviours are embedded across the 
company. We will also look at the steps taken 
to ensure we continue to have meaningful 
engagement with our workforce.

To keep a check and balance on Board 
activity we conduct a thorough Board 
evaluation annually and secure the services 
of a professional external adviser every 
other year to ensure independence of 
mind and judgement. Confidential interviews 
are conducted with each Board member, 
and comments and views are consolidated 
into a formal report that is shared with the 
Board. Recommendations for change and 
improvement are given, adopted where 
appropriate, and implemented and monitored 
through the year.

The Board remains enthusiastic about the 
evaluation process and the value that it brings 
to improving performance. Following this 
year’s evaluation we have agreed a number 
of objectives, including spending more time 
considering culture and purpose, doing more 
on stakeholder engagement and reviewing 
how we consider strategy beyond our normal 
five-year planning period. I have included more 
details of the evaluation in my Nominations 
Committee report on pages 99 to 101.

Shareholders
We have a professional and well-respected 
Investor Relations team who provide day-to-
day contact with investors. Senior executives, 
including the Chief Executive, Group Finance 
Director and the Chief Executive Officer of our 
US business, supplement this relationship with 
regular meetings in the year. As Chairman, 
I visit many of our major shareholders in the 
course of the year as does the Chair of our 
Remuneration Committee.

In concert with our one-to-one visits, we also 
hold an annual shareholder forum specifically 
focused on non-financial matters, in order that 
shareholders can interrogate non-executives 
on culture, governance, committee work 
and environmental management.

The AGM also provides a forum for robust 
debate on the purpose and performance of 
our company.

I believe the combination of all these 
interactions gives a valuable, transparent 
insight into what we do, how we do it and the 
requirements that shareholders may have as to 
how we can and should do it more effectively.

Contents
Chairman’s governance letter 

Board governance 

Board of directors 

Board information 

Governance disclosures 

Audit Committee report 

Corporate Responsibility  
Committee report 

Nominations Committee report 

82

84

86

88

89

91

95

99

Remuneration Committee report 

102

Dear Shareholders,
As outlined in my Opening Letter, the 
Board has consistently believed that being 
performance driven, but values led, captures 
the ethos and culture of our business.

During the course of the year there is 
no doubt that stakeholder interest in the 
environment, society and governance has 
moved up the corporate agenda. These topics 
now rightly sit alongside financial performance 
as important measures for assessing the 
quality of management, sustainability of the 
business model and commitment of the 
Company to the wider community.

In order to give an insight into our actions 
that seek to demonstrate our commitment 
to these important issues, the following is an 
outline of our Board leadership, stakeholder 
engagement, environmental management 
and community support.

An overview of our governance processes 
and procedures is given on pages 84 and 85, 
also on pages 28 to 33, where the Board has 
provided its report on how the Directors have 
discharged their duties under Section 172 of 
the Companies Act. The skills and composition 
of the Board are provided in detail in my 
report on the Nominations Committee on 
pages 99 to 101.

82

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Employees
We also considered wider stakeholder 
engagement during the year, and engagement 
with employees in particular. In 2018, 
the Board considered the new provision 
in the Code requiring boards to establish a 
mechanism through which they can engage 
with their workforce. We agreed that this 
responsibility should rest with our Corporate 
Responsibility Committee. On pages 95 to 98 
the Chairman of that Committee, Ian Tyler, 
has reported on how this responsibility was 
discharged during the year. One example of 
which was him joining our Chief Executive 
in meeting with our principal UK trade unions 
at half-yearly intervals for an open, constructive 
and transparent discussion about the business 
in general and any matters of specific 
interest to employees. These discussions 
have consistently proved to be a strong 
and effective communication channel with 
all parties benefiting from the dialogue.

Throughout the year visits are made by 
myself as Chairman and other non-executive 
members of the Board, both as a group 
and as individuals, looking to develop their 
understanding of the Company. In 2019, 
the Board visited our US Electronic Systems 
business in Endicott and the Submarines 
business in Barrow-in-Furness. Town Hall 
meetings conducted during these visits 
showed a positive level of engagement and 
a willingness to ask challenging questions in 
the spirit of constructive interest. These visits 
highlighted the duties we have reported on 
in our Section 172 report (see pages 28 to 33). 
They emphasised the importance of investing 
for the long-term in people, technology and 
facilities, and how this supports a range of 
stakeholders. In Barrow we met with 
apprentices at the start of their careers and 
heard how they are benefiting from our 
investment in skills and training, and in Endicott 
we met with employees whose technical 
know-how and innovation are essential to the 
future of the business. Through such visits we 
also develop our customer knowledge further 
and appreciate our commitments to them and 
the end-users of our products. We are also 
able to witness at first-hand the mutually 
beneficial relationship we have with local 
communities and wider society. 

In addition to visits, regular podcasts are 
produced with the Chief Executive and Group 
Finance Director, along with many other forms 
of communication, including the launch of an 
employee app, to ensure that everyone is kept 
up-to-date on our progress and performance. 

Acknowledging a job well done is a feature of 
employee engagement. The Chairman’s Gold 
Awards recognise outstanding achievements 
at all levels in the Group with awards given 
at executive level and an annual Gold Award 
ceremony for the outright worldwide winners. 

This award is enthusiastically supported and 
encourages stretch performance, strong 
corporate engagement and celebrates 
remarkable endeavour. It is an important and 
valued event in the corporate calendar with 
award certificates proudly displayed in our 
business locations throughout the world.

Customers
Building and managing close, transparent 
and mutually beneficial working relationships 
is at the heart of our business model requiring 
regular contact with government, senior 
officials, the military and commercial executives 
across the globe. In addition to day-to-day 
involvement with myself, the Chief Executive 
and other members of the executive team, 
Board members are encouraged to attend 
armed forces’ celebratory events, BAE Systems 
corporate customer evenings and conduct 
open conversation with senior military leaders 
as guests at a Board dinner.

I believe this mix of formal and informal 
dialogue continues to provide a valuable 
exchange of views and a deeper sense 
of engagement with our customers across 
the world.

Suppliers
The senior leadership team in our supply 
chain management have made material 
progress in building and strengthening a 
professional and commercially beneficial 
relationship with our suppliers over the 
course of a number of years.

We regard our supply chain as partners 
and believe that sharing knowledge 
and views on best practice will improve 
productivity and quality for the benefit of 
all. As a leading member of ‘Be the Business’, 
an independent body of like-minded major 
UK companies, we have constructed a 
productivity improvement programme 
involving formal training at Lancaster 
University and insights into BAE Systems’ 
methods and technology for our SME 
suppliers through open house site visits.

This has proved to be a considerable 
success for all parties.

Community
As a Company we have a deep commitment 
to supporting the community in which we 
work and the needs of the military personnel 
we serve.

This commitment is reflected through 
the engagement of employees in local 
charities; the donations we make to 
worthy and relevant causes, and the 
flagship investments we make in projects 
like the Defence and National Rehabilitation 
Centre in Nottinghamshire where our 
support is reflected and acknowledged 
in The BAE Systems Performance 
Maximization Centre.

As Chairman, I have the privilege to be 
Vice-President of the Royal Navy and Royal 
Marines Charity. The RAF Benevolent Fund 
also receives our sponsorship at the Royal 
International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford 
each year.

By making contributions large and small, we 
seek to ensure that we continue to remember 
to serve those that protect and serve us.

The environment
The scale of global climate change is becoming 
increasingly evident and the importance of 
caring for our environment and mitigating 
natural disasters becomes an essential rather 
than optional business priority. To that end, 
over the last five years, we have reduced total 
carbon emissions by 15%. This is a result of 
various factors, including site and operational 
improvements. However, we know we must 
continue to reduce carbon and we are 
investing in technologies and setting targets 
to help achieve this. 

The majority of our greenhouse gas 
emissions come from the energy we use 
across our facilities. Therefore, our focus is 
on making our facilities more efficient and 
using electricity from lower-emission sources. 
To date, we have set energy targets 
at business level but in 2020 we will also 
establish a global target for the Company. 

The Task Force on Climate-related Financial 
Disclosures (TCFD) was set up to develop 
recommendations to help companies and 
other organisations disclose clear, comparable 
and consistent information about the risks 
and opportunities presented by climate 
change. We are supportive of the move 
to improve the coherence and consistency 
of disclosures in this area, and are working 
towards reporting our commitments on 
climate-related matters in line with the 
TCFD recommendations by 2022. 

The Board and Corporate Responsibility 
Committee will continue to oversee activity 
in this area and ensure that we are robust in 
our approach to reducing carbon emissions 
and other environmental impacts.

Sir Roger Carr
Chairman

83

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsThe Operational 
Framework sets out 
how we do business 
across BAE Systems, and 
encapsulates our values, 
policies and processes, 
together with clear levels 
of delegated responsibility 
aimed at ensuring that 
all of our employees 
and businesses act in a 
clear, accountable and 
consistent manner. It is 
reviewed and approved 
annually by the Board.

Board  
governance

This is the structure through which we manage the Company. 
It has evolved over time, and continues to evolve to meet the 
needs of the business and our stakeholder responsibilities.

Shareholders

Board

The Company has 
approximately 100,000 
individual, corporate and 
employee shareholders.

Annual General Meeting
Shareholders vote on key 
governance matters, including 
the re-election of directors, 
their remuneration, the 
payment of dividends and the 
appointment of the auditor.

Shareholder relations
The Chief Executive and 
Group Finance Director 
meet the Company’s principal 
shareholders on a regular 
basis. Separately, the Chairman 
maintains regular contact 
with the Company’s principal 
shareholders on governance 
matters and ensures that 
all directors are aware of 
their views.

84

The Board consists of executive and 
independent non-executive directors, plus a 
non-executive chairman who was independent 
in accordance with the UK Corporate 
Governance Code on his appointment.

Oversight of 
performance 
and compliance 
with Operational 
Governance

The non-executive directors provide 
constructive challenge, strategic guidance, 
offer specialist advice and hold management 
to account. In addition, they set the 
remuneration of the executive directors 
and oversee Board succession planning.

Chairman
Leads the Board and is responsible for its 
overall effectiveness in directing the Company. 
Also facilitates constructive board relations and 
the effective contribution of all non-executive 
directors, and ensures that directors receive 
accurate, timely and clear information.

Chief Executive
Responsible for the implementation and delivery 
of the strategy agreed by the Board.

Senior Independent Director
Acts as a sounding board for the Chairman and 
acts as an intermediary for the other directors 
as necessary.

Company Secretary
Supports the Board by ensuring that it has 
the policies, processes, information, time 
and resources it needs in order to function 
effectively and efficiently.

Board committees

The membership of the principal board committees (see below) 
solely comprises non-executive directors. They provide leadership, 
scrutiny and oversight over key governance areas.

91

95

99

Audit Committee

Corporate Responsibility 
Committee

Nominations 
Committee

102

Remuneration 
Committee

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Operational governance

How we work
The Operational Framework sets out the principles of good 
governance which, together with our culture, guide our work 
and behaviour in support of the strategy set in our Group 
strategic framework (see page 18). Here we set out the values 
that we ask all our employees to demonstrate in their day-to-day 
work, wherever they are in the world.

Organisation
From the Board downwards, we set out how we are organised 
and the responsibilities of the Board, the Chairman, the Chief 
Executive, the Executive Committee, our Functional Councils 
(such as Engineering, Human Resources and Procurement) and 
the senior executives charged with running our businesses.

Governance
The UK Corporate Governance Code’s (the Code) principles are embedded in the Operational Framework, and its policies 
and processes underpin all the disclosures made by the Board pursuant to the Code’s provisions.

How we conduct our business is fundamental to the success of BAE Systems. The Operational Framework sets out our 
approach and the standards to which we adhere. It includes the following:

Code of Conduct
Lays out the standards 
that are expected of 
each of us, to support 
us in doing the right 
thing. All employees 
receive annual training 
designed to stimulate 
conversations 
about ethical 
decision-making.

Responsible Trading 
Principles
We do not 
compromise on the 
way we do business 
and here we mandate 
a principles-based 
approach to our 
business activity.

Internal controls
Provide assurance 
regarding:
–  the reliability 
and integrity 
of information;
–  compliance with 

policies, processes, 
laws, regulations 
and contracts;
–  the safeguarding 
of assets and 
protection against 
fraud; and 

–  the economical 

and efficient use 
of resources.

Risk framework
This is how we 
identify, analyse, 
evaluate and mitigate 
risk (see page 77).

Workplace 
and operational 
environment
This covers how we 
expect our people 
to be managed and 
the obligations placed 
on us all concerning 
avoiding conflicts of 
interest, anti-bribery, 
and managing the 
security of our people, 
information and 
other assets.

Delegated 
authorities
As part of a robust 
system of internal 
controls, the Board 
has delegated 
certain authorities 
to executive 
management. 
Delegation is subject 
to financial limits and 
other restrictions, 
above which matters 
must be referred 
to the Board.

Operational Assurance Statement (OAS)
This key governance process requires that a return is completed every six months by each operational and functional business 
head, reporting their formal view against such matters as compliance with law and regulation, 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. There is a separate OAS process for our joint ventures. 
Our Internal Audit function owns the OAS process. It is managed independently from management functions. The Internal 
Audit Director reports functionally to the Audit Committee and, for day-to-day operations, to the Chief Executive.

Core business processes
These core business processes are mandated by the Operational Framework and designed to ensure consistent planning, 
reporting and review of business performance across all businesses:

IBP 
(Integrated Business Planning)
Creates an agreed five-year business 
plan and robust strategy against 
which performance is monitored 
through our Performance 
Management Process.

LCM 
(Lifecycle Management Policy)
How we plan and manage the 
execution of all projects above 
a certain minimum level, providing 
decision gate reviews at key 
stages from initial opportunity 
to final closure.

M&A 
(Mergers & Acquisitions Policy)
A structured approach to mergers, 
acquisitions and disposals.

Leadership Framework
Supports the development of a 
diverse and inclusive culture that 
delivers the Company strategy. 
Provides a principled approach to 
employee performance, assessment, 
development and reward.

18

Group strategic 
framework

85

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsBoard of  
directors

A

Sir Roger Carr 
Chairman

B

Charles Woodburn 
Chief Executive

C

Peter Lynas 
Group Finance Director

D

Jerry DeMuro Chief Executive 
Officer of BAE Systems, Inc.

E

Revathi Advaithi 
Non-executive director

F

Dame Elizabeth Corley CBE 
Non-executive director

G

Chris Grigg 
Non-executive director

H

Stephen Pearce 
Non-executive director

I

Nicole Piasecki 
Non-executive director

J

Paula Rosput Reynolds 
Non-executive director

K

Nick Rose Non-executive director 
and Senior Independent Director

L

Ian Tyler 
Non-executive director

86

A  Sir Roger Carr Chairman
Appointed to the Board: 2013  Nationality: UK
Skills, competence and experience 
Having joined the Board in 2013, Sir Roger was 
appointed Chairman in 2014. He is an experienced 
company chairman with a wealth of knowledge 
gained across a number of business sectors. With 
over two decades of boardroom experience, Sir Roger 
has a deep understanding of corporate governance 
and what is required to lead an effective board.
Sir Roger is a Senior Advisor to KKR and Chairman 
of the English National Ballet. In 2018, he was 
appointed as co-chair of the Industrial Infrastructure 
and Manufacturing Council, an advisory council 
to the Prime Minister. He was also appointed as 
Vice President of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines 
Charity in September 2018.
He has previously held a number of senior 
appointments including Chairman of Centrica plc, 
Vice Chairman of the BBC Trust, Deputy Chairman and 
Senior Independent Director of the Court of the Bank 
of England, President of the Confederation of British 
Industry, Chairman of Cadbury plc, Chairman of Chubb 
plc, Chairman of Mitchells & Butlers plc, Chairman of 
Thames Water plc and Chief Executive of Williams plc. 
Throughout his career he has served on a number 
of external committees including the Prime Minister’s 
Business Advisory Group, the Manufacturing Council 
of the CBI, The Higgs Committee on Corporate 
Governance and Business for New Europe. He is a 
Fellow of the Royal Society for the encouragement 
of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, a Companion 
of the Institute of Management, and an Honorary 
Fellow of the Chartered Governance Institute. He is 
also a Visiting Fellow of Saïd Business School, University 
of Oxford and holds an Honorary Doctorate in Business 
from Nottingham Trent University.
He was knighted for Services to Business in the 
Queen’s New Year’s Honours list 2011.
Other non-executive appointments 
None.
Committee membership 
Chairman of the Nominations Committee.

B  Charles Woodburn Chief Executive
Appointed to the Board: 2016  Nationality: UK
Skills, competence and experience 
Charles joined BAE Systems in May 2016 as Chief 
Operating Officer and became Chief Executive on 
1 July 2017. Prior to joining the Company, he spent 
over 20 years in the oil and gas industry, holding 
a number of senior management positions in the 
Far East, Australia, Europe and the US. He joined 
the Company from the oilfield services business, 
Expro Group, where he served as Chief Executive 
Officer. Prior to that, he spent 15 years with 
Schlumberger Limited.
Non-executive appointments 
None.

C  Peter Lynas Group Finance Director
Appointed to the Board: 2011  Nationality: UK
Skills, competence and experience 
Peter, a qualified accountant, was appointed to the 
Board as Group Finance Director in 2011. His role 
has since been expanded to include responsibility 
for UK Shared Services, Procurement and Group 
Mergers & Acquisitions. 
Peter 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.
The Company has announced that Mr Lynas will retire 
from the Board on 31 March 2020.
Non-executive appointments 
Non-executive director of SSE plc and chairman of 
its audit committee.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019  Chairman
  Executive directors
  Non-executive directors

D  Jerry DeMuro Chief Executive Officer 
of BAE Systems, Inc.
Appointed to the Board: 2014  Nationality: US
Skills, competence and experience 
Appointed to the Board on 1 February 2014 as President 
and Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems, Inc., 
Jerry is an experienced US executive who has worked 
in the national security, technology and aerospace 
industry for over 30 years. Prior to joining the Company, 
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.
Jerry has been actively involved with several 
associations and non-profit organisations, including 
the Aerospace Industries Association, where he is 
currently a member of its Executive Committee, 
the Association of the United States Army, the 
MILCOM Conference Board, and AFCEA International, 
where he served on the Board of Directors as an 
Executive Committee member and as chair of the 
Audit Committee.
The Company has announced that Mr DeMuro will 
step down from the Board on 31 March 2020.
Non-executive appointments 
None.

E  Revathi Advaithi Non-executive director
Appointed to the Board: 2018  Nationality: US
Skills, competence and experience 
Revathi has extensive operational experience 
and a deep understanding of digital technology 
and international markets, gained from her leadership 
of multinational engineering and manufacturing 
businesses. In February 2019, Revathi assumed the 
role of Chief Executive Officer and became a member 
of the board of directors at Flex Ltd, a global 
manufacturing company. Prior to this appointment, 
Revathi was president and chief operating officer 
for the Electrical Sector business at Eaton, a power 
management company. She joined Eaton in 1995 
and led the Electrical Sector in the Americas and 
Asia-Pacific, with a three-year assignment in Shanghai. 
Between 2002 and 2008, Revathi worked at 
Honeywell, where she held leadership roles spanning 
manufacturing, procurement, supply chain and 
sourcing, including a role as general manager, 
Automation and Control Solutions. Revathi returned 
to Eaton in 2008 as vice president and general 
manager of the Electrical Components division.
Other non-executive appointments 
None.
Committee membership 
Corporate Responsibility Committee and Nominations 
Committee.

F  Dame Elizabeth Corley CBE Non-executive director
Appointed to the Board: 2016  Nationality: UK
Skills, competence and experience 
Dame Elizabeth brings investor, governance and 
boardroom experience to the Board. She currently 
chairs the board of the Impact Investment Institute, 
having previously chaired the industry Taskforce on 
Social Impact Investing for the UK government. She 
has served as Chief Executive Officer of Allianz Global 
Investors, initially for Europe then globally, from 2005 
to 2016. Prior to that, she worked for Merrill Lynch 
Investment Managers. Dame Elizabeth is active in 
representing the investment industry and developing 
standards within it. She is a member of the CFA Future 
of Finance Advisory Council and the AQR Institute of 
Asset Management at the London Business School. 
In 2017, she stepped down from the board of the 
UK Financial Reporting Council after completing 
her second three-year term of appointment. 
Dame Elizabeth is also an acclaimed writer, a Fellow 
of the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, 
Manufactures and Commerce and a trustee of the 
British Museum.
Other non-executive appointments 
Non-executive director of Pearson plc and 
Morgan Stanley.
Committee membership 
Nominations Committee and Remuneration Committee.

G  Chris Grigg Non-executive director
Appointed to the Board: 2013  Nationality: UK
Skills, competence and experience 
As chief executive of a FTSE 100 company, Chris 
brings management and boardroom experience 
to the Board. He is currently Chief Executive of 
The British Land Company PLC, a position he has 
held since 2009.
Chris has more than 30 years’ experience in the 
banking and real estate industries. Prior to joining 
British Land, he was Chief Executive of Barclays 
Commercial Bank. Before that, he was a partner 
at Goldman Sachs. Chris is currently a member 
of the executive board of the European Public 
Real Estate Association and the board of the 
British Property Federation.
Other non-executive appointments 
None.
Committee membership 
Corporate Responsibility Committee, Remuneration 
Committee and Nominations Committee.

H  Stephen Pearce Non-executive director
Appointed to the Board: 2019  Nationality: AU
Skills, competence and experience 
Appointed to the Board on 1 June 2019, Stephen 
has more than 16 years of public company director 
experience and over 30 years of financial and 
commercial experience in the mining, oil and gas, 
and utilities industries. Stephen is currently Finance 
Director of Anglo American plc, a role he has held 
since April 2017, and a director of its South African 
listed majority-owned subsidiary, Anglo American 
Platinum Ltd. He previously served as CFO and an 
executive director of Fortescue Metals Group Limited 
from 2010 to 2016. He is a Fellow of the Institute of 
Chartered Accountants, a Member of the Governance 
Institute of Australia and a member of the Australian 
Institute of Company Directors.
Other non-executive appointments 
None. 
Committee membership 
Chairman of the Audit Committee and member 
of the Nominations Committee.

I  Nicole Piasecki Non-executive director
Appointed to the Board: 2019  Nationality: US
Skills, competence and experience 
Nicole was appointed to the board on 1 June 2019 
and brings extensive experience gained from executive 
positions within the aerospace industry and leadership 
of multi-functional teams. She previously held a 
number of engineering, sales, marketing and business 
strategy roles during her 25-year career with the 
Boeing Company, including Vice President and 
General Manager of the Propulsion Systems Division 
and Vice President of Business Development & Strategic 
Integration for Boeing’s commercial aircraft business, 
and President of Boeing Japan. She is Chair of the 
Board of Trustees of Seattle University. Nicole 
formerly served on the Federal Aviation Authority’s 
Management Advisory Board, the US Department 
of Transportation’s Future of Aviation Advisory 
Committee and the Federal Reserve Bank of 
San Francisco’s Seattle branch.
Other non-executive appointments 
Weyerhaeuser Company. 
Committee membership 
Nominations Committee.

J  Paula Rosput Reynolds Non-executive director
Appointed to the Board: 2011  Nationality: US
Skills, competence and experience 
An experienced company director in both the UK 
and North America, Paula is currently Chief Executive 
Officer and President of the business advisory group 
PreferWest LLC. 
Starting her career as an economist, she spent over 
20 years in the energy sector, culminating in her 
appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer 
of AGL Resources in 2002. She served as President and 
Chief Executive Officer of Safeco Corporation before 
becoming Vice Chairman and Chief Restructuring 
Officer of American International Group, overseeing 
its divestiture of assets and serving as chief liaison with 
the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. She received the 
National Association of Corporate Directors National 
Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014.
Past roles include non-executive directorships at 
Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc., Anadarko Petroleum 
Corporation, Delta Air Lines Inc., Air Products 
and Chemicals Inc., Siluria Technologies, Inc., 
TransCanada Corporation and CBRE Group, Inc.
Other non-executive appointments 
Non-executive director of BP p.l.c. and General 
Electric Company.
Committee membership 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee, and 
member of the Nominations Committee.

K  Nick Rose Non-executive director 
and Senior Independent Director
Appointed to the Board: 2010  Nationality: UK
Skills, competence and experience 
Nick has considerable financial expertise and 
boardroom experience and was formerly Chief 
Financial Officer of Diageo plc for over ten years 
until 2010. In this role, he was responsible for supply, 
procurement, strategy and IT on a global basis. His 
financial experience was developed during his time as 
group treasurer and group controller at Diageo, and 
also in his earlier career at Ford Finance. He is a former 
Chairman of the engineering technology company 
Edwards Group Limited and former non-executive 
director of Moët Hennessy SNC and Scottish Power plc. 
Nick is currently an adviser to CCMP Capital Advisors, LLC.
Mr Rose will step down from the Board on 
31 March 2020.
Other non-executive appointments 
Chairman of Williams Grand Prix Holdings PLC; 
non-executive director and senior independent 
director of BT Group plc; and non-executive chairman 
of Loch Lomond Group.
Committee membership 
Member of the Nominations Committee and 
Remuneration Committee.

L  Ian Tyler Non-executive director
Appointed to the Board: 2013  Nationality: UK
Skills, competence and experience 
Ian brings considerable financial and long-term 
international contracting experience to the Board. 
Having qualified as a chartered accountant, Ian 
subsequently held a number of senior finance and 
operational positions within industrial companies 
before being appointed Finance Director of Balfour 
Beatty plc in 1996. He was subsequently appointed 
as Chief Executive in 2005. He is currently Chairman 
of Bovis Homes Group PLC and Cairn Energy PLC.
Ian is a former non-executive director of Mediclinic 
International plc, Cable & Wireless Communications 
Plc and VT Group plc. 
Other non-executive appointments 
Chairman of Amey plc, a subsidiary of Ferrovial, S.A., 
and AWE Management Limited.
Committee membership 
Chairman of the Corporate Responsibility Committee, 
and member of the Audit Committee, Remuneration 
Committee and Nominations Committee.

87

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsBoard 
information

  Chairman
  Non-executive director
  Executive director

  Committee chair
A   Audit Committee
N   Nominations Committee
C   Corporate Responsibility Committee
R   Remuneration Committee

  First term
  Second term
  Third term

Membership

Committee 
membership

Nationality

Tenure

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

Sir Roger Carr 
Chairman1

Revathi Advaithi 
Non-executive director

Dame Elizabeth Corley 
Non-executive director

Chris Grigg 
Non-executive director

Stephen Pearce 
Non-executive director

Nicole Piasecki 
Non-executive director

Paula Rosput Reynolds 
Non-executive director

Nick Rose 
Non-executive director and 
Senior Independent Director

Ian Tyler 
Non-executive director

N

C   N

N   R

C   N   R

A   N

N

N   R

N   R

UK

US

UK

UK

AU

US

US

UK

A   C   N   R

UK

The average length of appointment of non-executive members of the Board (as at 31 December 2019) was five years.

Date of appointment to the Board of executive members

Charles Woodburn 
Chief Executive

Peter Lynas 
Group Finance Director

Jerry DeMuro 
President and Chief Executive 
Officer of BAE Systems, Inc.

UK

UK

US

The average length of appointment of executive members of the Board (as at 31 December 2019) was 6.1 years.

1. Sir Roger Carr joined the Board in October 2013 and was appointed as Chairman in February 2014.

Attendance

Individual directors’ attendance at meetings of the Board and its committees in 2019

Tenure – independent 
non‑executive directors

Board 
diversity

Board

Audit  
Committee

Corporate 
Responsibility 
Committee

Nominations 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

C

A

8

Revathi Advaithi

Sir Roger Carr

Dame Elizabeth Corley

Jerry DeMuro
Harriet Green1

Chris Grigg

Peter Lynas
Stephen Pearce2
Nicole Piasecki2

Paula Rosput Reynolds

Nick Rose

Ian Tyler

Charles Woodburn

8/8

8/8

8/8

8/8

4/7

8/8

8/8

5/5

5/5

8/8

8/8

8/8

8/8

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

5/5

5/5

5/5

–

4/4

–

–

–

0/3

4/4

–

–

–

–

–

4/4

–

4/5

5/5

5/5

–

3/4

5/5

–

1/1

1/1

5/5

5/5

5/5

–

1. Retired in November 2019. Attendance affected by personal matters. 2.  Appointed in June 2019.

88

–

–

7/7

–

–

–

–

–

–

7/7

7/7

–

–

4

B

A Up to three years

B Over three and up to six years

C Over six years

3

1

4

e
l
a
M

e
l
a
m
e
F

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Governance 
disclosures

UK Corporate Governance Code (the Code) compliance
The Company was compliant with the provisions of the Code throughout 2019 
with the exception of Provision 38 concerning pension contribution rates for executive 
directors (see below), and the Board has applied its principles in its governance structure 
and operations. The following statements are made in compliance with the Code.

Code compliance
Provision 38 of the Code states: “The pension 
contribution rates of executive directors, or 
payments in lieu, should be aligned with those 
available to the workforce”. Recognising the 
practical issues involved and the Company’s 
existing contractual commitment with regards 
to executive director pension provision, the 
Remuneration Committee has agreed an 
approach to this matter, which in summary 
is as follows:
–  Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive, 
currently has an employer pension 
contribution rate of 19% of base salary, 
which was agreed when he joined the 
Company in 2016. The weighted average 
of such rates for active members across all 
UK pension schemes is 17%. With effect 
from the beginning of 2020, his employer 
pension contribution has been fixed at its 
current monetary value. Consequently, it is 
anticipated that over time his contribution 
rate will reduce to the rate of 17%;
–  Peter Lynas, Group Finance Director, 
will retire at the end of March 2020. 
His successor, Brad Greve, who joined 
the Company in September 2019, will 
have an employer contribution rate of 
8%, that being in line with the wider UK 
workforce participating in the Company’s 
defined contribution arrangements. 
The same will apply in future for any 
new UK executive directors; and

–  Jerry DeMuro, Chief Executive Officer of 

BAE Systems Inc., participates in a defined 
contribution retirement plan, for which 
the Company matches his contribution 
rate up to a maximum of 6%. The same 
provisions and features of the plan apply 
to the majority of participating active 
employees in the US plan, and will apply 
to Tom Arseneault when he succeeds 
Mr DeMuro on 1 April 2020.

For more details see Directors’ remuneration 
policy on page 138 of this report. 

Risk management and internal 
control statement
The Board is responsible for the Company’s 
risk management and internal control systems. 
It has delegated responsibility for reviewing in 
detail the effectiveness of these systems to the 
Audit Committee, which reports to the Board 
on its findings so that all directors can take a 
view on the matter. 

An overview of the processes used to identify, 
evaluate and manage the principal risks can be 
found on pages 76 and 77. These processes 
are an integral part of our governance 
framework, the Operational Framework, 
details of which can be found on page 84. 
The Operational Framework mandates the 
Operational Assurance Statement process, 
which is owned by the Company’s Internal 
Audit function and is one of the principal 
processes used by the Board in monitoring 
the effectiveness of control systems. 

The risk management and internal control 
systems detailed in the Operational Framework 
were in place throughout the year and the 
Board, having reviewed their effectiveness, 
believes they accord with the Financial 
Reporting Council’s Guidance on Risk 
Management, Internal Control and Related 
Financial and Business Reporting. 

Viability statement 
As required by the provisions of the Code, 
the Board has undertaken an assessment of 
the future prospects of the Company, taking 
into account the Company’s current position 
and principal risks. This assessment considered 
both the Company’s long-term prospects 
and also its ability to continue in operation 
and meet its liabilities as they fall due over 
its five-year business planning period.

Analysis of business prospects
The Board has considered the long-term 
prospects of the Company based on our 
strategy, markets and business plan as 
outlined on pages 18 to 43 of this report. 
In its strategic review of the Company, the 
Board recognised the importance of certain 
factors that underpin its long-term prospects 
and viability. In summary, these are:
–  a diverse portfolio of businesses based 
on well-established market positions, 
providing both complex, high technology 
products and programmes, and 
differentiated technical services and 
support. In 2019, 34% of group sales 
were product/programme related and 
66% services and support; 

–  a geographically diverse business with 

a high proportion of sales to governments 
and other major prime defence contractors. 
In 2019, 36% of revenue was from the 
US Department of Defense, 21% from 
the UK Ministry of Defence and 14% 
from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ministry 
of Defence and Aviation. Major new 
business wins in the Middle East, Australia 
and Canada provide a strong foundation 
for further market diversity and growth;

–  long-term visibility of sales and future 
sale prospects through a substantial 
order backlog and incumbent positions 
on major defence programmes; and

–  market positions underpinned by a highly 
skilled workforce, intellectual property 
assets and proprietary know-how, which 
are safeguarded and developed for the 
future by customer and Company funded 
investment. Such investment is focused on 
a well-developed understanding of future 
technologies and the threat environment 
shaping the long-term defence and 
aerospace market.

89

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsGovernance disclosures 
continued

Assessment 
The Board’s assessment of the Company’s 
prospects was informed by the following 
business processes: 

Risk management process – the Company 
has developed a structured approach to the 
management of risk (see above) and emerging 
and principal risks identified are considered as 
part of the Board’s annual review of the 
Integrated Business Plan. 

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 
over the following five years. The use of a 
five-year period provides a robust planning 
tool against which long-term decisions can 
be made concerning, amongst other things, 
strategic priorities, funding requirements 
(including commitments to Group pension 
schemes), returns made to shareholders, 
capital expenditure and resource planning. 
Longer-term strategic inputs also form part 
of the IBP process and, where activity is 
required to meet such long-term priorities, 
this is provided for in the plan. 

The detailed plan is reviewed each year 
by the Board as part of its strategy review 
process. Once approved by the Board, the 
IBP provides the basis for setting all detailed 
financial budgets and strategic actions across 
the businesses, and is subsequently used 
by the Board to monitor performance. 

Liquidity analysis – the Board regularly 
reviews an analysis based on the financial 
output from the IBP, 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, including the following:
–  the Company being unable to access debt 

markets to renew term debt facilities; 
–  an unfavourable change to the terms of 
trade the Company enjoys with certain 
principal customers; 

–  the Company failing to win certain major 

export contracts; and

–  the loss of a major export market. 

The scenarios tested included the impact 
of multiple adverse factors.

90

Conclusion 
In undertaking its review of the IBP in 2019, 
the Board considered the prospects of the 
Company over the five-year period covered 
by the process. On the basis of this and other 
matters considered and reviewed by the 
Board, 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 following five years. 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 78 to 81). 

Going concern statement 
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.

Directors
In compliance with the Code, all directors are 
subject to annual election by shareholders. 

Prior to making new non-executive 
appointments, the Board considers other 
demands on an individual’s time to ensure 
that, following appointment, directors 
have sufficient time to meet their board 
responsibilities. Non-executive directors are 
required to seek prior approval before taking 
on additional external appointments.

In addition to being a non-executive director 
of the Company, Ian Tyler is chairman of 
two FTSE 250 companies, Bovis Homes 
Group and Cairn Energy, and also two 
non-listed companies, AWE Management, 
a private company owned by three joint 
venture partners, and Amey, a subsidiary 
of Ferrovial, S.A., a Spanish listed company. 
The Chairman has reviewed Ian’s other 
commitments and is satisfied that he has 
sufficient time to meet his responsibilities 
to BAE Systems. He will keep this matter 
under review.

Dame Elizabeth Corley, a non-executive director, 
is a non-executive director of Morgan Stanley, 
a US listed company. One of its UK subsidiaries 
provides broking services to the Company. 
Consequently, an assessment was undertaken 
to determine whether this relationship has a 
bearing on her independence for the purpose 
of Provision 10 of the Code. After review, it 
was determined that this was not a material 
business relationship given the relatively low 
value of the contractual arrangements and the 
nature of the relationship, i.e. broking services 
are provided by a UK subsidiary of Morgan 
Stanley, and her appointment is to the board 
of the US parent company and non-executive 
in nature. Should there be any material change 
in either her role with Morgan Stanley or the 
services its UK subsidiary provides to the 
Company, this decision will be reconsidered.

Nick Rose will retire from the Board at the 
end of March 2020, having served as a 
non-executive director for just over ten years. 
As detailed in the Company’s 2018 Annual 
Report, recognising the change in Auditors 
and the level of geopolitical uncertainty last 
year, the Board considered that it was in the 
Company’s and shareholders’ best interests 
that his tenure as Senior Independent Director 
and Chairman of the Audit Committee be 
extended beyond the nine-year period 
detailed in Provision 10 of the Code. Stephen 
Pearce succeeded Nick Rose as Chairman 
of the Audit Committee at the start of the 
year, and Chris Grigg will succeed him as 
Senior Independent Director with effect 
from 1 April 2020.

Paula Rosput Reynolds will have served 
on the Board for nine years in April. She 
currently serves as a highly-valued Chair of the 
Remuneration Committee and is an important 
contributor to the Board, with a wealth of 
corporate knowledge and experience. 
The Board has agreed that Paula’s term 
of office should be extended to April 2021. 
It further agreed that Ian Tyler should join the 
Remuneration Committee from the start of 
this year in preparation for him succeeding her 
as Chair of the Committee in 2021. The Board 
recognises the requirements with regards 
to non-executive directors serving for terms 
in excess of nine years and the possibility 
that this could impair, or appear to impair, 
a non-executive’s independence. The Board 
has considered this, and believes that extending 
her term of office for an additional 12 months 
would not impact her independence, and 
retaining her services for this period will 
not only help provide for a well-managed 
handover of her Remuneration Committee 
responsibility, but also retain her knowledge 
and experience on the Board at a time of 
significant changes to its membership.

The Board considers all of the non-executive 
directors shown on pages 86 and 87 of this 
report to be independent in accordance with 
Code provisions.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Audit Committee 
report

Stephen Pearce 
Chairman of the Audit Committee

Members

Stephen Pearce (Chairman)

Dame Elizabeth Corley

Ian Tyler

Dear Shareholders,
I am pleased to present the Audit Committee’s 
report for the financial year ended 31 December 
2019, having recently succeeded Nick Rose 
as Chairman of the Committee. To assist in 
transition of the chairmanship I have been 
in attendance at Committee meetings since 
mid-2019 when I joined the Board. In my role 
as Finance Director of another FTSE 100 
company, it has been interesting to see the 
commonality of accounting, financial and 
risk-based issues across the two different 
sectors, as well as those that are specific to 
the Company and the environment in which 
it operates. I would like to acknowledge the 
work done by the Committee during the year 
and by the previous Chairman, Nick Rose, over 
the last eight years.

Paula Rosput Reynolds, who also provided 
valued input to the Committee over a number 
of years, stepped down from the Committee 
at the year-end with Dame Elizabeth Corley 
having been appointed in her stead.

Deloitte LLP have now completed their 
second full annual cycle as auditors having 
been appointed by the shareholders in 
May 2018. We have been pleased with the 
rigour and challenge that they have brought 
to bear which has given both the Committee 
and management the opportunity to consider 
how processes can be enhanced. Areas for 
review that were highlighted by Deloitte in 
their initial review of the Group’s controls 
have been actioned. Whilst none of them 
were material, we have seen the benefit 
from their fresh perspective.

The section on the Audit Committee’s year 
on page 94 provides an overview of the work 
that we have undertaken in the last 12 months 
and I will comment here on several aspects of 
that activity.

How the independence and effectiveness of the external audit process was assessed

Who we surveyed:
–  Senior executives, including key 

finance roles

–  Internal Audit Director

Areas we covered:
–  Commitment to audit quality
–  Technical knowledge
–  Professional scepticism and robustness 

of challenge

–  Understanding of industry and 

business risk

–  Understanding of our internal 

control systems

–  Quality of communications
–  Level and quality of resourcing
–  Commitment to improved standards
as well as interaction with the 
Committee members.

The output from the review was positive 
and demonstrated that the external 
auditor had continued to build on its 
understanding of the Group’s business 
and key risks, and in providing robust and 
constructive challenge. Areas for focus 
in 2020 will include maintaining the 
continuity of audit teams and knowledge 
transfer, and enhancing communications 
in specific businesses.

On the basis of the review following 
the 2019 year-end audit, the Committee 
has proposed to the Board that it 
recommend that shareholders support 
the re-appointment of Deloitte LLP 
at the 2020 AGM.

External audit
In June we agreed the scope and level of 
materiality of the 2019 audit plan of work and 
discussed with Deloitte the areas that they had 
identified as key risks and other particular areas 
of focus, and the specific audit procedures 
that they would perform to undertake the 
related audit work. The benefit of having 
completed the first year’s audit allowed for 
some recalibration of the work distribution 
across the full-year audit timeline. 

Audit independence 
We have reviewed in detail the confirmation 
and information received from Deloitte on 
the arrangements that they have in place 
to safeguard auditor independence and 
objectivity, which are consistent with the 
ethical standards published by the Financial 
Reporting Council (FRC), including specific 
safeguards in place where they are providing 
permissible non-audit services to the Group. 

Non-audit services policy
The Committee has a formal policy 
governing the engagement of the auditor 
to provide non-audit services which we 
review on an annual basis. The policy 
prohibits certain activities from being 
undertaken by the auditor and also places 
restrictions on the employment of former 
employees of the auditor. 

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. 

We acknowledge the new UK Ethical 
Standard coming into force this year, and 
changes to policy are in the process of being 
made to reflect the new requirements.

Details of fees payable to the auditor are 
set out on page 170. In 2019, non-audit fees 
for Deloitte represented 11% of the audit 
fee. The principal non-audit services provided 
by Deloitte related to their review of 
the Half-yearly report and a US pension 
benefits audit.

Audit independence and effectiveness
We have taken the opportunity to refresh the 
methodology through which we assess audit 
independence and effectiveness, and the scope 
and output of our review of the effectiveness 
of the 2019 audit is set out below.

Audit Quality Review (AQR) 
The FRC’s AQR team monitors the quality 
of audit work of certain UK audit firms 
through inspections of a sample of audits 
and related procedures at individual audit 
firms. Deloitte have taken us through the 
findings from their latest AQR report and 
outlined initiatives being taken in respect 
of quality and quality control procedures.

91

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsAudit Committee report 
continued

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 the effectiveness 
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, controls 
reports, and reports from both internal and 
external auditors. 

We have discussed the outputs of financial, 
IT and Lifecycle Management (LCM) controls 
testing, and any required improvement actions, 
with management, and internal and external 
audit, with a view to ensuring the ongoing 
robustness of the financial and operational 
environment, programme execution and risk 
mitigation. Areas of specific focus have 
included the following:

–  LCM – the bedrock of our programme 

execution and management, 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 which tend 
to be areas where judgement is required 
to be exercised. At the current time, when 
the Group has several large programmes 
in relatively early stages, adherence to LCM 
methodology is vital to ensure timely delivery, 
at target or better margins. 

–  Review of internal control environment 
in major export market – the Group’s 
business in Saudi Arabia is undergoing 
a period of transformational change in 
support of the delivery of Saudi Arabia’s 
Vision 2030 strategy to promote in-Kingdom 
industrialisation. During this transitional 
period, we took the opportunity to 
undertake a deeper dive into the controls 
environment and governance in both 
our wholly-owned business together 
with the Group’s other shareholdings in 
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during 2019. 
This included discussion with senior 
executives of these businesses.

–  Cyber risk – continues to be high on 

the agenda of many corporates. We met 
with the Chief Information Officer who 
presented a session on IT security and 
governance. The Group’s IT assurance 
and governance programme continues 
to be enhanced with further input and 
support from the Internal Audit function.
–  Export controls compliance – the Group 
General Counsel has kept us up-to-date 
during the year with ongoing developments 
in the export control compliance programmes 
and enhancements to existing procedures. 

We have reviewed the ongoing effectiveness 
of the Company’s risk management processes 
as part of our wider review of internal controls. 
The Group’s principal risks are set out on 
pages 78 to 81.

Internal Audit
Internal Audit plays an integral role in the 
Company’s governance structure and provides 
regular reports to the Committee. These 
include an overview of the work undertaken 
in the period under review, individual reports 
on audits conducted and progress against 
the agreed internal audit plan, as well as the 
outputs of the twice-yearly OAS process and 
the tracking of remedial action in the case 
of any control failures. Specific attention has 
been paid during the year to programme 
execution, given the volume of new 
programmes, and to IT assurance. 

In order to allow the Internal Audit team 
and the wider business to view the internal 
audit programme in a more holistic way, 
a rolling three-year flexible programme 
has been developed and mapped against 
the Group’s strategic priorities and risks, 
and those of the businesses. The aim is 
to enable Internal Audit to take a greater 
thematic approach to audits at Group level, 
whilst retaining flexibility aligned to business 
dynamics and emerging risk.

The first year of the three-year programme is 
prepared by Internal Audit on a risk-based basis. 
It is agreed jointly by the Audit and Corporate 
Responsibility Committees to ensure that the 
overarching programme covers not only 
financial risk, but also the assessment of the 
effectiveness of key areas of ethical and 
reputational risk. The assurance programme 
comprises a broad range of audits covering 
areas such as mandated governance, 
OAS outputs, risk register findings, change 
programmes, structural and business changes, 
and areas relating to responsible behaviour 
and non-financial risk. Internal Audit may 
also from time-to-time undertake other work 
within the context of the risk environment. 

We have met with the VP, Internal Audit, 
to discuss the scope, environment and 
priorities for internal audit work undertaken 
within the US businesses and the levels 
of resourcing available to undertake the 
programme of work. We have also taken a 
closer look at the internal control environment 
around the US Combat Vehicles business.

During the year under review, and separate 
from the normal regular sessions we hold 
with the Internal Audit Director without 
management present, the Committee held 
a separate session with him, his heads of 
internal audit and the external auditor. The 
wide-ranging discussion at this year’s session 
focused on forward-looking assurance and 
the identification of future risks, improving 

92

How the Committee assesses the 
independence and effectiveness 
of Internal Audit

Who we survey:
–  Group-wide heads of Audit Review Boards
–  Other business leaders

Areas for feedback include:
–  Role of Internal Audit and independence
–  Audit planning, processes and execution
–  People resources and skilling
–  Communications and reporting

general controls and the application of LCM, 
the quality of reporting, resource for internal 
auditing, and the use of automation and 
analytics. It also enabled our external audit 
engagement partner to share his perspective 
on how he sees the audit scope and approach 
evolving during the next few years of 
Deloitte’s audit tenure, and the future 
direction of financial assurance.

Internal Audit is running a programme 
of continuous improvement relating to its 
purpose, people and process. The programme 
is informed by the results of the 2018 External 
Quality Assessment (EQA) undertaken 
by Ernst & Young LLP (EY) and also by the 
subsequent internal annual performance 
evaluation undertaken in 2019. Results from 
the 2019 annual evaluation were positive, 
with all respondents believing that Internal 
Audit played an integral role in assuring the 
governance of the Group. Areas for further 
development include enhanced emphasis 
on risk-related issues and the sharing of 
best practice identified during audit work 
at audit review boards.

Progress has been made against the 2018 
EQA recommendations. Notable successes 
include upgrading and progressing with the 
deployment of the Export Controls assurance 
framework and improvements made to 
the Financial and IT control frameworks. 
Recruitment has been targeted to ensure 
that the Internal Audit function has the right 
skills, capabilities and capacity to deliver the 
audit programme, with guest auditors used 
as subject matter experts as required. Data 
Analytics were piloted in support of financial 
controls framework assurance in 2019 and 
a plan is in place to further develop analytics 
capability during 2020. A formal review of 
progress is planned with EY later this year. 
The recently published Internal Audit Code 
of Practice will inform future developments 
in Internal Audit.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019How we ensure that the Group’s 
Annual Report, taken as a whole, 
is fair, balanced and understandable 
and provides information necessary 
for shareholders to assess the 
Company’s position and performance, 
business model and strategy

The process is: 
–  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 Executive Committee.

Going concern and viability statements
The Committee also agreed the parameters 
of, and subsequently reviewed the supporting 
report for, the going concern statement (see 
page 90) and the statement on the Board’s 
assessment of the prospects of the Company 
(see the viability statement on page 89) over 
the five-year period used in the Integrated 
Business Plan. The Committee considered the 
period covered by the viability statement, and 
whilst a number of companies have elected 
to use a three-year horizon, we continue to 
be of the view that a five-year period remains 
the most appropriate timespan for this Group. 

Stephen Pearce
Chairman of the Audit Committee

Financial statements
The Committee reviews all significant issues concerning the financial statements. The principal 
matters we considered concerning the 2019 financial statements, in addition to the going 
concern and viability statement reviews referred to below, were:

Recognition of revenue, profit 
and provisioning
The estimation of contract margin and the 
level of revenue and profit to recognise in 
a single accounting period require the exercise 
of management judgement.
The Committee reviewed key estimates 
and judgements applied in determining 
the financial status of the more significant 
programmes including:
–  Type 26 frigate;
–  Astute submarine;
–  Saudi British Defence Co-operation 

Programme;

–  Saudi Salam Typhoon; and
–  US Land programmes.

Leases
From 1 January 2019 the Group adopted 
IFRS 16 Leases.
The Committee reviewed the Group’s 
implementation and processes for the adoption 
of IFRS 16, and subsequently reviewed the 
actual impact, which was in line with the 
estimates provided in the 2018 Annual Report. 
We also considered the adequacy of the 
disclosures (see note 36 to the Group 
accounts on pages 224 and 225).

Pensions
Accounting for pensions and other 
post-employment benefits involves making 
estimates when measuring the Group’s 
retirement benefit obligations. These 
estimates require assumptions to be made 
about uncertain events, such as discount 
rates, inflation rates and longevity.
Recognising the scale of the Group’s pension 
obligation, we reviewed the key assumptions 
supporting the valuation of the post-
employment 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 post-employment benefit 
obligation to equity accounted investments 
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 (see note 23 
to the Group accounts on pages 200 to 210).

Following consolidation of six of the Group’s 
nine UK pension schemes into a single scheme 
in September 2019, and after consultation 
with the UK Pensions Regulator, the Group 
has reached agreement with the Trustee Board 
of the combined scheme on the accelerated 
funding valuation and revised deficit recovery 
plan. At the 31 October 2019 funding valuation 
date, the deficit was £1.9bn. The current 
deficit recovery plan which runs to 2026 will 
be replaced by a new deficit recovery plan, 
under which a one-off payment of £1bn 
is to be made in the coming months, with 
approximately £240m of funding payable 
in the scheme year ending 31 March 2020 
and approximately £250m by 31 March 2021.

Goodwill
Impairment testing of goodwill on the balance 
sheet is underpinned by the value of the future 
prospects of the related business, which have 
to be estimated.
We considered the level of goodwill held on 
the Group’s balance sheet and whether, given 
the future prospects of the acquired 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 177. No goodwill impairments were 
identified as a result of this review.

Taxation
Computation of the Group’s tax expense 
and liability, the provisioning for potential tax 
liabilities and the level of deferred tax asset 
recognition are underpinned by management 
judgement and estimation of the amounts 
that could be payable.
Whilst tax policy is ultimately a matter for 
the Board’s determination, we reviewed the 
Group’s tax strategy as set out on page 51. 
Twice during the year, we reviewed the 
Group’s tax charge and tax provisions, and 
discussed these with the Group Tax Director. 
We also reviewed the basis of recoverability 
of the deferred tax asset relating to the 
Group’s pension deficit. As reported in the 
2019 Half-yearly Report, following agreements 
reached in respect of overseas tax matters, 
a one-off non-cash benefit was recognised 
to 2019 earnings per share, net of a provision 
taken in respect of the estimated exposure 
arising from the EU’s decision regarding the 
UK’s Controlled Foreign Company regime. 
The Committee considered the related 
disclosures (see page 46).

FRC letter
The Company received a letter from the FRC which confirmed that it had undertaken a review of the Group’s Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 
2018 and had no questions or queries that it wished to raise at that time. We have noted the suggested enhancements that could be made to certain of our 
disclosures and these have been appropriately addressed in the Annual Report 2019. We thank the FRC for their input.

93

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsAudit Committee report 
continued

The Audit Committee’s year

Feb

London, UK

Jul

London, UK

Dec

London, UK

Committee

Committee

Committee

– Considered the accounting, financial 

– Considered the accounting, financial 

– Considered the external auditor’s 

control and audit issues reported by the 
auditor that flowed from the audit work.

– Reviewed the financial statements and 
specific disclosures, including viability 
and going concern, for recommendation 
to the Board.

– Reviewed the effectiveness of the 

external audit process.

– Received a report from the Group 

Tax Director.

– Considered output from the six-monthly 

OAS review.

– Reviewed the procedures and outputs 
for the identification, assessment and 
reporting of risk.

– Regular quarterly items1.
Joint session with the Corporate 
Responsibility Committee:
– Agreed final iteration of the 2019 

Internal Audit programme.

Jun

Washington DC, US

Committee

– Agreed external audit strategy 

and scope.

– Reviewed external auditor independence 

issues.

– Agreed external audit engagement 

letter and fee.

– Considered output of the Internal 

Audit Director’s report.

– Received a presentation from VP, 

Internal Audit, for the US businesses.

– Regular quarterly items1.

controls report.

– Considered output of the Internal 

Audit Director’s report.

– Received a presentation from 
Chief Information Officer.

– Reviewed Internal Audit Charter.
– Received a report on export control 

compliance.

– Reviewed the Non-Audit Services Policy.
– Discussed the first iteration of the 2020 

Internal Audit programme.

– Set the parameters for work supporting 

the viability and going concern 
statements.

– Undertook a review of the effectiveness 

of the Internal Audit function.

– Review of the Committee’s Terms 

of Reference.

– Regular quarterly items1.

control and audit issues reported by the 
auditor that flowed from the half-year 
review work.

– Reviewed the financial statements 
and specific disclosures, including 
going concern, for recommendation 
to the Board.

– Received a presentation from senior 

finance representatives in the 
Company’s Saudi Arabian business 
on financial controls and governance.

– Received a report from the Group 

Tax Director.

– Considered output from the six-monthly 

OAS review.

– Reviewed the procedures and outputs 
for the identification, assessment and 
reporting of risk.

– Regular quarterly items1.

Meeting

– Informal meeting with the Internal 
Audit Director and external auditor 
to discuss a range of issues including 
the future direction of financial auditing 
and the scope, skilling and resourcing 
of internal audit.

Committee composition and evaluation
Nick Rose and Paula Rosput Reynolds served as Committee members throughout 
2019, stepping down on 31 December 2019. Stephen Pearce and Dame Elizabeth 
Corley were appointed as Committee members with effect from 1 January 2020.

The breadth of experience of the Audit Committee members is set out on page 87. 
The performance evaluation of the Committee is undertaken as part of the wider 
Board evaluation and the Board believes the Committee to have the appropriate 
composition, skills and experience to discharge its responsibilities.

1. The Committee reviews the nature and level of non-audit services (including independence safeguards from the incumbent auditor where it provides such services), 

and holds a separate session with the Internal Audit Director and external auditor without management present. The Audit Committee Chairman also meets separately 
with internal and external audit on an ad hoc basis.

Competition and Markets Authority Audit Order
The Committee has complied with the provisions of the Competition and Markets Authority Audit Order in respect of committee responsibilities and audit re-tendering disclosures. 
The last audit tender undertaken concluded with the appointment of Deloitte LLP in May 2018.

Audit Committee timeline

 February

Committee

 June

Committee

 July

Committee

Meeting

 December

Committee

94

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Corporate Responsibility 
Committee report

Ian Tyler Chairman of the Corporate 
Responsibility Committee

Members

Ian Tyler (Chairman)

Revathi Advaithi

Chris Grigg

Dear Shareholders,
I reported last year that in 2019 the Corporate 
Responsibility Committee would be taking on 
an employee engagement role as detailed in 
the revised UK Corporate Governance Code, 
and 12 months on I am pleased to be able 
to report on this activity below. During the 
year, we also maintained our oversight of 
other corporate responsibility-related matters, 
with a particular focus on safety, diversity 
and inclusion, responsible business conduct 
and supplier conduct.

Harriet Green was a member of the 
Corporate Responsibility Committee for eight 
years up until she retired from the Board in 
November last year. I would like to thank 
her for the excellent contribution she made 
to the Committee during that period.

Workforce engagement
With effect from this year, the revised 
UK Corporate Governance Code (the Code) 
requires that boards have a method by which 
they can engage with their workforce. Having 
considered this requirement, the BAE Systems 
Board agreed that the most appropriate and 
effective means of achieving this was for the 
Corporate Responsibility Committee to take 
on this responsibility. 

This decision was taken on the basis that 
engaging with employees has always been 
a key part of the Committee’s remit since it 
was first formed. In the past, we have used 
different methods to engage and understand 
how effective the Company is in managing 
issues such as employee conduct and 
behaviour, employee safety, and workforce 
diversity and inclusion. The governance 
structure of the Committee is also important, 
with its membership being entirely 
non-executive – and therefore having 
the same independence characteristics 
as would be achieved by appointing a single 
non-executive director (one of the methods 
of workforce engagement suggested by the 
Code). Due to the Company’s complexity, 
wide geographic spread and size – 87,800 
employees spread across more than 
40 countries – there are clear advantages 
to the role being performed by more than 
one director. 

From 2019, the Committee’s terms of 
reference were amended to reflect the 
requirements of the Code regarding 
engagement with the workforce. However, 
from the start the Company has always been 
well placed to discharge this responsibility, 
with the Board and the Committee regularly 
visiting Company sites and meeting employees 
in previous years, and also through activities 
such as my participation in the Company’s 
UK Trade Union Forum.

The Committee’s programme of activities 
has been enhanced further to ensure we 
undertake our employee engagement 
responsibilities effectively, and we will 
continue to listen to our employees to 
understand what matters to them and 
evolve the focus of our activities as necessary 
to reflect this. In addition, as this is a new 
Code requirement, we will monitor how best 
practice evolves across UK listed companies 
and develop our approach accordingly.

The obvious challenge for the Committee 
in discharging this new responsibility was, as 
mentioned above, the size and international 
spread of our workforce. That said, there are 
certain broad similarities: our workforce is 
largely employed directly rather than on a 
sub-contract basis; and our defence businesses 
are characterised by large numbers of skilled 
manual and engineering roles – typically with 
high long-term retention rates.

In analysing how it should go about 
discharging this new workforce engagement 
responsibility, the Committee agreed that it 
was important to understand the Company’s 
approach to employing people – the policies 
and processes, behavioural expectations and 
ultimately the culture we want to see in our 
places of work. The approach we agreed has 
been to learn from senior executives about 
these matters and their expectations, and 
also hear from operational managers on the 
practical application of workforce policies. 
We have engaged directly with employees 
largely via site visits that provide opportunities 
for one-to-one and group engagement. 
Indirectly, we have also analysed the feedback 
from employee opinion surveys, and other 
data evidencing employee opinion and 
sentiment. Taken together, these forms of 
engagement have provided a useful balance 
between personal engagement with a 
relatively small number of our total workforce, 
and wider but more limited engagement with 
a large part of the total.

95

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsCorporate Responsibility Committee report 
continued

The following provides more detail of 
this activity as undertaken as part of Board 
and Committee activity during 2019, and 
personally by me in my capacity as Chairman 
of the Committee:

Engagement on workforce matters

Employee conduct and ethics

Executive behaviours

People development and succession planning

Diversity and inclusion

Health and safety

Direct workforce engagement

Site visits:

–  Electronic Systems – Endicott, US 

(town hall meeting, workplace engagement, 
informal engagement with employees)

–  Submarines – Barrow-in-Furness, UK 

(town hall meeting, workplace engagement, 
informal engagement with employees)

–  MBDA – Stevenage, UK 

(workplace engagement, informal engagement 
with employees)

–  Ordnance Systems – Radford, US 

(workplace engagement, informal engagement 
with employees)

–  Ship Repair – Norfolk, US 
(workplace engagement)

Breakfast meetings with high-potential employees 
without senior management present – March, July

Attendance at Company graduate workshop

Engagement with employee representatives

Meeting with trade union representatives through 
the UK Trade Union Forum

For non-executive directors, first-hand 
experience of the Company is vital, and the 
Board, the Committee and individual directors 
undertook a number of visits to Company sites 
during 2019. Employee engagement is a key 
part of the experience, and whilst this only 
provides a snapshot of the Company, in 
aggregate such visits when supplemented 
by committee room analysis and discussion, 
can provide insight into the Company’s 
employment culture and the nature and 
condition of our employee offering. 

During the year, we heard a range of 
employee voices expressing clear views 
on different topics, from the strategic to 
the local. Access to employees was open 
and direct, and undertaken across a variety 
of businesses and sites in the UK and US with 
different working environments. We listened 
and we learnt, and it all helped to broaden our 
understanding of the workforce environment 
and culture within BAE Systems, and also 
the views of employees and what really 
matters to them. 

Safety
The Committee has maintained a clear focus 
on workplace safety over a number of years, 
having set a clear overall objective of 
continuing to drive towards a world-class level 
of performance. Safety performance is part of 
the non-financial element of the Company’s 
annual incentive plan for senior executives. 
The Remuneration Committee looks to the 
Corporate Responsibility Committee to set the 
measures for the plan, and to determine the 
level of performance achieved against these. 
Five percent of the maximum amount payable 
to participants under the annual incentive 
plan is based on the Committee’s assessment 
of performance against safety, and diversity 
and inclusion metrics. 

It is disappointing that we saw a reduction 
in the level of safety performance in 2019, 
as assessed against the measures set by the 
Committee. As in past years, as part of the 
safety metric, we targeted an improvement 
of 10% in the level of recordable injuries 
but only achieved a 0.2% improvement 
(2018 16%) last year. We also look at the level 
of major injuries, and 38 such incidents were 
recorded in 2019 (37 in 2018). Consequently, 
there will only be a small payout under this 
element of the annual incentive plan for any 
of our executives. The Company’s businesses 
responded to the lack of improvement in 
safety performance and have taken actions 
that will feed into this year and beyond.

The Committee continued to meet with 
senior executives to review the actions they 
are taking to drive safety performance. 
Last year we undertook such reviews of our 
US business and also the UK-based Maritime 
businesses. In the US, management has taken 
further action to improve safety, particularly 
around the analysis and management of risk 
and focusing on the all-important cultural 
aspects of safety management. In Maritime, 
we saw similar action being taken on safety 
leadership and the use of workplace 
stand-downs to engage with all employees 
on safety management. The business also 
engaged an independent safety expert 
to review and advise on remedial activity 
to improve performance.

Diversity and inclusion
The Board is committed to BAE Systems 
being an inclusive organisation with a diverse 
workforce that reflects the global communities 
in which we work. Developing an inclusive and 
diverse workplace that helps all employees 
contribute their unique experiences, beliefs 
and insights will help drive innovation, enhance 
employee engagement and accelerate our 
performance. The Company’s management 
team has increased its focus on achieving 
a more diverse and inclusive workforce, in 
particular we welcome the adoption of clear, 
common diversity and inclusion objectives, 
and a programme of activity aimed at 
improving our performance in this area.

We have also aligned part of the annual 
incentive plan for senior executives with the 
following diversity and inclusion objectives:
–  attract and retain a diverse workforce 

that reflects market availability at all levels 
of the organisation; and

–  advance an inclusive workplace where 
leaders can retain key talent effectively 
and employees feel that their differences 
are valued and intentionally leveraged.

96

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Looking forward
In 2020 the Committee will continue to 
focus on the areas of corporate responsibility 
detailed above. We will also be spending 
more time reviewing resource efficiency 
and the Company’s approach to, and 
reporting on, sustainability. 

Ian Tyler
Chairman of the Corporate 
Responsibility Committee

To achieve these objectives, the Chief 
Executive has set key actions for executives. 
These target the increased representation 
of women in senior roles in each market 
by market availability. Also, our senior leaders 
are required to act as visible advocates and 
support inclusion by actively participating in 
at least two targeted activities/events. In the 
US, assisted by local regulations, we have 
good visibility of the level of diversity within 
our workforce but it is more difficult in the 
UK and elsewhere, where diversity data can 
only be collected if employees provide this 
information voluntarily. As a result, to enable 
our objectives, we launched a campaign 
to encourage employees to provide more 
information about themselves and thereby 
help us understand more about the 
demographics of our non-US workforce.

In June, the Committee undertook a 
review of diversity and inclusion activity in 
our US business, which, with approximately 
30,000 employees, is a significant part 
of our total workforce. We were pleased 
to see that progress was being made in 
driving the required change in culture. 
Also, we heard about the tools being used 
to support our analysis of diversity data, 
relative to the external availability of jobs 
by location. We use this analysis to drive 
more focused actions at the work team level. 
In addition, we learnt about the introduction 
of Coaching Circles, which facilitate the 
convening of a diverse group of four to six 
leaders that are able to discuss different 
diversity and inclusion topics and provide 
support in navigating issues that may arise. 

Part of the executive annual incentive plan 
is based on performance against the diversity 
and inclusion measures set by the Committee. 
In 2019, the measures were based on:
–  focusing on the intake and advancement 
of women at all levels in the Company;
–  increasing the number of senior executive 
female roles by accelerating development 
and external appointments; and

–  working towards the achievement of a 

culture shift to create an inclusive workplace.

In summary, the specific measures were:
–  increasing the representation of women 

in senior roles by each market;

–  in the US, to decrease the attrition of 

under-represented groups by reducing 
disparity against the applicable comparator 
group. For businesses outside of the US, 
to increase the number of employees 
self-identifying, on a voluntary basis, 
certain matters associated with diversity – 
and thereby helping to provide a basis on 
which we can make informed assessments 
of our progress in achieving a more diverse 
workforce; and

–  senior leaders acting as visible advocates 
of diversity and inclusion, and supporting 
inclusion by actively participating in targeted 
events and activities during the year.

Product Trading Policy
The application of our Product Trading 
Policy has been mandated by our governance 
framework and the Board and requires an 
evaluation to be undertaken on all potential 
new products and trading services to ensure 
that we only undertake such business 
consistent with our Responsible Trading 
Principles. The Committee regularly reviews 
compliance with this policy, as reported 
through our Operational Assurance Policy, 
and also looks closely at how it is being 
operated and applied to particular products 
and services. Our review during the year 
focused on the application of the Product 
Trading Policy from the identification of an 
opportunity through to contract award, 
which often takes place over a number of 
years. We also looked at how product trading 
considerations are applied when dealing with 
joint venture partners. 

As part of the Committee’s oversight of 
the application of the Product Trading Policy, 
it also reviewed the findings of the Court 
of Appeal for England and Wales with regard 
to the judicial review action brought against 
the UK government in respect of the granting 
of defence export licences for Saudi Arabia.

97

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsCorporate Responsibility Committee report 
continued

The Corporate Responsibility Committee’s year

Dec

London, UK

Committee

– Reviewed how the Company’s 

Procurement function is implementing 
responsible business practices within 
our supply chain.

– Received a report on the application 
of the Company’s Adviser Policy 
and associated compliance activity.
– Considered the findings from work 

undertaken by the Company’s Internal 
Audit function concerning corporate 
responsibility-related matters.

– Agreed the corporate responsibility-
related objective to be used for the 
executive annual incentive plan in 2020.

– Agreed the Committee’s programme 

for 2020 (see below).

– Regular quarterly items1.
Sep
London, UK

Committee

– Reviewed the safety performance 

of the UK Maritime businesses and 
the actions being taken to drive 
continuous improvement.

– Considered the application of the 

Company’s Product Trading Policy to 
long-term new business opportunities, 
and how the Company looks to ensure 
that it remains compliant with the 
requirements of the Policy during 
this period.

– Based partly on the feedback received 
following employee engagement, the 
Committee reviewed the work being 
undertaken with regard to executive 
behaviours, organisational design and 
workplace culture.

– Received a presentation from our 

Audit Director reviewing the responses 
to certain corporate responsibility-related 
matters covered by our Operational 
Assurance Statement process.

– Received a report from the 

Government Relations Director on 
political lobbying activity undertaken 
during the year and compliance with 
related regulatory requirements.

Feb

London, UK

Committee

– Reviewed safety performance in 2018 
relative to the objectives set by the 
Committee and made recommendations 
to the Remuneration Committee 
concerning the element of the annual 
incentive plan subject to this measure.

– Considered the feedback from our 

global employee engagement survey 
and the actions being taken in response 
to issues raised.

– Agreed the safety, and diversity and 
inclusion annual incentive targets.
– Agreed a programme of employee 
engagement activities for the year.

– Agreed the Company’s Modern 

Slavery Act Response.

Jun

Washington DC, US

Committee

– Reviewed how the Company was working 
towards a more diverse and inclusive 
workforce and the actions being taken 
to achieve this. This included a more 
detailed review of our US business.

– Reviewed workforce safety performance 
across the Group, looking at the incidents 
of major and recordable injuries by 
business, and also undertaking a deeper 
review of the management of safety 
within the Platforms & Services (US) 
business within BAE Systems, Inc.

Schedule for 2020

February
–  Review of 2019 performance 

metrics.

June
–  Review of anti-bribery and 

corruption processes.

– UK workplace safety deep-dive.
–  Application of the Product 

– US workplace safety deep-dive.
–  Diversity and inclusion activity 

Trading Policy.

and performance.

–  Review and approval of Modern 

–  Employee wellbeing and 

Slavery statement.

workplace culture.

September
–  Workforce and stakeholder 

engagement.

–  Triennial review of Code 

of Conduct.

–  Application of the Product 

Trading Policy.

– Approach to sustainability.
–  Review of future Committee activity.

December
–  Review of the Advisers Policy.
– Workforce and stakeholder plan.
– Responsible procurement.
–  Corporate responsibility-related 

performance objectives.

Corporate Responsibility Committee timeline

 February

Committee

 June

Committee

 September

Committee

 December

Committee

98

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019 
Nominations  
Committee report

Sir Roger Carr Chairman of 
the Nominations Committee

Members

Sir Roger Carr (Chairman)

Revathi Advaithi

Dame Elizabeth Corley

Chris Grigg

Stephen Pearce

Nicole Piasecki

Paula Rosput Reynolds

Nick Rose

Ian Tyler

Dear Shareholders,
The Nominations Committee continued to 
review, develop and implement succession 
plans for both executive and non-executive 
Board members throughout the year.

As part of this process, last year we carefully 
evaluated the current and planned Board 
structure recognising that a number of 
experienced and valued executive and 
non-executive directors were due to retire over 
the next 12 months. Against this background, 
I wish to share our analysis of the current 
Board, committee structure and membership, 
and our plans for the future.

Board composition
The Board currently comprises myself as 
Chairman, three executive directors and 
eight non-executive directors. My analysis 
of where we are at present is as follows:
–  we have a high-quality and diverse mix 
of individuals, with women comprising 
one-third of Board membership, and 
with nearly the same level of non-British 
directors;

–  around the board table we have a good 
combination of skill, knowledge and 
experience, with individuals bringing 
international business, finance, engineering, 
public company board and long-term 
contracting experience (see the chart below);

–  during the year, we have added to this 

mix with the recruitment of Nicole Piasecki, 
a former senior aerospace industry 
executive, who brings considerable defence 
and aviation industry knowledge to the 
Board, and Stephen Pearce, a seasoned 
finance director from the mining industry 
with international business and 
boardroom experience; and

–  time served on the Board has also been 

carefully considered and we currently have 
a good balance of experience (see analysis 
on page 88). 

The Nominations Committee is aligned to 
the Company’s strategic objective of achieving 
greater diversity and, at Board level, diversity 
of background and thought to widen the 
aperture of our strategic discussions and 
decision-making. Our policy is to continue, 
over time, to create a Board that not only 
brings together individuals with the right 
balance of skills, knowledge and experience, 
but also a Board that is reflective of the 
multinational nature of the global markets 
in which we operate. To help us achieve this, 
we continue to work with search consultants 
to develop a diverse succession pipeline. 
We have made progress and are on course 
to achieve the target set by the Hampton-
Alexander Review, with women comprising 
one-third of Board membership currently. 
We are also well placed to meet the 
recommendations of the Parker Review 
Committee concerning ethnic diversity.

The work the Committee undertakes on 
executive director succession planning is 
an integral part of the Company’s activities 
on pipeline and leadership development. 
During 2019, the Board reviewed the strategic 
workforce planning work being led by our 
Chief Executive and Group HR Director. This 
is a long-term commitment, with particular 
focus being placed on employees in middle-
management positions, and how we identify 
and assess their potential to be future senior 
leaders and then target development activities 
and opportunities to accelerate their careers. 
Diversity and inclusion is an important part 
of this work. In general, we continue to see 
an increase in gender diversity across the 
Company, and 34% of the group comprising 
our senior management (as defined by the 
Code) and their direct reports are women. 
At present, there is only one woman on our 
Executive Committee, and whilst we only 
make appointments on merit, with the 
executive pipeline and diversity and inclusion 
actions we have in hand, I believe that over 
time we will succeed in achieving a more 
diverse leadership team.

Skills and experience

Financial/
accounting

International 
business

Board 
experience

Engineering/
technology

Long-term 
contracting

1
6

3
9

1
9

2
4

3
6

Executive
Non-executive

99

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsNominations Committee report 
continued

Due to the nature of our business, we 
have to be compliant with certain UK 
and US governmental requirements when 
it comes to Board appointments. Our 
ownership of US defence businesses is 
governed by a Special Security Agreement 
(SSA) between the United States government 
and the Company. This requires that the board 
of our principal US Company, BAE Systems, 
Inc., provides oversight over the application 
of the SSA, including matters concerning the 
appointment and role of the President and 
Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems, Inc., 
who also sits on the BAE Systems plc Board.

Board changes
In November last year, Harriet Green retired 
from the Board having served a full nine-year 
term. Harriet made a material contribution in 
strategic, operational and diversity discussions 
throughout her tenure.

Nick Rose will retire from the Board at the 
end of March. He is currently our Senior 
Independent Director and handed over the 
Chairmanship of the Audit Committee to 
Stephen Pearce at the beginning of the year. 
He has been an outstanding Board member, 
thought leader and support to me as 
Chairman and to Board colleagues throughout 
his time on the Board. He will be much 
missed by all. The Committee has agreed 
that Chris Grigg should succeed Nick as 
Senior Independent Director with effect 
from 1 April 2020. Chris has served on 
the Board for over six years and has strong 
business and boardroom credentials. 

This year will see significant change with 
regard to the executives on the Board, 
with Peter Lynas, Group Finance Director, 
and Jerry DeMuro, Chief Executive Officer 
of BAE Systems, Inc. both retiring at the 
end of March.

We announced last December that, with 
effect from 1 April 2020, Tom Arseneault, 
currently the President and Chief Operating 
Officer of BAE Systems, Inc., will succeed Jerry 
as head of our US business and join the Board. 
Tom’s appointment will be the culmination of 
Board executive succession planning and 
development activity going back a number of 
years. We also announced in 2019 that Brad 
Greve will succeed Peter Lynas as Group 
Finance Director, with effect from 1 April 
2020. He was recruited last year from a senior 
financial role at Schlumberger and will have 
worked alongside Peter for over six months 
before succeeding him. Buchanan Harvey 
was engaged by the Committee to assist 
in his recruitment.

Succession planning
Paula Rosput Reynolds will shortly have 
completed nine years as a non-executive 
director. She currently serves as a highly-
valued Chair of the Remuneration Committee 
and is considered an important contributor 
of corporate knowledge and wisdom by 
fellow Board members. Following consultation 
with our principal shareholders, the Committee 
agreed that her term of office should be 
extended for a further 12 months to April 2021.

In recognition of the requirement in the Code 
for 12 months’ experience, Ian Tyler has joined 
the Remuneration Committee, as it is our plan 
that he will succeed Paula as Chair of that 
committee next year.

We will be looking to make further non-
executive director appointments in 2020.

Evaluation
During my time as Chairman, the Board 
has adopted the practice of using an external 
facilitator every two years, with an internal 
process used in the intervening period. We 
have just completed an externally facilitated 
evaluation, and this is detailed on page 101.

Summary
During the last three years, the Nominations 
Committee has successfully identified and 
recruited six talented and experienced 
executive and non-executive directors 
from both inside and outside the aerospace 
and defence sector to provide fresh 
perspectives and experience when blending 
with the seasoned talent embedded within 
the organisation.

Members of the BAE Systems Board continue 
to add material value to the governance, 
strategic planning and operational delivery 
of the company. It is with considerable 
sadness, therefore, when we lose any Board 
members, but we will continue to respect and 
adhere to only modest extensions to their 
term when deemed appropriate by the 
Nominations Committee and with the support 
of our shareholders.

Sir Roger Carr
Chairman of the Nominations Committee

100

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Resulting Actions
–  Developing a crisper articulation of the 
Company’s long-term strategy beyond 
our five-year planning period.

–  Allocate more time to culture, purpose 
and behaviour in board discussions.
–  Conduct deep dives into matters such 
as cyber security, and use this as an 
opportunity to engage more fully with 
the relevant senior executives.
–  Implement greater connectivity 

between individual executive directors 
and non-executives for advice, 
guidance, informal discussion 
and relationship building.

–  Provide more opportunity for face-to-face 
contact between non-executive directors 
and customers.

Board evaluation

Board Chairman
–  Quality of contribution and Board 

leadership

–  Independence and objectivity
–  Understanding of role/other roles
–  Monitoring of implementation/

follow-up actions

–  Chairing skills and agenda setting
–  Relationships with Chief Executive/

other directors/executives

–  Communications with non-executive 
directors outside of board meetings

–  Time commitment

Individual Board members
–  Individual ‘unique’ roles
–  Quality of contribution
–  Skills, experience, competence
–  Time commitment
–  Understanding of the business
–  Preparedness for meetings
–  Relationship with other directors
–  Understanding of non-executive/

executive roles

–  Currency of knowledge and perspective 

Feedback
A comprehensive report was produced by 
IBE, which was provided to directors ahead 
of the board meeting at which the principal 
findings were presented by Ms Hague. 
Among other things the report covered 
strategy, governance and compliance, risk 
management, succession planning, board 
composition, board culture, decision-making 
and directors’ induction.

The Chairman will provide feedback 
from the evaluation to individual directors. 
The Senior Independent Director will 
provide feedback on the Chairman’s own 
performance after he has met with all 
the non-executive directors to consider 
the material provided by IBE.

Facilitator
Led by Ffion Hague of Independent Board 
Evaluation (IBE), an independent consultancy 
working exclusively on board effectiveness 
reviews. IBE provide no other services to the 
Company.

Period of evaluation
December 2019 to January 2020 with Board 
feedback and review taking place at a Board 
meeting held on 19 February 2020.

Evaluation process
Externally facilitated assessment of the Board, 
its committees and individual directors, 
conducted in accordance with best practice 
guidance. All Directors were interviewed 
individually for approximately 90 minutes by 
the facilitator as part of the process, as were 
a number of senior executives who support 
and contribute to Board matters. The 
evaluation covered the following:

Board
–  Board accountability
–  Shareholders and stakeholders: 
communication and relationship
–  Strategy: development, oversight 

and implementation 

–  Governance and regulatory compliance
–  Board focus and priorities
–  Risk management including 

non-financial risk
–  Succession planning
–  Composition of board – skills, 

diversity, experience

–  Board culture
–  Teamwork/collegiality
–  Relationship with executive leadership 

team; employee engagement

–  Decision-making; time management, 

objectivity

–  Selection and induction of new members
–  Evaluation of Director performance
–  Meetings: frequency, quality, duration 

and organisation

–  Quality of papers and presentations
–  Resourcing levels: timeliness of papers, 

support functions

Nominations Committee timeline

 January

Committee

February

Committee

 March

Committee

 May

Committee

 December

Committee

101

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsRemuneration 
Committee report

New ideas are being discussed, and fewer 
prescriptive solutions are being recommended. 
Indeed, the elevated interest on the part of 
shareholders and government has led to 
better communication among us.

The second theme which we have seen 
is the agreement that remuneration should 
be more closely aligned to the Company’s 
strategy. The financial targets remain the 
most easily understood and communicated, 
but stakeholders increasingly recognise that 
there is a trade-off between simplicity of 
financial metrics and the granularity that comes 
with ensuring that strategy is well-executed. 
Consequently, there has been support for the 
Remuneration Committee evaluating strategic 
progress on dimensions other than financial 
measures. Our Chief Executive has been clear 
about the importance of product quality, 
efficiency, productivity, digitisation of business 
processes, and advances in technology. These 
elements are less easily measured, yet are 
critical to the sustainable performance of 
BAE Systems. Thus, of late, we have consulted 
with shareholders to develop parameters for 
measuring strategic progress.

We appreciate the growing sentiment that 
keeping track of these dimensions may be 
complicated, but it is essential. We also 
appreciate the confidence that shareholders 
have expressed in the Remuneration 
Committee as we embark on measuring 
strategic progress; we will be rigorous and 
shareholders can be assured that the 
Committee will not confer unearned rewards. 

The third theme we have observed is that 
there has been greater engagement on the 
mechanics of our remuneration scheme. 
Several years ago, shareholders focused on the 
‘single figure’ of the three executive directors. 
Today, there is acknowledgment that the 
single figure does not necessarily tell the story 
for those executives and that there is more 
to rewards than a headline figure. We have 
had detailed discussions about the fitness of 
constructs, such as relative Total Shareholder 
Return (TSR), and whether they are useful, 
and how cash flow, an important element in 
our distribution policy, should be measured. 
We have also found that shareholders with 
whom we have met see the bigger picture 
– namely, that remuneration at the top of 
the organisation is part of a programme 
of remuneration for the wider workforce. 
Whatever incentives are in place for the 
most senior executives need to make sense 
throughout the organisation, must create 
proportional rewards for those who contribute 
to the Company’s success, and when we 
make changes, they must be understood 
and embraced throughout the organisation. 
Consequently, we are talking about rewards 
more holistically now than in the past.

Lastly, we have found support by shareholders 
for use of discretion by the Remuneration 
Committee. The idea of a purely formulaic 
approach to remuneration has lost favour. 
We are hopeful that the communication 
between the Remuneration Committee 
and shareholders has engendered trust 
in the Committee. Indeed, my colleagues 
and I do understand the environment in which 
we are asked to undertake our deliberations. 
We hope we continue to demonstrate that 
this Committee is easily approached, that 
we readily seek input and that we are 
influenced by what we learn in discussions.

The year in review
The past year has been one in which there 
have been a number of leadership changes 
throughout the organisation as the Board 
and the Chief Executive have sought to renew 
the leadership to carry the Company into the 
future. These changes have also given the 
Remuneration Committee opportunity to 
implement some of the remuneration changes 
required by government and shareholders 
ahead of required timetables, including 
moderated quantum and reductions in 
pension allowances.

Two executive director changes are 
noteworthy. Brad Greve has been appointed 
Group Finance Director designate to succeed 
Peter Lynas who retires after a distinguished 
career of over 35 years with BAE Systems, 
including nine years as Group Finance Director. 
Peter will retire on 31 March 2020 and Brad 
will become Group Finance Director and a 
member of the BAE Systems plc Board on 
1 April 2020. Tom Arseneault will succeed 
Jerry DeMuro as President and Chief Executive 
Officer of BAE Systems, Inc. Tom will join the 
BAE Systems plc Board on 1 April 2020 as 
Jerry steps down from his board position. 
Jerry will remain engaged in several key 
projects before retiring on 31 December 
2020. The retirements of Peter Lynas and 
Jerry DeMuro are both being handled precisely 
according to our approved Policy. In addition, 
both directors have voluntarily agreed to 
a post-cessation shareholding requirement 
to apply following their departure. 

Over the course of 2019, the Remuneration 
Committee conducted an extensive review 
of the effectiveness of our currently-approved 
2017 Remuneration Policy. We started with 
a ‘blank sheet of paper’ to be sure we were 
bringing fresh thinking to the process. In terms 
of overall design principles, our review confirmed 
that the current three-part construct of base 
salary, annual incentive and long-term incentives 
(LTIs) remains appropriate. As we looked at 
alternatives, we could not find value in changing 
that construct given the specific purpose each 
element is designed to play. Moreover, to 
initiate a structural change to the three-part 
structure, given its prevalence throughout our 
senior executive framework, as well as within 
the industry, was deemed needlessly disruptive. 

Paula Rosput Reynolds Chairman 
of the Remuneration Committee

Members

Paula Rosput Reynolds (Chairman)

Dame Elizabeth Corley

Chris Grigg

Nick Rose

Ian Tyler

Dear Shareholders,
With all the attention paid to remuneration 
policy by the UK government and shareholder 
organisations, it is sometimes challenging to 
develop a balanced perspective on the 
usefulness of all the changes being implemented 
or recommended. Fortunately, 2020 marks 
the second time that I have been through the 
policy restatement cycle for BAE Systems as 
Committee chair and my colleagues, Nick 
Rose and Dame Elizabeth Corley, have similarly 
had longevity in their roles on the Committee. 
I am also pleased to welcome Chris Grigg 
and Ian Tyler, who have joined the Committee 
this year. Together, we believe we come to 
our responsibilities with measured views and 
perspectives that have been shaped by the 
elevated external interest in remuneration. 

There are several themes which we have 
seen emerge and which we view positively 
as a result of this interest in remuneration. 
First, is the quality of consultation with our 
shareholders. Along with our Chairman, 
we have an ongoing dialogue, not just with 
our largest shareholders, but with other 
shareholders on the register who have 
expressed interest in particular issues. Over 
the last several years, those conversations have 
become more frequent, more engaged and 
more focused on joint problem-solving. From 
those conversations we find more openness 
to remuneration policies that are fit for 
BAE Systems.

102

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Nevertheless, we do believe that some 
fine tuning of our Remuneration Policy and 
structure is in order. The Committee strongly 
believes that the best way to achieve positive 
financial results for shareholders is to adopt 
measures which explicitly reward achievement 
of carefully selected and rigorously measured 
strategic imperatives. In other words, if we 
agree on the right actions in the short run 
and over the three-year performance cycle, 
the financial rewards for shareholders will 
also be achieved. With this perspective in 
mind, we are asking shareholders to consider 
adjustments to our Policy that are more 
in keeping with the emphasis on total 
performance. We are seeking approval 
of our 2020 Policy at the Company’s Annual 
General Meeting (AGM) in May 2020. 

Context to the Committee’s decisions
The business environment in which 
BAE Systems operates is a challenging one. 
There are the geopolitical realities of the 
industry in which we operate and the 
customers with whom we do business. There 
is the technical complexity of the work we do 
and the need for constant invention to make 
our businesses thrive. There is the competitive 
environment in which we acquire and retain 
talent, including the security of our work. 
All of these factors make us mindful of the 
importance of a highly skilled and experienced 
workforce, that it constantly be replenished 
with next-generation talent, and that the 
organisation be properly led and given the 
right performance incentives. While the 
Committee remains responsible for the full 
spectrum of senior executive employment 
matters, we also have a responsibility to 
ensure that the wider workforce across the 
globe is being treated equitably. Performance 
regarding safety, diversity, inclusion, gender 
pay differences, and pay practices around the 
world are all factors that are considered as we 
make our decisions.

The primary tool we use to steward the 
business is through the incentives we adopt 
for those employees with leadership 
responsibilities. Our overall remuneration 
framework has a number of specific goals. 
Our short-term programme metrics are tied 
to Group performance, business segment 
performance and individual goals, including 
the behaviours that underpin BAE Systems’ 
culture. Starting in 2018, working with our 
Chief Executive, we considerably expanded 
the individual goals of our leaders. This 
enhancement has led to greater rigour in 
evaluating their contributions and also has 
been a catalyst for a culture change of greater 
individual accountability throughout the 
organisation. Our current long-term incentive 
programme measures absolute performance 
of the Group and performance relative 
to peers.

In addition to developing the overall 
Remuneration Policy and framework, the 
Committee assesses the level of challenge 
within our annual and long-term incentive 
plan targets. Annually, in November, the full 
Board reviews and adopts the Integrated 
Business Plan. Thereafter, the Committee 
reviews the specific business targets/metrics 
for the one- and three-year periods and 
engages in a discussion regarding the 
underlying assumptions, including the 
degree of ‘stretch’ contained within them. 
After setting one- and three-year targets, 
the Committee periodically reviews progress 
towards the attainment of the objectives. 
After the close of each year, the Committee 
undertakes a thorough review of annual 
and three-year performance.

Separately, the Committee regularly considers 
the overall construct of the remuneration 
package to ensure that potential pay outcomes 
are appropriate and reasonable against different 
performance scenarios. With the enhancement 
in individual goals now firmly in place, we 
have the basis on which to exercise greater 
judgement in evaluating the performance, 
contributions and potential of our executives.

2020 base salary review
Turning now to decisions taken on the 
2020 base salary review, our Chief Executive, 
Charles Woodburn has been in role since 
July 2017. Under his leadership, the Group 
has achieved a number of significant contract 
wins including the Australia Hunter Class 
Frigate programme and Canadian Surface 
Combatant programme, and Qatar Typhoon, 
resulting in the achievement of a record high 
order backlog with visibility on many of our 
key programmes through this decade. He has 
also been leading a comprehensive change 
in strategy, culture, leadership and values, 
all of which reflect well on the stature he 
has earned as our Chief Executive.

Recognising the fact that the Committee 
appointed Charles on a salary significantly 
below that of his predecessor, the significant 
performance achievements that have been 
enabled under Charles’ leadership and the 
criticality of Charles’ efforts to ensure there 
is a robust leadership team for the future, it 
is applying a one-off adjustment to the Chief 
Executive’s salary that exceeds the percentage 
indicated for the wider workforce. Reflecting 
Charles’ skills, time, performance and 
experience, the Chief Executive’s salary has 
been set at £980,000 with effect from 
1 January 2020. This represents a 6.58% 
increase and positions his salary just below 
that of his predecessor. While the Remuneration 
Committee does not rely on benchmarking in 
making its salary determinations, it does mean 
that the new salary is positioned around the 
median in relation to the external market, 
which is in keeping with our policy.

The Committee confirms that there will be no 
salary adjustment for Peter Lynas, Jerry DeMuro 
or Brad Greve as at 1 January 2020. On his 
appointment to President and Chief Executive 
Officer of BAE Systems, Inc., the salary of 
Tom Arseneault will be $980,000, which is 
approximately 10% below his predecessor. 
The Committee would consider closing this 
differential in the first two years, dependent 
on Tom fully meeting our expectations in the 
new role.

2019 incentive outcome
After the close of 2019, the Committee met 
and reviewed performance under the short-
term annual incentive for all of the executive 
directors and Executive Committee members. 
Financial results were achieved at or around 
stretch; non-financial achievements varied for 
the executive directors and Executive Committee 
members and were predominantly between 
target and stretch.

As set out in our report, the 2019 fully diluted 
underlying EPS is 45.5p. This figure excludes 
the one-off benefit of 5.0p. The Committee 
exercised its discretion and agreed that the 
final incentives’ vesting outturn should reflect 
the 2019 fully diluted underlying EPS result 
including the tax benefit. Our reasoning was as 
follows. First, the tax agreement was achieved 
as a result of long-term executive engagement 
with authorities and counter-parties and 
would not have been achieved without those 
efforts. Second, over the years, management 
prudently provided for the possibility of an 
adverse resolution, thereby reducing earnings 
and earnings growth in prior performance 
periods in which we measured long-term 
performance. Third, the resolution of the 
matter takes away a significant financial 
uncertainty and will improve the Company’s 
future earnings potential. Fourth, this benefit 
comes in addition to an otherwise excellent 
year of performance where management has 
delivered superior results overall.

The Committee used its judgement in evaluating 
non-financial performance, including the 
executives’ commitment to safety, diversity 
and inclusion, as well as overall leadership 
contributions. A discussion of that evaluation 
and the bonuses earned by the executive 
directors are reported on pages 122 and 123.

The Performance Shares granted in 2017 under 
our long-term incentives will partially vest in 
early 2020 as will the Restricted Shares granted 
to our US executive director. The details of the 
vesting outcomes and amounts awarded are 
also described in the following report.

Having thoroughly reviewed annual and 
three-year performance, relative to the 
remuneration outcomes, the Committee is 
satisfied that the Policy operated as intended 
during 2019, aside from TSR performance 
against the peer group. As set out above, 
we are proposing to make adjustments in 
the 2020 Policy to place greater emphasis 
on the attainment of strategic goals. 

103

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsContinuously improve competitiveness 
and efficiency: The primary aim of this 
objective is to improve the agility and 
long-run sustainability of the Group’s business 
by enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness 
of the organisation. To do so, the Committee 
will examine various measures of cost and 
investment efficiency through a collection of 
key metrics that are indicators of organisational 
effectiveness such as return on capital 
employed and reduction of overhead and 
administration expense as a percentage of 
sales as appropriate for the various businesses.

Advance and leverage our technology: 
To be successful in the highly competitive 
markets in which it participates, BAE Systems 
develops and leverages advanced technology 
to discriminate our products and services 
to support customers around the world. 
The Company also leverages emerging 
digital technologies internally in its operations 
and processes to drive efficiency and higher 
throughput. The Company will evolve its 
portfolio by investing in technology and 
securing customer investment to improve its 
products and services as well as the efficiency 
of its operations. The Committee will monitor 
the Group technology plans and success in 
addressing strategic market opportunities 
and modernising operations. 

While retaining the ability within the 
Remuneration Policy for the Committee 
to determine performance measures, 
weightings and targets on an annual basis, 
and the flexibility to vary the weighting 
and mix of LTI awards, for the 2021 awards 
we are therefore proposing the following: 

Direct financial measures

EPS growth

Cash generation

Strategic measures

Relative TSR performance

Strategic progress

25%

25%

25%

25%

Remuneration Committee report 
continued

Rationale for the 2020 remuneration 
policy requiring approval at the 
2020 AGM
The Remuneration Committee is not 
proposing any changes to the target or 
maximum annual incentive opportunity 
or LTI award levels. The changes we are 
asking you to approve are set out below.

Operation of non-financial measures 
within the annual incentive
Our currently-approved construct of the 
annual incentive provides a split between 
financial and non-financial measures, with 
the discretion of the Committee to determine 
the metrics and weightings on an annual 
basis according to business priorities. Under 
the proposed Policy, the split of financial and 
non-financial performance measures within 
the annual incentive will remain at 75%/25% 
respectively. The annual financial targets 
will continue to be set so as to align with 
the long-term earnings and cash targets. 
The 25% non-financial element will continue 
to be based on a combination of personal 
performance objectives that provide clear 
line of sight to our strategic objectives. 

The one change we believe is warranted 
is to remove the safety, and diversity and 
inclusion (D&I) elements from the target and 
instead apply these elements as ‘underpins’ 
of the total annual incentive outturn. We value 
the highest levels of safety as well as the 
commitment to D&I as critical to the business. 
But we have also heard from shareholders that 
these matters – which are as much a reflection 
of culture as they are of performance – should 
be ‘table stakes’ for executives. In other 
words, being a safe and inclusive workplace 
is expected as part of the top executives’ 
day-to-day performance. Therefore, to 
administer the underpin, the Remuneration 
Committee, along with the Corporate 
Responsibility Committee, will continue to 
review performance and progress on safety, 
and D&I. However, from 2021 forward, we 
will use our discretion to modify the annual 
award in a downward direction if we find 
that safety and/or D&I are not up to the high 
standards we expect of our leadership. 

As a consequence, the non-financial element 
will continue to be weighted at 25%. 

Adjust LTI metrics to align with strategy 
The Remuneration Committee believes that 
reference to the external market is important 
in setting LTI targets. The 3%-5%-7% EPS 
growth target is one market-facing reference 
and we intend to maintain this EPS range. 
This range has proved challenging over recent 
three-year cycles. Nevertheless, a number 
of shareholders have expressed their support 
for maintaining this target in light of global 
spending on defence and the potential for 
business process improvement. To this 
financial measure, we propose to add a 
three-year cumulative cash generation 
measure to give weight to the fact our 
earnings must be underpinned by ample cash 
to support dividends and reinvestment in the 
business. We believe these two measures 
– the target EPS growth rate and cumulative 
cash generation – capture our financial 
ambitions for the business.

Looking at the totality of our LTI construct 
however, we do not believe the balance 
between external financial measures and 
company-specific measures is properly 
calibrated. Specifically, we have been 
concerned over this last cycle that our LTI 
structure is not creating meaningful incentive 
to drive specific performance due to the 50% 
weighting on relative TSR. The Committee 
proposes to reinforce the Chief Executive’s 
efforts to strengthen the culture of continuous 
improvement by reducing the portion of the 
LTI weighting accorded to TSR and including 
a metric which reflects strategic progress. 
The Committee intends to set quantifiable 
targets which will apply to LTI awards made 
from 2021 onwards against our three key 
strategic goals as described below.

Drive operational excellence: The focus 
of this objective is the adherence to project 
plans of our mission-critical projects, delivering 
them on a timely basis, with quality, and 
at target or better margins and over the 
three-year performance period for key 
programmes such as the F-35, UK Typhoon, 
the Saudi support programme, production 
of the Type 26 frigate in the UK and Australia, 
a portfolio of electronic warfare programmes 
and the combat vehicle production 
programmes. Performance will be determined 
chiefly by measuring the aggregated net 
margins of the critical projects. In addition, 
the Committee will take into account the 
timeliness of delivery and quality of the 
products and services as it determines 
whether the strategic goal of operational 
excellence is being achieved. 

104

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Summary of key decisions in 2019
–  Determination of remuneration package 
applicable to newly-appointed Group 
Finance Director designate Brad Greve;

–  approval of the retirement terms for 

outgoing Group Finance Director Peter 
Lynas in line with our approved Policy;
–  salary of the Chief Executive is increased 

by 6.58% from 1 January 2020;

–  approval of change in role, 

associated remuneration package 
and confirmation of retirement terms 
in line with our approved Policy for 
the Chief Executive Officer of 
BAE Systems, Inc. (Jerry DeMuro);

–  determination of remuneration 

package applicable to Tom Arseneault 
on promotion to President and Chief 
Executive Officer of BAE Systems, Inc.;

–  approval of remuneration packages 

for newly appointed Executive 
Committee members;

–  long-term incentive awards of 

Performance Shares granted in Spring 
2019, subject to the same performance 
conditions as applied in 2018, and 
Restricted Shares to US executive 
director only; and

–  approval of the 2020 annual incentive 
metrics and weightings (no change 
from 2019).

Shareholding requirements
The Committee acknowledges the 
relevant provisions of the 2018 UK Corporate 
Governance Code (the Code), as well as 
broader expectations of investors in relation 
to the Minimum Shareholding Requirement 
(MSR). The Committee has already agreed 
a policy whereby executive directors are 
required to establish and maintain a 
minimum personal shareholding. In addition 
to maintaining this policy, the Committee 
proposes to introduce a five-year time period 
in which executive directors are required 
to achieve their MSR. 

The current policy already contains 
consequences for the executive directors not 
meeting their MSR, which is a restriction on 
the number of shares that can be sold on 
exercise, until their MSR is met. Where an 
executive director has met less than 50% of 
his or her MSR, the executive must retain 50% 
of the net value (i.e. the value after deduction 
of exercise costs and tax) of shares acquired 
through the various share schemes; if an 
executive has met between 50% and 100% 
of their MSR, the executive must retain 25% 
of the net value. In the event that the 
executive director is still not compliant with 
their MSR at the end of the five-year period, 
the Committee will set out proposed remedial 
actions at that time.

In response to the new Code requirements, 
the Committee has established a formal 
post-cessation shareholding policy applicable 
to all executive directors. For UK executive 
directors, the policy is based on the full MSR 
continuing to apply for a period of two years. 
For US executive directors, the policy is based 
on 300% MSR applying for a period of one 
year. Executive directors will be required 
to sign a contract on leaving employment 
to ensure compliance with this policy. 

Pension provision 
The Committee recognises the desire to see 
pension provision for highly-compensated 
executives being brought in line with those 
available to the wider workforce. BAE Systems 
operates a variety of different pension 
arrangements across the UK workforce 
(as well as a range of different retirement 
income plans worldwide). The Company 
currently has a number of defined benefit 
(DB) plans which are closed to new entrants, 
with new hires being offered membership of 
a defined contribution (DC) pension scheme. 
Employer contribution rates for the different 
schemes range from 8% to approximately 50% 
salary. The level of employer contribution for 
UK employees based on a weighted average 
of active members across all schemes is 
approximately 17%. 

Our current approved policy applying to 
any new externally appointed UK executive 
director is the membership of the Executive 
Pension Scheme Defined Contribution 
Retirement Plan (EPS DCRP) with an employer 
contribution rate of 19% of salary. The 
Defined Contribution Retirement Plan 
(DCRP) is available to all employees, with 
employer contributions set at 8% of salary 
for the wider workforce. Against this 
background, the Committee concluded that 
all new UK executive director appointments 
should be offered membership of the DCRP 
with the employer contribution rate set at 
8% of salary to be consistent with the policy 
for new hires in the wider workforce in the 
UK. Consistent with this policy, the Group 
Finance Director designate, Brad Greve, 
who joined BAE Systems in September 2019, 
and will join the Board in April 2020, has 
been offered pension membership in the 
DCRP on this basis.

Our Chief Executive is a member of the 
EPS DCRP with employer contributions 
at 19%. With effect from 2020, the 
Chief Executive has voluntarily agreed 
for the annual value of his contributions 
to be fixed at the monetary value of his 
2020 employer pension contribution of 
£186,200 per annum. Assuming average 
salary increases in the region of 2.5% per 
annum, fixing the monetary value at this 
level will align the employer contribution 
rate applicable to the Chief Executive to 
the weighted average employer rate of 
17% over a period of around four years. 
The Committee will continue to monitor 
the matter of pension provision as part 
of a broader mix of total remuneration.

Concluding comments
The Remuneration Committee remains 
committed to its policy of paying for 
performance. We are proposing some 
modest changes to our Remuneration Policy 
to ensure that the incentive arrangements 
for executives are meaningful whilst 
simultaneously aligning them to the 
Company’s strategic goals and to the 
interests of our shareholders. As I hope you 
can tell from the detail in the accompanying 
report, the Committee is actively engaged 
in monitoring performance and continuing 
to ensure that the level of challenge within 
our annual and long-term incentive plans 
remains appropriate. As always, we invite 
your comments and the opportunity to 
collaborate on the framework of incentive 
and reward.

On behalf of the Board 
Paula Rosput Reynolds 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

105

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsRemuneration Committee report 
continued

The Remuneration Committee’s year

Jan

London, UK

May

Farnborough, UK

Nov

New Milton, UK

Committee

Committee

Committee

– Assessed outturn of 2018 strategic 
objectives for executive directors 
and Executive Committee members.
– Agreed 2019 key strategic objectives 
for executive directors and Executive 
Committee members. 

Feb

London, UK

Committee

– Determined 2018 bonuses against 

performance for executive directors 
and Executive Committee members 
for payment in March 2019.

– Approved 2018 Group All-Employee 

Free Share Plans payments. 

– Determined vesting outcome for 
2016 Long-Term Incentive awards.
– Approved 2019 Long-Term Incentive 
awards and associated performance 
targets for executive directors and 
Executive Committee members.
– Considered an analysis of historical 
executive director remuneration 
compared to financial performance.
– Reviewed feedback from shareholder 
consultation on 2019 remuneration 
review.

– Approved 2018 Annual remuneration 

report.

– Reviewed feedback from shareholder 
consultation on 2019 remuneration 
review. 

– Agreed the overall approach and 

timeline for the 2020 remuneration 
policy renewal. 

– Approved the rules of the BAE Systems 
Cash Long-Term Incentive Plan 2019.

Jul

London, UK

Committee

– Approved remuneration package for 

new or existing executive director and 
Executive Committee members. 

– Reviewed a deep-dive in respect of 2020 
remuneration policy renewal to support 
development of proposals.

Sep

London, UK

Committee

– Reviewed progress against Executive 
Committee 2019 strategic objectives.
– Approved the proposed changes to 
the Remuneration Policy framework 
for 2020.

– Approved the vesting outcome of the 
2016 Autumn Long-Term Incentive 
awards.

– Received remuneration analysis for 
individuals on Executive Committee 
succession plans.

– Approved the approach to the 

development of the 2019 Annual 
remuneration report including response 
to the new reporting requirements.
– Reviewed level of executive directors’ 
and Executive Committee members’ 
shareholdings relative to their Minimum 
Shareholding Requirement.

– Reviewed dilution levels and share 
usage under Employee Share Plans.

– Approved operation of Group 
All-Employee Free Share Plans.
– Considered an overview of Group 

workforce remuneration and related 
policies and the alignment of incentives 
and rewards with culture. 

Dec

London, UK

Committee

– Considered the recent updates 

to institutional investor guidance.
– Considered the early shareholder 

consultation feedback and potential 
changes to the proposed Policy 
for 2020.

– Reviewed and set salaries and bonus 

opportunity levels for executive directors 
and Executive Committee members.

– Agreed the approach, structure 
and targets for the 2020 annual 
incentive plan.

– Approved the assessment of 2019 

strategic objectives applicable to the 
Executive Committee.

– Reviewed the draft 2020 strategic 

objectives applicable to the 
Executive Committee.

– Approved remuneration package 

for new or existing executive directors 
and Executive Committee members.

Remuneration Committee timeline

 January

 February

 May

 July

 September

 November

 December

Committee

Committee

Committee

Committee

Committee

Committee

Committee

106

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019 Annual remuneration report at a glance
for the year ended 31 December 2019

Business performance and incentive outcomes in 2019

2019  
performance

2019  
incentive outcome

Group underlying EPS1

Group net debt1

Group order intake1

Recordable Accident Rate (per 100,000 employees)2

Major injuries recorded

Average three-year diluted underlying EPS growth

Three-year TSR

AIP

AIP

AIP

AIP

AIP

LTI

LTI

50.4p

£(807)m

£17.8bn

470

38

>7%

10.6%

AIP   Annual Incentive Plan

LTI   Long-Term Incentive

  Below threshold
  Between threshold and target
  Between target and stretch

1. Adjusted to be on a like-for-like basis with the targets (see page 122).
2. Safety performance has been assigned accordingly with the US receiving a payout commensurate with a strong performance and those parts of the UK Maritime and Air businesses 

who did not meet target receiving zero. At Group level, a small part of the available award was made in recognition of strong performances in the US.

This resulted in the following incentive outcomes:
–  2019 annual bonus payouts for the executive directors were in the region of 95% of maximum; and
–  Performance Shares (EPS) granted to the executive directors in March 2017 achieved stretch performance and will vest at 100%. Performance 
Shares (TSR) and Share Option awards granted at March 2017 to the executive directors did not meet their performance condition and will 
lapse. Performance Shares (TSR) and Share Option awards granted in September 2016 to the Chief Executive did not meet their performance 
condition and accordingly lapsed in September 2019.

Summary of executive directors’ remuneration in 2019
The charts below show the 2019 actual remuneration achieved, as disclosed in the single total figure of remuneration on page 118, compared 
with the 2019 on-target and maximum opportunity. On-target remuneration assumes target vesting of incentives payable in respect of the 
performance period with year-end 2019, whilst maximum remuneration assumes maximum vesting of incentives payable. Actual remuneration 
for each of the executive directors was between target and stretch, reflecting the good business performance. Also included is the value of the 
actual shareholding for each executive director as at 31 December 2019 compared to their Minimum Shareholding Requirement.

£m
7.0

6.0

5.0

4.0

3.0

2.0

1.0

£3.93m

£m
7.0

6.0

5.0

4.0

3.0

2.0

1.0

£m1
7.0

6.0

5.0

4.0

3.0

2.0

1.0

£2.83m

£4.52m

Share Options
Performance Shares
Restricted Shares
Annual Incentive
Pension and benefits
Base Salary
Value of actual shareholding
Minimum Shareholding Requirement

On-target Maximum Actual

Shareholding

On-target Maximum Actual

Shareholding

On-target Maximum Actual

Shareholding

Charles Woodburn
Chief Executive

Peter Lynas
Group Finance Director

Jerry DeMuro2
Chief Executive Officer 
of BAE Systems, Inc.

1. The figures for Jerry DeMuro have been converted from US dollars to sterling.
2. Long-term incentive figures in the charts above are based on the 2017 Performance Shares, Share Options and Restricted Shares awards.  
For Jerry DeMuro, the single total figure of remuneration on page 118 includes his 2019 Restricted Shares award as required by regulation.

Remuneration in the wider context
The Committee has responsibility for reviewing remuneration and related policies applicable to the wider workforce and the alignment 
of incentives and rewards with culture, ensuring this is taken into account when setting the policy for executive remuneration. As detailed 
on page 35 our objective is to create an inspiring and inclusive workplace for all our employees and that they are recognised and rewarded 
for their contribution. Within this context:
–  a consistent remuneration philosophy and strategy is applicable to all employees across the Group;
–  we provide our employees with competitive reward packages which reflect their individual responsibilities and contribution to business 

performance, and we recognise individual and team successes; 

–  we also encourage employees to become shareholders in BAE Systems and, in some markets, offer share schemes to support this;
–  level of 2019 salary adjustment for the executive directors and Executive Committee was consistent with the average increase for employees 

across the Group;

–  the ratio of Chief Executive pay to pay of global workforce of 52:1; and
–  the mean pay difference between men and women across the UK workforce is 10.3% in favour of men.

107

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements Annual remuneration report at a glance
for the year ending 31 December 2020

Summary of remuneration framework
The table below sets out the overall remuneration framework applicable to each of the executive directors under the current approved remuneration policy. 
The table shows Brad Greve who is to be appointed as Group Finance Director on 1 April 2020 and Tom Arseneault who is to be appointed as President and 
Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems, Inc. on 1 April 2020.

Purpose and link to strategy

Base Salary 
(with effect from 
1 January 2020)

Recognise market value of role and individual’s skills, 
experience and performance to ensure the business 
can attract and retain talent.

Pension 
and benefits

Provide employment benefits and competitive 
post-retirement benefits to ensure overall package 
is market competitive.

Annual Incentive

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.

Performance 
Shares

Drive and reward delivery of sustained long-term 
Earnings per Share (EPS) and Total Shareholder 
Return (TSR) performance aligned to the interests 
of shareholders.

Charles 
Woodburn
CEO

Brad
Greve1
GFD

Tom Arseneault 1
President and 
CEO Inc.

£980,000

£610,000

$980,000

Defined 
contribution

Defined  
contribution

Section 401(k)
defined contribution

On-target/maximum 
opportunity (% salary)

112.5%/225%

80%/160%

112.5%/225%

Performance condition

75% financial/25% non-financial

Deferral into Deferred  
Bonus Plan

One-third compulsory deferral

Grant (% salary)

370%

335%

298%

Performance condition

50% relative TSR/ 
50% three-year diluted underlying EPS growth

Restricted  
Shares

Provide long-term reward through time-vesting 
awards principally in the Company’s US market.

Grant (% salary)

n/a

150%

Minimum 
Shareholding 
Requirement

Provide long-term alignment with 
shareholder interests.

(% salary)

300%

200%

425%

1. Full details of executive director changes in 2020 are provided on pages 120 and 121. Tom Arseneault’s salary is effective from his appointment to the Board on 1 April 2020.

Application of 2020 package for UK executive directors

Application of 2020 package for US executive director

Performance 
Shares

Vests in years 3, 4 and 5 subject to three-year TSR and 
EPS conditions; vested shares released in one-thirds

Performance 
Shares

Vests in year 5 subject to three-year TSR and EPS 
conditions, and two-year holding period

Compulsory 
bonus 
deferral
Annual
Incentive

Base
Salary

One-third compulsorily deferred 
in shares for three years

Two-thirds paid  
in cash immediately

1

2

3

4

5

Charts are illustrative and are not to scale.

Year

Restricted 
Shares

Compulsory 
bonus 
deferral
Annual
Incentive

Base
Salary

Vests subject to three-year service 
condition with an additional 
two-year clawback period

One-third compulsorily deferred 
in shares for three years

Two-thirds paid  
in cash immediately

1

2

3

4

5

Year

2020 remuneration policy
The main revisions contained in the 2020 remuneration policy that is being 
put to shareholders for approval at the 2020 Annual General Meeting1 
(AGM) include:
–  from 2021, safety and diversity and inclusion elements within non-
financial annual incentive measure will be applied as a downward 
underpin if these are not achieved at high levels expected;

–  from 2021, Performance Shares will be measured against a cash-generation 
measure and a metric reflecting strategic progress, in addition to existing 
EPS and relative TSR, all with equal weighting;

–  new UK executive directors will be offered a pension provision of 8% 
of employer contributions into a defined contribution scheme, in line 
with the wider UK workforce;

–  current CEO pension to be fixed in monetary terms at his 2020 employer 

pension contribution level;

–  introduction of a five-year time period for achieving Minimum 

Shareholding Requirement (MSR) and confirmation of the consequences 
of not meeting it; and

–  establishment of a formal post-cessation shareholding policy.

1. The full Directors’ remuneration policy for approval by shareholders at the 2020 Annual General Meeting is set out on pages 131 to 145.

108

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019 Annual remuneration report
for the year ended 31 December 2019

This section details the remuneration of the executive and 
non‑executive directors (including the Chairman) during the 
financial year ended 31 December 2019 and will be proposed 
for an advisory vote by shareholders at the 2020 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.

Response to new remuneration reporting provisions in the 2018 UK Corporate 
Governance Code
In response to the new Code requirements, you will find the following detailed in our reporting:

–  for the Chairman and  

non-executive directors 

–  for the executive directors 

115

110

114

105

116

110

105

Strategic rationale of our remuneration framework.

Appropriateness of our remuneration.

How the Committee has addressed the factors of clarity, simplicity, risk, 
predictability, proportionality and alignment to culture.

Operation of our policy.

Engagement with shareholders.

Engagement with our workforce.

Exercise of discretion.

Statement of voting
Shareholder voting on the resolutions to approve the Annual remuneration report put to 
the 2019 AGM and the Directors’ remuneration policy put to the 2017 AGM was as follows:

Annual remuneration report

Votes for

2,346,572,322

%

98.37

Votes against

38,914,627

Directors’ remuneration policy

Votes for

2,286,232,998

%

95.09

Votes against

118,030,799

%

1.63

%

4.91

Total votes cast

Votes withheld 
(abstentions)

2,385,486,949

53,611,945

Total votes cast

Votes withheld 
(abstentions)

2,404,263,797

6,035,623

The Company’s current remuneration policy approved at the 2017 AGM is available in the 
Investor Relations section of the Company’s website: baesystems.com.

The Company’s proposed remuneration policy for approval at the 2020 AGM is detailed 
on pages 131 to 145.

109

110

114

115

117

118

119

120

122

123

124

125

126

Contents
Response to new provisions in the 
2018 UK Corporate Governance Code  109

Statement of voting 

Appropriateness of remuneration 
and wider context 

Remuneration principles 

Strategic rationale for our 
directors’ remuneration 

Single total figure of remuneration:

Implementation of our policy in the 
year ending 31 December 2020 

Executive director changes in 2020 

Annual bonus 

–  Key strategic objectives 

Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)  
performance 

Pension entitlements 

Share interests:
–  Scheme interests awarded during 

the financial year 

–  Description of share plans and 

summary of performance conditions  127

–  Statement of directors’ shareholdings 

and share interests 

Remuneration Committee  
composition and advisers 

128

130

109

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsAnnual remuneration report 
continued

Appropriateness of remuneration and wider context
Our reward philosophy and approach
The Committee has responsibility for reviewing remuneration and related policies applicable to the wider workforce, 
ensuring that this is taken into account when setting the policy for executive remuneration. Our aim across the Group 
is to provide a reward package that is aligned to shareholders’ interests, supports the achievement of the Company’s 
in-year and strategic objectives, is competitive against the appropriate market and is consistent with our focus on 
performance and our values of Trusted, Innovative and Bold. This means:

–  base salaries are set with reference to median of the relevant market competitive level;
–  high performance and exceptional contribution are recognised through in-year incentives;
–  packages for leadership roles have an increased emphasis on longer-term share-based reward;
–  providing employees with competitive and affordable retirement benefits which reward long-term contribution 

and loyalty; and

–  ensuring access to a competitive and cost-effective package of other benefits as part of our total reward offering.

As set out on page 114, the Committee considered a number of core principles in the renewal of our remuneration policy 
for executive directors, including how our reward policy and practice compares across the wider workforce. The table 
below illustrates this for the different groups of employees within BAE Systems. 

Executive  
directors

Executive  
Committee

Senior  
executives

Middle  
management

Wider  
workforce

Base salary

Base salary is set based on market pay approach recognising the individual’s skill, knowledge, experience levels 
and contribution to role.

Normally reviewed annually with increases typically in line with the wider workforce.

Base salary is either subject 
to negotiation with 
recognised trade unions 
and/or is set in line with 
market and/or performance.

Pension 
and benefits

Short‑term 
incentive

Long‑term 
incentive

Range of employment benefits and competitive post-retirement benefits in line with relevant home market.

Annual incentive based 75% 
on financial performance of 
our KPIs and 25% on 
non-financial metrics of safety, 
diversity and inclusion and key 
strategic objectives. 
Compulsory deferral into 
shares for three years.

Performance shares are subject 
to three-year performance 
conditions (and further 
holding requirements) 
designed to drive sustained 
company financial 
performance aligned to 
interests of shareholders.

Restricted shares vest subject 
to service condition (applicable 
in US only).

Annual incentive based 75% on financial 
performance of our KPIs and 25% on non-financial 
metrics of safety, diversity and inclusion and key 
strategic objectives. Compulsory deferral into 
shares for three years (except in the US).

Annual incentive based 
on business and 
individual performance.

In UK businesses, 
incentive typically based 
on business and/or 
individual performance.

Performance shares are subject to three-year 
performance conditions (and further holding 
requirements) designed to drive sustained 
company financial performance aligned to 
interests of shareholders.

Share options are exercisable after three years.

Restricted shares vest subject to three-year service 
condition (applicable in US only).

Eligible employees may participate in and receive free 
matching shares in our Company Share Incentive Plan 
(SIP) or international equivalent.

Company rewards eligible employees with annual 
award of free shares, or cash equivalent, based on 
our Group financial performance.

The Remuneration Committee regularly undertakes a deep-dive session to build its understanding of reward arrangements 
applicable to the wider workforce. The Committee is provided with visibility of remuneration practices in the different 
sectors/markets in which we operate and for the different populations within the wider workforce across the Company 
globally. These sessions have covered a range of topics including workforce demographics, the outcome of the reward 
review throughout the workforce, reward principles, job sizing, pay philosophy and pay ranges, annual and long-term 
incentive design, employee share plans and other employee benefits including pension and retirement schemes. During 
meetings, the Remuneration Committee is also periodically updated on wider employee matters such as the outcome 
of our UK gender pay analysis.

Whilst the Company does not currently directly engage with employees as part of the process of reviewing executive 
pay, formulating the Remuneration Policy and its alignment with wider company pay policy, the Company does receive 
insights from the broader employee population using an engagement survey. Further detail on engagement with 
employees is given on page 116.

110

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Pay comparisons
Pay ratio of Chief Executive to global average employee
The Committee is mindful of the relationship between Chief Executive remuneration and remuneration of the wider 
BAE Systems employee population. Therefore, in line with our commitment to transparency, the table below provides 
the ratio of remuneration of the Chief Executive to the average employee of the Group since 2014. 

As can be seen, the ratio has typically been around 50:1, with the ratio being higher in some years as a result of the partial 
vesting of Long-Term Incentive awards in those years. The ratio could range from around 20:1 to 100:1 depending on the 
level of performance against the measures which drive the Annual and Long-Term Incentive Plans.

The ratio of remuneration of the Chief Executive to the average employee of the entire Group since 2014 was as follows:

Chief Executive’s remuneration (£’000)2

Average employee remuneration (£’000)3

Ratio

2014

3,519

58

60:1

2015

2,929

62

47:1

2016

3,463

67

52:1

20171

3,365

72

47:1

2018

2,416

72

33:1

2019

3,934

76

52:1

1. Chief Executive’s remuneration in 2017 includes a combination of the remuneration of Ian King and Charles Woodburn. As Charles Woodburn’s 

overall remuneration was lower than Ian King’s, the calculation for 2017 results in a downward movement in the pay ratio.

2. The Chief Executive’s remuneration is calculated on the same basis as the single total figure of remuneration table.
3. Average employee remuneration is based on staff costs calculated on the same basis as note 3 to the Group accounts, excluding social security 

costs and US healthcare costs. The 2018 figure excludes the Guaranteed Minimum Pension equalisation charge (see note 23 to the Group accounts).

Recognising the global nature of our workforce, we believe the above pay ratio measured against the average 
employee of the entire Group is the most appropriate for BAE Systems. We will therefore continue to provide 
the pay ratio on this basis.

Pay ratio of Chief Executive to UK average employee
As required by legislation, the table below provides the ratio of the Chief Executive to that of the median, 25th and 
75th percentile total remuneration of full-time equivalent UK employees. We voluntarily disclosed the pay ratio on 
the required basis in 2018: 

Year

2019

2018

Method

Option B

Option B

25th  
percentile 
pay ratio

90:1

61:1

Median  
pay ratio

72:1

48:1

75th  
percentile 
pay ratio

59:1

38:1

The reporting regulations offer three calculation approaches for determining the pay ratio – Options A, B and C. 
The table above has been calculated using the approach determined by Option B which is deemed the most appropriate 
methodology for BAE Systems. Recognising that BAE Systems has more than 30,000 UK employees, operating on 
different human resources and payroll systems, it is not feasible to adopt Option A. The calculations for the relevant 
representative employees were performed as at 31 December 2019.

To ensure Option B provides a sufficiently accurate representation of the UK workforce, we have performed sensitivity 
analysis around the three quartiles. Our approach has been to consider the total pay and benefits for a number of 
employees centred around each quartile. This allows any anomalies that may arise when calculating the total pay 
and benefits for the full financial year (such as if an employee left part way through the year) to be adjusted or excluded. 
By taking an average of the remaining figures, this provides a robust representation of each quartile. 

The total full-time equivalent pay and benefits for the relevant employees has been calculated based on the amount paid 
or receivable in respect of the financial year. The calculations are on the same basis as required for the Chief Executive’s 
remuneration for single total figure purposes. For pension-related benefits, employer pension costs have been estimated 
using the employer contribution rates applicable to the member’s pension scheme. No other estimates or adjustments 
have been used in the calculation and no remuneration items have been omitted. A minority of employees in this 
calculation are employed on a part-time basis and therefore their remuneration has been annualised to reflect the 
full-time equivalent.

Our reward framework across the Group is based on a consistent set of principles, including managing reward by 
reference to external competitor benchmarks (see page 110). In the case of our Chief Executive, his total remuneration 
comprises a significant proportion in variable pay and therefore the single figure will vary considerably depending on 
the level of performance against the measures which drive the Annual and Long-Term Incentive Plans. The employees 
in the calculation would not typically participate in any long-term incentive plans and receive a significantly higher 
proportion of their remuneration in the form of fixed pay. The difference in ratio at the three quartiles is consistent 
with our market-based approach to reward, with the ratio increasing as the Chief Executive’s remuneration is 
compared with that of more junior employees.

£

Total pay and benefits

Salary component

25th  
percentile

43,873

33,257

50th  
percentile

54,833

40,771

75th  
percentile

66,964

50,343

111

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsAnnual remuneration report 
continued

Relative to 2018, the pay ratio in 2019 has increased by approximately 50% this year at 25th, median and 75th percentiles. 
This is largely explained by an increase in annual bonus in respect of 2019 (95.6% of maximum in 2019 versus 65.5% 
in 2018), and partial vesting of long-term incentives in respect of performance ending in 2019 for the Chief Executive 
(compared with nil vesting in respect of 2018).

Total Shareholder Return (TSR) performance and Chief Executive pay
The graph below shows the value by 31 December 2019, on a TSR basis, of £100 invested in BAE Systems on 31 December 
2009 compared with the value of £100 invested in the FTSE 100 index, including the effect of dividends. The graph 
additionally shows the remuneration of the Chief Executive, plotted on the secondary y-axis.

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 investment interests of our UK shareholder base. In addition, 
it forms 50% of the TSR performance measure for awards made from 2016 onwards. The equivalent data is shown 
for the sectoral comparator group which is of relevance to our international shareholder base.

The chart below demonstrates the strong long-term alignment of our Chief Executive pay and the returns to our 
shareholders. We achieved this through the Chief Executive receiving a high proportion of his remuneration in shares and 
with our performance conditions being based on measures which directly support the implementation of our strategy.

Value at 31 December 2019 of £100 investment at 31 December 2009

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

20171

2018

2019

BAE Systems
FTSE 100
Sectoral comparator group
Chief Executive 
remuneration2

£450

£400

£350

£300

£250

£200

£150

£100

£50

£0

Change in Chief Executive’s remuneration over ten years

2009

2010

2011

£’000

6,000

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Chief Executive’s single 
total figure (£’000)3

Ian King

Charles Woodburn

Bonus paid as a percentage 
of maximum

Ian King

Charles Woodburn

LTI as a percentage 
of maximum vesting3

Ian King

Charles Woodburn

4,810

4,613

2,574

2,499

3,519

2,929

3,463

2,086

n/a

n/a

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,279

2,416 3,934

4,810

4,613

2,574

2,499

3,519

2,929

3,463

3,365

2,416 3,934

71.0% 68.6% 55.6% 53.4% 74.3% 72.4% 82.3% 75.9%

n/a

n/a

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 75.8% 65.6% 95.6%

57.6% 44.3%

–

–

nil

–

nil 16.8%

–

–

nil

–

nil 11.3%

n/a

n/a

–

n/a

nil 10.9%

1. Ian King retired and stepped down as Chief Executive on 30 June 2017 and Charles Woodburn took over the position on 1 July 2017. 
Ian King’s remuneration is shown from the start of the financial year until 30 June 2017. Charles Woodburn’s remuneration is shown 
from 1 July 2017 to the end of that financial year.

2. Plotted on the secondary y-axis.
3. Total remuneration includes the value of share plans vesting that were granted prior to appointment as Chief Executive.

112

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Annual percentage change in Chief Executive’s remuneration
The percentage change from 2018 to 2019 in remuneration of the Chief Executive and average UK employee is shown 
in the table below. The level of salary adjustment for the Chief Executive was consistent with the average UK employee 
workforce. The increase in bonus in respect of 2019 performance is a reflection of the good financial performance 
in 2019.

Base salary

Taxable benefits

Bonus

Change in
Chief Executive’s
remuneration
%

Change in
average UK employee1
remuneration
%

+2.5

–9.1

+49.4

+2.5

+2.5

+18.4

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.

Gender pay
BAE Systems has published its annual gender pay gap report in line with the UK regulations. For 2019, the average 
(mean) gender pay gap for our UK workforce was 10.3% in favour of men (2018 9.0%), which is lower than the current 
UK national average of 17.3%. We have a gender pay gap because we employ around four times more men than women 
and a greater proportion of our senior leadership population is male. We rely on employing large numbers of employees 
with STEM qualifications and we, like other companies, face challenges recruiting females with these qualifications 
because there are significantly fewer women who study and work in these fields. We are working hard to improve 
our gender balance and to increase the numbers of women in senior executive positions and in engineering roles.

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 2018 and 2019.

Underlying EBITA1

Returns to shareholders

(£m)

+9.8%
2019

2018

(£m)

+3.0%
2019

2018

2,117

1,928

Total employee costs2,3

Average headcount4

(£m)

+7.3%
2019

2018

(’000)

+3.9%
2019

2018

6,417

5,986

724

703

79

76

1. Operating profit excluding amortisation and impairment of intangible assets, finance costs and taxation expense of equity accounted investments 

(EBITA), and non-recurring items (see page 46).

2. The Saudi Arabia end of service benefit has been accounted for in accordance with IAS 19 with effect from 1 January 2019. 2018 includes £110m 

relating to the Guaranteed Minimum Pension equalisation charge (see note 23 to the Group accounts).

3. After excluding the impact of exchange translation, wages and salaries increased by approximately 3% per employee in 2019.
4. Excluding share of equity accounted investments.

113

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsAnnual remuneration report 
continued

Remuneration principles
The Committee established six core principles which underpin our approach to executive remuneration. The principles 
are aligned to BAE Systems’ strategic objectives, taking account of shareholder expectations and the remuneration 
factors set out in Provision 40 of the 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code (the Code), as well as reflecting a stronger 
performance accountability across the enterprise. The Committee considered these principles in the renewal of our 2020 
remuneration policy for executive directors, whilst being mindful of the alignment and fairness of remuneration with the 
wider workforce. The table below shows this close alignment between the Committee’s core principles and the Code’s 
factors, including how the Committee addresses each factor.

Factor within Provision 40

How the Committee has addressed the factor

Clarity

Remuneration arrangements 
should be transparent and 
promote effective engagement 
with shareholders and 
the workforce.

In line with our commitment to full transparency and engagement with 
our shareholders on the topic of executive remuneration, the Remuneration 
Committee Chairman engages with our major shareholders to set out the 
changes planned for the following year. In a year of significant change, the 
Remuneration Committee Chairman will consult with our major shareholders 
to discuss and seek views on potential changes. 

The Company consults directly with the broader employee population on their 
remuneration through a variety of methods including WebEx, explanatory 
guides hosted on intranet, human resources or business-led briefings.

Simplicity

Remuneration structures 
should avoid complexity and 
their rationale and operation 
should be easy to understand.

Clear direction of travel for changes to our reward framework in recent years 
has been to reduce the complexity of our long-term incentive arrangements 
as demonstrated by:
–  2014: Introduction of new single ‘umbrella’ LTI plan – simplicity and 

flexibility of design; and

–  2018: Simplification of construct by elimination of share options for 

executive directors.

Full range of design features exist within remuneration arrangements to take 
risks into account as follows: 
– malus and clawback mechanisms within AIP and LTIs;
–  Remuneration Committee application of reasonable discretion to override 

formulaic outcomes; and

–  safety objective within AIP focuses on recordable accident rate and major 

injuries recorded.

Our remuneration policy contains the following:
–  maximum award levels and vesting outcomes applicable to annual and 

long-term incentive arrangements; and

–  as set out above in Risk, the Committee has the ability to apply malus, 

clawback and reasonableness discretion where appropriate.

Performance conditions attached to annual and long-term incentive 
arrangements require a minimum level of performance to be achieved before 
any payout is made. As set out on page 115, there is a direct link between an 
individual’s reward and their contribution to driving strategy and increasing 
company performance. No payment is made for poor performance. Any 
individual’s performance that is below expectations is dealt with as part of our 
performance management process – any individual leaving due to performance 
issues would not be entitled to any incentive payments.

As set out on page 115, there is a direct link between driving BAE Systems’ 
strategy and an individual’s reward. 

As shown opposite, the Committee has established six core principles which 
underpin the philosophy and approach to executive remuneration to ensure 
alignment to BAE Systems’ strategic objectives.

Risk

Remuneration arrangements 
should ensure reputational 
and other risks from excessive 
rewards, and behavioural risks 
that can arise from target-based 
incentive plans, are identified 
and mitigated.

Predictability

The range of possible values 
of rewards to individual 
directors and any other limits 
or discretions should be 
identified and explained at the 
time of approving the policy.

Proportionality

The link between individual 
awards, the delivery of strategy 
and the long-term performance 
of the Company should be 
clear. Outcomes should not 
reward poor performance.

Alignment to culture

Incentive schemes should 
drive behaviours consistent 
with company purpose, values 
and strategy.

114

Remuneration Committee 
core principles

Simplicity 
Clarity and simplicity of design; 
ease of understanding by 
executives and external 
stakeholders.

Motivational 
Plans are relevant and meaningful 
with clear line of sight between 
actions and reward outcomes; 
metrics and targets which drive 
superior performance and value 
for shareholders.

Aligned with shareholder interests 
Close alignment of reward 
outcomes and shareholder 
experience; long-term share 
ownership and ‘skin in the game’ 
for executives.

Globally competitive 
Compensation opportunity 
aligned to relevant competitive 
employment market; enabling 
mobility across different 
businesses and geographies.

Acceptable to shareholders 
Compliance with proxy bodies and 
corporate governance guidelines; 
continuing government, investor, 
media and public scrutiny of 
executive pay and fairness relative 
to wider workforce.

Flexibility/adaptability 
Transparent and responsible 
application of discretion to 
override formulaic outcomes; 
ability to respond to special/
unforeseen circumstances during 
life of binding policy.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic rationale for our directors’ remuneration
As detailed on page 110, the Committee’s aim across the Group is to provide a reward package that is aligned to 
shareholders’ interests, supports the achievement of the Company’s in-year and strategic objectives, is competitive 
against the appropriate market and is consistent with our focus on performance and our values of Trusted, Innovative 
and Bold. In the context of our executive directors and senior executive population, a significant proportion of their 
remuneration package is performance-related, and the performance conditions applying to incentive arrangements 
support the delivery of the Company’s strategy. The chart below shows the alignment of our incentive measures 
with our strategic objectives. 

Strategic objectives

How our performance measures  
align to strategic objectives

Drive operational excellence

Continuously improve competitiveness and efficiency

Advance and further leverage our technology

Pursue and deliver growth

Annual incentive

Earnings per share

Net debt

Order intake

Safety

Lead and inspire high-performing teams and individuals

Diversity and inclusion

Build trust by operating to the highest standards of business conduct

Long-term incentive

Three-year relative Total Shareholder Return

Three-year earnings per share

Three-year cash generation1

Strategic progress1

The table below sets out how our executive directors’ and senior executives’ remuneration framework directly aligns 
to our strategy.

Element

Base salary

Pension and benefits

Annual incentive

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.

Provide employment benefits and competitive post-retirement benefits to ensure overall package 
is market competitive.

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.

Bonus deferral

Increases alignment with shareholder interests.

Performance shares

Direct financial measures of long-term earnings and cash generation1 that drive our financial ambitions 
for the Company, and external strategic measures1 including relative TSR performance, aligned to the 
interests of shareholders.

Restricted shares 
(US only)

Share options  
(below executive director level)

Provide long-term reward through time-vesting awards principally in the Company’s US market.

Drive and reward delivery of sustained improvement in the Company’s share price.

Shareholding requirements

Provide long-term alignment with shareholder interests.

1. Applies under the proposed 2020 Directors’ remuneration policy.

115

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsAnnual remuneration report 
continued

Engagement with shareholders
In line with our commitment to full transparency and engagement with our shareholders on the topic of executive 
remuneration, the Remuneration Committee Chairman annually writes to our major shareholders and also Institutional 
Shareholder Services, the Investment Association and Glass Lewis, to set out the changes planned for the following year. 
In a year of significant change, such as this year with the renewal of our Remuneration Policy, the Remuneration 
Committee Chairman will additionally engage directly with our major shareholders to discuss and seek views on potential 
changes. The Remuneration Committee Chairman values direct engagement with our shareholders and makes herself 
available for such meetings throughout the year to hear their perspective on remuneration matters.

Engagement with shareholders in the formulation of the proposed 2020 Remuneration Policy is referenced in the 
Committee Chairman’s report on page 102.

During 2018, BAE Systems conducted a Governance Investor event, aimed at encouraging greater transparency and 
awareness of our governance programmes. The event provided an opportunity for closer contact with non-executives, 
particularly the committee chairs. As part of this, the Remuneration Committee Chairman shared an overview of the 
Remuneration Committee including the key themes and areas for focus for the Committee looking forward. A similar 
event has been scheduled for March 2020.

Engagement with workforce
The skills, capabilities and commitment of our people are critical to ensuring the long-term sustainability of our business 
and delivering the innovation needed to solve our customers’ complex challenges. Effective engagement enables our 
employees to contribute to improving business performance and helps us to create an environment in which everyone 
can fulfil their potential. 

Recognising that our ways of working are critical to achieving our strategic priorities, we have increased our focus on 
assessing and rewarding both what our people achieve, and how they achieve it. During 2019, we introduced a set 
of Company Behaviours to define how we want to work together and with our stakeholders, encouraging attributes 
such as collaboration, innovation, creativity and adaptability that will underpin personal, team and organisational 
success. Together, our Company Behaviours and our shared strategic objectives give clarity on what is expected 
and how we can work together to deliver our strategy and achieve our potential.

We keep employees informed about what is happening across the business using a variety of media, including our 
intranet, email and employee app, through podcasts, newsletters, leadership blogs and trade union forums, and also 
through leadership briefings and team meetings where we seek to listen to employees’ views and opinions. Employees 
are encouraged to share their views through our channels and employee surveys. 

As shareholders through our all-employee share schemes, eligible employees are encouraged to vote and attend 
our Annual General Meeting (AGM). In addition to providing an update on our business performance, it also provides 
the opportunity for them in their capacity as shareholders to ask questions to our Chairman and other members of 
the Board.

116

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Single total figure of remuneration

Single total figure of remuneration for the Chairman and non-executive directors

Fees 
£’000

Benefits
£’000

Other 
£’000

Total 
£’000

Total fixed 
remuneration 
£’000

Total variable 
remuneration 
£’000

2019

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018

700

700

80

80

68

80

47

47

105

130

105

80

80

80

80

n/a

n/a

105

130

105

–

7

3

2

3

1

11

8

1

2

–

9

2

11

4

n/a

n/a

9

1

3

–

–

700

700

700

700

18

4

18

4

4

13

27

4

5

23

9

27

9

n/a

n/a

27

9

9

105

87

88

87

52

71

140

135

112

112

91

118

93

n/a

n/a

141

140

117

105

87

88

87

52

71

140

135

112

112

91

118

93

n/a

n/a

141

140

117

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

n/a

n/a

–

–

–

Chairman

Sir Roger Carr

Non-executive directors

R Advaithi

Dame E P L Corley

H Green1

C M Grigg

S T Pearce2

N W Piasecki2

P Rosput Reynolds

N C Rose

I P Tyler

1. Retired from the Board on 7 November 2019.
2. Appointed to the Board on 1 June 2019.

  Fixed remuneration element
  Variable remuneration element

Chairman
Sir Roger Carr’s fee was set at £700,000 per annum with effect from 1 February 2017 and has remained at 
that level following a review prior to the commencement of his third three-year term from 1 February 2020.

The Chairman’s fee is set by the Remuneration Committee and will not be reviewed again for the remainder 
of his current three-year term.

Non-executive directors
The non-executive directors’ fees are set by the Non-Executive Directors’ Fees Committee which comprises Sir Roger 
Carr (Committee Chairman), Philip Bramwell (Group General Counsel), Jerry DeMuro and Charles Woodburn.

The fee structure on a per annum basis is set as follows: (i) Chairman, Audit Committee: £105,000; (ii) Chairman, 
Corporate Responsibility Committee: £105,000; (iii) Chairman, Remuneration Committee: £105,000; (iv) other 
non-executive directors: £80,000; and (v) additional fee for Senior Independent Director: £25,000. 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 non-executive fee structure was reviewed in January 2020 and was agreed that the fee of each individual 
non-executive director would increase by £5,000 per annum with effect from 1 April 2020 (with no change to 
the additional fee for the Senior Independent Director). This will be subject to periodic review.

The above table has been subject to audit. 

117

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsAnnual remuneration report 
continued

Single total figure of remuneration for the executive directors

Base  
salary 
£’000

Taxable
benefits1
£’000

Bonus2
£’000

LTIP3
£’000

Pension4
£’000

Other5
£’000

Total 
£’000

Total fixed 
remuneration 
£’000

Total variable 
remuneration 
£’000

2019

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018

C N Woodburn

P J Lynas

J DeMuro6

920

658

849

897

642

789

21

19

49

23 1,978 1,324

25 1,006

42 1,805

653

936

838

612

985

–

122

167

175

535

13

171

460

2

1

1 3,934 2,416 1,116 1,091 2,818 1,325

– 2,831 1,902 1,212 1,127 1,619

775

13 1,317 1,217 5,018 3,164

911

844 4,107 2,320

  Fixed remuneration element

  Variable remuneration element

The above table has been subject to audit.

1.   The benefits received by Charles Woodburn include the provision of a car allowance and the private use of a 

chauffeur-driven car (2019 £21k; 2018 £23k). The benefits received by Peter Lynas include the provision of a car 
allowance and the private use of a chauffeur-driven car (2019 £19k; 2018 £23k). The prior year figure for Peter Lynas 
also includes the final payment in respect of his second residence allowance (£2k). Jerry DeMuro’s benefits include 
private use of a chauffeur-driven car and parking (2019 £2k; 2018 £2k); medical and dental benefits (2019 £13k; 
2018 £13k); insured life and disability benefits (2019 £9k; 2018 £9k); and the private use of a company aircraft 
(2019 £25k; 2018 £18k).

2.   Further detail on bonus payments is provided on page 122. One-third of the net bonus paid to Charles Woodburn, 

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 values in the 2019 column are calculated on the basis of the three-month average share price of £5.64 as 
at 31 December 2019 and relate to the vesting portion (100%), including shares deriving from notional reinvested 
dividends, of the 2017 LTIP PSEPS granted to Charles Woodburn, Peter Lynas and Jerry DeMuro for which the 
performance period ended on 31 December 2019 (see page 124 for further detail).

 An estimate of the amount of 2017 LTIP award attributable to share price appreciation is set out below. As the 2017 
LTIP grant price was higher than the 2019 year-end share price, this has resulted in a negative share price appreciation 
for the 2017 vested awards.

C N Woodburn

P J Lynas

J DeMuro

2017 LTIP PS 
£

−107,421

−78,361

−126,169

2017 LTIP RS 
£

–

–

−104,272

 As required by regulation, the estimated vesting values for the awards shown in the 2018 column (which were 
calculated in the 2018 Annual Report on the basis of the three-month average share price of £5.17 as at 31 December 
2018), have been adjusted to reflect the actual value on the vesting of the performance award in March 2019 based 
on the then share price of £4.62. The figures reported in the 2018 column in the 2018 Annual Report on the estimated 
basis were Peter Lynas: £145k; and Jerry DeMuro: £200k. The respective figures in the 2018 Total column have been 
recast accordingly. Note, as the exercise price was higher than the then share price, the value in respect of share 
options has been shown as zero.

118

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019 
 
 
4.  The figures for Peter Lynas in this column reflect defined benefit arrangements and 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 under review, net of inflation. These figures are also 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 his salary increase 

since 31 December 2018.

–  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. For the 2019 figures, the reference CPI inflation was 2.4%.

 The figures for Charles Woodburn relate to a salary supplement in lieu of Company pension contributions.

 The figures for Jerry DeMuro include company contributions paid into his Section 401(k) defined contribution 
arrangement.

 Further detail on pensions is given on page 125.

5.  This column includes (i) the value of Free Share awards under the UK all-employee Share Incentive Plan (SIP) of 
£698 for Charles Woodburn, and his Matching Shares under voluntary investment in the SIP; and (ii) for Jerry 
DeMuro, the value of the 2019 grant of Restricted Shares (£1,245k). This award formed part of Jerry DeMuro’s 
2019 LTIP allocation but is required to be reported under ‘Other’ as it has no performance conditions attached. 
The balance of the 2019 figure (£72k) relates to the value of notional reinvested dividends in respect of his 2016 
Restricted Share Plan award which vested in March 2019, the third anniversary of grant. The value of the related 
award was reported in the 2016 Remuneration report. His prior year figure relates to a similar Restricted Shares 
award in 2018 and the value of the notional reinvested dividends in respect of his 2015 Restricted Share Plan award. 
For Peter Lynas, the value of his 2019 Free Share award under the SIP was £698 (2018 £394).

6.  Jerry DeMuro is paid in US dollars with the disclosed figures above being converted into sterling at the required 
exchange rate. The 2019 salary reflects his 2.5% salary increase and the exchange rate fluctuations experienced 
in 2019.

The value of existing LTIPs1 delivered in 2019 to Ian King, a former director, totalled £152,538. There were no other 
payments to former directors in 2019.

1.  Previously disclosed and subject to the attainment of performance conditions.

Implementation of our policy in the year ending 31 December 2020
For the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, the Directors’ remuneration policy (the Policy) has been operating 
in practice since the date of its approval on 10 May 2017 at the 2017 AGM. The remuneration for 2020 will be 
implemented as follows:
–  The salary of the Chief Executive is increased by 6.58% to £980,000 with effect from 1 January 2020.
–  The salary of the retiring Group Finance Director remains at the 2019 level; that for his successor is detailed 

on page 120.

–  The salary of the retiring Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems, Inc. remains at the 2019 level; that for his 

successor is detailed on page 121. 

–  Annual and Long-Term Incentive opportunity levels are in line with 2017 approved Policy.
–  Long-Term Incentive awards of Performance Shares only for UK executive directors, and Performance Shares 

and Restricted Shares for US executive director.

–  The performance measures and weightings for 2020 for the Annual Incentive and Long-Term Incentives are 

set out on pages 134 and 136.

–  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. 

The Company’s proposed remuneration policy for approval at the 2020 AGM is detailed on pages 131 to 145 
and discussed in the Remuneration Committee Chair’s report commencing on page 102.

119

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements 
 
 
Annual remuneration report 
continued

Executive director changes in 2020
Group Finance Director
As announced by the Company on 8 August 2019, the following arrangements will apply in relation to Peter Lynas 
when he retires as a director and ceases employment on 31 March 2020. The arrangements are in accordance with 
the Company’s Remuneration Policy, approved by shareholders and the Rules of the Company’s 2000 Pension Plan 
and Executive Pension Scheme outlined in the 2018 Annual Report:

Peter Lynas’ retirement on 31 March 2020 will be at his Normal Retirement Date and accordingly:
–  he will be entitled to receive his accrued pension benefit in accordance with the Rules of the BAE Systems 2000 

Pension Plan and the BAE Systems Executive Pension Scheme; 

–  under the Rules of the BAE Systems Long-Term Incentive Plan, any unvested share awards will vest at the normal 

vesting date, subject to the relevant performance conditions and time pro-rating. Awards will be reduced pro-rata 
for time based on the period from grant date to 31 March 2020 (calculated on the basis of actual days employed). 
The applicable performance conditions will be tested at the end of the normal performance period. In the case 
of any such award which vests after 31 March 2020, the award remains exercisable for a period of six months 
from the day on which the award vests;

–  bonus shares under the BAE Systems Deferred Bonus Plan will continue to be deferred and will be released 

on the normal release dates;

–  any share awards held by him, which have vested on or before 31 March 2020 but have not been exercised 
at that date will lapse unless exercised in the six-month period from 31 March 2020 or, if earlier, the date on 
which such award normally lapses;

–  following termination of employment, he will be subject to a reduced minimum shareholding requirement 

equivalent to 100% of salary for a period of two years from leaving employment;

–  he will remain eligible to receive an annual incentive payment for 2019 in accordance with the Company’s 

Remuneration Policy. Any bonus will be subject to compulsory deferral of one third of the net amount under the 
BAE Systems Deferred Bonus Plan in the normal way with the balance being paid at the normal bonus payment 
date in March 2020;

–  he will be eligible for an annual incentive payment for 2020, determined by the Remuneration Committee, subject 
to an assessment of performance and pro-rated for three months of service during 2020. Any bonus will be paid 
at the normal bonus payment date following the end of the 2020 financial year and subject to compulsory deferral 
of one third of the net amount under the BAE Systems Deferred Bonus Plan in the normal way;

–  he will continue to be covered by the Company’s D&O insurance policy and his current director’s indemnification 

arrangements will remain in place;

–  he will continue to be bound by the terms of his service contract which continue to apply following cessation 

of employment including post-termination restrictive covenants and confidentiality provisions;

–  his annual salary will remain at the current level until his retirement date;
–  no payment in lieu of notice or other termination payment will be payable; and
–  taxable benefits comprising the provision of a car allowance and the private use of a chauffeur-driven car will 

cease from 31 March 2020.

As also announced on 8 August 2019, the Company has appointed Brad Greve as Group Finance Director Designate 
to succeed Peter Lynas as Group Finance Director and join the BAE Systems plc Board on 1 April 2020. He joined 
BAE Systems and became a member of the Executive Committee in September 2019. His remuneration arrangements 
are in line with the Company’s Remuneration Policy approved by shareholders: 
–  base salary of £610,000;
–  eligible for participation in the BAE Systems plc Annual Incentive and Long-Term Incentive Plan;
–  Minimum Shareholding Requirement of 200% of base salary; and
–  pension – Company contribution of up to 8% of reference salary.

In accordance with the Remuneration Policy, the Company has bought out certain incentives previously awarded 
by his previous employer and forfeited as a consequence of joining BAE Systems at a level consistent with the fair 
value at the time of recruitment in the form of a one-off payment for forfeited earnings as follows:
–  £210,000 cash payment to be paid within 30 days of commencing employment. 50% of the net amount must 

be used to purchase BAE Systems plc shares within 120 days following payment.

120

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Chief Executive Officer, BAE Systems, Inc.
As announced on 17 December 2019 Jerry DeMuro will retire from the Company on 31 December 2020. He will step 
down from the BAE Systems plc Board and from his role as Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems, Inc. on 31 March 
2020 and undertake the role of Executive Vice President until the end of the year, remaining on the BAE Systems, Inc. 
Board. In this capacity he will have responsibility for the delivery of a number of strategic assignments across 
BAE Systems’ US and other businesses, including a governance review of global shipbuilding.

The following arrangements will apply in relation to Jerry DeMuro when he retires as a director of BAE Systems plc on 
31 March 2020 and ceases employment on 31 December 2020. The arrangements are in accordance with the Company’s 
Remuneration Policy, approved by shareholders and contained in the 2018 Annual Report:

For retirement benefit and share plan purposes, Jerry DeMuro will separate from the Company with the Company’s 
consent on 31 December 2020 and:
–  he will be entitled to receive his accrued retirement savings plan benefit in accordance with the Rules of the 

BAE Systems, Inc. 401(k) Plan; 

–  under the Rules of the BAE Systems Long-Term Incentive Plan, any unvested share awards will, subject to the discretion 
of the Remuneration Committee, vest on 31 December 2020 or, if later, as soon as practicable after the first opportunity 
when any relevant performance conditions can be determined, and subject to time pro-rating. Awards will be reduced 
pro-rata for time based on the period from grant date to 31 December 2020 (calculated on the basis of actual days 
employed). The applicable performance conditions will be tested at the end of the normal performance period;
–  bonus shares under the BAE Systems Deferred Bonus Plan will continue to be deferred and will be released on the 

normal release dates;

–  any share awards held by him, which have vested on or before 31 December 2020 but have not been exercised at that 
date will lapse unless exercised in the six-month period from 31 December 2020 or, if earlier, the date on which such 
award normally lapses;

–  following termination of employment, he will be subject to a minimum shareholding requirement equivalent 

to 300% of salary for a period of one year from leaving employment;

–  he will remain eligible to receive an annual incentive payment for 2019 in accordance with the Company’s 

Remuneration Policy. Any bonus will be subject to compulsory deferral of one third of the net amount under 
the BAE Systems Deferred Bonus Plan in the normal way with the balance being paid at the normal bonus 
payment date in March 2020;

–  he will be eligible for an annual incentive payment for 2020, determined by the Remuneration Committee, subject 
to an assessment of performance and pro-rated for three months of service during 2020. Any bonus will be paid 
at the normal bonus payment date following the end of the 2020 financial year and subject to compulsory deferral 
of one third of the net amount under the BAE Systems Deferred Bonus Plan in the normal way;

–  for the period from 1 April 2020 in his future role as Executive Vice President, his annual salary will remain at 

the current level until his retirement date of 31 December 2020. In addition, he will remain eligible to receive an 
on-target bonus payment equivalent to 112.5% of base salary, pro-rata for the actual number of months worked;

–  he will not be eligible to receive any future awards under the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan;
–  he will continue to be covered by the Company’s D&O insurance policy and his current director’s indemnification 

arrangements will remain in place;

–  he will continue to be bound by the terms of his service contract which continue to apply following cessation 

of employment including post-termination restrictive covenants and confidentiality provisions;

–  no payment in lieu of notice or other termination payment will be payable; and
–  benefits comprising the use of a chauffeur-driven car, medical and dental benefits and insured life and disability 

benefits will cease from 31 December 2020.

Tom Arseneault will succeed Jerry DeMuro as President and Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems, Inc. and will 
join the BAE Systems plc Board on 1 April 2020. Tom Arseneault has been President and Chief Operating Officer of 
BAE Systems, Inc. since May 2019 and will continue as a member of the BAE Systems, Inc. Board and the BAE Systems plc 
Executive Committee. His Remuneration arrangements are in line with the Company’s Remuneration Policy approved 
by shareholders:
–  base salary of $980,000. (Note: Tom Arseneault has been appointed with a base salary which is approximately 
10% below that of his predecessor. Consideration will be given to close this differential in the first two years, 
dependent on performance in the new role.); 

–  eligible for participation in the BAE Systems plc Annual Incentive and Long-Term Incentive Plan; and
–  Minimum Shareholding Requirement of 425% of base salary.

121

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsAnnual remuneration report 
continued

Annual bonus
Annual bonuses for the 2019 year are paid in March 2020. Annual bonus is made up of financial metrics, safety, diversity 
and inclusion, and personal objectives, designed to support the achievement of certain strategic outcomes necessary 
for the long-term sustainability of the business. The breakdown of bonus measures, achievement and payout 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.

Charles Woodburn Chief Executive

Measures

Financial Group underlying EPS

Group net debt

Group order intake

Personal Safety2

Diversity and inclusion2

Key strategic objectives

Peter Lynas Group Finance Director

Measures

Financial Group underlying EPS

Group net debt

Group order intake

Personal Safety2

Diversity and inclusion2

Key strategic objectives

Weight (as a 
percentage 
of target)

Actual performance against targets set

Below

Threshold

Target

Stretch

45.0

22.5

7.5

3.0

2.0

20.0

Weight (as a 
percentage 
of target)

Actual performance against targets set

Below

Threshold

Target

Stretch

45.0

22.5

7.5

3.0

2.0

20.0

Jerry DeMuro Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems, Inc.

Measures

Financial Group underlying EPS

Group net debt

Group order intake

BAE Systems, Inc. underlying EBITA

BAE Systems, Inc. debt

BAE Systems, Inc. order intake

Personal Safety2

Diversity and inclusion2

Key strategic objectives

The above table has been subject to audit.

Weight (as a 
percentage 
of target)

Actual performance against targets set

Below

Threshold

Target

Stretch

15.0

7.5

2.5

30.0

15.0

5.0

3.0

2.0

20.0

Threshold 
for 2019

Target 
for 2019

Stretch 
for 2019

Actual
performance1

43.0p

44.4p

45.5p

50.4p

£(1,798)m £(1,522)m £(1,082)m

£(807)m

n/a

£15.6bn

£17.5bn

£17.8bn

See note 2 below

See note 2 below

See Key strategic objectives section on page 123

Total bonus (as a percentage of maximum)

Threshold 
for 2019

Target 
for 2019

Stretch 
for 2019

Actual
performance1

43.0p

44.4p

45.5p

50.4p

£(1,798)m £(1,522)m £(1,082)m

£(807)m

n/a

£15.6bn

£17.5bn

£17.8bn

See note 2 below

See note 2 below

See Key strategic objectives section on page 123

Total bonus (as a percentage of maximum)

Threshold 
for 2019

Target 
for 2019

Stretch 
for 2019

Actual
performance1

43.0p

44.4p

45.5p

50.4p

£(1,798)m £(1,522)m £(1,082)m

£(807)m

n/a

£15.6bn

£17.5bn

£17.8bn

$1,283.2m $1,329.8m $1,353.2m $1,351.5m

$2,771m $2,880m $3,029m

$3,104m

n/a

$11.5bn

$12.6bn

$13.4bn

See note 2 below

See note 2 below

See Key strategic objectives section on page 123

Total bonus (as a percentage of maximum)

Percentage 
of maximum 
opportunity

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

25.0%

100.0%

89.5%

95.6%

Percentage 
of maximum 
opportunity

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

25.0%

100.0%

89.5%

95.6%

Percentage 
of maximum 
opportunity

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

96.4%

86.3%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

90.0%

94.8%

1.  Adjusted to be on a like-for-like basis with the targets.
2.   Performance against the safety and diversity and inclusion elements of the bonus was determined by the 
Corporate Responsibility Committee (whose composition is stated on page 95). In respect of safety, whilst 
a reduction in the overall significant risk rating and improvements in behavioural safety were achieved across 
all parts of the Group, the target level of performance was not achieved in respect of key safety indicators, 
including expected level of improvement in recordable accidents, as denoted by the amber performance rating 
above. In relation to diversity and inclusion, the Company met stretch targets in respect of the increased 
representation of women at senior level, and progress towards the creation of an inclusive culture and workplace.

122

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Key strategic objectives
Achievement against key strategic objectives represents 20% of the annual bonus opportunity applicable to each 
of the executive directors. These objectives relate to the delivery of the Group’s strategic objectives and demonstration 
of leadership behaviours. Executive directors and Executive Committee members are assigned primary responsibility for, 
or required to support, a set of shared common strategic objectives. The objectives are both technical and organisational, 
grouped under the three key strategic priorities of drive operational excellence, improve competitiveness and efficiency 
and advance our technology. To support these priorities, there are six shared strategic objectives.

Key achievements in the year included:

Charles Woodburn 
Chief Executive

Peter Lynas 
Group Finance Director

Jerry DeMuro 
Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems, Inc.

Drive operational excellence
Key successes in 2019 – Offshore Patrol Vessels and M109A7 programmes stabilised. HMS Prince of Wales delivered and commissioned on schedule. Steady progress made 
in addressing operational challenges in the US combat vehicles business.

– Delivered net improved project 

performance margins.

– Implemented a framework for Quality 

measurement across the Group.

– Achieved improved Group supplier delivery 

quality metric.

– Improved performance against cost and 

schedule requirements for major programmes.

– Delivered net improved project 

performance margins.

– Plan targets exceeded, including agreements 
reached in respect of overseas tax matters.
– Shared Services service level agreements met 

or exceeded.

– Delivered net improved programme margins.
– Implemented a framework for Quality 
measurement within BAE Systems, Inc.

– Achieved improved Group supplier delivery 

quality metric.

– Improved performance against cost and 

schedule requirements for major programmes.

Continuously improve competitiveness and efficiency
Key successes in 2019 – Process improvements and robotic welding machines installed in US Combat Vehicles. First destroyer tandem docking in San Diego. Continued good 
progress against procurement transformation objectives.

– Exceeded Group supply chain savings targets.
– Reduced general and administration costs.
– Improved customer satisfaction through greater 

transparency and project adherence.

– Exceeded Group supply chain savings targets.
– Reduced general and administration costs.

– Exceeded BAE Systems, Inc. supply chain 

savings targets.

– Reduced general and administration costs 

at BAE Systems, Inc.

– Improved customer satisfaction scores.

Advance and further leverage our technology
Key successes in 2019 – Increased year-on-year self-funded R&D spend by 7%. Good progress made towards securing next-generation air combat capability through Team 
Tempest. Completed the Riptide and Prismatic technology-driven acquisitions.

– Progress on Group-wide technology plans.
– Technology advanced in key projects such 

as Tempest and Prismatic.

– R&D spend increased.

– Provided financial support, financing plan and 
investor communications for successful bid in 
two acquisitions which expand capabilities.

– Progress against integrated technology plans; 

increased engagement with DARPA.

– Highly active year in respect of R&D spend; 
successful bidder for two acquisitions which 
expand capabilities in Electronic Systems.

– Increased use of automation across 
manufacturing and device delivery.

Pursue and deliver growth
Key successes in 2019 – US electronics business finished the year with a record order backlog. Contract awards received by Combat Vehicles further underpinned future 
growth in the Platforms & Services (US) business.

– Order taken for the Canadian Surface 

Combatant programme, plus US orders 
(see adjacent column).

– Continued improvement in cost management 

and data to support successful bids, 
ongoing management of programmes 
and cash generation.

– Key successes in tenders and orders including 
AMPV LRIP, M109A7 full rate production, 
F-35 EW sustainment, Bradley A4 production 
line, I&S pipeline.

Lead and inspire high-performance teams and individuals (see note 2 on page 122 as separately assessed within diversity and inclusion target)
Key successes in 2019 – Management strengthened with a blend of internal promotions and external hires.

– Group-wide succession planning and talent 

– Finance and related function succession 

management under way.

– Key executive leadership changes implemented.

planning and talent management under way.
– Successful induction of new Finance leadership.

– Improved succession planning and talent 
management through ‘Accelerating our 
Talent’ initiative.

– Reduced attrition of under-represented groups.

Build trust by operating to the highest standards of business conduct
Key successes in 2019 – Special Security Agreement for BAE Systems, Inc. extension agreed with the US government.

– Reduced overall significant Group risk rating 
by successful extension of SSA agreement, 
and maintaining IT security.

– Continued high level of internal and external 
audit results and strong financial controls.

– Reduced overall significant Group risk rating 
by successful extension of SSA agreement.

– Continued transparency in investor relations and 
positive feedback from annual investor survey.

– Received superior ratings for BAE Systems, Inc. 

system security plan.

Achievements were offset by need to drive 
further improvements in safety culture and 
organisation capabilities as to pace and agility.

Overall achievements were offset by the 
pace of progress in automation processes.

Achievements were offset by ongoing 
challenges in programme performance of 
certain legacy contracts and safety outcomes.

Payout (% of maximum): 89.5%

Payout (% of maximum): 89.5%

Payout (% of maximum): 90%

123

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsAnnual remuneration report 
continued

Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) performance

Annual average diluted underlying EPS growth

Outperformance of performance conditions ending on 31 December 2019

Threshold

Maximum

2019 EPS requirement

Annual average EPS growth

Relative TSR against comparator groups

43.7p

3%

48.5p

7%

Outperformance of performance conditions ending on 31 December 2019

Threshold

Maximum

TSR against sectoral comparator group

TSR against FTSE 100 comparator group

Overall vesting against TSR

52.8%

14.6%

69.2%

55.3%

Actual

50.5p

>7%

Actual

10.6%

10.6%

Percentage of  
maximum achieved

100%

Percentage of  
maximum achieved

0%

0%

0%

2017 Performance Shares (LTIP PS) 
–  Performance conditions: half on relative TSR against two comparator groups (with equal weighting), half on EPS growth 
of 3% to 7% per annum. The TSR three-year performance period ended on 31 December 2019 and the threshold 
performance was not met, thus the TSR portion of the award will lapse.

–  With respect to the 2017 LTIP PSEPS award, the related performance period also ended on 31 December 2019. As set 
out earlier in the annual report, the 2019 fully diluted underlying EPS is 45.5p. This figure excludes the one-off tax 
benefit of 5.0p. The Committee exercised its discretion and agreed that the final vesting outturn should reflect the 
2019 fully diluted underlying EPS result including the tax benefit. The Committee’s reasoning was as follows. First, the 
tax agreement was achieved as a result of long-term executive engagement with authorities and counter-parties and 
would not have been achieved without those efforts. Second, over the years, management prudently provided for 
the possibility of an adverse resolution, thereby reducing earnings and earnings growth in prior performance periods 
in which long-term performance was measured. Third, the resolution of the matter takes away a significant financial 
uncertainty and will improve the Company’s future earnings potential. Fourth, this benefit comes in addition to an 
otherwise excellent year of performance where management has delivered superior results overall. The Committee 
was therefore satisfied that the performance condition was fully met and that it was appropriate for vesting of 100% 
of the EPS portion.

2017 Share Options (LTIP SO)
–  Performance condition: relative TSR against two comparator groups (with equal weighting). The TSR three-year 

performance period ended on 31 December 2019 and resulted in nil vesting.

In respect of the 2016 LTIP PSTSR and LTIP SO awards made to Charles Woodburn in September 2016, the performance 
period ended on 30 June 2019. The TSR performance condition was not met and thus this portion of the award lapsed. 
The EPS portion of his 2016 LTIP PS, for which the performance period ended on 31 December 2018, lapsed as the 
related performance condition was not met.

A summary of TSR performance to 31 December 2019 on outstanding TSR-related LTIP awards is illustrated in the 
chart below. The vesting percentage for the 21 March 2017 award is the actual vesting outturn referred to above.

The grey boxes show the range of TSR required for 25% vesting to full vesting in respect of the sectoral 
international defence and FTSE 100 comparator groups, as appropriate, and the orange hexagons 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 2019

0% vesting

29.2% vesting

30.1% vesting

21 March 2017
award

20 March 2018
award

20 March 2019
award

Sectoral comparator group
FTSE 100 comparator group
BAE Systems’ TSR

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

124

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Pension entitlements

Total pension entitlements

Figures included in the remuneration table on page 118

Normal 
retirement
age

Accrued
benefit at

Accrued
benefit at

1 January 20191,2
£ per annum

31 December 20191,2

£ per annum

Added pension
 value received in 
the year from 
defined 
benefit
scheme2
£

Added pension 
value received in 
the year from 
defined 
contribution 
scheme
£

65

62

65

27,037

319,969

169,031

43,809

357,303

226,737

n/a

535,336

n/a

–

n/a

12,875

Total
£

–

535,336

12,875

Director

Charles Woodburn

Peter Lynas

Jerry DeMuro

Age

48

61

64

1.   Accrued benefit for Charles Woodburn is the total value of his defined contribution account, including employee 
contributions and investment returns. Accrued benefit for Jerry DeMuro is the total value of his Section 401(k) 
account, including both employee and company contributions as well as investment returns.

2.   The figure includes both funded and unfunded defined benefit arrangements for Peter Lynas. Accrued benefit for 

Peter Lynas is annual pension payable on retirement prior to any reduction for early payment or exchanging pension 
for cash. In addition, a longevity adjustment factor is applied to pension accrued after 5 April 2006 to mitigate against 
life expectancy changes. The figures allow for the current factors in force, whereas in practice the factors are updated 
annually and those in force at retirement will be applied.

The above table has been subject to audit.

Charles Woodburn participates in the BAE Systems Executive Pension Scheme Defined Contribution Retirement Plan 
(EPS DCRP), which is a defined contribution arrangement for senior executives. Charles Woodburn contributes the 
maximum £10,000 per annum into the EPS DCRP arrangement as permitted by the Annual Allowance and a 
19% salary supplement is paid in lieu of the Company contributions.

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 
(2020 $19,500; 2019 $19,000). In 2019, the company paid contributions of $17,050 into this arrangement.

Peter Lynas is a member of the BAE Systems Executive Pension Scheme (ExPS) and the BAE Systems Pension Scheme 
– 2000 Plan Benefits (2000 Plan) which together provide a pension for executive directors payable at 62 of 1/30th of 
three-year average final salary for each year of service subject to the payment of members’ contributions (currently 8%). 
Benefits paid prior to age 62 for ExPS and age 65 for 2000 Plan 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. Spouses’ pensions 
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. Peter Lynas 
joined the ExPS in 1999.

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. 
Peter Lynas has 34 years and two months’ service in the 2000 Plan.

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 and the impact of the reduced Annual Allowance. Peter Lynas was given the choice 
to remain in the current arrangement and pay the increased tax or to take an unfunded promise; he 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.

Therefore, Peter Lynas’ total pension is the sum of his 2000 Plan benefits plus the top-up from the ExPS, part of which 
is provided through the unfunded promise referred to above.

125

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsAnnual remuneration report 
continued

Share interests

Scheme interests awarded during the financial year

Scheme

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

Percentage 
of interests 
receivable 
if minimum 
performance 
achieved

Charles Woodburn

LTIP PSTSR

LTIP PSEPS

Peter Lynas

LTIP PSTSR

LTIP PSEPS

Jerry DeMuro

LTIP PSTSR

LTIP PSEPS

Performance 
Shares/nil 
cost option

Performance 
Shares/nil 
cost option

Performance 
Shares/nil 
cost option

Performance 
Shares/nil 
cost option

Performance 
Shares

Performance 
Shares

20.03.19

350,737

185% of salary

1,701,074

20.03.19

350,737

185% of salary

1,701,074

20.03.19

227,144

167.5% of salary

1,101,648

20.03.19

227,144

167.5% of salary

1,101,648

20.03.19

254,932

149% of salary

1,236,420

20.03.19

254,932

149% of salary

1,236,420

LTIP RS

Retention

20.03.19

256,643

150% of salary

1,244,719

nil

nil

nil

nil

n/a

n/a

n/a

Three years 
to 31.12.21

TSR/secondary 
financial measure

25%

Three years 
to 31.12.21

EPS

25%

Three years 
to 31.12.21

TSR/secondary 
financial measure

25%

Three years 
to 31.12.21

Three years 
to 31.12.21

Three years 
to 31.12.21

n/a

EPS

25%

TSR/secondary 
financial measure

EPS

n/a

25%

25%

n/a

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. RS – Restricted Shares.

Note: Performance Shares and Restricted Shares – Shares under award attract notional reinvested 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 conditional share awards (rather than share options) and are deliverable on the 
third, fourth and fifth anniversary of grant, subject to attainment of the performance condition. For the UK executive directors, shares vest on the fifth 
anniversary of grant.

The table above has been subject to audit.

126

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Description of share plans and summary of performance conditions
Long-term incentives operate under the BAE Systems Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) approved by shareholders at the 
2014 AGM. The three main vehicles in use are Performance Shares, Share Options and Restricted Shares.

LTIP Performance Shares
Up to 2017, shares under award vest after satisfaction of the three-year performance condition. Awards that vest 
are capable of exercise in three equal tranches on a phased basis from the third, fourth and fifth anniversary of grant. 
Any unexercised awards will lapse on the seventh anniversary of grant. From 2018, awards to UK executive directors 
remain subject to the three-year performance period but will not vest until the fifth anniversary of grant. They will be 
exercisable until the seventh 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. Shares under award attract notional 
reinvested dividends prior to tranche vesting.

Awards are weighted 50% on the EPS performance condition and 50% on the TSR performance condition as set out 
below. The TSR sectoral comparator group is shown below.

Plan

Performance condition

LTIP PSEPS

Rate of average annual diluted underlying 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.

LTIP PSTSR

The proportion of the award capable of exercise is determined by:

(i)   50% of the TSR measure is on the current sectoral comparator group of other international defence companies 
and 50% is 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 less than median TSRs achieved by 
the comparator group, with 25% vesting at median, 100% vesting if the Company’s TSR 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. Operating profit excluding amortisation and impairment of intangible assets, finance costs and taxation expense of equity accounted investments.

The TSR sectoral comparator group for awards from 2020 comprises:

General Dynamics
L3 Harris Technologies2
Leidos

Leonardo

Lockheed Martin

Meggitt

Northrop Grumman

Raytheon

2. Merger between Harris Corporation and L3 Technologies.

The TSR sectoral comparator group for awards from 2016–2019 comprises:

Cobham

General Dynamics

Harris Corporation

L3 Technologies

Leidos

Leonardo

Lockheed Martin

Meggitt

Northrop Grumman

Raytheon

SAIC

Thales

United Technologies

SAIC

Thales

United Technologies

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. Awards are subject to a further two-year clawback period after the initial 
three-year vesting period. From 2018 executive directors no longer receive share option awards.

Plan

LTIP SO

Performance condition

50% of the TSR measure is on the current sectoral comparator group of other international defence companies and 
50% is 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 less than median TSRs achieved by the comparator group, 
with 25% vesting at median, 100% vesting if the Company’s TSR is in the top quintile and vesting on a straight-line basis 
between these two parameters.

LTIP Restricted Shares
Restricted Shares are not subject to a performance condition as they are 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 notional reinvested dividends prior 
to vesting. Awards made to the US executive director are subject to a further two-year clawback period after the initial 
three-year vesting period.

127

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsAnnual remuneration report 
continued

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 (including the portion of net 
annual bonus deferred compulsorily into BAE Systems shares) and his/her spouse count towards the MSR. Any case of 
non-compliance would be dealt with by the Committee.

The MSR does not currently apply after the individual has ceased to be a director; however, the Committee has agreed 
specific arrangements for post-cessation shareholding levels for Peter Lynas and Jerry DeMuro. On his retirement, 
Peter Lynas will be subject to a reduced MSR of 100% of salary for a period of two years. Following termination 
of employment, Jerry DeMuro will be subject to a MSR of 300% of salary for a period of one year. Both Peter’s 
and Jerry’s shareholding as shown below are in excess of this requirement. The Committee’s proposed remuneration 
policy for approval at the 2020 AGM introduces a five-year time period in which to achieve MSR and a post-cessation 
shareholding requirement applicable to executive directors. Details are set out on page 139. 

The following table sets out MSR Initial Value and Subsequent Value and actuals as at 31 December 2019: 

Charles Woodburn

Peter Lynas

Jerry DeMuro

Initial Value

Subsequent Value

150%

100%

212.5%

300%

200%

425%

Actual

115%

261%

322%

The actual MSR figures in the table are provided as at 31 December 2019, based on the year-end share price of £5.648.

Charles Woodburn joined the Board in 2016 and has been gradually building up his shareholding. The higher MSR values 
applicable to Jerry DeMuro (which were increased at the beginning of 2018) recognise the higher LTI opportunity and 
broader US market practice.

There are MSR requirements in place for all of the employee population who receive LTIPs.

There are no shareholding requirements for the Chairman or the non-executive directors.

Share interests as at 31 December 2019 (or on ceasing to be a director of the Company)
The interests of the directors who served during the year ended 31 December 2019 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

Sir Roger Carr

R Advaithi

Dame E P L Corley

J DeMuro

H Green1

C M Grigg

P J Lynas

S T Pearce2

N W Piasecki2

P Rosput Reynolds

N C Rose

I P Tyler

C N Woodburn

126,093

–

19,000

481,802

–

24,555

303,925

–

–

25,200

55,000

–

188,401

Share awards 
with performance 
conditions

Share awards 
without performance 
conditions

Share options 
with performance 
conditions

Share options 
with performance 
conditions, vested 
but unexercised

Total 
scheme 
interests

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,254,627

581,229

503,106

102,004

2,440,966

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,320,873

64,615

1,385,488

–

–

–

–

–

1,884,409

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,884,409

1. Retired from the Board on 7 November 2019. 
2. Appointed to the Board on 1 June 2019. 

The above table has been subject to audit.

The interests of directors include those of their connected persons. The shares held by Paula Rosput Reynolds are represented 
by 6,300 American Depositary Shares. Details of the share interests in options and awards held by the executive directors 
as at 31 December 2019 are given on page 129 together with details of nil-cost options exercised in 2019.

128

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Performance Shares granted under the LTIP are classified as share awards with performance conditions for the US executive director 
and as nil-cost options with performance conditions for the UK executive directors.

Since 31 December 2019, Charles Woodburn has acquired an additional 72 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 188,473.

There have been no changes in the interests of the remaining directors in the shares of BAE Systems plc between 31 December 2019 
and the date of this report.

Breakdown of scheme interests: Options and awards held as at 31 December 2019

Charles Woodburn

Jerry DeMuro

31 December 
2019

Date of  
grant

Exercise 
price 
£

Date from which  
exercisable or part  
exercisable

31 December 
2019

Date of  
grant

Exercise 
price 
£

Date from which  
exercisable or part  
exercisable

LTIP PSEPS

LTIP PSTSR

LTIP PSTSR

LTIP PSEPS

LTIP PSTSR

LTIP PSEPS

LTIP PSTSR

LTIP PSEPS

LTIP SO

LTIP SO

LTIP RS

LTIP RS

LTIP RS

22,9222

21,0982

156,0921

156,0922

194,2793

194,2803

254,9323

254,9323

1,254,627

102,0042

503,1061

605,110

129,002

195,584

256,643

581,229

25.03.15

23.03.16

21.03.17

21.03.17

20.03.18

20.03.18

20.03.19

20.03.19

23.03.16

21.03.17

21.03.17

20.03.18

20.03.19

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

4.99

6.49

n/a

n/a

n/a

25.03.20

23.03.20

21.03.20

21.03.20

20.03.21

20.03.21

20.03.22

20.03.22

23.03.19

21.03.20

21.03.20

20.03.21

20.03.22

LTIP PSTSR

LTIP PSEPS

LTIP PSTSR

LTIP PSEPS

LTIP PSTSR

LTIP PSEPS

132,8971

132,8972

285,2273

285,2273

350,7373

350,7373

1,537,722

21.03.17

21.03.17

20.03.18

20.03.18

20.03.19

20.03.19

 nil

nil

 nil

nil

nil

nil

21.03.20

21.03.20

20.03.23

20.03.23

20.03.24

20.03.24

LTIP SO

346,6871

21.03.17

6.49

21.03.20

Peter Lynas

LTIP PSEPS

LTIP PSTSR

LTIP PSTSR

LTIP PSEPS

LTIP PSTSR

LTIP PSEPS

LTIP PSTSR

LTIP PSEPS

LTIP SO

LTIP SO

31 December 
2019

Date of  
grant

Exercise 
price 
£

Date from which  
exercisable or part  
exercisable

17,2552

15,4362

96,9441

96,9452

184,7313

184,7313

227,1443

227,1443

1,050,330

64,6152

270,5431

335,158

25.03.15

23.03.16

21.03.17

21.03.17

20.03.18

20.03.18

20.03.19

20.03.19

nil

nil

nil

nil

nil

nil

nil

nil

23.03.16

21.03.17

4.99

6.49

25.03.20

23.03.20

21.03.20

21.03.20

20.03.23

20.03.23

20.03.24

20.03.24

23.03.19

21.03.20

1. The outstanding award or option will lapse after the end of the financial year having 

not met the performance condition.

2. Subject to a performance condition that has been met.
3. Subject to a performance condition that is yet to be tested.

Performance Shares – nil cost options exercised during 2019

Peter Lynas

Exercised 
during the 
year

Exercise 
price
£

Date of  
grant

Date of 
exercise

LTIP PSEPS

LTIP PSTSR

17,255

7,717

nil

nil

25.03.15

04.04.19

23.03.16

04.04.19

Market price
on exercise
£

4.95

4.95

The Performance Shares nil-cost options exercised by Peter Lynas attracted notional 
reinvested dividends which equated to an additional 3,505 shares on exercise of these 
options (2,636 for the 2015 award and 869 for the 2016 award).

The tables above have been subject to audit.

Performance conditions
Performance conditions for the LTIP are detailed on page 127.

129

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsAnnual remuneration report 
continued

Remuneration Committee composition and advisers
The Committee members comprise Paula Rosput Reynolds (Chairman), Dame Elizabeth Corley and Nick Rose, 
together with Chris Grigg and Ian Tyler, who both joined the Committee at the beginning of 2020. Advisers 
to the Remuneration Committee are shown below.

During the year, the Committee received material assistance and advice on remuneration policy from the 
Group Human Resources Director, Karin Hoeing, and the Human Resources Director, Reward, Paul Farley. 
Charles Woodburn in his role as Chief Executive also provided advice that was of material assistance  
to the Committee.

Adviser

Services provided

Appointment

Governance

PricewaterhouseCoopers 
(PwC)

Independent adviser to the Committee, 
including attendance at Remuneration 
Committee meetings.

Also provided information on market 
practice in relation to different aspects 
of remuneration, market trends and 
benchmarking of the remuneration 
packages for the executive population.

Committee 
appointment. 

By the Company 
at the request of 
the Committee.

The Committee is aware that PwC provides 
a variety of other services to the Company, 
including tax and pensions advice. PwC also 
provides a range of consultancy services.

The Committee is satisfied that the PwC LLP 
engagement partner and team, who provide 
remuneration advice to the Committee, do 
not have connections with the Group, or the 
individual directors, that may impair their 
independence and objectivity.

PwC is a member of the Remuneration 
Consultants Group (RCG) and is a signatory 
to the RCG’s code of conduct.

Fees (in respect 
of services provided 
to the Committee)

£88,800

Fee basis: Hourly

Linklaters

Provided legal services, principally  
regarding the directors’ remuneration 
policy.

By the Company 
with the approval 
of the Committee.

Only provides legal compliance, legal 
drafting and review services, and does 
not advise the Committee.

£7,159

Fee basis: Hourly

Aon

Advises on the TSR outcomes as 
required for assessing the performance 
condition under the BAE Systems 
Long-Term Incentive Plan 2014.

By the Company.

The Committee is aware that Linklaters is 
one of a number of legal firms that provide 
legal advice and services to the Company 
on a range of matters. 

Linklaters is regulated by the Law Society.

The Committee is aware that Aon provides 
a variety of other human resources-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.

Aon is a member of the Remuneration 
Consultants Group (RCG) and is a signatory 
to the RCG’s code of conduct.

£19,350

Fee basis: Fixed fee

130

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Directors’ 
remuneration policy

This Directors’ remuneration policy (the Policy) will take legal 
effect from the conclusion of the 2020 Annual General Meeting 
(AGM) subject to shareholder approval at the 2020 AGM.

The Remuneration Committee (the Committee) 
considers the 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. 

The Policy is to set base salary with reference 
to the relevant market-competitive level. 
We use target performance to estimate 
and benchmark the total potential reward 
against reward packages paid by BAE Systems’ 
competitors. 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 more fully below. 

The Committee is governed by Terms 
of Reference which set out their roles and 
responsibilities including how the Committee 
will be conducted and operate. These are 
reviewed at least annually to ensure they 
remain appropriate and include relevant 
corporate governance and other guidance. 
The Terms of Reference are available on the 
Company’s external website. Our Long-Term 
Incentive Plan provides the Committee with 
discretion with respect of vesting outcomes 
that affect the actual level of reward payable 
to individuals; as explained on page 135, such 
discretion would only be used in exceptional 
circumstances and, if exercised, disclosed 
at the latest in the report on implementation 
of the Policy (i.e. the Annual remuneration 
report) for the year in question.

The Committee has appointed independent 
external advisers to receive material 
independent assistance and advice. 
In addition, to avoid any conflicts of interest 
or appearance thereof, no director is involved 
in deciding their own remuneration outcome 
with such items being discussed without their 
presence in the meeting.

Contents
Revisions compared to the policy 
approved at the 2017 AGM 

Executive directors’ policy table 
–  Base salary 
–  Annual incentive 
–  Long-Term Incentives 
–  Benefits 
–  Pension 

Remuneration policy  
for other employees 

Performance measures and targets 

Minimum Shareholding Requirement 

Illustration of application 
of remuneration policy 

Non-executive directors’ policy table 

Recruitment 

Service contracts and  
letters of appointment 

Policy on payment for loss of office 

Consideration of employment 
conditions elsewhere in the Company 

Stakeholder considerations 

132

133
133
133
134
137
138

139

139

139

140

141

142

143

144

145

145

Note
References in this Policy to ‘UK executive directors’ are to UK-based executive directors 
and references to ‘US executive directors’ are to US-based executive directors.

131

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements–  Introduction of post-cessation shareholding 
policy applicable to all executive directors. 
For UK executive directors, the policy is 
based on the full MSR continuing to apply 
for a period of two years. For US executive 
directors, the policy is based on 300% MSR 
applying for a period of one year. Executive 
directors will be required to sign a contract 
on leaving employment to ensure 
compliance with this policy.

Non-executive directors’ fees maximum 
opportunity
–  Confirmation that the current Chairman’s 
fee has been fixed at £700,000 from 
1 February 2020 and is fixed at this level 
through the duration of his final term of 
office ending at the AGM in 2023.

Consideration of employment 
conditions elsewhere in the Company
Further details provided in relation to 
building the Committee’s understanding 
of reward arrangements applicable to the 
wider workforce.

Stakeholder considerations
Further details provided in relation to the 
Committee’s engagement with shareholders 
on the topic of executive remuneration.

Directors’ remuneration policy 
continued

Revisions compared to the policy 
approved at the 2017 AGM
The Policy contains no components 
which were not in the remuneration policy 
approved at the 2017 AGM. A description 
and explanation of all significant changes 
from the policy approved in 2017 are 
summarised below.

Annual incentive
–  Confirmation that non-financial metrics 

will continue to be based on a combination 
of personal performance objectives linked 
to our strategic objectives, safety measures, 
and diversity and inclusion targets. However, 
from 2021, safety, diversity and inclusion 
targets will be reflected in the ultimate 
reward on the basis of being an ‘underpin’. 
In other words, the Board expects safety, 
diversity and inclusion targets to be met 
in all circumstances; the Committee will, 
as a general matter, use its discretion to 
adjust the overall annual incentive in the 
event of below-target performance.

Long-Term Incentives (LTI)
–  To continue the simplification of our LTI 

framework, since 2018, share options have 
not been granted to any executive directors. 
As a result, UK executive directors receive 
Performance Shares only and US executive 
directors receive a mix of Performance 
Shares and Restricted Shares, to maintain 
current Expected Value. 

–  Introduction of a cash generation measure 
and a metric reflecting strategic progress 
in addition to existing Earnings per Share 
(EPS) and relative Total Shareholder Return 
(TSR) conditions to apply to Performance 
Shares. Each metric will be equally weighted 
at 25%. Introduction of these additional 
measures is designed to capture the 
financial ambitions for the Company and 
provide focus on objectives that reflect 
our strategic priorities. Confirmation that 
we intend to disclose the areas of strategic 
progress in each year, but the specific 
metrics of measure will be disclosed 
prospectively only to the extent that 
they are not commercially sensitive.

–  Maintain ability to adjust the weightings 
of the performance conditions and if 
considered appropriate, the Committee 
may introduce an alternate performance 
condition aligned to the Company’s 
strategy, or remove a performance condition 
set out above, but with a minimum of 
20% weighting always applying to the 
Total Shareholder Return (TSR) metric. 

–  Confirmation of the range of values possible 
for Performance Shares and Restricted Shares.

Pension
–  Participation in executive defined 

contribution retirement plan (or cash 
equivalent) as default pension vehicle 
with 8% employer contribution for newly 
externally-appointed UK executive directors 
or internally-appointed UK executive 
directors, consistent with that available to 
the wider UK workforce in the Company’s 
UK defined contribution arrangements. 

–  The annual value of the current Chief 

Executive’s contributions will be fixed at 
the monetary value of his 2020 employer 
pension contribution of £186,200 per 
annum as a salary supplement. Assuming 
average salary increases in the region 
of 2.5% per annum, fixing the monetary 
value at this level will align the employer 
contribution rate applicable to the 
Chief Executive to the weighted average 
employer rate of 17% over a period of 
around four years. 

Remuneration policy for other employees 
–  Confirmation that LTI grants will continue 
to be made in line with 2020 policy with 
the following differences:
–  for US participants below Executive 

Committee level, performance conditions 
and targets for performance share grants 
are tailored to reflect the strategic context 
and focus for the US business; and

–  share options may continue to be granted 
below executive director level without 
performance conditions attached and 
vest and are exercisable after three years.

Minimum Shareholding Requirement 
(MSR)
Acknowledging the relevant provisions of 
the Corporate Governance Code as well as 
broader expectations of investors in relation 
to MSR, the following have been introduced:
–  Introduction of five-year time period 
achieving Minimum Shareholding 
Requirement (MSR) applicable to all 
executive directors.

–  Continue to apply restriction on number 
of shares that can be sold on exercise or 
release, until the MSR is met. If less than 
50% of MSR has been met, 50% of the 
net value (i.e. the value after deduction 
of exercise/sale costs and tax) of shares 
acquired through the various share schemes 
must be retained; if between 50% and 
100% of MSR has been met, 25% of the 
net value must be retained. In the event that 
the executive director is still not compliant 
with their MSR at the end of the five-year 
period, the Committee will set out their 
proposed remedial actions at that time.

132

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019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 setting and 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 FTSE 100 and is constructed to position 
BAE Systems around the median in terms of market capitalisation. For the 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 while performing the same role, 
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 for executive directors performing the same role. If an individual’s role changes then a salary increase above 10% 
may be awarded in any single year to position their salary appropriately in accordance with the base salary principles described under 
‘Operation’ above. As a matter of policy, no new executive director role will have a salary greater than the Chief Executive at that time.

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
The annual incentive is driven off in-year financial performance, corporate responsibility and other non-financial objectives 
measured at the Group and individual level. 

One-third of the total net annual incentive amount is subject to compulsory deferral for three years in BAE Systems shares without 
any matching.

A malus mechanism may be applied to any bonus, and a clawback mechanism may be applied to the deferred bonus shares until 
up to the end of the three-year deferral period, where:

– the Company is entitled to terminate employment for cause or the participant has engaged in misconduct (including breach 

of policy) which gives rise to other disciplinary sanction;

– the results of the Company and/or relevant business or businesses for any period have been restated or subsequently appear 

materially inaccurate or misleading; and/or

– any Group company or business unit has made a material financial loss.

Cash dividends are payable to the participants on the shares during this three-year deferral period.

133

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsDirectors’ remuneration policy 
continued

Executive directors’ policy table continued

Annual incentive continued

Maximum opportunity
Chief Executive: 225% of salary

Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems, Inc.: 225% of salary

Chief Operating Officer: 200% of salary

Group Finance Director: 160% of salary

Where a new executive director role is established, the maximum opportunity will not exceed that of the Chief Operating Officer 
role as set out above.

The payout for maximum performance is double the payout for on-target performance where maximum performance is shown as 
the respective maximum percentages above. The payout for achieving a threshold performance is 40% of the payout for on-target 
performance (i.e. 20% of maximum), with no payout for achieving less than this. Payout for performance between targets is 
calculated on a straight-line basis.

Performance metrics used, weighting and time period applicable
Performance is assessed on an annual basis, using a combination of the Group’s main performance indicators for the year and 
other objectives designed to support the Group’s strategy. Metrics, which will include financial and non-financial metrics as well 
as the achievement of personal objectives, will be determined and weighted each year according to business priorities. 75-80% 
will relate to financial metrics aligned with long-term earnings and cash targets. The non-financial element will be based on a 
combination of personal performance objectives that provide a clear line of sight to our strategic objectives, safety measures, 
and diversity and inclusion targets*.

Metrics and weightings to be determined annually. Proposed metrics and weightings applicable in 2020:
Group EPS – 45%
Group cash – 22.5%
Order intake – 7.5%
Safety, and diversity and inclusion – 5%**
Key strategic objectives designed to support the Group’s strategy – 20%

*See notes 4 and 5 on page 139 regarding the selection and weighting of performance metrics.

**Beginning in 2021, safety, and diversity and inclusion will be an underpin to the annual plan. At that point, Key strategic objectives 
will increase from 20% to 25% of the total weighting.

All bonus payments are at the discretion of the 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
Long-term incentives will operate under the BAE Systems Long-Term Incentive Plan approved by shareholders at the 2014 AGM.

The size of awards granted is based on a percentage of salary, which is divided by the share price to determine the number of 
shares subject to the award.

Dividend equivalents in respect of vested shares may be paid at the time of vesting (or exercise, in the case of options) and are not 
taken into account when determining individual limits.

A malus and clawback mechanism may be applied, until two years after vesting, or if sooner, the fifth anniversary of grant, or the 
occurrence of certain corporate events, to all awards granted on or after 25 March 2015 where:

– the Company is entitled to terminate employment for cause or the participant has engaged in misconduct (including breach 

of policy) which gives rise to other disciplinary sanction;

– the results of the Company and/or relevant business or businesses for any period have been restated or subsequently appear 

materially inaccurate or misleading;

– any Group company or business unit has made a material financial loss; and/or

– the measurement of any performance condition does not reflect the actual performance of the Company over the 

performance period.

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 of awards already granted may be amended in accordance with their terms or if 
anything happens which causes the Committee reasonably to consider it appropriate to do so.

Performance metrics used, weighting and time period applicable
See notes 4 and 5 on page 139 regarding the selection and weighting of performance metrics.

134

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Long-Term Incentives (LTI) continued

Maximum opportunity
Over the lifetime of this Policy, the Committee will have discretion to vary the weighting of different types of awards within the 
framework set out below, but the overall LTI Expected Value (EV) will remain the same (assuming the LTI EV is calculated as 50% 
of face value for Performance Shares and 100% of face value for Restricted Shares):

– UK executive directors’ awards will consist of Performance Shares only.

– US executive directors’ awards will consist of a mix of Performance Shares and Restricted Shares (with Restricted Shares comprising 

no more than 50% of overall LTI EV), ensuring competitiveness of overall LTI opportunity in line with US market practice.

Performance metrics used, weighting and time period applicable
See below in relation to Performance Shares. 

In addition to the primary performance tests set out below, the Committee confirms and recognises its obligation to judge the 
overall reasonableness of the rewards received relative to the overall business actions and results achieved. When determining 
the final performance condition outcome under Performance Share awards granted since the 2017 AGM, the Committee will 
have discretion over the number of awards vesting in light of other important factors in the business (reasonableness discretion). 
The discretion may result in vesting of awards going upwards (subject to maximum 100% vesting of awards) as well as downwards. 
Any factors will be properly considered as they arise and any discretion to the calculated results will be applied in a highly disciplined 
manner and the rationale and impact will be reported transparently.

See notes 4 and 5 on page 139.

Long-Term Incentives – Performance Shares

Purpose and link to strategy
Direct financial measures of long-term earnings and cash generation that drive our financial ambitions for the Company, 
and external strategic measures including relative TSR performance, aligned to the interests of shareholders.

Operation
For UK executive directors, awards, typically in the form of nil-cost options, will vest subject to performance and service conditions 
on the fifth anniversary of grant. These will be exercisable between the fifth and tenth anniversary of grant or such shorter period 
as may be specified by the Committee.

For US executive directors, awards are delivered as conditional share awards (RSUs). To maintain the competitiveness of the LTI 
offering in the US, awards will vest automatically in three equal tranches on the third, fourth and fifth anniversary of grant, subject 
to performance conditions.

Policy maximum opportunity
Award levels applicable to UK executive directors for normal annual grants (assuming award of Performance Shares only) are as follows:

Chief Executive: 370% of salary

Chief Operating Officer: 350% of salary

Group Finance Director: 335% of salary

Award levels applicable to US executive directors for normal annual grants (assuming the current LTI EV weightings in Performance 
Shares and Restricted Shares) are as follows:

Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems, Inc.: 298% of salary

Note the percentages above could be exceeded if the LTI EV weightings were to be varied (see above).

Where a new executive director role is established, the maximum opportunity will not exceed that of the Chief Operating Officer 
role as set out above.

Range of values: the size of awards granted is based on a percentage of salary, which is divided by the share price to determine the 
number of shares subject to the award. The maximum value that an executive director can receive is based on this number of shares 
subject to the award multiplied by maximum vesting of 100%, multiplied by any share price growth between grant date and vesting 
date and including any dividend equivalents received in respect of vested shares. The minimum value that an executive director can 
receive is zero on the basis of nil vesting, for example either due to the performance conditions not being achieved, or as a result of 
the application of reasonableness discretion that determines nil vesting of the awards.

135

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsDirectors’ remuneration policy 
continued

Executive directors’ policy table continued

Long-Term Incentives – Performance Shares continued

Performance metrics used, weighting and time period applicable
Metrics and weightings will be as follows (subject to the Committee’s ability to adjust as set out below):

– 25% of award based on TSR relative to one or more appropriate comparator groups over the three-year performance period as 

selected by the Committee at the time of grant:

– Vesting of each comparator group is determined as: nil vesting if TSR ranked below median in the comparator group; 25% vesting 
if TSR ranked at the median; 100% vesting if TSR ranked in the upper quintile; pro-rata vesting for performance between median 
and upper quintile.

– If more than one comparator group is used, vesting of the TSR portion of the award will be determined by the average of the 

vesting outcomes from each comparator group.

– Award subject to a secondary financial measure as set out on page 124.

– 25% of award based on average annual EPS growth over the three financial years starting with that in which the award is granted, 
with 25% vesting for threshold performance, 50% vesting for target performance and 100% vesting for stretch performance. 
Pro-rata vesting for intermediate performance.

– 25% of award based on three-year cumulative cash generation metric over the three financial years starting with that in which the 
award is granted, with 25% vesting for threshold performance, 50% vesting for target performance and 100% vesting for stretch 
performance. Pro-rata vesting for intermediate performance.

– 25% of award based on specific and quantifiable strategic goals, reflecting strategic progress, that are directly aligned to our 

company strategic goals of driving operational excellence, continuously improving competitiveness and efficiency and advancing 
and further leveraging our technology.

The metrics and weightings applicable in 2020 are as follows:

– 50% of award based on TSR relative to the following two comparator groups over the three-year performance period:

– An appropriately sized group of international defence companies selected by the Committee at the time of grant.

– All companies in the FTSE 100 index.

– 50% of award based on average annual EPS growth over the three financial years starting with that in which the award is granted, 
with threshold performance requirement as average annual EPS growth of 3%, target performance requirement as average annual 
EPS growth of 5% and stretch performance requirement as average annual EPS growth of 7%.

Note that awards granted to executive directors are subject to application of reasonableness discretion in light of other important 
factors in the business as described earlier.

The Committee can adjust the weighting of the performance conditions, and, if considered appropriate, may introduce an alternate 
performance condition aligned to the Company’s strategy, or remove a performance condition set out above, but with a minimum 
of 20% weighting always applying to the Total Shareholder Return (TSR) metric.

See notes 4 and 5 on page 139.

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). Directors are required to retain their shares for a further two-year period, except for any shares that need to be sold 
to cover tax liabilities due in respect of the shares. During that time, they are subject to clawback as described above. However, this 
holding requirement will not apply following a change of control. These awards are not subject to a performance condition as they 
are designed to address competitive market practice and retention issues principally in the US. Non-US-based executive directors 
are not eligible.

Policy maximum opportunity
Award levels applicable to US executive directors for normal annual grants (assuming the current LTI EV weightings in Performance 
Shares and Restricted Shares) are as follows:

Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems, Inc.: 150% of salary

Range of values: the size of awards granted is based on a percentage of salary, which is divided by the share price to determine the 
number of shares subject to the award. The value that a US executive director will receive is based on this number of shares subject 
to the award multiplied by the change in share price between grant date and vesting date and including any dividend equivalents 
received in respect of vested shares.

Performance metrics used, weighting and time period applicable
None.

See notes 4 and 5 on page 139.

136

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019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. The main benefits in the UK include a car allowance (currently £16,000 
per annum), private use of a chauffeur-driven car and annual medical screening, plus life assurance and ill-health benefit cover provided 
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.

In the US, benefits include parking and private use of a chauffeur-driven car and company aircraft, medical and dental benefits, 
and insured life and disability benefits.

Additional benefits, such as relocation assistance, may also be provided in certain circumstances if considered reasonable and 
appropriate by the Committee. Relocation assistance comprises reimbursement for direct items of expenditure, such as legal, 
estate agency, removals and temporary accommodation.

Directors’ and Officers’ insurance cover is also provided for all executive directors.

Maximum opportunity
Benefits are set at a level which the Committee considers to be appropriate against comparable roles in companies of similar size 
in the relevant market. Benefits are as reported and itemised within the single total figure shown as part of the Annual remuneration 
report on page 118. The maximum cost of such benefits will reflect the associated market-competitive cost of provision. Relocation 
assistance is based on actual costs incurred which are linked to the size and value of the property, plus a maximum relocation 
allowance of £2,500.

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.

137

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsDirectors’ remuneration policy 
continued

Executive directors’ policy table continued

Pension

Purpose and link to strategy
Provide competitive post-retirement benefits or cash allowance equivalent.

Operation
The current Chief Executive as at 19 February 2020 is a member of the defined contribution section of the BAE Systems Executive 
Pension Scheme (EPS DCRP). In line with our policy at the time of his appointment, Company contributions are 19% of salary and 
UK member contributions are 6% of salary. In the UK, the Company has a number of defined benefit (DB) plans which are closed 
to new entrants, with new hires being offered membership of a defined contribution (DC) pension scheme. Employer contribution 
rates for the different schemes range from 8% to approximately 50% salary. The level of employer contribution based on a weighted 
average of UK active members across all schemes is approximately 17%. From 2020, the annual value of the current Chief Executive’s 
contributions will be fixed at the monetary value of his 2020 employer pension contribution of £186,200 per annum. Assuming broad 
average salary increases in the region of 2.5% per annum, fixing the monetary value at this level will align the employer contribution 
rate applicable to the Chief Executive to the weighted average employer rate of 17% over a period of around four years. The Committee 
will continue to monitor the matter of pension provision as part of a broader mix of total remuneration.

For any new externally-appointed UK executive directors, or internally-appointed UK executive directors, membership of the BAE Systems 
EPS DCRP is offered as the default pension vehicle. Company contributions are set at 8% of base salary for those members contributing 
6% of salary, in line with that available to the wider UK workforce participating in the Company’s UK defined contribution arrangements. 
In certain circumstances, individuals may elect instead to receive some or all of their Company contributions as a cash allowance. 
Consistent with the above, the Group Finance Director designate as at 19 February 20201 is a member of the BAE Systems EPS DCRP 
with Company contributions of 8% salary. 

Where the Annual Allowance (AA) is breached, as is the case with the Chief Executive and the Group Finance Director designate, each 
individual will pay member contributions up to the AA limit and the Company contributions will be paid as a salary supplement. Where 
UK executive directors’ pension entitlement or accrual is restricted to the Lifetime Allowance (LTA) and/or the AA, the Company may 
offer a salary supplement to offset the impact of these restrictions.
The current Group Finance Director as at 19 February 20201 is due to retire on 31 March 2020, before this Policy takes legal effect. 
He is a member of the BAE Systems Executive Pension Scheme and member of an underlying employee pension plan, which together 
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. His contributions are currently 8% of salary in line with other members in 
the equivalent part of the scheme. This part of the scheme is a legacy arrangement and has not been open to new joiners for many 
years. Further detail is provided on page 125 as part of the Annual remuneration report.
The current Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems, Inc. as at 19 February 20202 is due to step down from the Board on 31 March 2020, 
before this Policy takes legal effect. He participates in a Section 401(k) defined contribution arrangement in which the Company matches 
his contributions up to a maximum of 6% of salary, subject to US regulatory limits. The same provisions and features of the plan apply 
to the majority of participating active employees. 

Any new US executive directors, whether externally-appointed or internally-appointed, would be offered participation in the 
US Section 401(k) defined contribution plan. The same provisions and features of the plan currently apply to the majority of participating 
active employees, with the Company matching contributions up to a maximum of 6% of salary, subject to US regulatory limits. For any 
internally-appointed US executive directors who are also participants in the BAE Systems Employees’ Retirement Plan (ERP, a qualified 
pension plan) and the BAE Systems 2007 Benefit Restoration Plan (BRP 2007, a non-qualified pension plan), these plans provide for 
either a lump sum or annuitised payments based on the accrued values at the time of separation from employment. Annual additional 
accruals are currently limited to $1,000 in the ERP and $500 in the BRP 2007.

The current President and Chief Operating Officer of BAE Systems, Inc. as at 19 February 2020 participates in a Section 401(k) defined 
contribution arrangement as described above, and is also a participant in the ERP and BRP 2007, as described above.

Maximum opportunity
The BAE Systems EPS DCRP provides a maximum Company contribution of 19% (in addition to employee contribution of 6%) of 
base salary in respect of the current Chief Executive. From 2020, the maximum Company contribution has been fixed at £186,200 
per annum for the current Chief Executive.

The maximum Company contribution for any new externally-appointed UK executive directors, or internally-appointed UK executive 
directors is 8% (in addition to employee contribution of 6%) of base salary.

Under the existing executive defined benefit scheme, a maximum of two-thirds of FPE is accrued at 1/30th for each year of service.

Where UK executive directors’ pension entitlement or accrual is restricted to the LTA and/or the AA, the Company may offer a salary 
supplement to offset the impact of these restrictions.

With limited exceptions, the US Section 401(k) defined contribution plan currently provides company matching contributions up to 
a maximum of 6% of base salary, subject to US statutory limits. For US executive directors who are eligible to participate in the ERP 
and the BRP 2007, these plans provide a cash sum or annuity at retirement equal to the present value of all prior annual accruals and 
credits from the initial year of service eligibility through to the present. Since the start of 2013, annual additional accruals have been 
set at $1,000 from the ERP and $500 from the BRP 2007.

1. Peter Lynas, Group Finance Director as at 19 February 2020, is to retire on 31 March 2020. Brad Greve, Group Finance Director designate as at 

19 February 2020, is to be appointed as Group Finance Director and a director of BAE Systems plc with effect from 1 April 2020.

2. Jerry DeMuro, Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems, Inc. as at 19 February 2020, is to step down from the Board on 31 March 2020. Tom Arseneault, 
President and Chief Operating Officer of BAE Systems, Inc. as at 19 February 2020, will succeed Jerry DeMuro as President and Chief Executive Officer 
of BAE Systems, Inc. and director of BAE Systems plc with effect from 1 April 2020.

138

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019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.  LTI grants may be made to the most senior managers in the business (approximately 400 individuals globally). The nature of the 

awards depends on the individual’s location, roles and responsibilities, in particular:
–  performance conditions and targets for Performance Share grants made to UK and Rest of World participants are made 

in line with those applying to executive directors; 

–  for US participants below Executive Committee level, performance conditions and targets for Performance Share grants are tailored 

to reflect the strategic context and focus of the US business; 

–  Performance Shares applicable to participants below executive director level vest on the third anniversary subject to performance 
conditions and are exercisable (or released in the case of US participants) in equal tranches on the third, fourth and fifth anniversary 
of grant; 

–  Share Options are granted to participants below executive director level; there are no performance conditions attached and they 

vest and are exercisable after three years;

–  Restricted Share grants are currently made to the most senior managers in the US businesses reflecting competitive market practice 

and vest after three years. Targeted awards may also be made with Remuneration Committee approval to selected individuals 
outside the US below executive director level;

–  one quarter of the total annual incentive amount is subject to compulsory deferral for three years in BAE Systems shares without 

any matching for UK and Rest of World participants that receive LTI grants; and

–  Minimum Shareholding Requirements are in place for all of the approximately 400 individuals globally that receive LTI grants.

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. Any non-financial performance targets are 
determined by the Committee in consultation with the Corporate Responsibility Committee as appropriate.

5.  The performance conditions and targets are determined annually by the Committee (within the parameters set out above), 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 as set out in the table below. Executive directors are required to achieve their 
Initial Value as quickly as possible, and achieve their Subsequent Value within a five-year time period. Where an executive director 
has not achieved their MSR, the consequence is a restriction on the number of shares that can be sold on exercise or release, until 
their MSR Subsequent Value is met. Where an executive director has met less than the Initial Value (50% of their MSR), they must 
retain 50% of the net value (i.e. the value after deduction of exercise/sale costs and tax) of shares acquired through the various share 
schemes; if they have met the Initial Value but not the Subsequent Value (i.e. between 50% and 100% of their MSR), they must 
retain 25% of the net value. In the event that the executive director has not met the Subsequent Value at the end of the five-year 
period, the Committee will set out their proposed remedial actions at that time. The Committee has discretion to increase the Initial 
Value and/or Subsequent Value (see below). Shares owned beneficially by the director and his/her spouse count towards the MSR.

With effect from the 2020 AGM, where an executive director leaves employment for any reason, a post-cessation shareholding 
policy will apply. For UK executive directors, the policy is based on the full MSR continuing to apply for a period of two years. 
For US executive directors, the policy is based on 300% MSR applying for a period of one year. Executive directors will be required 
to sign a contract on leaving employment to ensure compliance with this policy. 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

Chief Operating Officer

Group Finance Director

Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems, Inc.

Initial Value

Subsequent Value

150%

100%

100%

212.5%

300%

200%

200%

425%

139

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsDirectors’ remuneration policy 
continued

Executive directors’ policy table continued

Illustration of application of remuneration policy
The charts below show the value of the package each of the executive directors would receive in the first year of operation of the Policy. 
No illustration of Remuneration Policy is shown for Peter Lynas (current Group Finance Director) and Jerry DeMuro (current Chief Executive 
Officer of BAE Systems, Inc.) who are stepping down from the Board in advance of the 2020 AGM at which the proposed Remuneration 
Policy is being put to shareholders, as set out in the executive director changes below.

The values are based on 2020 levels for base salaries, benefits and pension and assume that the office-holders at the date of this Policy 
coming into effect are employed throughout the first year of operation of the Policy. Annual and long-term incentives are based on 
awards applying in 2021. The charts assume the following scenarios:
– minimum fixed pay includes salary, benefits and pension as provided in the single figure table on page 118 of the Annual Report and 

Restricted Shares award for the US executive director awarded at 150% salary (excluding share price growth);

– on-target pay assumes on-target performance is met in respect of variable elements (annual and long-term incentives);

– maximum pay assumes variable elements pay out in full; and

– 50% share price appreciation assumes all variable elements pay out in full and there is 50% gain in share price over the relevant 

vesting period in respect of Performance Shares and Restricted Shares awards received, and excludes dividends.

The minimum, on-target and maximum scenarios below exclude any share price appreciation and dividends.

Chief Executive

(£’000)

50% share price
appreciation

13% 25%

Maximum

17%

31%

62%

52%

On-target

33%

30%

37%

3,650

Minimum

100%

1,188

President and Chief Executive Officer  
of BAE Systems, Inc.

8,832

7,019

($’000)

50% share price
appreciation

Maximum

On-target

33%

33%

54%

22%

45%

9,850

29%

38%

23%

23%

4,727

7,655

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

Minimum

100%

2,529

Value of package (£’000)

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

Value of package ($’000)

Group Finance Director

(£’000)

50% share price
appreciation

14% 21%

65%

Maximum

18%

26%

56%

On-target

35%

25%

40%

1,933

Minimum

100%

679

4,720

3,699

Executive directorship changes
As announced on 8 August 2019, Peter Lynas is to retire as Group 
Finance Director on 31 March 2020 and Brad Greve, Group Finance 
Director designate, is to be appointed as Group Finance Director 
and a director of BAE Systems plc on 1 April 2020. As announced on 
17 December 2019, Jerry DeMuro is to retire on 31 December 2020, 
stepping down from his role as executive director on 31 March 2020. 
Tom Arseneault will succeed him as President and Chief Executive 
Officer of BAE Systems, Inc. and a director of BAE Systems plc 
on 1 April 2020.

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

Value of package (£’000)

  Fixed elements of remuneration
  Annual bonus
  Performance Shares

140

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019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 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 £700,000 from 1 February 2020 and is fixed at this level for three years.

The aggregate cost of fees and benefits paid to NEDs (including the Chairman) will not exceed an annual limit of £2.5m and the cost 
of fees and benefits paid to the Chairman will not exceed £1.25m annually.

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. 

The Company reimburses 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. Directors’ and Officers’ 
insurance cover is also provided for all directors.

Maximum opportunity
See the aggregate limit under ‘Fees’ above.

Prior commitments 
For the duration of this Policy, the Company will honour any commitments made in respect of executive director and non-executive 
director remuneration and benefits 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 set out in this report or 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 LTIP SO and ExSOP2012 that remain outstanding. Any commitments entered into (such as grants of share 
awards) consistent with a previously approved Directors’ remuneration policy that was applicable at the relevant time.

141

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsDirectors’ remuneration policy 
continued

Recruitment

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 Committee determines the remuneration package for any appointment to an executive 
director position, either from within or outside BAE Systems. 

Operation
The 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 141.

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 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 500% 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 principles for setting base salary 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. In the case of pensions 
however, any previous arrangement will cease and the individual will be offered provision in line with the agreed policy on page 138.

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 and under ‘Opportunity’ above.

Long-Term Incentive Plan
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 Plan.

The level of opportunity will be subject to the maximums referred to under ‘Opportunity’ above.

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 137.

142

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Service contracts and letters of appointment

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

Charles Woodburn1

Peter Lynas2

Jerry DeMuro3

Brad Greve4

Tom Arseneault5

Date of appointment

Notice period

1 July 2017

1 April 2011

1 February 2014

1 April 2020

1 April 2020

12 months either party

12 months either party

90 days either party

12 months either party

60 days either party

1. Appointed to the Board as Chief Operating Officer on 9 May 2016; appointed as Chief Executive with effect from 1 July 2017.
2. Retires from the Board and the Company on 31 March 2020 as announced on 8 August 2019.
3.  Retires from the Board and as Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems, Inc. on 31 March 2020 as announced on 17 December 2019. Jerry DeMuro’s 
contract of employment automatically renewed for one-year periods from 31 December each year, unless one party gave at least 90 days’ notice 
of non-renewal.

4.  Appointed as Group Finance Director designate with effect from 1 September 2019 and will join the Board on 1 April 2020 as announced 

on 8 August 2019.

5.  President and Chief Operating Officer of BAE Systems, Inc., he will join the Board and become Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems, Inc. 

on 1 April 2020 as announced on 17 December 2019. His contract of employment automatically renews for one-year periods from 31 December 
each year, unless one party gives the other at least 60 days’ notice.

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 reduces to no more than 12 months by no later than 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 (which commenced on 1 February 2014) will automatically terminate if he 
ceases to be a director of the Company. The Chairman’s appointment was reviewed by the Nominations Committee prior to the end 
of his second three-year term and has been extended until the conclusion of the Company’s Annual General Meeting in May 2023, 
unless it is 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.

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

Revathi Advaithi

Dame Elizabeth Corley

Chris Grigg

Stephen Pearce

Nicole Piasecki

Paula Rosput Reynolds

Nick Rose

Ian Tyler

Date of appointment

Expiry of current term

01.01.2018

01.02.2016

01.07.2013

01.06.2019

01.06.2019

01.04.2011

08.02.2010

08.05.2013

31.12.2020

01.02.2022

30.06.2022

31.05.2022

31.05.2022

31.03.2021

31.03.2020

07.05.2022

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. Non-executive directors do not have periods of notice.

In accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code, all directors are subject to annual election or re-election at the Company’s AGM.

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BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsDirectors’ remuneration policy 
continued

Service contracts and letters of appointment 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 payments for loss of office will be the policy that was in place at the point when the payments for loss 
of office were agreed for the executive director in question.

Any termination payment made in connection with the departure of an executive director will be subject to approval by the 
Committee, having regard to the terms of the service contract or other legal obligations 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. 

In addition to payments described below, the Committee may pay such amounts as are necessary to settle or compromise any claim 
or by way of damages, where the Committee views it as in the best interests of the Company to do so. In the event of the termination 
of an executive director’s contract, it is the Committee’s policy to seek to limit any payment to not more than one year’s base 
salary. Where appropriate the Company may also meet a director’s reasonable legal expenses in connection with their termination 
of their appointment.

Notice and pay in lieu of notice
For executive directors, employment contracts will generally be on terms that allow them to be terminated on up to 12 months’ notice 
from either party or by way of payment of base salary 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.

For US-based executive directors, employment contracts are typically for one-year periods and renew automatically unless one party 
gives at least 60 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) the executive director resigns for a ‘Good Reason’ (as defined in the contract), the executive director is entitled 
to a termination payment equal to (i) one year’s base salary and (ii) a bonus payable at target level pro-rated for service for the relevant 
financial year. They will also be entitled to a continuation of medical benefits for 18 months (or a cash payment in lieu).

In all cases, the Committee seeks to include provisions in directors’ employment contracts to allow the Company to pay any notice 
or severance payments on a phased basis and apply mitigation if the executive director secures alternative employment, to the extent 
that this is reasonably practicable taking into account local labour law, tax and other relevant considerations.

Other than notice payments, the Company has no obligation to make any termination payments when the Chairman’s appointment 
terminates. Non-executive directors do not have periods of notice and the Company has no obligation to make any termination 
payments when their appointment terminates, other than to pay fees in accordance with the appointment letters.

Retirement benefits
As governed by the rules of the relevant pension plan. No enhancement for leavers will be made.

Annual Incentive Plan
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. 

The Committee may, as set out below, exercise its discretion to allow an annual incentive payment for the year of cessation as part 
of the termination package for executive directors. Where it does so, the exercise of the discretion and reason why the Committee 
considered such action appropriate will be disclosed. 

Where an executive director leaves during the relevant performance year by reason of death, ill-health, disability, retirement, a transfer 
of business or redundancy, the Committee may use its discretion to determine that an executive director will remain entitled to receive 
a bonus (subject to an assessment based on performance over the performance year and pro-rated for time) in respect of the financial 
year in which the individual ceased employment. In all cases, one third of the bonus will be subject to compulsory deferral as set out 
previously, unless the Committee decides otherwise.

The Committee’s policy is not to award an annual incentive for any portion of the notice period not served.

The treatment set out above does not apply to the Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems, Inc. and the applicable treatment is provided 
in the section on notice and pay in lieu of notice.

144

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019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 Plan, where an executive director leaves the Group by reason of ill-health, injury, disability, retirement 
with the agreement of the Company, sale of a business or employing company, redundancy or leaving in such circumstances as the 
Committee determines (each an ‘approved leaver’), unvested awards and options generally continue and vest on the normal vesting 
date (or, in the case of Performance Shares held by US executive directors, the first normal vesting date or, if later, cessation), unless 
the Committee determines that the awards should vest on cessation. Any performance conditions will be applied at the time of vesting.

On vesting, the number of shares under award 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 period (or in the case of Performance 
Shares held by US executive directors or Performance Shares granted prior to the 2017 AGM, as a proportion of the initial three-year 
vesting period).

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 above.

Where an executive director’s employment is terminated for any other reason, his unvested awards and options will lapse. Options 
normally remain exercisable for six months after cessation (or vesting, if later) and 12 months after death. 

If the Committee exercises its discretion to treat a director as an approved leaver as permissible under the leaver provisions of the share 
plan rules, the exercise of the discretion and reason why the Committee considered such action appropriate will be disclosed.

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 Committee has responsibility for reviewing remuneration and related policies applicable to the wider workforce. To support 
this, the Committee is provided with periodic deep dive sessions on a range of wider workforce remuneration topics that are designed 
to provide the Committee with visibility of remuneration practices in the different sectors/markets in which we operate and for the 
different populations within the wider workforce across the Company globally. This enables the Committee to take the wider workforce 
into account when setting the policy for executive remuneration. Whilst the Committee does not consult directly with employees as 
part of the process for reviewing executive pay, the Committee does receive insights from the broader employee population via an 
engagement survey. When considering salary increases for the executive directors, the Committee considers the general level of salary 
increase across the Group and in the external market.

Stakeholder considerations
In line with our commitment to full transparency and engagement with our shareholders on the topic of executive remuneration, 
the Remuneration Committee Chairman conducts an annual programme of consultation with major shareholders. This typically 
involves setting out the changes planned for the following year, including seeking shareholder input and views to various executive 
remuneration matters including the development of, or potential changes to, remuneration policy or arrangements.

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BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements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 2019 financial year are listed on pages 
86 and 87. Stephen Pearce and Nicole Piasecki 
were appointed to the Board on 1 June 2019. 
Harriet Green also served on the Board until 
7 November 2019.

As previously announced by the Company, 
Peter Lynas and Jerry DeMuro will retire 
from the Board on 31 March 2020 and will 
be succeeded respectively by Brad Greve 
and Tom Arseneault on 1 April 2020. 
Nick Rose will also retire from the Board 
on 31 March 2020.

Dividend
An interim dividend of 9.4p per share was 
paid on 2 December 2019. The directors 
propose a final dividend of 13.8p per ordinary 
share. Subject to shareholder approval, the 
final dividend will be paid on 1 June 2020 
to shareholders on the share register on 
17 April 2020. Information on dividend 
waivers is given on page 212.

Annual General Meeting (AGM)
The Company’s AGM will be held on 
7 May 2020. 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 1 to 81:
–  disclosures in relation to the use of financial 

instruments;

–  particulars of important events affecting 
the Group which have occurred since 
31 December 2019;

–  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;

–  greenhouse gas emissions;
–  employee engagement (including regard 
to employee interests and encouraging 
employees to be shareholders); and
–  fostering business relationships with 
suppliers, customers and others.

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, 
Energy and Industrial Strategy). 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 half-year results announcement 
on 31 July 2019, the Group made the 
following statement in respect of the year 
ending 2019, which is regarded as a profit 
forecast for the purposes of the Financial 
Conduct Authority’s Listing Rule 9.2.18 
(and which amended the profit forecast 
made in the Group’s full-year results 
announcement on 21 February 2019 
and in the Annual Report 2018):

“Whilst the Group is subject to geopolitical 
uncertainties, the following guidance is 
provided on current expected operational 
performance. We expect the Group’s 
underlying earnings per share (excluding the 
one-off tax benefit) to grow by mid-single 
digit compared to the full year underlying 
earnings per share in 2018 of 42.9p, assuming 
a $1.30 to sterling exchange rate.”

Underlying earnings per share was 45.8p 
in 2019 (excluding the one-off tax benefit).

Employees
The Group is committed to giving open, 
full and fair consideration to applications 
for employment from disabled people and 
people with health conditions or impairments 
who meet the requirements for roles, and 
making available training opportunities and 
appropriate accommodation to everyone 
employed by the Group, because we firmly 
believe that inclusion of all of our people, 
enabling them to contribute to the best 
of their ability, is vital to our business. 
Our commitment to disability inclusion 
and accessibility in the workplace can also 
be recognised through our pledge to support 
The Valuable 500 campaign.

Political donations
No political donations were made in 2019.

Issued share capital
As at 31 December 2019, 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. 

Treasury shares
As at 1 January 2019, the number of shares 
held in treasury totalled 271,650,137 (having 
a total nominal value of £6,791,253 and 
representing 7.8% of the Company’s called up 
share capital at 1 January 2019). During 2019, 
the Company used 9,752,386 treasury shares 
(having a total nominal value of £243,810 and 
representing 0.3% of the Company’s called up 
share capital at 31 December 2019) to satisfy 
awards under the Free and Matching elements 
of the Share Incentive Plan (5,947,775 shares 
in aggregate), awards under the Free and 
Matching elements of the International Share 
Incentive Plan (588,462 shares in aggregate), 
awards vested under the Performance Share 
Plan and Performance Shares element of the 
Long-Term Incentive Plan (1,032,720 shares), 
awards vested under the Restricted Shares 
element of the Long-Term Incentive Plan 
(1,458,971 shares), and options exercised 
under the Executive Share Option Plan 
(724,458 shares). The treasury shares utilised 
in respect of the Share Incentive Plan, the 
International Share Incentive Plan, and the 
Performance Share Plan and the Performance 
and Restricted Shares elements of the 
Long-Term Incentive Plan were disposed 
of by the Company for nil consideration. 
The 724,458 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 £3,094,548. 
As at 31 December 2019, the number of 
shares held in treasury totalled 261,897,751 
(having a total nominal value of £6,547,444 
and representing 7.6% of the Company’s 
called up share capital at 31 December 2019). 

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.

146

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019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 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

–  awards of shares made under the 

Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan 2014, 
Deferred Bonus Plan, Performance 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 2019, 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

Percentage 
notified

AXA S.A. and its group of companies

5.00%

Barclays PLC

BlackRock, Inc. 

The Capital Group Companies, Inc. 

Franklin Resources Inc., and affiliates

Invesco Limited

Silchester International Investors LLP

3.98%

5.00%

4.93%

4.92%

4.97%

3.01%

Since 31 December 2019 the Company has 
been advised that the interest of The Capital 
Group Companies, Inc. has increased to 5.02%.

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.

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, Energy and 
Industrial Strategy (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.

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BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsStatutory and other information 
continued

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.

All directors will stand for election or 
re-election in 2020 as required by the 
Company’s Articles of Association and 
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.

148

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.

At the 2019 AGM, the directors were given 
the power to buy back a maximum number 
of 319,696,861 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 by 
Regulatory Technical Standards adopted 
by the European Commission pursuant to 
article 5(6) of the Market Abuse Regulation. 

This power will expire at the earlier of the 
conclusion of the 2020 AGM or 30 June 2020. 
A special resolution will be proposed at the 
2020 AGM to renew the Company’s authority 
to acquire its own shares.

At the 2019 AGM, the directors were given 
the power to issue new shares up to a nominal 
amount of £26,638,740. This power will 
expire on the earlier of the conclusion of the 
2020 AGM or 30 June 2020. Accordingly, a 
resolution will be proposed at the 2020 AGM 
to renew the Company’s authority to issue 
further new shares.

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.

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 2019 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.

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 entered into a £2bn Revolving 
Credit Facility dated 12 December 2013 
which was amended and restated on 
30 April 2018. The facility 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 2019. 

–  The Group entered into a US$1,925,000,000 

Bridge Loan Facility Agreement dated 
17 January 2020 in relation to the proposed 
acquisition of Collins Aerospace’s Military 
Global Positioning System business. The 
facility provides that, in the event of a change 
of control of the Company after the date 
of first drawdown, 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 Bridge 
Loan Facility Agreement was undrawn as 
at 19 February 2020.

–  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 

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019–  In September 2016, BAE Systems Marine 
Limited entered into a contract with the 
MoD for the initial phase of manufacturing 
activities for the Dreadnought Class 
programme. This contract was extended 
and amended to include additional 
manufacturing activities in March 2018. 
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 December 2018, BAE Systems’ subsidiary, 
ASC Shipbuilding Pty Limited, entered into 
a contract providing the framework for the 
design and manufacture of Hunter Class 
frigates for the Royal Australian Navy 
(Head Contract). As part of the acquisition 
of ASC Shipbuilding Pty Limited from the 
Australian Commonwealth, BAE Systems 
Australia Limited entered into a Sovereign 
Capability and Option Deed (SCOD). Under 
the Head Contract and the SCOD, if there is 
a change of control of ASC Shipbuilding Pty 
Limited, BAE Systems Australia Limited or 
BAE Systems plc, consent is required from 
the Australian Commonwealth Government 
prior to any change of control occurring. 
If there is a change of control without 
notice or notwithstanding an objection, 
the Commonwealth may terminate the 
Head Contract, take any action to mitigate 
an actual or potential threat to Australia’s 
national security interests, or exercise its 
call option under the SCOD and regain 
ownership of ASC Shipbuilding Pty Limited.

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.

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 June 2017, BAE Systems Surface Ships 
Limited entered into a contract with the 
UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the 
manufacture of the first batch of three 
Type 26 frigates. 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 or 
where the change of control would result 
in increased costs to the MoD under the 
contract, 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 on such grounds, 
then the MoD may terminate the contract 
with immediate effect.

–  The MSDF agreement between BAE Systems 
Surface Ships Limited and the MoD became 
effective on 1 October 2014 and establishes 
a framework 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.

–  In August 2008, BAE Systems Land 

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. 
In March 2016, BAE Systems Marine 
Limited entered into a contract with the 
MoD for the design, construction, testing 
and commissioning of Boat 6 of the 
Astute Class Programme. In March 2018, 
BAE Systems Marine Limited entered into 
a contract with the MoD for the design, 
construction, testing and commissioning 
of Boat 7 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 December 2011, BAE Systems Marine 
Limited entered into a contract with the 
MoD for the design of the Dreadnought 
submarines. Where the MoD considers that 
a change of control of BAE Systems Marine 
Limited would be contrary to the defence, 
national interest or national security of the 
UK, then the change of control shall not take 
place until agreement is reached with the 
MoD on how to proceed. In the event that 
there is a change of control notwithstanding 
the objection of the MoD on such grounds, 
the MoD shall be entitled to terminate the 
contract with immediate effect.

149

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsStatutory and other information 
continued

Auditor
Deloitte LLP have indicated their willingness to 
be re-appointed as the Company’s auditor and 
a resolution proposing their re-appointment 
will be put to the 2020 AGM.

Statement of directors’ responsibilities 
in respect of the Annual Report and the 
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 as adopted by the European Union 
(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, 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, relevant, reliable 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;

–  assess the Group and parent company’s 
ability to continue as a going concern, 
disclosing, as applicable, matters related 
to going concern; and

–  use the going concern basis of accounting 
unless they either intend to liquidate the 
Group or the parent company or to cease 
operations, or have no realistic alternative 
but to do so.

150

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 
are responsible for such internal control as 
they determine is necessary to enable the 
preparation of financial statements that are 
free from material misstatement, whether 
due to fraud or error, and 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 auditor
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 auditor is 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 auditor is 
aware of that information.

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

Charles Woodburn

Chief Executive

Jerry DeMuro

Chief Executive Officer 
of BAE Systems, Inc.

Peter Lynas

Group Finance Director

Revathi Advaithi

Non-executive director

Dame Elizabeth Corley Non-executive director

Chris Grigg

Non-executive director

Stephen Pearce

Non-executive director

Nicole Piasecki

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 
19 February 2020

Directors’ report
The Directors’ report was approved by the Board of directors on 19 February 2020.

David Parkes
Company Secretary

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019 Independent Auditor’s report
to the members of BAE Systems plc only

Summary of our audit approach
Key audit matters
The key audit matters that we identified 
in the current year were:

– revenue and margin recognition on long-term 

contracts; 

– carrying value of goodwill; and 

– valuation of post-employment benefit obligations.

These are consistent with the prior year.

Key audit matters with increased, stable or lower 
levels of risk compared to the prior year are 
identified with 

 and 

. 

, 

Materiality
We concluded that users of the financial statements 
would consider errors in excess of £75 million to be 
material, determined on the basis of adjusted profit 
before tax on continuing operations as defined 
on page 154 below. Errors in excess of this amount 
would equate to more than 4.8% of adjusted profit 
before tax and 4.6% of profit before tax. 

Scoping
23 components were subject to audit procedures. 
Of these, six components were subjected to a 
full-scope audit. The remaining 17 were subject 
to an audit of specified account balances. These 
components contribute 94% of revenue, 79% 
of profit before tax and 81% of net assets.

Significant changes in our approach
There have been no significant changes in our 
approach this year.

Conclusions relating to going concern, 
principal risks and viability statement
Going concern
We have reviewed the directors’ statement 
in the Basis of preparation on page 158 to the 
financial statements about whether they considered 
it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of 
accounting in preparing them and their identification 
of any material uncertainties to the Group’s and 
Parent Company’s ability to continue to do so over 
a period of at least twelve months from the date 
of approval of the financial statements.

We considered as part of our risk assessment the 
nature of the Group, its business model and related 
risks including, where relevant, the impact of 
Brexit, the requirements of the applicable financial 
reporting framework and the system of internal 
control. We evaluated the directors’ assessment of 
the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern, 
including challenging the underlying data and key 
assumptions used to make the assessment, and 
evaluated the directors’ plans for future actions in 
relation to their going concern assessment.

We are required to state whether we have anything 
material to add or draw attention to in relation to 
that statement required by Listing Rule 9.8.6R(3) 
and report if the statement is materially inconsistent 
with our knowledge obtained in the audit.

We confirm that we have nothing material 
to report, add or draw attention to in respect 
of these matters.

Opinion
In our opinion:

– the financial statements of BAE Systems plc 
(the Parent Company) and its subsidiaries 
(the Group) give a true and fair view of the state 
of the Group’s and of the Parent Company’s 
affairs as at 31 December 2019 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 (IFRSs) as adopted 
by the European Union;

– the Parent Company financial statements have 

been properly prepared in accordance with United 
Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice, 
including Financial Reporting Standard 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.

We have audited the financial statements 
which comprise:

– the consolidated income statement;

– the consolidated and Parent Company statement 

of comprehensive income;

– the consolidated and Parent Company statements 

of changes in equity;

– the consolidated and Parent Company balance 

sheets;

– the consolidated cash flow statement; and

– the related notes 1 to 36, including the associated 

accounting policies.

The financial reporting framework that has been 
applied in the preparation of the Group financial 
statements is applicable law and IFRSs as adopted 
by the European Union. The financial reporting 
framework that has been applied in the preparation 
of the Parent Company financial statements is 
applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting 
Standards, including FRS 101 Reduced Disclosure 
Framework (United Kingdom Generally Accepted 
Accounting Practice).

Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with 
International Standards on Auditing (UK) 
(ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities 
under those standards are further described in 
the auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the 
financial statements section of our report. 

We are independent of the Group and the 
Parent Company in accordance with the ethical 
requirements that are relevant to our audit of 
the financial statements in the UK, including the 
Financial Reporting Council’s (the FRC’s) Ethical 
Standard as applied to listed public interest entities, 
and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities 
in accordance with these requirements. We confirm 
that the non-audit services prohibited by the 
FRC’s Ethical Standard were not provided to the 
Group or the Parent Company. The non-audit 
services provided to the Group and Parent 
Company for the year are disclosed in note 2 
to the financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have 
obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide 
a basis for our opinion.

Principal risks and viability statement
Based solely on reading the directors’ statements 
and considering whether they were consistent with 
the knowledge we obtained in the course of the 
audit, including the knowledge obtained in the 
evaluation of the directors’ assessment of the 
Group’s and the Parent Company’s ability to 
continue as a going concern, we are required to 
state whether we have anything material to add 
or draw attention to in relation to:

– the disclosures on pages 78 to 81 that describe 

the principal risks, procedures to identify emerging 
risks and an explanation of how these are being 
managed or mitigated;

– the directors’ confirmation on page 89 that 
they have carried out a robust assessment 
of the principal and emerging risks facing the 
Group, including those that would threaten 
its business model, future performance, 
solvency or liquidity; or

– the directors’ explanation on page 89 as to how 
they have assessed the prospects of the Group, 
over what period they have done so and why they 
consider that period to be appropriate, and their 
statement as to whether they have a reasonable 
expectation that the Group will be able to continue 
in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due 
over the period of their assessment, including any 
related disclosures drawing attention to any 
necessary qualifications or assumptions.

We are also required to report whether the 
directors’ statement relating to the prospects 
of the Group required by Listing Rule 9.8.6R(3) 
is materially inconsistent with our knowledge 
obtained in the audit.

We confirm that we have nothing material 
to report, add or draw attention to in respect 
of these matters.

Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our 
professional judgement, were of most significance 
in our audit of the financial statements of the 
current period and include the most significant 
assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or 
not due to fraud) that we identified. These matters 
included those that had the greatest effect on: the 
overall audit strategy; the allocation of resources 
in the audit; and directing the efforts of the 
engagement team.

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

151

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsIndependent Auditor’s report 
continued

Revenue and margin recognition 
on long‑term contracts 
Refer to page 91 (Audit Committee report) and note 1 
(accounting policy and financial disclosure)

Revenue: 
£18,305m (2018 £16,821m)

Key audit matter description
The estimation of both overall lifetime contract 
margin and the appropriate level of revenue and 
profit to recognise in any single accounting period 
require the exercise of management judgement. 
Within BAE Systems’ contract portfolio there are 
a number of programmes where the estimates 
required in reaching these judgements are 
complex and could lead to a material error within 
the financial statements if reached incorrectly. 
Consequently, we consider that revenue and 
margin recognition represents a significant risk 
to our audit and a key audit matter.

We focus a greater proportion of audit effort on 
a number of contracts where we consider there to 
be the highest degree of management judgement 
required, and design contract-specific tests and 
procedures to mitigate the associated risks.

In order to identify the key contracts where 
there is a significant risk of material misstatement, 
we undertook a contract risk assessment process 
at each component, utilising the latest contract 
information, our understanding of the business 
and review of external information about market 
and geopolitical conditions which might impact 
certain contracts. We held meetings with key 
finance and contract managers, attended 
Quarterly Business Reviews and other key 
management meetings, read and understood 
underlying contract documentation and reviewed 
management support for key contract judgements. 
In addition, we looked for contracts that might have 
higher levels of judgement associated with the risk 
of schedule delivery or technical complexity, fixed 
price contracts which increase the risk of contract 
losses and other indicators that could increase the 
risk of a material impact on the financial statements. 

As a result of our risk assessment we identified 
four contracts where we consider there to be 
the highest degree of management judgement 
required. These are:

– Astute Class submarines;

– Type 26 frigate;

– Saudi Salam Typhoon (Salam); and

– Saudi British Defence Co-operation 

Programme (SBDCP).

We consider the level of risk associated with this 
key audit matter has remained consistent with the 
prior year. As a result of developments during the 
year we have removed the Offshore Patrol Vessel, 
Queen Elizabeth carrier and Radford Nitrocellulose 
plant contracts from our identified significant risk. 
The Type 26 frigate contract has been added as 
a new significant risk contract in the current year.

How the scope of our audit responded 
to the key audit matter
Our contract testing approach included:

Carrying value of goodwill 
Refer to page 91 (Audit Committee report) and note 8 
(accounting policy and financial disclosures)

Goodwill: 
£9,984m (2018 £10,239m)

Key audit matter description
The Group holds material goodwill balances 
relating to UK and overseas acquisitions, the 
majority of which are in the US. Management 
performs an impairment review of the carrying value 
of each Cash-Generating Unit (CGU) on an annual 
basis in line with the requirements of IAS 36. 

The impairment assessment involves management 
judgement in considering whether the carrying 
value of the CGU is recoverable. Determining 
the recoverable amount involves significant 
estimation including:

– forecasting future cash flows;

– determining the discount rate; and

– determining future growth rates. 

As a result of market changes, discount rates 
have generally fallen since the prior year which, 
in conjunction with certain other factors, has 
provided more headroom in management’s 
impairment assessments. As such, this area is 
no longer considered a key source of estimation 
uncertainty by the Group.

In planning our audit, we determined there to be 
a heightened level of impairment risk in relation to 
the carrying value of goodwill associated with the 
Platforms & Services (US) (P&S), Applied Intelligence 
(AI) and Land Munitions (Land) CGUs. These CGUs 
have goodwill of £3,428m, £206m and £427m, 
respectively. Unlike in the prior year, where we 
identified a significant risk over the carrying 
value of goodwill in AI, we have not identified 
a significant risk associated with any CGUs in 
the current year, due to the increased levels 
of headroom as explained above.

The size of the balance and the level of audit effort 
involved in assessing the carrying value of goodwill 
means we consider this to be a key audit matter.

Through our risk assessment, we determined 
that the key drivers of future cash flows in each 
CGU were as follows:

– P&S: future demand, long-term contract 

margin and operating cash flow assumptions, 
predominantly within the Combat Vehicles 
business;

– AI: impact of current year restructuring on 

future revenue and margin growth assumptions 
for the remaining business, as a result of the 
announced exit of the Technology & Commercial 
business; and

– Land: future demand linked to renewal 

of key programmes and long-term contract 
margin assumptions.

As a result, we have performed additional 
procedures over these key cash flow assumptions.

Testing the relevant controls on significant contracts
– We obtained an understanding of and, where 
deemed appropriate, tested the key manual 
and IT controls within management’s Lifecycle 
Management (LCM) Framework and project 
accounting processes which management 
have established to ensure that contracts 
are appropriately forecast, managed, 
challenged and accounted for.

– As part of this, we observed the controls in 
operation by attending a sample of project 
contract status review meetings, Quarterly 
Business Review meetings and Group-level 
meetings to validate the various levels of 
challenge applied to the forecasts. 

Challenging management’s assumptions 
and estimates on significant risk contracts
To gain assurance over the contract judgements 
and estimates made, our work included:

– making enquiries of contract project teams and 
other personnel to obtain an understanding of 
the performance of the project throughout the 
year and at year-end;

– analysing historical contract performance and 

understanding the reason for in-year movements 
or changes;

– testing the underlying calculations used in 
the contract assessments for accuracy and 
completeness, including the estimated costs 
to complete the contract alongside associated 
contingencies. As part of this we considered 
historical forecasting accuracy of costs, including 
on similar programmes, and challenged future 
cost expectations with reference to those 
data points; 

– examining external correspondence to support 
the timeframe for delivery of the product or 
service and any judgements made in respect 
of these;

– examining external evidence to support contract 
status and estimation of variable consideration 
(including associated recoverability of contract 
balances), such as customer correspondence 
and for certain contracts, meeting with the 
customer directly; 

– enquiring with in-house and external legal 

counsel regarding contract-related litigation 
and claims; and

– considering whether there were any indicators 
of management override of controls or bias in 
arriving at their reported position.

Key observations
The results of our testing were satisfactory. 

Through our testing of significant risk contracts 
we did not identify any audit adjustments and 
consider the judgements made by management 
in recognising revenue and profit to be reasonable. 
We noted an increased level of judgement required 
in the current year in determining consideration 
under IFRS 15 when there was increased uncertainty 
about the potential recoverability of amounts on 
certain contracts. 

Our testing of the remaining population identified 
certain immaterial audit adjustments but we 
conclude overall that the judgements made by 
management are reasonable.

152

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019How the scope of our audit responded 
to the key audit matter
We have performed a series of specific audit 
procedures to address the key audit matter 
identified in relation to these CGUs. This included 
the following:

– we obtained a detailed understanding 

of management’s process and key controls for 
performing the CGU impairment assessment. 
Specific focus was given to understanding 
management’s process and controls over 
forecasting future cash flows and determination 
of the key assumptions as detailed above;

– we challenged forecast performance with 

reference to the recent and historical performance 
of each CGU, historical forecasting accuracy, 
external industry benchmarks and specific 
forecast events. This included performing 
sensitivity analysis to evaluate the impact of 
changing a range of assumptions including 
suppressed growth, lower margin assumptions 
and changes in the discount rate;

– we critically assessed the risks and opportunities 

identified by management in their forecasts 
and modelled different scenarios to understand 
the impact of both adverse and positive 
changes to the future forecasts and the level 
of associated headroom; 

– where the cash flows assumed significant contract 

renewals or an extension to existing contracts 
(i.e. moving from initial to full rate of production) 
we challenged those judgements with operational 
management and, where relevant, correspondence 
with the customer over contract renewal;

– operating cash flow and working capital 

assumptions were challenged with reference 
to our revenue contract audit work for key 
programmes, as well as historical trends for 
each line of business;

– we tested the integrity of management’s 
impairment model used to derive the 
recoverable amount; and

– we involved Deloitte valuation specialists 

to support our challenge of the applicable 
discount rate.

Key observations
We completed our audit of the forecasts of the 
P&S, AI and Land businesses and are satisfied 
that management’s assumptions are reasonable 
and supportable based on available evidence, 
both internal and external.

Management has concluded that no reasonably 
possible change in a key assumption would lead 
to impairment and we concur with that conclusion.

Valuation of post‑employment 
benefit obligations 
Refer to page 91 (Audit Committee report) and note 23 
(accounting policy and financial disclosures)

Group’s share of the net IAS 19 deficit after 
allocation to equity accounted investments: 
£4,455m (2018 £4,029m)

Valuation of post-employment benefit 
obligation assets: 
£27,687m (2018 £25,653m)

Valuation of post-employment benefit 
obligation liabilities: 
£32,466m (2018 £29,986m)

Key audit matter description
The principal post-employment benefit schemes 
are held in the UK and US and are funded defined 
benefit schemes, with assets held in separate 
trustee-administered funds.

We identified the following areas which were 
the focus of our procedures in auditing the Group’s 
net post-employment benefit obligations as a key 
audit matter:

Liabilities
The key judgements relating to the post-
employment benefit obligations include:

– inflation assumptions;

– discount rates; and 

– mortality assumptions.

Given the significant size of the deficit at year-end, 
small changes to these input assumptions can lead 
to material changes in the valuation. Assumptions 
are also made in the determination of the Group’s 
share of assets and liabilities of multi-employer 
schemes in which it participates and the 
corresponding amounts attributed to other 
participating employers.

Assets
Given the size and nature of the scheme assets 
there is significant audit effort required in ensuring 
the valuation of assets is supportable. 

Certain asset classes are inherently more 
judgemental to value and have a higher level 
of associated valuation risk, namely:

– private equity investments;

– pooled investment vehicles without 

published market prices; 

– private placements; and

– longevity swaps.

How the scope of our audit responded 
to the key audit matter

Liabilities
In relation to the post-employment benefit 
obligations we have performed the following 
procedures:

– we obtained a detailed understanding and 
performed walkthroughs of management’s 
process, with specific focus on understanding 
key controls relating to the valuation of the 
post-employment benefit obligation including 
maintenance of membership data;

– in conjunction with Deloitte actuarial specialists, 

we challenged the assumptions used in the IAS 19 
valuation, including assessing and challenging 
the reasonableness of the assumptions against 
available market data and benchmarking 
against their peers;

– we have assessed the competence, capabilities 
and objectivity of the third-party administrators 
who maintain membership data on behalf of 
the Group and performed analytical procedures 
to challenge key changes in membership data 
since the last triennial valuation (March 2017), 
the most recent pension scheme accounts 
(March 2019) and that used in the IAS 19 
valuation; and

– we assessed the competence, capabilities 
and objectivity of the actuaries engaged 
by management to perform the valuations 
of the schemes.

Assets
In relation to asset valuations we have performed 
the following procedures with increased focus 
on those assets with a higher valuation risk as 
noted above:

– we tested the pension asset valuation controls 

for certain asset classes; 

– we performed audit procedures relating to the 

assets held within the pension schemes through 
seeking third-party confirmation from asset 
managers and/or custodians or other supporting 
evidence as appropriate; and 

– we reviewed publicly available information on 
the assets, comparing to internal benchmarks 
and reconciling inputs used by management 
to determine the asset values.

Key observations
Overall, we consider the discount rate and other 
key pension assumptions used by management 
in calculating the post-employment benefit 
obligation to be within our independently-
developed reasonable range. 

We concluded our testing of the assets and 
are satisfied they are appropriately valued.

153

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsIndependent Auditor’s report 
continued

Our application of materiality
We define materiality as the magnitude of misstatement in the financial statements that makes it probable that the economic decisions of a reasonably knowledgeable 
person would be changed or influenced. We use materiality both in planning the scope of our audit work and in evaluating the results of our work. 

Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole as follows:

Group financial statements

Parent Company financial statements

Materiality

£75m (2018 £70m)

£46m (2018 £38.5m)

Basis for determining 
materiality

4.8% of adjusted profit before tax of £1,575m. This includes 
adjustment for non-recurring items of £27m (see note 1) and fair 
value and foreign exchange adjustments on financial instruments 
and investments of £78m (see note 5).

Materiality has been set with reference to the net assets of the 
Parent Company.

Rationale for the 
benchmark applied

Adjusted profit before tax from continuing operations was 
considered to be the most relevant benchmark as it is considered 
the most stable and comparable profit metric. The adjustments 
excluded relate to items that are considered one-off in nature or 
relate to complex financial instrument valuations, which are volatile 
and not reflective of the underlying performance of the business. 

This represents 1% of the Parent Company net assets. In addition, 
we consider the materiality of the Parent Company in the context 
of the Group materiality and have capped this at 55% of that of 
the Group.

We consider net assets the key benchmark used by members of 
the Parent Company in assessing financial performance.

We consider the measure suitable having also considered the 
other relevant benchmarks of profit before taxation, where 
our materiality equates to 4.6%.

Component  
materiality

Performance  
materiality

Audit work at the 23 components identified in our Group audit scope (excluding the Parent Company) was completed to a component 
materiality level between £21m and £34m (2018 £18m to £38.5m).

We set performance materiality at a level lower than materiality to reduce the probability that, in aggregate, uncorrected and undetected 
misstatements exceed the materiality for the financial statements as a whole. Group performance materiality was set at 70% of Group 
materiality for the 2019 audit (2018 70%). In determining performance materiality, we considered the following factors:

– the quantum and nature of the uncorrected misstatements identified in the prior year audit;

– our assessment of the potential for uncorrected misstatements in the current year;

– the size and nature of the contract-based significant risks of material misstatement identified;

– the fact two of our three key audit matters are audited centrally by the Group audit team; and

– our planned reliance on controls for a number of areas of the audit for the current year.

Error reporting 
threshold

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to the Committee all audit differences in excess of £3.75m (2018 £3.5m), 
as well as differences below that threshold that, in our view, warranted reporting on qualitative grounds. We also report to the Audit 
Committee on disclosure matters that we identified when assessing the overall presentation of the financial statements.

An overview of the scope of our audit
Our Group audit was scoped by obtaining an 
understanding of the Group and its environment, 
including Group-wide controls, and assessing the 
audit risks. This exercise has considered the relative 
size of each reporting unit’s contribution to revenue, 
profit before tax and adjusted profit before tax, 
alongside further financial or contractual risks 
which we consider to be present. 

We have considered units that contribute more 
than 10% of the Group’s revenue or adjusted 
profit before tax to be ‘financially significant’, 
and requiring a full-scope audit. In addition, 
as part of our risk assessment procedures 

and using our knowledge of the business, we 
assess where else we consider it appropriate 
to perform a full-scope audit. This resulted in 
full-scope audits for six components located 
in the UK, Saudi Arabia and the US, and included 
the Group’s largest joint venture, MBDA.

Additionally our audit planning identified 17 
non-financially significant components, located in 
the UK, Saudi Arabia, Australia and the US, where 
we consider there to be a reasonable possibility of 
material misstatement in specific balances within the 
financial statements. Accordingly, we have directed 
component auditors to perform an audit of 

specified account balances and additional analytical 
procedures on the respective income statements 
and balance sheets for these components.

For all in-scope components, whether designated 
financially significant or subject to an audit of 
specified account balances, revenue was determined 
to be in scope for the audit.

For all other reporting units not included in 
full-scope or audit of specified account balance 
scope, we performed centrally-directed analytical 
review procedures to confirm our conclusion that 
there was no significant material misstatement in 
the residual population.

The 23 components within the scope of our audit work contribute the following proportions of the total Group results:

Revenue

C

A

B

Profit before tax

Net assets

C

A

C

A

B

B

A Full audit scope

B Specified account balances

C Review at a Group level

54%

39%

A Full audit scope

B Specified account balances

7%

C Review at a Group level

45%

34%

21%

A Full audit scope

B Specified account balances

C Review at a Group level

63%

18%

19%

154

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019 
 
 
Responsibilities of directors
As explained more fully in the directors’ 
responsibilities statement, the directors are 
responsible for the preparation of the financial 
statements and for being satisfied that they give 
a true and fair view, and for such internal control 
as the directors determine is necessary to enable 
the preparation of financial statements that are 
free from material misstatement, whether due 
to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the directors 
are responsible for assessing the Group’s and the 
Parent Company’s ability to continue as a going 
concern, disclosing as applicable, matters related 
to going concern and using the going concern 
basis of accounting unless the directors either intend 
to liquidate the Group or the Parent Company or 
to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative 
but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit 
of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance 
about whether the financial statements as a whole 
are free from material misstatement, whether due 
to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report 
that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance 
is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee 
that an audit conducted in accordance with 
ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement 
when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud 
or error and are considered material if, individually or 
in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected 
to influence the economic decisions of users taken 
on the basis of these financial statements.

Details of the extent to which the audit was 
considered capable of detecting irregularities, 
including fraud are set out below.

A further description of our responsibilities for 
the audit of the financial statements is located 
on the FRC’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/
auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms 
part of our auditor’s report.

As each of the business units maintains separate 
financial records, we have engaged component 
auditors from the Deloitte member firms in the 
US, UK, Saudi Arabia and Australia to perform 
procedures at all the wholly-owned components 
under our direction and supervision. This approach 
also allows us to engage local auditors who have 
appropriate knowledge of local regulations to 
perform the audit work, under a common Deloitte 
audit approach.

In respect of MBDA, we have engaged with the 
entity’s non-Deloitte auditor to perform a full-scope 
audit under our direction and supervision. 

Working with other auditors
We have issued detailed instructions to the 
component auditors, directed and supervised their 
work through a number of visits to each of the 
component auditors during the planning and 
performance stages of our audit, alongside frequent 
remote communication and review of their work. 

Our oversight of component auditors focused on 
the planning of their audit work and understanding 
of their risk assessment process to identify key areas 
of estimates and judgement, as well as the execution 
of their audit work in line with our Group-issued 
referral instructions. All teams were involved in our 
annual planning workshop, which was overseen and 
directed by the Group audit team. We are satisfied 
that the level of involvement of the Group audit 
partner and team in the component audits has been 
extensive and has enabled us to conclude that 
sufficient appropriate audit evidence has been 
obtained in support of our opinion on the Group 
financial statements as a whole.

The BAE Systems, Inc. business units in the US 
are subject to a Department of Defense Special 
Security Arrangement (SSA), which is a government 
requirement setting out specific protocol that 
foreign-controlled companies must comply with in 
order to be able to undertake government defence 
contracts. As part of this there is restriction on the 
flow of information outside of the US. Therefore, 
for the US components there are restrictions around 
access to the audit file and specific workpapers 
for non-US nationals. As such we have designed 
alternative procedures, including involvement of 
an additional independent US national partner, 
to ensure that appropriate oversight of the 
US component team is obtained.

In addition to the work performed at a component 
level, at Group level we have audited the consolidation 
process and carried out analytical procedures over 
the residual financial information of the remaining 
components not subject to audit or audit of 
specified account balances. At a Group level we 
also perform audit procedures on centrally-held 
balances including treasury, post-employment 
benefit obligations, goodwill, tax, head office 
costs and litigation and claims.

Other information
The directors are responsible for the other 
information. The other information comprises 
the information included in the Annual Report, 
other than the financial statements and our 
auditor’s report thereon.

Our opinion on the financial statements does 
not cover the other information and, except 
to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our 
report, we do not express any form of assurance 
conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial 
statements, our responsibility is to read the other 
information and, in doing so, consider whether 
the other information is materially inconsistent 
with the financial statements or our knowledge 
obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to 
be materially misstated.

If we identify such material inconsistencies 
or apparent material misstatements, we are 
required to determine whether there is a material 
misstatement in the financial statements or a 
material misstatement of the other information. 
If, based on the work we have performed, we 
conclude that there is a material misstatement 
of this other information, we are required to 
report that fact.

In this context, matters that we are specifically 
required to report to you as uncorrected material 
misstatements of the other information include 
where we conclude that:

– Fair, balanced and understandable – 
the statement given by the directors that 
they consider 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, is materially inconsistent with our 
knowledge obtained in the audit; or

– Audit Committee reporting – the section 

describing the work of the Audit Committee does 
not appropriately address matters communicated 
by us to the Audit Committee; or

– Directors’ statement of compliance with the 
UK Corporate Governance Code – the parts of 
the directors’ statement required under the Listing 
Rules relating to the Group’s compliance with the 
UK Corporate Governance Code containing 
provisions specified for review by the auditor in 
accordance with Listing Rule 9.8.10R(2) do not 
properly disclose a departure from a relevant 
provision of the UK Corporate Governance Code.

We have nothing to report in respect of 
these matters.

155

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsIndependent Auditor’s report 
continued

Extent to which the audit was 
considered capable of detecting 
irregularities, including fraud
We identify and assess the risks of material 
misstatement of the financial statements, whether 
due to fraud or error, and then design and perform 
audit procedures responsive to those risks, including 
obtaining audit evidence that is sufficient and 
appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Identifying and assessing potential 
risks related to irregularities
In identifying and assessing risks of material 
misstatement in respect of irregularities, including 
fraud and non-compliance with laws and 
regulations, our procedures included the following:

– enquiring of management, internal legal 

counsel, internal audit and the Audit Committee, 
including obtaining and reviewing supporting 
documentation, concerning the Group’s policies 
and procedures relating to:

– identifying, evaluating and complying with laws 
and regulations and whether they were aware 
of any instances of non-compliance;

– detecting and responding to the risks of fraud 
and whether they have knowledge of any 
actual, suspected or alleged fraud; and

– the internal controls established to mitigate 
risks related to fraud or non-compliance 
with laws and regulations, including obtaining 
an understanding of the Group’s bribery and 
corruption and whistleblowing policies;

– discussing among the engagement team, 

including significant component audit teams 
and involving relevant internal specialists, 
including tax, valuations, pensions and IT 
specialists regarding how and where fraud 
might occur in the financial statements and 
any potential indicators of fraud. As part of 
this discussion, we identified potential for fraud 
in relation to the level of judgement involved 
in estimating costs to complete on long-term 
contracts and the subsequent impact on 
revenue and margin recognition; and

– obtaining an understanding of the legal and 

regulatory frameworks that the Group operates 
in, focusing on those laws and regulations that 
had a direct effect on the financial statements, 
including the UK Companies Act, Listing Rules, 
pension and taxation legislation. In addition, owing 
to the sector the Group operates in, we considered 
laws and regulations that had a fundamental 
effect on the operations of the Group, including 
in respect of export controls, defence contracting 
and anti-bribery and corruption legislation. 
These areas were identified through enquiries 
with directors, management and legal counsel, 
our knowledge and understanding of the Group 
accumulated throughout the audit and our 
sector-specific experience. 

156

Matters on which we are required 
to report by exception
Adequacy of explanations received 
and accounting records
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required 
to report to you if, in our opinion:

– we have not received all the information and 

explanations we require for our audit; or

– 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 are 
not in agreement with the accounting records 
and returns.

We have nothing to report in respect of 
these matters. 

Directors’ remuneration
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are also 
required to report if in our opinion certain 
disclosures of directors’ remuneration have not been 
made or the part of the Directors’ remuneration 
report to be audited is not in agreement with the 
accounting records and returns.

We have nothing to report in respect of 
these matters. 

Other matters
Auditor tenure
Following the recommendation of the Audit 
Committee, we were appointed by the members 
on 10 May 2018 to audit the financial statements for 
the year ending 31 December 2018 and subsequent 
financial periods. The period of total uninterrupted 
engagement including previous renewals and 
reappointments of the firm is two years.

Consistency of the audit report with the 
additional report to the Audit Committee
Our audit opinion is consistent with the additional 
report to the Audit Committee we are required to 
provide in accordance with ISAs (UK).

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

John Adam
Senior Statutory Auditor

For and on behalf of
Deloitte LLP
Statutory Auditor

London, United Kingdom 
19 February 2020

Audit response to risks identified
As a result of performing the above, we identified 
revenue and margin recognition on long-term 
contracts as a key audit matter. The key audit 
matters section of our report explains the matter 
in more detail and also describes the specific 
procedures we performed in response to the 
key audit matter.

In addition to the above, our procedures to 
respond to risks identified included the following:
– reviewing the financial statement disclosures 
and testing of supporting documentation 
to assess compliance with relevant laws 
and regulations described above as having 
a direct effect on the financial statements;

– enquiring of management, the Audit Committee, 
in-house legal counsel and, where necessary, 
circularising external legal counsel concerning 
actual and potential litigation and claims;
– performing analytical procedures to identify 
any unusual or unexpected relationships that 
may indicate risks of material misstatement 
due to fraud;

– reading minutes of meetings of those 

charged with governance, reviewing Internal 
Audit reports and reviewing correspondence 
with relevant tax authorities;

– obtaining a detailed understanding of and 

performing process walkthroughs in relation 
to the Group’s process for engaging third parties 
to support business development, including 
testing a sample of these transactions;
– in addressing the risk of fraud through 

management override of controls, testing 
the appropriateness of journal entries and 
other adjustments;

– assessing whether the judgements made 

in making accounting estimates are indicative 
of a potential bias; and

– evaluating the business rationale of any 
significant transactions that are unusual 
or outside the normal course of business.

We also communicated relevant identified laws 
and regulations and potential fraud risks to all 
engagement team members including internal 
specialists and significant component audit teams 
and remained alert to any indications of fraud or 
non-compliance with laws and regulations 
throughout the audit.

Report on other legal and regulatory 
requirements
Opinions on other matters prescribed 
by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion the part of the Directors’ 
remuneration report to be audited has been 
properly prepared in accordance with the 
Companies Act 2006.

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken 
in the course of the audit:
– 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; and

– the Strategic report and the Directors’ report 

have been prepared in accordance with applicable 
legal requirements.

In the light of the knowledge and understanding 
of the Group and of the Parent Company and their 
environment obtained in the course of the audit, 
we have not identified any material misstatements 
in the Strategic report or the Directors’ report.

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019i

S
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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.   Net finance costs 

6.   Taxation expense 

7.   Earnings per share 

8.   Intangible assets 

9.   Property, plant and equipment 

10. Leases 

11. Investment property 

12. Equity accounted investments 

13. Trade, other and contract receivables 

14.  Other financial assets and liabilities 
and financial risk management 

15. Deferred tax 

16. Inventories 

17. Current tax 

18. Cash and cash equivalents 

19.  Assets and liabilities held for 
sale and business disposals 

158

160

161

162

163

164

165

170

171

171

172

173

176

177

180

182

185

186

188

189

193

195

195

196

196

20. Geographical analysis of assets 

21. Loans and overdrafts 

22. Trade and other payables 

23. Post-employment benefits 

24. Provisions 

25. Share capital and other reserves 

26. Operating business cash flow 

27.  Movement in assets and liabilities 
arising from financing activities 

28.  Net debt 

29. Fair value measurement 

30. Share-based payments 

31. Related party transactions 

32.  Contingent liabilities 

33.  Acquisition of subsidiaries 

34.  Information about 

related undertakings 

35. Events after the reporting period 

36. Adoption of IFRS 16 Leases 

Company accounts
Company statement of  
comprehensive income 

Company statement  
of changes in equity 

Company balance sheet 

Notes to the Company accounts 

197

198

199

200

211

212

214

215

215

216

217

218

219

219

220

224

224

226

226

227

228

Group accounting policies
Accounting policies are included within the relevant note to the Group accounts.

157

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019 
 
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 Directors’ report 
on page 90, 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 certain 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, with the resulting exchange differences 
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.

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. The critical accounting policies are listed 
below and explained in more detail in the relevant notes to the Group accounts: 

Critical accounting policy

Description

Revenue and profit 
recognition

The Group accounts for revenue in accordance with IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers. 
For most of the Group’s contracts, revenue and associated margin are recognised progressively over time 
as costs are incurred, and as risks have been mitigated or retired.

The ultimate profitability of contracts is 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.

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 of the future profitability and 
cash-generating ability of the acquired businesses based on the Group’s five-year Integrated Business 
Plan and the pre-tax discount rate used in discounting these projected cash flows.

The Group has recognised a deferred tax asset in respect of the deficits in its pension/
post-employment schemes.
It is management’s judgement that the Group will generate sufficient taxable profits to recover the 
net deferred tax asset recognised. This judgement requires the use of estimates of future taxable 
profits based on the Group’s Integrated Business Plan.

Provision is made for known issues based on management’s interpretation of country-specific legislation 
and management’s assessment of the likely outcome of negotiations or litigation. The Group’s approach 
is to consider each uncertain tax position separately. Where management considers it is probable that 
there will be a future outflow of funds to a tax authority, a provision is recognised. The position is 
reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Provisions are measured using management’s best estimate of the most likely amount, being the 
single most likely amount in a range of possible outcomes. The Group discloses any significant 
uncertainties in relation to tax matters to the relevant tax authority. 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.

Defined benefit pension scheme accounting valuations are prepared by independent actuaries. 
The liabilities of the pension schemes are valued based on a number of actuarial assumptions.
For each of the actuarial assumptions used there is a range of possible values and management 
estimates 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.

Carrying value  
of goodwill

Deferred tax asset 
on post-employment 
benefit obligations

Tax provisions

Valuation of  
post-employment  
benefit obligations

158

Notes

1

8

15

17

23

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Preparation continued

Judgements made in applying accounting policies
In the course of preparing the financial statements, no judgements have been made in the process of applying the Group’s accounting 
policies, other than those involving estimates, that have had a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements.

Sources of estimation uncertainty
The application of the Group’s accounting policies requires the use of estimates. In the event that these estimates prove to be incorrect, there 
may be an adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year. The key significant risks of a material 
adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities during 2020 have been considered and assessed as relating to the following:
– The determination of the discount rate and inflation assumptions underpinning the valuation of the liabilities of the Group’s defined benefit 

pension schemes, where there is a range of possible values for each of the actuarial assumptions and small changes in assumptions may have 
a significant impact on the size of the deficit. Note 23 provides information on the key assumptions and analysis of their sensitivities. 

– Revenue and margin recognition on contracts is based on constraints on variable consideration, estimates of future costs and an assessment 

of technical and other risks, including geopolitical uncertainty such as the Group’s inability to obtain or maintain the necessary export licences. 
The long-term nature of many of the Group’s contracts means that judgements are made in estimating future costs on a contract as well as 
when risks will be mitigated or retired, which impacts when revenue and associated margin are recognised. As shown in note 1, the Group 
has recognised £0.3bn of revenue in both the current and prior financial year in respect of performance obligations satisfied or partially satisfied 
in previous periods. The Group currently considers that, based on the existing portfolio of contracts, this is a potential indicator of an amount 
up to which revenue may be recognised in the next 12 months relating to performance obligations already satisfied or partially satisfied.

– Tax provisioning is based on estimates of the potential outcomes of tax litigation or negotiations, the amount recorded being the single most 
likely amount in a range of possible outcomes. Such provisions can be difficult to estimate due to the complexity involved and the uncertainty 
in the process for their resolution. Note 17 provides information relating to potential material changes regarding tax provisions in the next 
financial year.

Changes in accounting policies
IFRS 16 Leases became effective from 1 January 2019. The impact of adoption is set out in note 36.

The following other standards, interpretations and amendments to existing standards became effective on 1 January 2019 and have not had 
a material impact on the Group:
– IFRIC 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments, effective from 1 January 2019;
– Amendments to IFRS 9: Prepayment Features with Negative Compensation, effective from 1 January 2019;
– Amendments to IAS 28: Long-term Interests in Associates and Joint Ventures, effective from 1 January 2019;
– Amendments to IAS 19: Plan Amendment, Curtailment or Settlement, effective from 1 January 2019; and
– Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2015–2017 Cycle, effective from 1 January 2019.

The following other standards, interpretations and amendments to existing standards have been issued but were not mandatory for accounting 
periods beginning on 1 January 2019 and are not expected to have a material impact on the Group:
– Amendments to References to the Conceptual Framework in IFRS Standards, effective 1 January 2020;
– Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8: Definition of Material, effective from 1 January 2020;
– Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7: Interest Rate Benchmark Reform, effective from 1 January 2020;
– Amendments to IFRS 3: Definition of a Business, effective from 1 January 2020 (not yet endorsed by the EU);
– IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts, effective from 1 January 2021 (not yet endorsed by the EU); and
– Amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28: Sale or contribution of assets between an investor and its associate or joint venture, effective date 

deferred indefinitely.

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. 

159

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsConsolidated income statement 
for the year ended 31 December

Continuing operations
Sales
Deduct Share of sales by equity accounted investments
Add Sales to equity accounted investments
Revenue
Operating costs
Other income
Group operating profit
Share of results of equity accounted investments

Underlying EBITA 
Non-recurring items
EBITA
Amortisation of intangible assets
Impairment of intangible assets
Financial expense of equity accounted investments
Taxation expense of equity accounted investments

Operating profit

Financial income1
Financial expense1
Net 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

2019

Notes

£m

Total
£m

2018

£m

Total
£m

1
1
1
1
2
4

1

1
1

1
1
5
6
1

5

6

7

20,109
(2,878)
1,074

18,407
(2,812)
1,226

18,305
(16,724)
150
1,731
168

16,821
(15,514)
158
1,465
140

2,117
(27)
2,090
(109)
(6)
(23)
(53)

27
(300)

1,928
(154)
1,774
(85)
(33)
(13)
(38)

1,899

1,605

26
(407)

(273)
1,626
(94)
1,532

1,476
56
1,532

46.4p
46.1p

(381)
1,224
(191)
1,033

1,000
33
1,033

31.3p
31.2p

1.  Gains on remeasurement of financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss and foreign exchange gains for the year ended 31 December 2018 have been 

reclassified to remove them from financial income and present all movements within financial expense. See note 5 for details.

160

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019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:

Subsidiaries:

Other 
reserves1
£m
–

2019

Retained
earnings
£m
1,532

Total
£m
1,532

Other 
reserves1
£m
–

2018

Retained 
earnings
£m
1,033

Notes

Remeasurements on post-employment benefit schemes
Tax on items that will not be reclassified to the income statement

6

Equity accounted investments (net of tax)

Items that may be reclassified to the income statement:

Subsidiaries:

Currency translation on foreign currency net investments
Reclassification of cumulative currency translation reserve 

on disposal

Fair value gain arising on hedging instruments during the period
Cumulative fair value gain on hedging instruments reclassified 

to the income statement

Tax on items that may be reclassified to the income statement

6

Equity accounted investments (net of tax)

Total other comprehensive income for the year (net of tax)
Total comprehensive income for the year

Attributable to:

Equity shareholders
Non-controlling interests

1.  An analysis of other reserves is provided in note 25.

–
–
–

(556)
57
(38)

(556)
57
(38)

–
–
–

(327)

(8)
11

(7)
–
6
(325)
(325)

(320)
(5)
(325)

–

–
–

–
–
–
(537)
995

940
55
995

(327)

400

(8)
11

(7)
–
6
(862)
670

620
50
670

–
14

(39)
5
15
395
395

391
4
395

74
5
6

–

–
–

–
–
–
85
1,118

1,085
33
1,118

Total
£m
1,033

74
5
6

400

–
14

(39)
5
15
480
1,513

1,476
37
1,513

161

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsConsolidated statement of changes in equity  
for the year ended 31 December

Balance at 1 January 2019 as originally presented
Transition adjustment upon adoption of IFRS 16 Leases
Balance at 1 January 2019

Profit for the year
Total other comprehensive income for the year 

Total comprehensive income for the year 
Share-based payments (inclusive of tax)
Cumulative fair value gain on hedging instruments 

transferred to the balance sheet (net of tax)

Ordinary share dividends
Partial disposal of shareholding in subsidiary undertaking
At 31 December 2019

Balance at 1 January 2018

Profit for the year
Total other comprehensive income for the year 

Total comprehensive income for the year 
Share-based payments (inclusive of tax)
Net sale of own shares
Ordinary share dividends
Partial disposal of shareholding in subsidiary undertaking
At 31 December 2018

1.  An analysis of other reserves is provided in note 25.

Notes

36

30

25

30

25

Attributable to equity holders of BAE Systems plc

Issued
share
capital
£m
87
–
87
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
87

87
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
87

Share
premium
£m
1,249
–
1,249
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
1,249

1,249
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
1,249

Other 
reserves1
£m
6,481
–
6,481
–
(320)
(320)
–

(5)
–
–
6,156

6,090
–
391
391
–
–
–
–
6,481

Retained 
earnings
£m
(2,271)
(92)
(2,363)
1,476
(536)
940
75

–
(724)
(13)
(2,085)

(2,714)
1,000
85
1,085
63
1
(703)
(3)
(2,271)

Non-
controlling
interests
£m
72
–
72
56
(6)
50
–

–
(56)
38
104

43
33
4
37
–
–
(28)
20
72

Total
£m
5,546
(92)
5,454
1,476
(856)
620
75

(5)
(724)
(13)
5,407

4,712
1,000
476
1,476
63
1
(703)
(3)
5,546

Total
equity
£m
5,618
(92)
5,526
1,532
(862)
670
75

(5)
(780)
25
5,511

4,755
1,033
480
1,513
63
1
(731)
17
5,618

162

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Consolidated balance sheet 
as at 31 December

Non-current assets
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Right-of-use assets
Investment property
Equity accounted investments
Other investments
Other receivables
Post-employment benefit surpluses
Other financial assets
Deferred tax assets

Current assets
Inventories
Trade, other and contract receivables
Current tax
Other financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Assets held for sale

Total assets
Non-current liabilities
Loans
Lease liabilities
Other payables
Post-employment benefit obligations
Other financial liabilities
Provisions

Current liabilities
Loans and overdrafts
Lease liabilities
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 BAE Systems plc
Non-controlling interests
Total equity

Notes

2019 
£m

20181
£m

8
9
10
11
12

13
23
14
15

16
13
17
14
18
19

20

21
10
22
23
14
24

21
10
22
14
17
24
19

25

25

10,371
2,437
1,138
137
428
13
484
302
350
726
16,386

835
5,458
19
210
2,587
135
9,244
25,630

(3,020)
(1,116)
(1,481)
(4,757)
(227)
(385)
(10,986)

(377)
(238)
(7,926)
(232)
(55)
(300)
(5)
(9,133)
(20,119)
5,511

87
1,249
6,156
(2,085)
5,407
104
5,511

10,658
2,365
–
98
429
13
352
308
245
702
15,170

774
5,177
81
166
3,232
146
9,576
24,746

(3,514)
–
(1,461)
(4,337)
(104)
(427)
(9,843)

(785)
–
(7,718)
(74)
(334)
(334)
(40)
(9,285)
(19,128)
5,618

87
1,249
6,481
(2,271)
5,546
72
5,618

1.  The Saudi Arabia end of service benefit obligation of £97m at 31 December 2018 has been reclassified from trade and other payables to post-employment benefit 

obligations (see note 23).

Approved by the Board of BAE Systems plc on 19 February 2020 and signed on its behalf by:

C N Woodburn 
Chief Executive 

P J Lynas 
Group Finance Director

163

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial 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 
Net finance costs 
Depreciation, amortisation, impairment and derecognition
Gain on investment revaluation
Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment, and investment property
(Gain)/loss in respect of held for sale assets and business disposals
Cost of equity-settled employee share schemes
Movements in provisions
Decrease in liabilities for post-employment benefit obligations
(Increase)/decrease in working capital:

Inventories
Trade, other and contract receivables
Trade and other payables

Taxation paid
Net cash flow from operating activities
Dividends received from equity accounted investments 
Interest received
Principal element of finance lease receipts
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 intangible assets
Purchase of equity accounted investment
Equity accounted investment funding
Purchase of subsidiary undertakings, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired
Cash flow in respect of held for sale assets and business disposals, net of cash and cash equivalents disposed
Net cash flow from investing activities
Interest paid
Net sale of own shares 
Equity dividends paid
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
Partial disposal of shareholding in subsidiary undertaking
Principal element of lease payments
Cash flow from matured derivative financial instruments (excluding cash flow hedges)
Cash flow from movement in cash collateral
Cash outflow from repayment of loans
Net cash flow from financing activities
Net decrease 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

Notes

6
4
1
5
2

2,4
2,4

12

12
33

25

27

2019 
£m
1,532
94
(12)
(168)
273
660
–
(9)
(9)
74
(73)
(214)

(76)
(481)
258
(252)
1,597
142
28
9
(360)
(110)
21
1
–
(6)
(12)
55
(232)
(233)
–
(724)
(56)
31
(239)
40
1
(782)
(1,962)
(597)
3,232
(48)
2,587

20181
£m
1,033
191
(27)
(140)
381
411
(7)
(18)
9
64
(101)
(153)

(16)
(757)
530
(200)
1,200
57
25
–
(358)
(139)
34
–
(2)
(1)
14
12
(358)
(203)
1
(703)
(28)
17
–
6
2
(7)
(915)
(73)
3,264
41
3,232

1.  2018 comparatives have been reclassified to present a cash inflow of £17m in respect of a partial disposal of the Group’s shareholding in a subsidiary undertaking within 

financing activities. This cash flow was previously presented in investing activities.

164

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Notes to the  
Group accounts

1. Segmental analysis

Revenue and profit recognition
Revenue represents income derived from contracts for the provision of goods and services, over time or at a point in time, by the Group to 
customers in exchange for consideration in the ordinary course of the Group’s activities.

Performance obligations
Upon approval by the parties to a contract, the contract is assessed to identify each promise to transfer either a distinct good or service or a series 
of distinct goods or services that are substantially the same and have the same pattern of transfer to the customer. Goods and services are distinct 
and accounted for as separate performance obligations in the contract if the customer can benefit from them either on their own or together 
with other resources that are readily available to the customer and they are separately identifiable in the contract.

The Group provides warranties to its customers to give them assurance that its products and services will function in line with agreed-upon 
specifications. Warranties are not provided separately and, therefore, do not represent separate performance obligations.

Transaction price
At the start of the contract, the total transaction price is estimated as the amount of consideration to which the Group expects to be entitled in 
exchange for transferring the promised goods and services to the customer, excluding sales taxes. Variable consideration, such as price escalation, 
is included based on the expected value or most likely amount only to the extent that it is highly probable that there will not be a reversal in the 
amount of cumulative revenue recognised. The transaction price does not include estimates of consideration resulting from contract modifications, 
such as change orders, until they have been approved by the parties to the contract. The total transaction price is allocated to the performance 
obligations identified in the contract in proportion to their relative stand-alone selling prices. Given the bespoke nature of many of the Group’s 
products and services, which are designed and/or manufactured under contract to the customer’s individual specifications, there are typically 
no observable stand-alone selling prices. Instead, stand-alone selling prices are typically estimated based on expected costs plus contract margin 
consistent with the Group’s pricing principles.

Whilst payment terms vary from contract to contract, on many of the Group’s contracts, an element of the transaction price is received in advance 
of delivery. The Group therefore has significant contract liabilities (note 22). The Group’s contracts are not considered to include significant financing 
components on the basis that there is no difference between the consideration and the cash selling price. UK Ministry of Defence contracting 
rules prohibit the inclusion of financing in the sales price. Negotiations on competitive international export contracts do not make allowance for 
the cash payment profile. 

Revenue and profit recognition
Revenue is recognised as performance obligations are satisfied as control of the goods and services is transferred to the customer.

For each performance obligation within a contract, the Group determines whether it is satisfied over time or at a point in time. Performance 
obligations are satisfied over time if one of the following criteria is satisfied: 

– the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by the Group’s performance as it performs; 
– the Group’s performance creates or enhances an asset that the customer controls as the asset is created or enhanced; or 
– the Group’s performance does not create an asset with an alternative use to the Group and it has an enforceable right to payment 

for performance completed to date. 

The Group has determined that most of its contracts satisfy the over time criteria, either because the customer simultaneously receives and 
consumes the benefits provided by the Group’s performance as it performs (typically services or support contracts) or the Group’s performance 
does not create an asset with an alternative use to the Group and it has an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date 
(typically development or production contracts).

For each performance obligation to be recognised over time, the Group recognises revenue using an input method, based on costs incurred 
in the period. Revenue and attributable margin are calculated by reference to reliable estimates of transaction price and total expected 
costs, after making suitable allowances for technical and other risks. Revenue and associated margin are therefore recognised progressively 
as costs are incurred, and as risks have been mitigated or retired. The Group has determined that this method appropriately depicts the 
Group’s performance in transferring control of the goods and services to the customer. 

If the over time criteria for revenue recognition are not met, revenue is recognised at the point in time that control is transferred to the customer, 
which is usually when legal title passes to the customer and the business has the right to payment, for example, on delivery.

When it is probable that total contract costs will exceed total contract revenue, the expected loss is recognised immediately as an expense.

165

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements1. Segmental analysis continued

Software licences
The Group sells software licences either separately or together with other goods and services, including computer hardware and implementation, 
hosting and support. Revenue recognition in respect of software licences sold as part of a bundle of goods and services is considered separately 
when the licence is determined to be a separate performance obligation. Software licences either represent a right to access the Group’s 
intellectual property as it exists throughout the licence period or a right to use the Group’s intellectual property as it exists at the point in time 
at which the licence is granted. Revenue in respect of right to access licences is recognised over the licence term or, in relation to perpetual 
licences, over the related customer relationship and revenue in respect of right to use licences is recognised upfront on delivery to the customer. 
A software licence is considered to be a right to access the Group’s intellectual property as it exists throughout the licence period if all of the 
following criteria are satisfied:

– the contract requires, or the customer reasonably expects, that the Group will undertake activities that significantly affect the intellectual 

property; and 

– the licence directly exposes the customer to the effects of those activities; and 
– those activities do not result in the transfer of a good or service to the customer.

Contract modifications
The Group’s contracts are often amended for changes in customers’ requirements and specifications. A contract modification exists when the 
parties to the contract approve a modification that either changes existing or creates new enforceable rights and obligations. The effect of a 
contract modification on the transaction price and the Group’s measure of progress towards the satisfaction of the performance obligation to 
which it relates is recognised in one of the following ways:

1.  prospectively, as an additional, separate contract;
2.  prospectively, as a termination of the existing contract and creation of a new contract; or 
3. as part of the original contract using a cumulative catch-up.

The majority of the Group’s contract modifications are treated under either 1 (for example, the requirement for additional distinct goods or 
services) or 3 (for example, a change in the specification of the distinct goods or services for a partially completed contract), although the facts 
and circumstances of any contract modification are considered individually as the types of modifications will vary contract-by-contract and may 
result in different accounting outcomes.

Costs to obtain a contract
The Group expenses pre-contract bidding costs which are incurred regardless of whether a contract is awarded. The Group does not typically 
incur costs to obtain contracts that it would not have incurred had the contracts not been awarded, such as sales commission.

Costs to fulfil a contract
Contract fulfilment costs in respect of over time contracts are expensed as incurred. Contract fulfilment costs in respect of point in time contracts 
are accounted for under IAS 2 Inventories.

Reporting segments
The Group has the following six reporting segments: 

–  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, precision guidance and seeker solutions, 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), with operations in the US, UK and Sweden, manufactures combat vehicles, weapons and munitions, and delivers 

services and sustainment activities, including ship repair, and the management and operation of government-owned munitions facilities;
– Air comprises the Group’s UK-based air activities for European and International Markets, and US Programmes, and its businesses in Saudi 

Arabia and Australia, together with its 37.5% interest in the European MBDA joint venture;

–  Maritime comprises the Group’s UK-based maritime and land activities; and
– HQ comprises the Group’s head office and UK-based shared services activities, together with a 49% interest in Air Astana. 

The Board (the chief operating decision maker as defined by IFRS 8 Operating Segments) monitors the results of these reporting segments 
to assess performance and make decisions about the allocation of resources. Segmental performance is evaluated based on Key Performance 
Indicators – sales (see page 167) and underlying EBITA (see page 168). Finance costs and taxation expense are managed on a Group basis. 

166

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Notes to the Group accounts continued1. Segmental analysis continued

Key Performance Indicator – Sales
Definition Revenue plus the Group’s share of revenue of equity accounted investments.

Purpose Allows management to monitor the sales performance of subsidiaries and equity accounted investments.

Sales and revenue by reporting segment

Sales

Deduct  
Share of sales by equity 
accounted investments

Add  
Sales to equity  
accounted investments

Revenue

Electronic Systems
Cyber & Intelligence
Platforms & Services (US)
Air
Maritime
HQ 

Intra-group sales/revenue

Electronic Systems
Cyber & Intelligence
Platforms & Services (US)
Air
Maritime
HQ

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

2019
£m
4,439 
1,732 
3,337 
7,457 
3,116 
387 
20,468 
(359)
20,109 

2018
£m
3,965
1,678
3,005
6,712
2,975
350
18,685
(278)
18,407

2019
£m
(114)
– 
(153)
(2,221)
(50)
(344)
(2,882)
4 
(2,878)

2018
£m
(101)
–
(141)
(2,224)
(37)
(309)
(2,812)
–
(2,812)

2019
£m
114 
– 
1 
917 
5 
–
1,037 
37 
1,074 

2018
£m
101
–
–
1,091
2
–
1,194
32
1,226

2019
£m
4,439 
1,732 
3,185 
6,153 
3,071 
43 
18,623 
(318)
18,305 

2018
£m
3,965
1,678
2,864
5,579
2,940
41
17,067
(246)
16,821

Intra-group revenue

Revenue from 
external customers

2019
£m
89 
102 
43 
12 
62 
10 
318 

2018
£m
54
91
39
10
40
12
246

2019
£m
4,350 
1,630 
3,142 
6,141 
3,009 
33 
18,305 

2018
£m
3,911
1,587
2,825
5,569
2,900
29
16,821

Sales

Revenue

2019
£m
3,850
2,095
8,642
129
2,693
1,180
667
564
289
20,109

2018
£m
3,819
2,007
7,729
115
2,593
801
562
636
145
18,407

2019
£m
3,681
1,156
8,635
129
2,593
992
667
423
29
18,305

Cyber 
£m
–
838
–
–
–
–
838

2018
£m
3,622
1,176
7,713
115
2,464
694
560
430
47
16,821

Total 
£m
3,911
1,587
2,825
5,569
2,900
29
16,821

167

1. 

Includes £0.6bn (2018 £0.7bn) generated under the Typhoon workshare agreement with Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH.

Revenue from external customers by domain

Electronic Systems
Cyber & Intelligence
Platforms & Services (US)
Air
Maritime
HQ

Air
£m
3,502
219
42
5,557
–
33
9,353

Maritime
£m
109
412
1,196
413
2,774
–
4,904

2019

Land 
£m
739
93
1,904
171
235
–
3,142

Cyber
£m
–
906
–
–
–
–
906

Total 
£m
4,350
1,630
3,142
6,141
3,009
33
18,305

Air
£m
3,105
246
32
5,136
16
29
8,564

Maritime
£m
151
371
1,187
290
2,623
–
4,622

2018

Land 
£m
655
132
1,606
143
261
–
2,797

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements1. Segmental analysis continued

Revenue by major customer
Revenue from the Group’s three principal customers, which individually represent over 10% of total revenue, is as follows:

US Department of Defense
UK Ministry of Defence1
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ministry of Defence and Aviation

2019
£m
6,547
3,868
2,541

2018
£m
5,148
3,848
2,366

1. 

Includes £0.6bn (2018 £0.7bn) generated under the Typhoon workshare 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 Air and Maritime reporting segments.

Key Performance Indicator – Underlying EBITA
Definition Operating profit excluding amortisation and impairment of intangible assets, finance costs and taxation expense of equity accounted 
investments (EBITA), and non-recurring items.

Purpose Provides a measure of operating profitability that is comparable over time.

Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets are excluded because they are not related to the in-year operational performance of the 
business, being driven by the timing and amount of investment in acquired businesses and software.

Finance costs and taxation expense of equity accounted investments are excluded for consistency with pre-interest, pre-tax business performance.

Non-recurring items are items of financial performance which have been determined by management as being material by their size or incidence 
and not relevant to an understanding of the Group’s underlying business performance. The Group’s definition of non-recurring items includes 
profit or loss on business transactions, and costs incurred which are one-off in nature, for example non-routine costs or income relating to 
post-retirement benefit schemes, and other exceptional items which management has determined as not being relevant to an understanding 
of the Group’s underlying business performance.

2019
Non-recurring items of £27m comprises a £36m charge relating to the derecognition of Enterprise Resource Planning software intangible assets 
in the Air sector, charges of £13m relating to legal disputes arising from historical disposals, a gain of £14m on the sale of the Group’s 55% 
shareholding in BAE Systems Global Combat Systems Limited upon formation of the Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land joint venture, and a gain 
of £8m relating to the disposal of Aircraft Accessories and Components Company.

2018
Non-recurring items of £154m represented a Guaranteed Minimum Pension equalisation charge of £114m, and a loss on disposal of the Mobile, 
Alabama, shipyard of £40m.

Operating profit/(loss) by reporting segment

Underlying EBITA

Non-recurring items

Amortisation 
and impairment 
of intangible assets

Financial and 
taxation expense 
of equity accounted 
investments

Operating  
profit/(loss)

2019
£m
687 
91 
267 
887 
268 
(83)
2,117 

2018
£m
606
111
210
859
209
(67)
1,928

2019
£m
– 
– 
(13) 
(28) 
14 
– 
(27) 

2018
£m
–
–
(40)
–
–
(114)
(154)

2019
£m
(15) 
(11) 
(11) 
(32) 
(25) 
(21) 
(115) 

2018
£m
(16)
(52)
(8)
(12)
(16)
(14)
(118)

2019
£m
– 
– 
(4) 
(50) 
(4) 
(18) 
(76) 

2018
£m
–
–
(1)
(37)
(2)
(11)
(51)

2019
£m
672
80
239
777
253
(122) 

1,899
(273)
1,626
(94)
1,532

2018
£m
590
59
161
810
191
(206)
1,605
(381)
1,224
(191)
1,033

Electronic Systems
Cyber & Intelligence
Platforms & Services (US)
Air
Maritime
HQ

Net finance costs
Profit before taxation
Taxation expense 
Profit for the year 

168

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Notes to the Group accounts continued1. Segmental analysis continued

Share of results of equity accounted investments within reporting segments

Electronic Systems
Platforms & Services (US)
Air
Maritime
HQ

Underlying EBITA

Non-recurring items

Amortisation 
of intangible assets

Financial and 
taxation expense

2019
£m
5
21 
188 
8 
30 
252 

2018
£m
9
23
150
7
13
202

2019
£m
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
–

2018
£m
–
–
–
–
(4)
(4)

2019
£m
– 
(1)
(7)
–
–
(8)

2018
£m
–
–
(7)
–
–
(7)

2019
£m
– 
(4)
(50)
(4)
(18)
(76)

2018
£m
–
(1)
(37)
(2)
(11)
(51)

Share of results 
of equity accounted 
investments

2019
£m
5
16
131
4
12 
168

2018
£m
9
22
106
5
(2)
140

Key Performance Indicator – Order backlog
Definition Funded and unfunded unexecuted customer orders including the Group’s share of order backlog of equity accounted investments. 
Unfunded orders include the elements of US multi-year contracts for which funding has not been authorised by the customer.

Purpose Supports future years’ sales performance of subsidiaries and equity accounted investments.

Performance obligations
The Group’s order book1, reconciled to order backlog as defined by the Group, is shown below. 

Order backlog as defined by the Group
Deduct Unfunded order backlog
Deduct Share of order backlog of equity accounted investments
Add Order backlog in respect of orders from equity accounted investments
Order book1

2019
£bn
45.4
(2.2)
(9.2)
3.2
37.2

2018
£bn
48.4
(2.0)
(9.9)
3.3
39.8

1.  Order book represents the transaction price allocated to unsatisfied and partially satisfied performance obligations as defined by IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts 

with Customers.

The Group expects that approximately 40% (2018 35%) of the order book will be recognised as revenue during the next year, with the remainder 
largely recognised over the following four (2018 four) years.

For each performance obligation to be recognised over time, the Group recognises revenue using an input method, based on costs incurred 
in the period. Revenue and attributable margin are calculated by reference to reliable estimates of transaction price and total expected 
costs, after making suitable allowances for technical and other risks. Revenue and associated margin are therefore recognised progressively 
as costs are incurred, and as risks have been mitigated or retired. The Group has determined that this method appropriately depicts the 
Group’s performance in transferring control of the goods and services to the customer. Accordingly, revenue of £0.3bn (2018 £0.3bn) was 
recognised during the year in respect of performance obligations satisfied or partially satisfied in previous periods.

169

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements2. Operating costs

Research and development
The Group undertakes research and development activities either on its own behalf or on behalf of customers. 

Group-funded expenditure on research, and on 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 recognised in the income statement in accordance with the Group’s 
revenue recognition policy.

Raw materials, subcontracts and other bought-in items used
Change in inventories of finished goods and work-in-progress
Staff costs (note 3)
Guaranteed Minimum Pension equalisation charge (note 23)
Depreciation1
Amortisation
Impairment – property, plant and equipment (note 9), and right of use assets (note 10)
Impairment – intangible assets (note 8)
Derecognition – intangible assets (note 8) 
Operating lease expense2
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment, and investment property
Loss in respect of held for sale assets and business disposals
Other operating charges
Operating costs

2019
£m
6,448
(20)
6,417
–
511
101
6
6
36
–
1
13
3,205
16,724

2018
£m
5,816
44
5,876
110
269
78
31
33
–
287
1
9
2,960
15,514

1.  2019 includes £217m of depreciation of right-of-use assets recognised under IFRS 16 Leases, which became effective on 1 January 2019 (see note 10).
2.  Operating lease expense is no longer applicable under IFRS 16 Leases, which became effective on 1 January 2019. Amounts recognised in the income statement 

in respect of leases for 2019 are disclosed in note 10.

Operating costs includes research and development expenditure of £224m (2018 £212m) funded by the Group. Development investment 
of £13m (2018 £10m) was capitalised during the year (see note 8).

Fees payable to the Company’s auditor and its associates included in operating costs

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 to the Group:
The audit of the Company’s subsidiaries

Total audit fees 

Audit-related assurance services1
Other assurance services
Other services2

Total non-audit fees
Total fees payable to the Company’s auditor and its associates

2019

UK
£’000

Overseas
£’000

Total
£’000

UK
£’000

2018

Overseas
£’000

Total
£’000

2,032

–

2,032

2,000

–

2,000

3,082
5,114
655
–
–
655
5,769

4,624
4,624
422
–
–
422
5,046

7,706
9,738
1,077
–
–
1,077
10,815

2,687
4,687
690
175
1,776
2,641
7,328

4,091
4,091
–
–
–
–
4,091

6,778
8,778
690
175
1,776
2,641
11,419

1.  Audit-related assurance services comprises fees in respect of the review of the Group’s Half-yearly Report and fees in respect of the audit of BAE Systems pension schemes.
2.  Other services in 2018 primarily related to consultancy work in relation to the Group’s Submarines business.

170

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Notes to the Group accounts continued3. Employees

The weekly average and year-end numbers of employees, excluding those in equity accounted investments, were as follows:

Weekly average

At year end

Electronic Systems
Cyber & Intelligence
Platforms & Services (US)
Air
Maritime
HQ

2019
Number
’000
16
10
12
23
16
2
79

2018
Number
’000
15
10
11
22
16
2
76

The aggregate staff costs of Group employees, excluding employees of equity accounted investments, were as follows:

Wages and salaries1
Social security costs
Share-based payments (note 30)
Pension costs – defined contribution plans (note 23)
Pension costs – defined benefit plans (note 23)
Other post-employment benefit costs (note 23)

1.  After excluding the impact of exchange translation, wages and salaries increased by approximately 3% per employee in 2019.

4. Other income

Leases
Lease income under operating leases is recognised in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Research and development expenditure credits
Operating lease income from investment property
Operating lease income from subleasing right-of-use assets
Other operating lease income
Profit on disposal of businesses
Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Profit on disposal of investment property
Management recharges to equity accounted investments (note 31)
Royalties
Other 1
Other income

2019
Number
’000
16
10
12
23
16
2
79

2019
£m
5,505
402
74
226
192
18
6,417

2019
£m
12
28
1
–
22
–
10
19
11
47
150

2018
Number
’000
16
10
11
23
16
2
78

2018
£m
5,019
367
63
203
223
1
5,876

2018
£m
27
22
–
15
–
13
6
18
11
46
158

1. 

Includes £15m (2018 £15m) for capital spend recovery in respect of Saudi Arabia Industrial Participation investments and a £7m (2018 £8m) recovery of site development 
costs for the Dreadnought programme in Barrow.

171

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements5. Net 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 on cash and other financial instruments
Interest income on finance lease receivables (note 10)
Financial income1
Interest expense on bonds and other financial instruments
Facility fees
Interest expense on lease liabilities (note 10)
Net present value adjustments on provisions and other payables
Net interest expense on post-employment benefit obligations (note 23)
(Loss)/gain on remeasurement of financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss2
Foreign exchange gains/(losses)3
Financial expense1
Net finance costs

2019
£m
26
1
27
(187)
(4)
(48)
(28)
(114)
(73)
154
(300)
(273)

2018
£m
26
–
26
(204)
(4)
–
(31)
(103)
146
(211)
(407)
(381)

1.  Gains on remeasurement of financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss of £186m and foreign exchange gains of £16m were previously presented within 

financial income in 2018. The Group believes it is more representative to present these items net within financial expense, since the gains and losses relate to the same 
underlying transactions. Accordingly, amounts previously included within financial income in 2018 have been reclassified to financial expense.

2.  Comprises gains and losses on derivative financial instruments, including derivative instruments to manage the Group’s exposure to interest rate fluctuations on external 

borrowings and exchange rate fluctuations on balances with the Group’s subsidiaries and equity accounted investments.
3.  The foreign exchange gains and losses primarily reflect exchange rate movements on US dollar-denominated borrowings.

Additional analysis

Net finance costs:

Group
Share of equity accounted investments 

Analysed as:

Underlying net interest expense1:

Group
Share of equity accounted investments 

Other:

Group:

Net interest expense on post-employment benefit obligations 
Fair value and foreign exchange adjustments on financial instruments and investments2 

Share of equity accounted investments: 

Net interest expense on post-employment benefit obligations
Fair value and foreign exchange adjustments on financial instruments and investments

2019
£m

(273)
(23)
(296)

(240)
(17)
(257)

(114)
81

(3)
(3)
(296)

2018
£m

(381)
(13)
(394)

(213)
(2)
(215)

(103)
(65)

(3)
(8)
(394)

1.  Underlying net interest expense is defined as finance costs for the Group and its share of equity accounted investments, excluding net interest expense on post-employment 

benefit obligations and fair value and foreign exchange adjustments on financial instruments and investments.

2.  The net gain (2018 loss) primarily reflects foreign exchange translational gains (2018 losses) on US dollar-denominated bonds held by BAE Systems plc.

172

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Notes to the Group accounts continued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 year
Adjustments in respect of prior years

Overseas: 

Current year
Adjustments in respect of prior years

Total current taxation
Deferred taxation 
UK:

Origination and reversal of temporary differences
Adjustments in respect of prior years
Tax rate adjustment

Overseas:

Origination and reversal of temporary differences
Adjustments in respect of prior years
Tax rate adjustment

Total deferred taxation
Taxation expense

UK 
Overseas 
Taxation expense

2019
£m

2018
£m

(91)
(89)
(180)

(208)
297
89
(91)

3
(3)
(1)
(1)

11
(13)
–
(2)
(3)
(94)

(181)
87
(94)

(64)
(2)
(66)

(183)
42
(141)
(207)

15
15
–
30

(1)
(18)
5
(14)
16
(191)

(36)
(155)
(191)

173

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements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-taxable non-recurring items
Chargeable gains
Utilisation of previously unrecognised tax losses
Current year losses not tax effected
Adjustments in respect of prior years
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
Deduct: Non-taxable non-recurring items
Adjusted profit before taxation

Taxation expense
Taxation expense of equity accounted investments
Exclude: One-off tax benefit
Adjusted taxation expense (including equity accounted investments)

2019 
£m
1,626

2018
£m
1,224

19%
(309)
(52)
–
(14)
61
10
4
(3)
3
(3)
192
32
(1)
(14)
(94)

2019 
£m
1,626
53
(22)
1,657

(94)
(53)
(161)
(308)

19%
(233)
(43)
14
(14)
18
14
–
(1)
1
–
37
27
5
(16)
(191)

2018
£m
1,224
38
–
1,262

(191)
(38)
–
(229)

Underlying effective tax rate

19%

18%

The one-off tax benefit relates to two items. Firstly, following agreements reached in respect of overseas tax matters, a benefit has been 
recognised. Secondly, following review of the April 2019 EU Commission decision that concluded that the UK’s Controlled Foreign Company 
regime partially represents State Aid, a provision has been recognised for the estimated exposure. There remains uncertainty surrounding 
HMRC’s likely approach to the assessment of the deemed State Aid and recovery of amounts which they consider to be due, and, accordingly, 
developments will continue to be monitored and assessed.

174

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Notes to the Group accounts continued6. Taxation expense continued

Tax recognised in other comprehensive income 

Items that will not be reclassified to the income statement:

Subsidiaries:

Remeasurements on post-employment benefit schemes
Tax rate adjustment

Equity accounted investments

Items that may be reclassified to the income statement:

Subsidiaries:

Currency translation on foreign currency net investments
Reclassification of cumulative currency translation reserve on disposal
Fair value gain arising on hedging instruments during the period
Cumulative fair value gain on hedging instruments reclassified 

to the income statement
Equity accounted investments

Current tax
Subsidiaries:

Remeasurements on post-employment benefit schemes

Deferred tax
Subsidiaries:

Remeasurements on post-employment benefit schemes
Tax rate adjustment
Fair value gain arising on hedging instruments during the period
Cumulative fair value gain on hedging instruments reclassified 

to the income statement
Equity accounted investments

Tax on other comprehensive income

2019

Tax 
benefit/ 
(expense)  
£m

Before 
 tax 
£m

Net of tax 
£m

2018

Tax
benefit/
(expense) 
£m

Before 
 tax 
£m

Net of tax 
£m

(556)
–
(52)

(327)
(8)
11

(7)
12
(927)

76
(19)
14

–
–
(2)

2
(6)
65

(480)
(19)
(38)

(327)
(8)
9

(5)
6
(862)

74
–
8

400
–
14

(39)
16
473

3
2
(2)

–
–
(3)

8
(1)
7

Other 
reserves 
£m

2019

Retained 
earnings 
£m

Total 
£m

Other 
reserves 
£m

2018

Retained 
earnings 
£m

–
–

–
–
(2)

2
(6)
(6)
(6)

28
28

48
(19)
–

–
14
43
71

28
28

48
(19)
(2)

2
8
37
65

–
–

–
–
(3)

8
(1)
4
4

24
24

(21)
2
–

–
(2)
(21)
3

77
2
6

400
–
11

(31)
15
480

Total 
£m

24
24

(21)
2
(3)

8
(3)
(17)
7

175

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements7. Earnings per share 

Key Performance Indicator – Underlying earnings per share
Definition Basic earnings per share excluding amortisation and impairment of intangible assets, non-cash finance movements on pensions 
and financial derivatives and non-recurring items.

Purpose Provides a measure of underlying performance that is comparable over time.

Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets are excluded because they are not related to the in-year operational performance of the 
business, being driven by the timing and quantum of investment in acquired businesses and software.

Non-cash finance movements on pensions are excluded because they are driven by external factors, such as corporate bond yields and inflation.

Non-cash finance movements on financial derivatives are excluded because they are driven by external factors, such as foreign exchange rates 
and interest rates.

Non-recurring items (as defined in note 1) are items of financial performance which have been determined by management as being material 
by their size or incidence and not relevant to an understanding of the Group’s underlying performance.

Profit for the year attributable to equity shareholders
Add back/(deduct):

Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets, post tax1
Net interest expense on post-employment benefit obligations, post tax1
Fair value and foreign exchange adjustments on financial instruments 

and investments, post tax1
Non-recurring items, post tax1
Underlying earnings, post tax
One-off tax benefit
Underlying earnings, excluding one-off tax benefit

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

2019

Basic  
pence 
per share
46.4

Diluted 
pence 
per share
46.1

50.8

50.5

45.8

45.5

£m
1,476

93
95

(64)
18
1,618
(161)
1,457

2018

Basic  
pence 
per share
31.3

Diluted 
pence 
per share
31.2

42.9

42.8

42.9

42.8

£m 
1,000

97
87

60
126
1,370
–
1,370

Millions

Millions

Millions

Millions

3,183

3,183
18

3,201

3,192

3,192
9

3,201

1.  The tax impact is calculated using the underlying effective tax rate of 19% (2018 18%). The calculation of the underlying effective tax rate is shown in note 6.

176

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Notes to the Group accounts continued8. Intangible assets

Intangible assets are carried at cost or valuation, less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses.

Cost or valuation
Goodwill
Under the acquisition method for business combinations, goodwill is the acquisition-date fair value of the consideration transferred, less the net 
of the acquisition-date fair values of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. 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.

Software
Software includes:
– 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; and

– 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.

Development costs
Development costs funded by the Group on activities applied to a plan or design for the production of new or substantially improved products 
are capitalised as an internally-generated intangible asset if certain conditions are met. The costs capitalised include materials, direct labour and 
related overheads. 

Programme and customer-related
Intangible assets recognised by the Group include those relating to ongoing programmes within businesses acquired, mainly in respect 
of customer relationships and order backlog. These assets are initially recognised at their fair value at the acquisition date.

Other
Other intangible assets includes patents, trademarks and licences.

Amortisation
Goodwill is not amortised. Amortisation on intangible assets, excluding goodwill, is charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis 
over their estimated useful lives. 

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:

Software
Development costs
Programme and customer-related
Other

up to 5 years
up to 10 years
up to 15 years
up to 20 years

The Group has no indefinite-life intangible assets other than goodwill.

Impairment of intangible assets, property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets, investment property and equity 
accounted investments
The carrying amounts of the Group’s intangible assets (excluding goodwill), property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets, 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 goodwill and 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 (CGU) 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 CGU 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.

177

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements8. Intangible assets continued

Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2018 
Additions:

Acquired separately
Internally developed

Disposals1 
Reclassification as held for sale
Net transfer from property, plant and equipment
Foreign exchange adjustments 
At 31 December 2018
Additions:

Acquired separately
Internally developed
Business acquisitions
Derecognition
Disposals1 
Reclassification as held for sale
Transfer from property, plant and equipment
Foreign exchange adjustments 
At 31 December 2019
Amortisation and impairment
At 1 January 2018
Amortisation2
Impairment charge3
Disposals1
Transfer to property, plant and equipment
Reclassification as held for sale
Reclassification between categories
Foreign exchange adjustments
At 31 December 2018
Amortisation2
Impairment charge
Disposals1
Reclassification as held for sale
Transfer from property, plant and equipment
Foreign exchange adjustments
At 31 December 2019
Net book value
At 31 December 2019
At 31 December 2018
At 1 January 2018

Goodwill 
£m

Software
£m

Development
costs
£m

Programme  
and 
customer-
related 
£m

Other
£m

Total 
£m

14,722

–
–
–
(80)
–
436
15,078

–
–
30
–
–
(48)
–
(320)
14,740

4,726
–
–
–
–
–
–
113
4,839
–
–
–
–
–
(83)
4,756

9,984
10,239
9,996

647

98
28
(16)
(10)
13
15
775

67
18
–
(36)
(79)
(8)
19
(13)
743

322
63
–
(16)
(3)
(3)
23
14
400
87
6
(78)
(8)
9
(12)
404

339
375
325

90

–
10
–
–
–
5
105

–
13
–
–
(7)
–
–
(5)
106

62
7
–
–
–
–
–
4
73
10
–
(7)
–
–
(4)
72

34
32
28

265

5
–
(43)
–
–
9
236

–
–
1
–
(1)
(60)
–
(9)
167

240
11
33
(43)
–
–
(23)
9
227
5
–
(1)
(60)
–
(8)
163

4
9
25

89

2
–
(2)
–
–
4
93

9
–
3
–
(65)
–
–
(2)
38

85
3
–
(2)
–
–
–
4
90
5
–
(65)
–
–
(2)
28

10
3
4

15,813

105
38
(61)
(90)
13
469
16,287

76
31
34
(36)
(152)
(116)
19
(349)
15,794

5,435
84
33
(61)
(3)
(3)
–
144
5,629
107
6
(151)
(68)
9
(109)
5,423

10,371
10,658
10,378

Includes intangible assets with nil net book value no longer used by the Group.

1. 
2.  Amortisation of £107m (2018 £84m) includes £101m (2018 £78m) charged to the income statement as an amortisation expense and £6m (2018 £6m) recoverable 

on customer contracts.

3.  The impairment charge for 2018 in Cyber & Intelligence related to Silversky customer-related intangible assets.

178

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Notes to the Group accounts continued8. Intangible assets continued 

Impairment testing
The recoverable amount of the Group’s goodwill is based on value in use estimated using risk-adjusted future cash flow projections from the 
five-year Integrated Business Plan (IBP) and a terminal value based on the projections for the final year of that plan, with growth rate assumptions 
of 2% applied for each significant Cash-Generating Unit (CGU). The IBP process includes the use of historical 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 6.62% (2018 7.24%) (adjusted for risks specific to the market in which the CGU operates), have been used in discounting these projected 
risk-adjusted cash flows.

Significant CGUs
Goodwill allocated to CGUs which are largely dependent on US government spending on defence, aerospace and security represents £8.0bn 
(2018 £8.2bn) 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

2019 
£bn
3.9

2018
£bn
4.0

2019 
%
8

2018
%
9

0.7

0.7

3.4

3.5

8

8

9

9

The headroom, calculated as the difference between net assets including allocated goodwill as at 31 December 2019 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% and 2% 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

2019 
£bn
5.7
0.9
2.2

2018
£bn
4.4
0.7
1.8

Headroom assuming  
a 1% reduction in the 
terminal value growth  
rate assumption

2019 
£bn
4.1
0.7
1.3

2018
£bn 
3.0
0.5
0.9

Headroom assuming  
a 1% increase in the  
discount rate

Headroom assuming  
a 2% increase in the  
discount rate

2019 
£bn
3.8
0.6
1.1

2018
£bn
2.8
0.5
0.8

2019 
£bn
2.5
0.5
0.4

2018
£bn
1.6
0.4
0.1

Other CGUs
The remaining goodwill balance of £2.0bn (2018 £2.0bn) is allocated across multiple CGUs, including £0.2bn (2018 £0.2bn) 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.

Software
The software intangible net book value balance includes £85m (2018 £135m) relating to an Enterprise Resource Planning transformation 
programme which went live across the Air segment during the year. The remaining amortisation period is four years.

Capital commitments
At 31 December 2019, capital expenditure of £16m (2018 £21m) in respect of intangible assets was contracted for but not provided 
for in the accounts.

179

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements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. The reimbursement of the cost of an item of property, plant and equipment by way of a government grant is presented 
as deferred income and recognised in the income statement on a basis consistent with the depreciation of the asset over its estimated useful life. 

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 items 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

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. 

180

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Notes to the Group accounts continued9. Property, plant and equipment continued

Cost
At 1 January 2018
Additions1
Reclassification as held for sale
Transfer (to)/from intangible assets
Reclassification between categories
Disposals
Foreign exchange adjustments
At 31 December 2018
Additions1
Reclassification as held for sale
Transfer to intangible assets
Reclassification between categories
Disposals
Foreign exchange adjustments
At 31 December 2019
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2018
Depreciation charge for the year
Impairment charge for the year
Reclassification as held for sale
Transfer from intangible assets
Reclassification between categories
Disposals
Foreign exchange adjustments
At 31 December 2018
Depreciation charge for the year
Impairment charge for the year
Reclassification as held for sale
Transfer to intangible assets
Reclassification between categories
Disposals
Foreign exchange adjustments
At 31 December 2019
Net book value 
At 31 December 2019
At 31 December 2018
At 1 January 2018

Land and 
buildings 
£m

Plant and 
machinery 
£m

2,212
154
(11)
(17)
44
(117)
50
2,315
199
(37)
–
(14)
(21)
(48)
2,394

1,083
84
27
(7)
–
18
(89)
29
1,145
87
2
(21)
–
(13)
(19)
(28)
1,153

1,241
1,170
1,129

3,232
288
(12)
4
(60)
(141)
87
3,398
238
(25)
(19)
23
(108)
(72)
3,435

2,131
183
4
(6)
3
(34)
(136)
58
2,203
199
1
(22)
(9)
22
(105)
(50)
2,239

1,196
1,195
1,101

1. 

Includes £93m (2018 £70m) of land and buildings, and £nil (2018 £20m) of plant and machinery at Barrow-in-Furness, UK, relating to the Dreadnought submarine 
programme funded by the UK government.

Total 
£m

5,444
442
(23)
(13)
(16)
(258)
137
5,713
437
(62)
(19)
9
(129)
(120)
5,829

3,214
267
31
(13)
3
(16)
(225)
87
3,348
286
3
(43)
(9)
9
(124)
(78)
3,392

2,437
2,365
2,230

181

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements9. Property, plant and equipment continued

Net impairment

Electronic Systems
Platforms & Services (US)

2019
The impairment charge in Electronic Systems relates to building structural issues in Austin, Texas.

2018
The impairment charge in Platforms & Services (US) related to the Mobile shipyard prior to its disposal.

Assets in the course of construction 

At 31 December 2019
At 31 December 2018

2019 
£m
2
1
3

2018 
£m
–
31
31

Land and
buildings1
£m
313
198

Plant and
machinery
£m
214
230

Total 
£m
527
428

1. 

Includes £210m (2018 £129m) at Barrow-in-Furness, UK, relating to the Dreadnought submarine programme funded by the UK government.

Capital commitments
At 31 December 2019, capital expenditure of £205m (2018 £243m) in respect of property, plant and equipment was contracted for but not 
provided for in the accounts.

10. Leases

The Group as lessee
All leases in which the Group is lessee (except as noted below) are recognised as a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability at the date 
at which the leased asset is available for use by the Group. Each lease payment is allocated between repayment of the lease liability and finance 
cost. The finance cost is charged to the income statement over the lease term to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the lease liability. 
The right-of-use asset is depreciated over the shorter of the asset’s useful life and the lease term on a straight-line basis.

The lease liability is initially measured as the present value of future lease payments, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease. Where 
this rate is not determinable, the Group’s incremental borrowing rate is used, which is the interest rate the Group would have to pay to borrow 
the amount necessary to obtain an asset of similar value, in a similar economic environment with similar terms and conditions.

The right-of-use asset is initially measured at cost, comprising the initial value of the lease liability, any lease payments made (net of any incentives 
received from the lessor) before the commencement of the lease, any initial direct costs and any restoration costs.

The carrying amounts of the Group’s right-of-use assets 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.

Payments in respect of short-term leases, low-value leases and leases of intangible assets are charged to the income statement on a straight-line 
basis over the lease term.

The Group as lessor
Leases in which the Group is lessor are classified as finance leases or operating leases. If the lease transfers substantially all of the risks and 
rewards of ownership to the lessee, the lease is classified as a finance lease. All other leases are classified as operating leases.

A sublease where the Group is an intermediate lessor is classified as a finance lease when it transfers substantially all of the risks and rewards 
of the right-of-use asset arising from the head lease.

Lease income under operating leases is recognised in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Amounts due from lessees under finance leases are recognised as a receivable discounted at the interest rate implicit in the lease. Finance lease 
income is recognised in the income statement over the lease term to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the receivable.

IFRS 16 Leases became effective from 1 January 2019. The impact of adoption is set out in note 36.

The Group leases land, buildings, vehicles and equipment under non-cancellable lease arrangements. 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.

182

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Notes to the Group accounts continued10. Leases continued

Right-of-use assets

Additions during the year
Depreciation expense for the year
Impairment charge for the year
Net book value

31 December 2019

Land and 
buildings 
£m
129
207
3
1,120

Plant and 
machinery 
£m
9
10
–
18

Lease liabilities
A maturity analysis of the future undiscounted lease payments in respect of the Group’s lease liabilities is presented in the table below:

Payments due:

Within one year
Between one and five years
Later than five years

Total 
£m
138
217
3
1,138

2019 
£m

297
710
566
1,573

The Group is also committed to future undiscounted lease payments of £84m in respect of leases which had not yet commenced at 
31 December 2019.

The total cash outflow for leases in the year ended 31 December 2019, including short-term leases and low-value leases, amounted to £317m.

Amounts recognised in the income statement

Included in operating costs:
Depreciation on right-of-use assets
Short-term lease expense
Low-value lease expense

Included in other income:
Operating lease income from investment property
Operating lease income from subleasing right-of-use assets

Included in net finance costs:
Interest income on finance lease receivables
Interest expense on lease liabilities

2019 
£m

(217)
(30)
(5)
(252)

28
1
29

1
(48)
(47)

183

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements10. Leases continued

Operating leases
The Group is party to operating leases in which it is the lessor, primarily relating to investment property. 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.

A maturity analysis of the future undiscounted lease receipts from operating leases in which the Group is lessor is presented in the table below:

2019 
£m

28
25
24
23
22
3
125

2018 
£m

24
95
28
147

2019 
£m

11
11
11
10
10
15
68
(5)
63

Receipts due:

Within one year
Between one and two years
Between two and three years
Between three and four years
Between four and five years
Later than five years

Receipts due:

Within one year
Between one and five years
Later than five years

Finance lease receivables
From 1 January 2019, certain of the Group’s subleases where the Group is an intermediate lessor are now classified as finance leases under 
IFRS 16. A sublease is classified as a finance lease when it transfers substantially all of the risks and rewards of the right-of-use asset arising 
from the head lease. The Group did not have any leases classified as finance leases in 2018 before the adoption of IFRS 16.

A maturity analysis of the future undiscounted lease receipts from finance leases in which the Group is lessor is presented in the table below:

Receipts due:

Within one year
Between one and two years
Between two and three years
Between three and four years
Between four and five years
Later than five years

Total undiscounted gross receipts
Deduct: Impact of discounting
Finance lease receivables (note 13)

184

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Notes to the Group accounts continued11. 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 2018
Additions
Disposals
At 31 December 2018
Cost recognised on transition to IFRS 16 (note 36)
Additions
Disposals
At 31 December 2019
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2018
Depreciation charge for the year
At 31 December 2018
Impairment recognised on transition to IFRS 16 (note 36)
Depreciation charge for the year
At 31 December 2019
Net book value 
At 31 December 2019
At 31 December 2018
At 1 January 2018

Fair value 
At 31 December 2019
At 31 December 2018

£m

161
8
(9)
160
45
15
(11)
209

60
2
62
2
8
72

137
98
101

222
176

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. 

Capital commitments
At 31 December 2019, capital expenditure of £45m (2018 £10m) in respect of investment property was contracted for but not provided for in 
the accounts.

185

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements12. Equity accounted investments

Equity accounted investments comprises joint ventures and associates. A joint venture is a joint arrangement whereby the parties that have 
joint control have rights to the net assets of the arrangement. An associate is an entity over which the Group has significant influence.

The Group recognises its share of the profit or loss and other comprehensive income of equity accounted investments as a separate line in the 
Consolidated income statement and Consolidated statement of comprehensive income, respectively.

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

Principal activities
Management and control of the European Typhoon programme
Development and manufacture of guided weapons

Shareholding
33% 
37.5% 

Principally  
operates in
Germany
Europe

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. 

Revenue (100%)
Underlying EBITA1 excluding depreciation
Non-recurring items
Depreciation and amortisation 
Financial income 
Financial expense 
Taxation expense 
Profit for the year (100%)
Remeasurements on post-employment benefit schemes, net of tax
Amounts credited/(charged) to hedging reserve, net of tax
Foreign exchange adjustments
Total comprehensive income for the year (100%)

2019

Eurofighter 
Jagdflugzeug  
£m
2,558
28
–
–
1
–
(4)
25
–
–
–
25

MBDA 
£m
3,246
454
–
(101)
64
(72)
(110)
235
(103)
36
8
176

2018

Eurofighter 
Jagdflugzeug  
£m
3,110
12
–
(1)
–
–
(2)
9
–
–
–
9

MBDA 
£m
2,799
398
(11)
(95)
60
(63)
(86)
203
15
(11)
9
216

Group’s share of total comprehensive income for the year

8

66

3

81

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%)

14
24
823
847
–
(65)
(65)
–
(753)
(753)
43

2,297
2,343
4,102
6,445
(5)
(805)
(810)
(20)
(7,446)
(7,466)
466

14
32
1,006
1,038
–
(33)
(33)
–
(988)
(988)
31

2,190
2,324
4,537
6,861
(8)
(719)
(727)
–
(7,808)
(7,808)
516

1.  Operating profit excluding amortisation and impairment of intangible assets (EBITA), and non-recurring items.

186

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Notes to the Group accounts continued12. Equity accounted investments continued

Group’s share of net assets
Goodwill adjustment
Carrying value

Dividends received 

2019

2018

Eurofighter 
Jagdflugzeug  
£m
14
–
14

MBDA 
£m
175
5
180

Eurofighter 
Jagdflugzeug  
£m
3

2019

MBDA 
£m
73

Total 
£m
189
5
194

Total 
£m
76

Eurofighter 
Jagdflugzeug  
£m
10
–
10

MBDA 
£m
193
6
199

Eurofighter 
Jagdflugzeug  
£m
2

2018

MBDA 
£m
24

Total 
£m
203
6
209

Total 
£m
26

Group summary
The Group also has a number of individually immaterial joint ventures and associates, the carrying values of the most significant of which at 
31 December 2019 are as follows: Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) (£76m), FADEC International (£45m), FNSS (£42m), Air Astana (£38m), 
and Panavia Aircraft (£17m). 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 2018

Group’s share of profit for the year 
Group’s share of remeasurements on post-employment benefit schemes
Tax on items that will not be reclassified to the income statement
Foreign exchange adjustments
Amounts (charged)/credited to hedging reserve
Tax on items that may be reclassified to the income statement

Group’s share of total comprehensive income for the year
Purchase of equity accounted investments
Equity accounted investment funding
Dividends received from equity accounted investments
Foreign exchange adjustments
At 31 December 2018
Transition adjustment upon adoption of IFRS 16 Leases (note 36)
At 1 January 2019

Group’s share of profit for the year 
Group’s share of remeasurements on post-employment benefit schemes
Tax on items that will not be reclassified to the income statement
Foreign exchange adjustments
Amounts credited 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 reclassified as held for sale (note 19)
Fair value of 45% investment retained in RBSL (note 19)
Equity accounted investment funding
Dividends received from equity accounted investments
Foreign exchange adjustments
At 31 December 2019

Principal equity 
accounted
investments
£m
148
79
8
(2)
3
(4)
–
84
–
–
(26)
3
209
(2)
207
96
(52)
14
3
16
(3)
74
–
–
–
(76)
(11)
194

Other
£m
174
61
–
–
–
4
(1)
64
2
1
(31)
10
220
(9)
211
72
–
–
–
15
(3)
84
(66)
76
6
(66)
(11)
234

Contingent liabilities
The Group is not aware of any material contingent liabilities in respect of its equity accounted investments. 

Total 
£m
322
140
8
(2)
3
–
(1)
148
2
1
(57)
13
429
(11)
418
168
(52)
14
3
31
(6)
158
(66)
76
6
(142)
(22)
428

187

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements13. Trade, other and contract receivables

Trade receivables are measured at amortised cost under IFRS 9 Financial Instruments as they are held within a business model to collect contractual 
cash flows and these cash flows consist solely of payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.

Contract receivables represent amounts for which the Group has an unconditional right to consideration in respect of unbilled revenue recognised 
at the balance sheet date and comprise costs incurred plus attributable margin.

Trade receivables, contract receivables, amounts owed by equity accounted investments and finance lease receivables include a provision for 
expected credit losses. The Group measures the provision at an amount equal to lifetime expected credit losses, estimated by reference to past 
experience and relevant forward-looking factors.

The Group writes off a receivable when there is objective evidence that the debtor is in significant financial difficulty and there is no realistic 
prospect of recovery, for example, when a debtor enters bankruptcy or financial reorganisation.

US deferred compensation plan assets are measured at fair value in accordance with IAS 19 Employee Benefits.

Non-current
Contract receivables
Prepayments and accrued income
US deferred compensation plan assets 
Finance lease receivables (note 10)
Other receivables

Current
Contract receivables
Trade receivables
Amounts owed by equity accounted investments (note 31)
Prepayments and accrued income
Finance lease receivables (note 10)
Other receivables1

1. 

Includes £129m (2018 £46m) in relation to VAT receivable in Saudi Arabia.

Contract receivables as at 1 January 2018 were £1,484m.

2019 
£m

38
62
322
53
9
484

2,649
1,405
53
937
10
404
5,458

2018
£m

–
25
306
–
21
352

2,331
1,427
67
1,025
–
327
5,177

Trade receivables are stated net of a provision for expected credit losses. Disclosures relating to the ageing of trade receivables and movements 
in the provision for expected credit losses are provided in note 14.

188

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Notes to the Group accounts continued14. Other financial assets and liabilities and financial risk management

Derivative financial instruments and hedging activities
The international 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 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 uses foreign exchange derivative instruments to manage the Group’s exposure to currency fluctuations on its borrowings and deposits 
with the Group’s subsidiaries and equity accounted investments.

In accordance with its treasury policy, the Group does not hold derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

The Group aims to achieve hedge accounting treatment for all derivatives that hedge material foreign currency exposures. 

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. The fair values are estimated by discounting expected future cash flows.

The Group has applied the IFRS 9 general hedge accounting requirements from the date of initial application on 1 January 2018.

Fair value through profit or loss
Gains and losses on derivative financial instruments that are not designated as cash flow hedges are recognised within finance costs in the 
income statement for the period. 

Cash flow hedges
Where a derivative financial instrument is designated as a hedge of the exposure to variability in cash flows relating to a highly probable forecast 
transaction (income or expense) or recognised asset or liability, 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 removed from the hedging 
reserve and included in the cost of the underlying transaction or reclassified to the income statement when the underlying transaction affects 
profit or loss. These amounts are presented within the same line item in the income statement as the underlying transaction, typically revenue 
or operating costs. The ineffective portion of any change in the fair value of the instrument is recognised in the income statement within finance 
costs immediately. The Group treats the foreign currency basis element of the designated foreign exchange derivative hedging instruments as 
a cost of hedging and as such it is excluded from the hedge designation.

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 within finance costs 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

Current
Cash flow hedges – foreign exchange contracts
Other foreign exchange/interest rate contracts
Debt-related derivative financial instruments

2019

2018

Assets 
£m

Liabilities 
£m

Assets 
£m

Liabilities 
£m

233
14
103
350

203
7
–
210

(221)
–
(6)
(227)

(174)
(28)
(30)
(232)

125
33
87
245

79
9
78
166

(95)
(9)
–
(104)

(63)
(9)
(2)
(74)

Debt-related derivative financial instruments
The debt-related derivative financial instruments represent the fair value of cross-currency, interest rate and foreign exchange derivatives relating 
to the US$500m 2.85% bond, repayable 2020, the US$500m 4.75% bond, repayable 2021, the US$800m 3.8% bond, repayable 2024, the 
US$500m 7.5% bond, repayable 2027 and the US$400m 5.8% bond, repayable 2041 (see note 21). These derivatives have been entered into 
specifically to manage the Group’s exposure to foreign exchange or interest rate risk.

None of these debt-related derivative financial instruments are in designated hedge relationships as at 31 December 2019. Interest rate swaps 
with a fair value of £2m were in a designated fair value hedge relationship at 31 December 2018.

189

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements14. Other financial assets and liabilities and financial risk management continued

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% (2018 50%) and a maximum of 90% (2018 90%) of gross debt is 
maintained at fixed interest rates. At 31 December 2019, the Group had 80% (2018 81%) of fixed rate debt and 20% (2018 19%) of floating 
rate debt based on a gross debt of £3.3bn (2018 £4.1bn), including debt-related derivative financial assets.

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
2,587
675

Between one  
and two years 
£m
–
675

More than  
two years 
£m
–
675

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 2019, the Group had a total of $0.9bn (2018 $1.0bn) of this type of swap 
outstanding with a weighted average duration of 4.8 years (2018 5.8 years). In respect of the fixed rate debt, the weighted average period in 
respect of which interest is fixed was 7.1 years (2018 8.5 years). Given the level of short-term interest rates during the year, the average cost 
of the floating rate debt was 5.3% (2018 5.5%) on US dollars. The cost of the fixed rate debt was 4.7% (2018 4.8%). 

Sensitivity analysis
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 approximately £7m (2018 £7m). 

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 approximately £15m (2018 £20m).

Liquidity risk
Contractual cash outflows on financial liabilities
The contracted cash outflows on loans and overdrafts, and derivative financial instruments at the reporting date are shown below, classified 
by maturity. The cash outflows are shown on a gross basis, are not discounted, are translated at the spot rate and include estimated interest 
payments where applicable. Contracted cash outflows reflects the gross cash outflow on derivative financial instruments and excludes the 
broadly offsetting cash inflows for the receive leg of derivatives that are settled separately to the pay leg.

31 December 2019

Contracted cash outflow

Less  
than 
one  
year 
£m
(533)

Between 
one and 
five  
years 
£m
(1,874)

More 
than 
five  
years 
£m
(2,460)

Carrying 
amount 
£m
(3,397)

Total 
£m
(4,867)

Carrying 
amount 
£m
(4,299)

31 December 2018

Contracted cash outflow

Less  
than 
one  
year 
£m
(971)

Between 
one and 
five 
years 
£m
(1,742)

More  
than 
five  
years 
£m
(3,301)

Total 
£m
(6,014)

436
(395)

(5,098)
(5,078)

(5,006)
(5,933)

(438) (10,542)
(11,613)
(602)

204
(158)

(3,754)
(3,897)

(2,722)
(3,253)

(376)
(345)

(6,852)
(7,495)

21

(351)

–

–

(351)

42

(756)

–

–

(756)

(1,679)
(53)
(442)

–
(213)
(248)

–
(370)
–

(1,679)
(636)
(690)

(28)
103
(36)
101

(18)
165
(2)
233

(816)
(1,109)
(14)

(154)
(93)
–

(36)
(393)
–

(1,006)
(1,595)
(14)

Loans and overdrafts

Cash flow hedges – financial assets
Cash flow hedges – financial liabilities
Other foreign exchange/interest 
rate contracts – financial assets
Other foreign exchange/interest 

rate contracts – financial liabilities

Debt-related derivatives – financial assets
Debt-related derivatives – financial liabilities
Other financial assets and liabilities

A maturity analysis of the contracted cash outflows on lease liabilities is provided in note 10.

Contractual cash outflows in respect of all other financial liabilities are materially equivalent to the balance sheet carrying amount. Contractual 
amounts relating to other non-derivative financial liabilities, such as trade payables, are settled within the normal operating cycle of the business 
(within one year for current liabilities and within two years for the majority of non-current liabilities).

190

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Notes to the Group accounts continued14. Other financial assets and liabilities and financial risk management continued

Borrowing facilities
The Group’s objective is to maintain adequate undrawn committed borrowing facilities. 

At 31 December 2019, the Group had a committed Revolving Credit Facility (RCF) of £2bn (2018 £2bn). The RCF was undrawn throughout the 
year. The RCF also acts as a backstop to Commercial Paper issued by the Group. At 31 December 2019, the Group had no Commercial Paper 
in issue (2018 £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 instant-access current accounts, short-term deposits and money market funds, choosing 
instruments with appropriate maturities or sufficient liquidity to provide adequate 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 which is deposited with financial institutions with investment-grade credit ratings for short periods. 
The cash and cash equivalents balance at 31 December 2019 of £2,587m (2018 £3,232m) was invested with 28 (2018 31) 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 using foreign exchange forward contracts and the Group aims, where possible, to apply cash flow 
hedge accounting to these transactions.

The currency and notional amount of the designated hedging instruments match the currency and principal amounts of the forecast 
transactions being hedged, therefore the hedging instruments and hedged items have values which will generally move in opposite directions 
because of the same hedged risk. As the critical terms of the hedging instruments match those of the hedged items, an economic relationship 
can be demonstrated on an ongoing basis. 

The hedge ratio is 1:1 on the basis that the notional amount of the designated hedging instruments matches the principal amount of the 
forecast foreign currency sales/purchases designated as the hedged items. 

The Group considers the potential sources of hedge ineffectiveness to be:
– valuation adjustments for credit risk made to derivative hedging instruments at each hedge effectiveness measurement date;
– changes to the timing and amount of forecast transactions; and
– non-occurrence of the designated hedged items.

The effect of cash flow hedges on the Group’s financial position and performance for the year is as follows: 

Weighted  
average  
hedged  
rate

1.32
1.11
n/a

Maturity 
date

to 2029
to 2029
to 2026

Purchase/(sale) contracts:

Sterling/US dollar
Sterling/euro
Other

Cash flow hedges

31 December 2019

Change in  
the value of 
hedging 
instruments  
since 
1 January
£m

Change in  
the value of  
hedged items  
since 
1 January
£m

31 December 2018

Notional 
amount 
£m

Maturity 
date

Weighted  
average  
hedged  
rate

Change in  
the value of 
hedging 
instruments  
since  
1 January
£m

Change in  
the value of  
hedged items  
since  
1 January
£m

Notional 
amount 
£m

71
(34)
(26)
11

(71)
34
26
(11)

(83)
(640)
(46)
(769)

to 2028
to 2029
to 2026

1.37
1.17
n/a

25
6
(17)
14

(25)
(6)
17
(14)

(872)
(475)
(35)
(1,382)

The notional amount is the sterling equivalent of the net currency amount purchased or sold. For designated sterling/US dollar cash flow hedges, 
the Group has purchased $4,527m at a cost of £3,372m and sold $4,267m for £3,289m, resulting in a net purchase of $260m at a cost of £83m. 
For designated sterling/euro cash flow hedges, the Group has purchased €8,159m at a cost of £7,335m and sold €7,441m for £6,695m, resulting 
in a net purchase of €718m at a cost of £640m.

191

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements14. Other financial assets and liabilities and financial risk management continued

Sensitivity analysis
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.

The estimated impact on foreign exchange gains and losses in net finance costs of a ten cent movement in the closing sterling to US dollar 
exchange rate on the retranslation of US dollar-denominated bonds held by BAE Systems plc is approximately £52m (2018 £56m).

Credit risk 
For trade receivables, contract receivables, amounts due from equity accounted investments and finance lease receivables, the Group measures 
a provision for expected credit losses at an amount equal to lifetime expected credit losses, estimated by reference to past experience and relevant 
forward-looking factors.

The Group’s assessment is that credit risk in relation to defence-related sales to government customers or sub-contractors to governments is 
extremely low as the probability of default is insignificant; therefore the provision for expected credit losses is immaterial in respect of receivables 
from these customers. For all non-government commercial customers, the Group assesses expected credit losses, however this is not considered 
material to the financial statements. The Group considers that default has occurred when a receivable is past 180 days overdue, because historical 
experience indicates that these receivables are generally not recoverable. The Group recognises a provision of 100% against all receivables over 
180 days past due unless there is objective evidence that individual receivables in this category are recoverable.

Excluding the UK, US, Saudi Arabian and Qatari governments where credit risk is not considered an issue, no one counterparty constitutes more 
than 4% of the trade receivables balance (2018 7%).

The carrying amount of the Group’s financial assets represents the maximum exposure to credit risk.

Movements on the provision for expected credit losses are as follows:

At 1 January
Net remeasurement of loss allowance
Amounts written off
At 31 December

2019 
£m
30
(9)
(1)
20

2018
£m
35
(3)
(2)
30

For contract receivables, amounts due from equity accounted investments and finance lease receivables the expected credit loss provision is 
immaterial as the probability of default is insignificant.

The Group writes off a receivable when there is objective evidence that the debtor is in significant financial difficulty and there is no realistic 
prospect of recovery, for example, when a debtor enters bankruptcy or financial reorganisation. None of the trade receivables that were written 
off during the year are still subject to enforcement activity. The ageing of trade receivables is detailed below:

Not past due
Up to 180 days overdue
Past 180 days overdue

2019

Provision 
£m
–
–
(20)
(20)

Gross 
£m
750
388
287
1,425

Net 
£m
750
388
267
1,405

Gross 
£m
873
304
280
1,457

2018

Provision 
£m
–
–
(30)
(30)

Net 
£m
873
304
250
1,427

Trade receivables past 180 days overdue primarily relate to contracts in Saudi Arabia. The Group has assessed the risk of default and recoverability 
of these receivables at the balance sheet date and the expected credit losses in respect of these balances are not considered to be material.

Offsetting financial assets and liabilities

2019

2018

Gross
balances1
£m

Amounts
offset2
£m

Balance
sheet3
£m

Amounts
not offset4
£m

Net
balances5
£m

Gross
balances1
£m

Amounts
offset2
£m

Balance
sheet3
£m

Amounts
not offset4
£m

Net
balances5
£m

Notes

Assets
Cash and cash 
equivalents

Other financial assets
Liabilities
Overdrafts
Other financial liabilities

18

21

2,593
560

(6)
(459)

(6)
–

6
–

2,587
560

–
(432)

2,587
128

3,244
411

–
(459)

–
412

–
(47)

(12)
(178)

(12)
–

12
–

3,232
411

–
(178)

–
(172)

–
153

3,232
239

–
(25)

1.  The gross amounts of the recognised financial assets and liabilities.
2.  The amounts offset in accordance with paragraph 42 of IAS 32.
3.  The net balances presented in the Consolidated balance sheet.
4.  The amounts subject to a master netting arrangement not offset in the Consolidated balance sheet in accordance with paragraph 42 of IAS 32. Includes £412m 

(2018 £153m) in respect of recognised financial instruments and £20m (2018 £19m) in respect of cash collateral.

5.  The net balances after deducting the amounts in (4) from (3).

192

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Notes to the Group accounts continued15. 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/post-employment schemes (see below). This 
is because post-employment 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/post-employment schemes or when post-employment 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 under which the deficits 
are expected to be cleared in 2026 (see note 23).

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/post-employment 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

1. 

Includes deferred tax assets on US deferred compensation plans. 

Deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities

Net balance at  
31 December

2019 
£m
36
–
194
–

759
98
20
–
10
–
10
8
1,135
(409)
726

2018
£m
28
2
202
–

722
97
12
–
14
–
10
17
1,104
(402)
702

2019 
£m
(85)
(1)
–
(278)

–
(1)
–
(7)
(27)
(10)
–
–
(409)
409
–

2018
£m
(85)
(3)
–
(283)

–
(1)
–
(12)
(8)
(10)
–
–
(402)
402
–

2019 
£m
(49)
(1)
194
(278)

759
97
20
(7)
(17)
(10)
10
8
726
–
726

2018
£m
(57)
(1)
202
(283)

722
96
12
(12)
6
(10)
10
17
702
–
702

193

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements15. Deferred tax continued

Movement in temporary differences during the year

Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Provisions and accruals
Goodwill 
Pension/post-employment schemes:

Deficits
Additional contributions and other2

Share-based payments
Financial instruments
Other items3
Rolled over capital gains
Capital losses carried forward
Trading losses carried forward

Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Provisions and accruals
Goodwill 
Pension/post-employment schemes:

Deficits
Additional contributions and other2

Share-based payments
Financial instruments
Other items
Rolled over capital gains
Capital losses carried forward
Trading losses carried forward

At 
1 January  
2019 
£m
(57)
(1)
202
(283)

Foreign  
exchange 
adjustments 
£m
3
1
(8)
10

Acquisitions
and disposals1
£m
–
(1)
–
–

Recognised
in income
£m
5
–
–
(5)

Recognised
in equity
£m
–
–
–
–

At 
31 December 
 2019 
£m
(49)
(1)
194
(278)

722
96
12
(12)
8
(10)
10
17
704

(4)
(3)
1
1
1
–
–
(2)
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(4)
(5)

12
4
6
4
(26)
–
–
(3)
(3)

29
–
1
–
–
–
–
–
30

759
97
20
(7)
(17)
(10)
10
8
726

At 
1 January  
2018 
£m
(78)
(1)
205
(275)

Foreign  
exchange 
adjustments 
£m
(5)
–
9
(16)

Acquisitions
and disposals1
£m
–
–
–
–

Recognised
in income
£m
26
–
(12)
8

Recognised
in equity
£m
–
–
–
–

At 
31 December 
2018
£m
(57)
(1)
202
(283)

728
99
14
(11)
5
(10)
10
12
698

9
6
–
–
(1)
–
–
1
3

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

4
(9)
(1)
(6)
2
–
–
4
16

(19)
–
(1)
5
–
–
–
–
(15)

722
96
12
(12)
6
(10)
10
17
702

1.  Comprises the transfer of net deferred tax assets to held for sale.
2.  Includes deferred tax assets on US deferred compensation plans.
3.  Balance at 1 January 2019 includes £2m recognised on adoption of IFRS 16 Leases (see note 36).

Unrecognised deferred tax assets and liabilities
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

2019

2018

Gross  
amount  
£m
3
221
202
426

Unrecognised 
deferred  
tax asset  
£m
2
38
24
64

Gross  
amount  
£m
2
233
217
452

Unrecognised 
deferred  
tax asset  
£m
2
41
26
69

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. 

The Group has not recognised any deferred tax liability on temporary differences totalling £191m (2018 £354m) relating to potentially taxable 
unremitted earnings of overseas subsidiaries and equity accounted investments because any withholding tax due on the remittance of those 
earnings is expected to be insignificant.

194

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Notes to the Group accounts continued15. Deferred tax continued

Changes in tax rates
Recognised US deferred tax balances have been calculated at a combined federal and state tax rate of 25.7% (2018 25.7%).

Legislation is in place for the UK current tax rate to be reduced from 19% to 17% with effect from 1 April 2020. Both recognised and unrecognised 
UK deferred tax balances as at 31 December 2019 have therefore been calculated at a rate of 17% (2018 17.5%). However, the Conservative 
Party’s 2019 election manifesto included a pledge to keep the rate unchanged and so there is an expectation that the Budget in March will bring 
forward legislation to retain the UK current tax rate at 19%. The estimated impact of increasing the rate at which recognised UK deferred tax 
balances are calculated from 17% to 19% is an increase in net assets of £78m, the majority of which will be recorded in the Consolidated 
statement of comprehensive income.

16. Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, including all relevant overhead expenditure, and net realisable value.

Raw materials and consumables
Work-in-progress
Finished goods and goods for resale

2019 
£m
375
348
112
835

2018
£m
354
319
101
774

The Group recognised £14m (2018 £11m) as a write down of inventories to net realisable value.

17. Current tax

Current tax for the current and prior periods is recognised as a liability to the extent that it has not yet been settled, and as an asset to the extent 
that the amounts already paid exceed the amount due or the benefit of a tax loss can be carried back to recover current tax of a prior period. 
Current tax assets and liabilities are measured at the amount expected to be paid to or recovered from taxation authorities, using the rates that 
have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.

Tax provisions
Research and development expenditure credits receivable
Other

Represented by:

Current tax assets
Current tax liabilities

2019 
£m
(180)
187
(43)
(36)

19
(55)
(36)

2018
£m
(361)
163
(55)
(253)

81
(334)
(253)

Tax provisions of £180m (2018 £361m) are in respect of known tax issues, of which £142m (2018 £44m) relates to the UK. Whilst there is inherent 
uncertainty regarding the timing of any resolution of tax positions, the Group considers there to be a possibility of a material change in UK tax 
positions in the next financial year.

Following review of the April 2019 EU Commission decision that concluded that the UK’s Controlled Foreign Company regime partially represents 
State Aid, a provision has been recognised in the UK for the estimated exposure. There remains uncertainty surrounding HMRC’s likely approach 
to the assessment of the deemed State Aid and recovery of amounts which they consider to be due, and, accordingly, developments will continue 
to be monitored and assessed. 

195

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements18. Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents includes cash in hand, call and term deposits, investments in money market funds 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
Money market funds
Short-term deposits

2019 
£m
1,039
680
868
2,587

2018
£m
735
908
1,589
3,232

Cash and cash equivalents includes £283m (2018 £278m) which is subject to regulatory restrictions and is therefore not available for general use 
by other entities within the Group.

19. Assets and liabilities held for sale and business disposals

Assets and liabilities of disposal groups classified as held for sale comprise assets and liabilities that are expected to be recovered primarily through 
sale rather than continuing use. Assets and liabilities of disposal groups classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of their carrying value 
and fair value less costs to sell.

AACC
In January 2019, as part of a planned reorganisation of the Group’s portfolio of interests in a number of industrial companies in Saudi Arabia, 
the Group’s Overhaul and Maintenance Company (OMC) subsidiary disposed of its 85.7% shareholding in Aircraft Accessories and Components 
Company (AACC) to Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI). AACC was presented as held for sale at 31 December 2018.

AACC was included in the Air segment.

UK-based combat vehicles
In January 2019, the Group announced an agreement with Rheinmetall to create a joint UK-based military land vehicle design, manufacturing 
and support business. Rheinmetall purchased a 55% stake in the existing BAE Systems UK-based combat vehicles business, with BAE Systems 
retaining 45%. The UK-based combat vehicles business was presented as held for sale at 31 December 2018.

The sale of the stake to Rheinmetall and creation of Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL), completed on 1 July 2019. The Group’s stake in RBSL 
is accounted for as an equity accounted investment from 1 July 2019.

The UK-based combat vehicles business and RBSL are included in the Maritime segment.

AEC
In 2019, the Group’s OMC subsidiary entered into a heads of terms for the sale of its 50% shareholding in Advanced Electronics Company 
(AEC) to SAMI. Negotiations are continuing and the sale is expected to complete in 2020. Accordingly, AEC is presented as held for sale at 
31 December 2019.

AEC is included in the Air segment.

Silversky
Divestment of the Silversky business is in progress. Accordingly, the business is presented as held for sale at 31 December 2019.

Silversky is included in the Cyber & Intelligence segment.

Business disposals
The profit recognised on the disposal of each business was as follows:

Fair value of consideration received
Net assets disposed
Fair value of 45% investment retained in RBSL (note 12)
Cumulative currency translation gain
Profit on disposal

Net cash inflow arising on disposal:

Cash consideration received
Less: cash and cash equivalents disposed

UK-based 
combat 
vehicles 
£m
31
(93)
76
–
14

31
(2)
29

2019

AACC
£m
26
(26)
–
8
8

26
–
26

Total
£m
57
(119)
76
8
22

57
(2)
55

The profit on disposal is included in the profit for the year from continuing operations, as a component of other income (note 4).

196

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Notes to the Group accounts continued19. Assets and liabilities held for sale and business disposals continued

The net assets of the respective disposal groups at the dates of their disposal were as follows:

Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Inventories
Trade, other and contract receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other payables
Provisions
Net assets disposed

There were no disposals of subsidiaries in 2018.

Assets and liabilities held for sale
Assets and liabilities presented as held for sale comprise:

Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Equity accounted investments
Deferred tax assets
Inventories
Trade, other and contract receivables
Assets held for sale

Trade and other payables
Provisions
Liabilities held for sale

20. 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
Non-current segment assets
Post-employment benefit surpluses
Other financial assets
Tax
Inventories
Current trade, other and contract receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Assets held for sale
Consolidated total assets

UK-based 
combat 
vehicles  
£m
87
9
2
15
2
(15)
(7)
93

2019

AACC
£m
–
8
17
9
–
(8)
–
26

2019

2018

Silversky 
£m
31
3
–
5
–
5
44

(5)
–
(5)

AEC
£m
17
8
66
–
–
–
91

–
–
–

UK-based 
combat 
vehicles  
£m
87
9
–
–
2
16
114

(19)
(7)
(26)

Total
£m
48
11
66
5
–
5
135

(5)
–
(5)

Notes

23
14
15,17
16
13
18
19

AACC
£m
–
6
–
–
17
9
32

(14)
–
(14)

2019 
£m
4,119
935
8,830
679
435
10
15,008
302
560
745
835
5,458
2,587
135
25,630

Total
£m
87
17
19
24
2
(23)
(7)
119

Total
£m
87
15
–
–
19
25
146

(33)
(7)
(40)

2018
£m
3,610
909
8,466
503
420
7
13,915
308
411
783
774
5,177
3,232
146
24,746

197

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements 
21. 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 amortised cost. 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$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

Current
US$1bn 6.375% bond, repayable 2019
US$500m 2.85% bond, repayable 2020

2019 
£m

2018 
£m

–
377
399
602
561
376
299
406
3,020

–
377
377

391
392
399
626
583
391
311
421
3,514

785
–
785

The US$1bn 6.375% bond, of which US$500m had been converted to a floating rate bond by utilising interest rate swaps, matured and was 
repaid in June 2019.

The US$500m 2.85% bond, repayable 2020, has been converted to a sterling fixed rate bond by utilising foreign exchange swaps that mature 
in February 2020 and give an effective rate during 2019 of 1.2%.

US$278m of the US$500m 4.75% bond, repayable 2021, has been converted to a sterling fixed rate bond by utilising foreign exchange swaps 
that mature in October 2021 and give an effective rate during 2019 of 4.7%.

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 2024 and give an effective rate during 2019 of 3.8%.

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 rate during 2019 of 7.7%.

The US$400m 5.8% bond, repayable 2041, has been converted to a floating rate bond by utilising interest rate swaps that mature in October 
2024 and give an effective rate during 2019 of 5.7%.

198

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Notes to the Group accounts continued22. Trade and other payables

Trade and other payables are stated at amortised cost.

Contract liabilities represent the obligation to transfer goods or services to a customer for which consideration has been received, or consideration 
is due, from the customer.

US deferred compensation plan liabilities represent the present value of expected future payments required to settle the obligation to employees 
in accordance with IAS 19 Employee Benefits.

Non-current
Contract liabilities
Accruals and deferred income2
US deferred compensation plan liabilities
Other payables

Current
Contract liabilities
Trade payables
Amounts owed to equity accounted investments (note 31)
Other taxes and social security costs
Accruals and deferred income
Other payables

2019 
£m

20181
£m

527
584
339
31
1,481

3,536
675
1,134
123
2,229
229
7,926

560
520
333
48
1,461

3,496
703
955
130
2,201
233
7,718

1.  Comparatives as at 31 December 2018 have been reclassified to present the Saudi Arabia end of service benefit obligation within post-employment benefit obligations 
(£97m previously presented within other payables, see note 23) and to present accruals for goods received not invoiced within accruals and deferred income (£208m 
previously presented within trade payables).

2.  Includes £525m (2018 £439m) of funding received from the UK government for property, plant and equipment at Barrow-in-Furness, UK, relating to the Dreadnought 

submarine programme.

Revenue recognised in the year includes £3,422m (2018 £2,571m) that was included in the opening contract liabilities balance.

Non-current and current contract liabilities as at 1 January 2018 were £802m and £2,717m, respectively.

199

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements23. Post-employment benefits

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 post-employment benefit surpluses and obligations recognised in the Group’s balance sheet represent the fair value of scheme assets, less 
the present value of the defined benefit obligations calculated using a number of actuarial assumptions as set out on page 204. 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.

IAS 19 Employee Benefits, limits the measurement of a defined benefit surplus to the lower of the surplus in the defined benefit scheme and the 
asset ceiling. The asset ceiling is the present value of any economic benefits available in the form of refunds from the scheme or reductions in future 
contributions to the scheme. IFRIC 14 IAS 19 – The Limit on a Defined Benefit Asset, Minimum Funding Requirements and their Interaction, issued 
in 2007, provides an interpretation of the requirements of IAS 19, clarifying that a refund is available if the entity has an unconditional right to a 
refund in certain circumstances. The Group has applied IFRIC 14 and has determined that there is no limit on the recognition of the surpluses in 
its defined benefit pension schemes as at 31 December 2019.

MBDA participates in the Group’s defined benefit schemes and, as these are multi-employer schemes, the Group has allocated a share of the 
IAS 19 pension surpluses and deficits to MBDA based on the relative payroll contributions of active members or actual obligations where known. 
Whilst this methodology is intended to reflect a reasonable estimate of the share of the deficit, it may not accurately reflect the obligations of the 
participating employers.

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.

The Group’s share of the IAS 19 pension deficit allocated to equity accounted investments is included in the balance sheet within equity 
accounted investments.

Background
Pension schemes
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. During 2019, several legacy 
BAE Systems pension arrangements were merged into the BAE Systems Pension Scheme (Main Scheme). Contributions and members’ benefits 
are unchanged. The largest funded defined benefit scheme is the Main Scheme which represents 93% (2018 93%) of the UK IAS 19 defined 
benefit obligation at 31 December 2019. The schemes in other countries are primarily defined contribution schemes. 

At 31 December 2019, the weighted average durations of the UK and US defined benefit pension obligations were 17 years (2018 17 years) 
and 11 years (2018 11 years), respectively.

The split of the defined benefit pension liability on a funding basis between active, deferred and pensioner members for the Main Scheme 
and US schemes in aggregate is set out below:

Main Scheme (merged)1
US schemes2

1.  Source: 31 October 2019 actuarial valuation reports for the legacy schemes within the recently-merged Main Scheme. 
2.  Source: Annual updates of the US schemes as at 1 January 2019. 

Active 
%
31
28

Deferred 
%
21
16

Pensioner 
%
48
56

200

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Notes to the Group accounts continued23. Post-employment benefits continued 

Background 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 
Guaranty 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 the majority 
of active members of the Main Scheme 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.

A UK High Court judgement was delivered on 26 October 2018 concerning gender equalisation for the effect of Guaranteed Minimum 
Pensions (GMPs) for occupational pension schemes. In 2018, a non-recurring past service cost was included in the income statement to 
reflect the expectation that the impact of GMP equalisation would increase the pension deficit in the balance sheet. In 2019, an allowance 
of £132m (2018 £121m) was included within the pension deficit (before allocation to equity accounted investments). This is a consistent 
proportion of the UK liabilities as applied in 2018 and reflects the updated UK IAS 19 valuations as at 31 December 2019.

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. 

Other post-employment benefits
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 Group provides an end of service benefit to employees in Saudi Arabia. These liabilities are presented within post-employment benefits 
as at 31 December 2019; however, as at 31 December 2018, these liabilities were presented within other payables. The balance sheet has 
been reclassified to include this balance within post-employment benefits as the Group considers this to be a more appropriate presentation. 
This balance is not considered material, however the comparative balance sheet has been reclassified for consistency. This reclassification has 
had no impact on the net assets, the income statement or the statement of comprehensive income. A third balance sheet as at 1 January 2018 
is not presented as the reclassification does not have a material effect at that date.

Funding 
Introduction
Disclosures in respect of pension funding are provided below. Disclosures in respect of pension accounting under IAS 19 are provided 
on pages 204 to 210.

The majority of the UK and US defined benefit pension schemes are funded by the Group’s subsidiaries and equity accounted investments. 
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 at the valuation date, whilst the liabilities are measured 
on an actuarial funding basis using the projected unit credit method and discounted to their present value based on prudent assumptions set 
by the trustees following consultation with scheme actuaries.

The funding valuations are performed by professionally qualified independent actuaries and include assumptions which differ from the actuarial 
assumptions used for IAS 19 accounting purposes shown on page 204. The purpose of the funding valuations is to design funding plans which 
ensure that the schemes have sufficient funds available to meet future benefit payments.

201

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements23. Post-employment benefits continued 

Funding continued

UK valuations
Funding valuations of the Group’s UK defined benefit pension schemes are performed every three years. Following the merger of several of the 
Group’s UK pension schemes in October 2019, the Company and trustees agreed to carry out an early triennial funding valuation for the Main 
Scheme as at 31 October 2019. The next funding valuations for the other UK schemes will have an effective date of no later than 31 March 2020.

The results of the most recent triennial valuations are shown below. These valuations and, where necessary, deficit recovery plans were agreed 
with the trustees and certified by the scheme actuaries after consultation with The Pensions Regulator in the UK.

Market value of assets
Present value of liabilities
Funding (deficit)/surplus
Percentage of accrued benefits covered by the assets at the valuation date

The valuations in 2017 and 2019 were determined using the following mortality 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)

Main  
Scheme as at  
31 October 2019
£bn
20.6
(22.5)
(1.9)
92%

Other  
schemes as at  
31 March 2017
£bn
2.2
(2.0)
0.2
110%

86 – 89
87 – 90
88 – 92
90 – 93

The discount rate assumptions used in the 2017 and 2019 valuations were directly based on prudent levels of expected returns for the assets 
held by the schemes, reflecting the planned investment strategies and maturity profiles of each scheme. The discount rates are curves which 
provide a different rate for each year into the future.

The inflation assumptions were derived using data from the Bank of England which is based on the difference between the yields on index-linked 
and fixed interest long-term government bonds. The inflation assumption is a curve which provides a different rate for each year into the future.

The funding valuations resulted in a significantly lower deficit than under IAS 19, largely due to lower liabilities reflecting the higher discount 
rate assumption. Under IAS 19, the discount rate for accounting purposes is based on third-party AA corporate bond yields whereas, for funding 
valuation purposes, the discount rate is based on a prudent level of expected returns from the broader and mixed types of investments reflected 
in the schemes’ investment strategies, which are expected overall to yield higher returns than bonds.

The 2019 funding agreement is underpinned by a contingency plan, which includes a commitment by the Group to a further £50m of deficit 
funding in each of 2021 and 2022 into the Main Scheme prior to the next triennial valuation in the event that the scheme funding level were 
to fall below pre-determined parameters. In addition, the Group would be required to pay £187m in respect of the Main Scheme if the funding 
level were to fall significantly and were to remain at or below those levels for nine months.

There have been no changes to the contributions or benefits, as set out in the rules of the schemes, for pension scheme members as a result 
of the new funding valuations.

The results of future triennial valuations and associated funding requirements will be impacted by a number of factors, including the future 
performance of investment markets and anticipated members’ longevity.

US valuations
The Group’s US pension schemes are valued annually, with the latest valuations performed as at 1 January 2019.

202

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Notes to the Group accounts continued23. Post-employment benefits continued 

Funding continued

Contributions
Under the terms of the trust deeds of the UK schemes, the Group is required to have a funding plan determined at the conclusion of the triennial 
funding valuations.

Equity accounted investments make regular contributions to the schemes in which they participate in line with the schedule of contributions 
and are allocated a share of deficit funding contributions.

In 2019, total employer contributions to the Group’s pension schemes were £461m (2018 £554m), including amounts funded by equity accounted 
investments of £40m (2018 £38m), and included approximately £231m (2018 £211m) of deficit recovery payments in respect of the UK schemes, 
and £nil (2018 £119m) in respect of the US schemes. 

Deficit contributions will further increase in line with any percentage growth in dividend payments made by the Group. As part of the 31 October 
2019 valuation agreement, the Company has agreed to pay £1bn into the Main Scheme in the coming months representing an advancement of 
£1bn in deficit contributions that were due, under the 2017 valuation deficit recovery plan, between 2022 and 2026. The annual payments are 
expected to end in 2021 and the deficit is expected to be cleared in 2026.

In 2020, Group contributions to the US pension schemes are expected to increase by approximately £60m.

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.

The investment portfolios are highly diversified, investing in a wide range of assets, in order to reduce 
the exposure of the total portfolio to a materially adverse impact from a single security or type of security. 
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.

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. 

Some 45% (2018 43%) 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. The Main Scheme has an equity option strategy protecting 
£2.9bn of assets against a significant fall in equity markets.

In addition to investing in bonds as part of the matching portfolio, the 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.

The discount rate assumptions set as part of the UK funding valuations directly reflect the expected 
returns on assets held by the schemes and provide a natural hedge against interest rate risk. The planned 
investment strategy, which is reflected in the discount rate and liability calculation, is for the schemes to 
increase their investments in bonds or other assets which match the liabilities as the schemes mature. 
Under the UK funding valuations, the Group expects the schemes to be fully hedged against interest 
rate movements following a five-year transition period to the planned investment strategy.

In addition to investing in index-linked bonds as part of the matching portfolio, the 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. The Group’s US schemes are not indexed with inflation.

The UK funding valuations provide a natural hedge against inflation movements within the discount rate. 
The Group is already fully hedged against inflation movements and, under the planned investment strategy, 
the Group aims to maintain a fully hedged position.

In 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 2013, with the agreement of the Company, the trustees of the 2000 Plan, Royal Ordnance Pension 
Scheme and Shipbuilding Industries Pension Scheme entered into arrangements with Legal & General 
to insure against longevity risk for the current pensioner population, covering a total of £4.4bn of pension 
scheme liabilities. These arrangements reduce the funding volatility relating to increasing life expectancy. 
This longevity risk cover with Legal & General remains in place following the merger of the 2000 Plan and 
SIPS into the Main Scheme.

203

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements23. Post-employment benefits continued

IAS 19 accounting
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.

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 – past service (%)
Discount rate – future service (%)
Retail Prices Index (RPI) 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

2019

2018

2017

2019

2018

2017

2.1
2.2
2.8
2.8
2.0/2.8

2.6
2.9
2.7
3.0
3.1
3.1
3.1
3.1
2.1/3.1
2.1/3.1
1.5 – 3.6 1.6 – 3.7 1.6 – 3.7

87 – 88
88 – 90
88 – 89
89 – 91

86 – 88
88 – 90
88 – 90
90 – 91

86 – 88
88 – 90
88 – 90
90 – 92

3.1
3.1
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

87
89
87
89

4.2
4.2
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

87
89
87
89

3.7
3.7
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

87
89
87
89

Discount rate
The discount rate assumptions are derived through discounting the projected benefit payments using a third-party AA corporate bond yield 
curve to produce a single equivalent discount rate for the UK and US territories. This inherently captures the maturity profile of the expected 
benefit payments. For the UK territory, the discount rate used for future service differs from that used for past service as it only uses the cash 
flows relating to active members, which have a different duration. Further information on the duration of the schemes is detailed on page 200. 

Retail Prices Index (RPI) 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. As a consequence of RPI reform announcements 
during 2019, the Company has reviewed its approach to setting inflation assumptions and has decided to set the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) 
assumption at 0.8% lower than RPI. The resulting CPI assumption is 2.0%. In the US, inflation assumptions are not relevant 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 RPI inflation of 2.8% (2018 RPI inflation of 3.1%), 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 CPI inflation of 2.0% (2018 CPI inflation of 2.1%), with the exception 
of the legacy 2000 Plan, which is based on RPI inflation of 2.8% (2018 RPI inflation of 3.1%). 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’ benefits 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 and information on the demographic profile of the scheme’s membership. In addition, to allow for 
future improvements in longevity, the Continuous Mortality Investigation 2018 tables (published by the Institute of Actuaries) have been used 
(in 2018, the Continuous Mortality Investigation 2017 tables were used), with an assumed long-term rate of future annual mortality improvements 
of 1.0% (2018 1.25%), an initial rate adjustment parameter (‘A’) of 0.25% in conjunction with a smoothing parameter (‘Sk’) of 7 for all members. 

In October 2019, 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 2019 are a blend of the fully generational PRI-2012 White 
Collar table and the PRI-2012 Blue Collar table, both projected using Scale MP-2019.

US healthcare schemes
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 2019. These valuations were rolled forward to reflect the information at 31 December 2019. The method 
of accounting for these is similar to that used for defined benefit pension schemes.

The assumption for long-term healthcare cost increases is 4.8% (2018 4.9%) based on the assumptions that the increases are 7.4% in 2019 
reducing to 4.5% by 2026 and 4.5% each year thereafter for pre-retirement, and 8% in 2019 reducing to 4.5% by 2026 and 4.5% each year 
thereafter for post-retirement.

204

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Notes to the Group accounts continued23. Post-employment benefits continued

IAS 19 accounting continued

Summary of movements in post-employment benefit obligations

Total net IAS 19 deficit at 1 January 20191
Actual return on assets excluding amounts included in net interest expense
Increase in liabilities due to changes in financial assumptions 
Decrease in liabilities due to changes in demographic assumptions
Experience losses
Contributions in excess of/(below) service cost
Past service cost – plan amendments 
Net interest expense 
Foreign exchange adjustments 
Movement in other schemes
Total net IAS 19 deficit at 31 December 2019
Allocated to equity accounted investments
Group’s share of net IAS 19 deficit excluding Group’s share of amounts 

allocated to equity accounted investments at 31 December 2019

UK 
£m
(3,554)
1,491
(2,547)
448
(96)
243
(4)
(92)
–
–
(4,111)
324

US and 
other 
£m
(779)
766
(638)
19
(28)
(22)
–
(28)
28
14
(668)
–

Total 
£m
(4,333)
2,257
(3,185)
467
(124)
221
(4)
(120)
28
14
(4,779)
324

(3,787)

(668)

(4,455)

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-employment benefit 
schemes and the amounts recognised on the Group’s balance sheet after allocation to equity accounted investments. 

Present value of unfunded obligations
Present value of funded obligations
Fair value of scheme assets
Total net IAS 19 (deficit)/surplus
Allocated to equity accounted investments
Group’s share of net IAS 19 (deficit)/surplus
Represented by:

Post-employment benefit surpluses 
Post-employment benefit obligations 

UK defined 
benefit 
pension 
schemes 
£m
(118)
(26,758)
22,765
(4,111)
324
(3,787)

US and 
other 
pension 
schemes 
£m
(143)
(5,174)
4,703
(614)
–
(614)

2019

US 
healthcare 
schemes 
£m
–
(168)
219
51
–
51

Saudi 
Arabia end 
of service
benefit1
£m
(105)
–
–
(105)
–
(105)

Total 
£m
(366)
(32,100)
27,687
(4,779)
324
(4,455)

234
(4,021)
(3,787)

11
(625)
(614)

57
(6)
51

–

–
(105)
(105)

302
(4,757)
(4,455)

–

(129)

Group’s share of net IAS 19 deficit of equity accounted investments

(129)

–

1.  At 31 December 2018 the Saudi Arabia end of service benefit was presented within other payables. The comparative balance sheet has been reclassified to include this 

balance within post-employment benefits as the Group considers this to be a more appropriate presentation.

205

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements23. Post-employment benefits continued

IAS 19 accounting continued

Present value of unfunded obligations
Present value of funded obligations
Fair value of scheme assets
Total net IAS 19 (deficit)/surplus
Allocated to equity accounted investments
Group’s share of net IAS 19 (deficit)/surplus
Represented by:

Post-employment benefit surpluses 
Post-employment benefit obligations 

UK defined 
benefit 
pension
schemes
£m
(100)
(24,700)
21,246
(3,554)
304
(3,250)

US and 
other 
pension 
schemes 
£m
(142)
(4,782)
4,213
(711)
–
(711)

219
(3,469)
(3,250)

48
(759)
(711)

Group’s share of net IAS 19 deficit of equity accounted investments

(119)

–

2018

US 
healthcare 
schemes 
£m
–
(165)
194
29
–
29

Saudi 
Arabia end 
of service
benefit1
£m
(97)
–
–
(97)
–
(97)

Total 
£m
(339)
(29,647)
25,653
(4,333)
304
(4,029)

41
(12)
29

–

–
(97)
(97)

308
(4,337)
(4,029)

–

(119)

1.  At 31 December 2018 the Saudi Arabia end of service benefit was presented within other payables. The comparative balance sheet has been reclassified to include this 

balance within post-employment benefits as the Group considers this to be a more appropriate presentation.

Total cumulative actuarial losses recognised in equity since the transition to IFRS are £5.2bn (2018 £4.6bn).

Changes in the fair value of scheme assets before allocation to equity accounted investments

Value of scheme assets at 1 January 2018

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 2018

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 2019

UK defined 
benefit 
pension 
schemes 
£m
22,332
575
(1,022)
(447)
423
80
503
7
(14)
–
(1,135)
21,246
609
1,491
2,100
451
78
529
7
(15)
–
(1,102)
22,765

US and 
other 
pension 
schemes 
£m
4,352
156
(422)
(266)
131
–
131
–
(14)
248
(238)
4,213
173
766
939
10
–
10
–
(21)
(185)
(253)
4,703

US 
healthcare 
schemes 
£m
199
7
(12)
(5)
1
–
1
–
(1)
12
(12)
194
8
32
40
2
–
2
–
(1)
(9)
(7)
219

Saudi 
Arabia end 
of service
benefit1
£m
–
–
–
–
77
–
77
–
–
–
(77)
–
–
–
–
37
–
37
–
–
–
(37)
–

Total 
£m
26,883
738
(1,456)
(718)
632
80
712
7
(29)
260
(1,462)
25,653
790
2,289
3,079
500
78
578
7
(37)
(194)
(1,399)
27,687

1.  At 31 December 2018 the Saudi Arabia end of service benefit was presented within other payables. The comparative balance sheet has been reclassified to include this 

balance within post-employment benefits as the Group considers this to be a more appropriate presentation.

206

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Notes to the Group accounts continued23. Post-employment benefits continued

IAS 19 accounting continued

Assets of defined benefit pension schemes 

UK1

2019

US and other

Total

Equities:
UK2 
Overseas

Pooled investment vehicles3
Fixed interest securities:

UK gilts
UK corporates
Overseas government
Overseas corporates 
Index-linked securities:

UK gilts
UK corporates

Property 4 
Derivatives5 
Cash:

Sterling
Foreign currency

Other 
Total

Equities:
UK2 
Overseas

Pooled investment vehicles3
Fixed interest securities:

UK gilts
UK corporates
Overseas government
Overseas corporates 
Index-linked securities:

UK gilts
UK corporates

Property 4 
Derivatives5 
Cash:

Sterling
Foreign currency

Other 
Total

Quoted 
£m

Unquoted 
£m

Total 
£m 

Quoted 
£m

Unquoted 
£m

Total 
£m 

Quoted 
£m

Unquoted 
£m

Total 
£m 

2,214
1,935
1,931

1,280
1,476
41
1,480

2,105
268
–
–

619
31
13
13,393

1
1
5,161

–
2,359
–
16

2,215
1,936
7,092

1,280
3,835
41
1,496

297
994
1,778
(1,405)

2,402
1,262
1,778
(1,405)

–
–
1,178

–
–
34
3,304

–
–
–
–

648
36
149
22,765

–
72
–
4,588

29
5
136
9,372

UK1

–
–
1

–
–
–
–

–
–
113
–

–
–
1
115

–
–
1,179

–
–
34
3,304

–
–
113
–

–
72
1
4,703

2,214
1,935
3,109

1,280
1,476
75
4,784

2,105
268
–
–

1
1
5,162

–
2,359
–
16

2,215
1,936
8,271

1,280
3,835
75
4,800

297
994
1,891
(1,405)

2,402
1,262
1,891
(1,405)

619
103
13
17,981

29
5
137
9,487

648
108
150
27,468

2018

US and other

Total

Quoted 
£m

Unquoted 
£m

Total 
£m 

Quoted 
£m

Unquoted 
£m

Total 
£m 

Quoted 
£m

Unquoted 
£m

Total 
£m 

3,192
1,882
1,280

1,500
1,543
47
1,260

2,156
526
–
–

270
10
46
13,712

1
12
3,713

–
1,949
–
43

177
653
1,935
(1,121)

33
5
134
7,534

3,193
1,894
4,993

1,500
3,492
47
1,303

2,333
1,179
1,935
(1,121)

303
15
180
21,246

–
284
659

–
–
19
3,074

–
–
–
–

–
49
–
4,085

–
–
2

–
–
–
–

–
–
125
–

–
–
1
128

–
284
661

–
–
19
3,074

–
–
125
–

–
49
1
4,213

3,192
2,166
1,939

1,500
1,543
66
4,334

2,156
526
–
–

270
59
46
17,797

1
12
3,715

–
1,949
–
43

177
653
2,060
(1,121)

33
5
135
7,662

3,193
2,178
5,654

1,500
3,492
66
4,377

2,333
1,179
2,060
(1,121)

303
64
181
25,459

1.  The Main Scheme and one of the Group’s smaller UK defined benefit pension schemes participate in a Combined Investment Fund (CIF), covering £10.1bn (2018 £9.7bn) 

of assets. The purpose of the CIF is to provide economies of scale for the CIF schemes’ investment administration. 

2.  Includes £15m (2018 £24m) of the Company’s own ordinary shares. 
3.  Primarily invested in private markets and exchange traded funds. The amounts classified as unquoted primarily comprise investments in private markets, with the majority 

held in infrastructure, alternatives and direct funds, valued in accordance with International Private Equity and Venture Capital Valuation Guidelines.

4.  Valued on the basis of open market value at the end of the year determined in accordance with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors’ Appraisal and Valuation 

Standards and the Practice Note contained therein. Includes £233m (2018 £245m) of property occupied by Group companies. 

5.  Includes equity protection options, forward foreign exchange contracts, futures, and interest rate, inflation and longevity swaps. In addition, the total derivative figures 
shown are net of £358m (2018 £479m) of repurchase agreements. The valuations are based on valuation techniques using underlying market data and discounted 
cash flows.

207

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements23. Post-employment benefits continued

IAS 19 accounting continued

Changes in the present value of the defined benefit obligations before allocation to equity accounted investments

Defined benefit obligations at 1 January 2018

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 gain due to changes in financial assumptions 
Actuarial gain due to changes in demographic assumptions
Experience losses
Interest expense
Foreign exchange translation
Benefits paid
Defined benefit obligations at 31 December 2018

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 gain due to changes in demographic assumptions
Experience (losses)/gains
Interest expense
Foreign exchange translation
Benefits paid
Defined benefit obligations at 31 December 2019

UK defined 
 benefit 
pension 
schemes 
£m
(26,120)
(224)
(80)
(304)
(7)
(131)
1,295
171
(176)
(663)
–
1,135
(24,800)
(193)
(78)
(271)
(7)
(4)
(2,547)
448
(96)
(701)
–
1,102
(26,876)

US and 
other 
pension 
schemes 
£m
(4,949)
(12)
–
(12)
–
–
265
17
(17)
(180)
(286)
238
(4,924)
(11)
–
(11)
–
–
(638)
19
(28)
(201)
213
253
(5,317)

US 
healthcare 
schemes 
£m
(168)
(1)
–
(1)
–
–
9
–
(1)
(6)
(10)
12
(165)
(1)
–
(1)
–
–
(19)
1
8
(6)
7
7
(168)

Saudi Arabia  
end of service
benefit1
£m
(148)
(22)
–
(22)
–
–
–
–
–
(7)
3
77
(97)
(17)
–
(17)
–
–
(26)
–
(2)
(5)
5
37
(105)

Total 
£m
(31,385)
(259)
(80)
(339)
(7)
(131)
1,569
188
(194)
(856)
(293)
1,462
(29,986)
(222)
(78)
(300)
(7)
(4)
(3,230)
468
(118)
(913)
225
1,399
(32,466)

1.  At 31 December 2018 the Saudi Arabia end of service benefit was presented within other payables. The comparative balance sheet has been reclassified to include this 

balance within post-employment benefits as the Group considers this to be a more appropriate presentation.

208

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Notes to the Group accounts continued23. Post-employment benefits continued

IAS 19 accounting continued

Amounts recognised in the income statement after allocation to equity accounted investments

Included in operating costs:

Current service cost
Past service cost – plan amendments

Administrative expenses

Included in net finance costs:

2019

UK defined 
benefit 
pension 
schemes 
£m

US and 
other 
pension 
schemes 
£m

Other 
schemes 
£m

(177)
(4)
(181)
(14)
(195)

(11)
–
(11)
(21)
(32)

(18)
–
(18)
(1)
(19)

Total 
£m

(206)
(4)
(210)
(36)
(246)

Net interest expense on post-employment benefit obligations

(83)

(28)

(3)

(114)

Group defined benefit schemes 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

(9)
(3)

–
–

2018

–
–

(9)
(3)

Included in operating costs:

Current service cost
Past service cost – plan amendments

Guaranteed Minimum Pension equalisation charge
Administrative expenses

Included in net finance costs:

Net interest (expense)/income on post-employment benefit obligations

Group defined benefit schemes included in share of results of equity accounted 

investments:
Group’s share of equity accounted investments’ operating costs1
Group’s share of equity accounted investments’ finance costs

UK defined 
benefit 
pension 
schemes 
£m

US and 
other 
pension 
schemes 
£m

Other 
schemes 
£m

(201)
(10)
(211)
(110)
(13)
(334)

(80)

(15)
(3)

(12)
–
(12)
–
(14)
(26)

(24)

–
–

(1)
–
(1)
–
(1)
(2)

1

–
–

1.  The 2018 Group’s share of equity accounted investments’ operating costs included £4m relating to the Guaranteed Minimum Pension equalisation charge.

The Group incurred a charge of £226m (2018 £203m) in relation to defined contribution schemes for employees.

Total 
£m

(214)
(10)
(224)
(110)
(28)
(362)

(103)

(15)
(3)

209

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements23. Post-employment benefits continued

IAS 19 accounting continued

Sensitivity analysis
The sensitivity information has been derived using scenario analysis from the actuarial assumptions as at 31 December 2019 and keeping all other 
assumptions as set out on page 204.

Financial assumptions
The estimated impact of changes in the discount rate and inflation assumptions on the defined benefit pension obligation, together with the 
estimated impact on scheme assets, is shown in the table below. The estimated impact on scheme assets takes into account the Group’s risk 
management activities in respect of interest rate and inflation risk. The sensitivity analysis on the defined benefit obligation is measured on 
an IAS 19 accounting basis and, therefore, does not reflect the natural hedging in the discount rate used for funding valuation purposes.

Discount rate:

0.1 percentage point increase
0.1 percentage point decrease

Inflation: 

0.1 percentage point increase
0.1 percentage point decrease

1.  Before allocation to equity accounted investments.

(Increase)/decrease
in pension obligation1
£bn

Increase/(decrease)
in scheme assets1
£bn

0.5
(0.5)

(0.4)
0.3

(0.3)
0.3

0.2
(0.2)

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

1.  Before allocation to equity accounted investments.

(Increase)/decrease
in pension obligation1
£bn

(1.5)
1.4
(3.0)
2.8

Demographic assumptions
Changes in the life expectancy assumption, including the benefit of longevity swap arrangements (see longevity risk on page 203), would have 
the following effect on the total net IAS 19 deficit: 

(Increase)/decrease
in net deficit1
£bn

(1.3)
1.3

Life expectancy: 
One-year increase
One-year decrease

1.  Before allocation to equity accounted investments.

210

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Notes to the Group accounts continued24. 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 announced to those affected. 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. Management 
exercises judgement to determine the amount of these provisions. Provision is made for known issues based on past experience of similar items 
and other known factors. Each provision is considered separately and the amount provided reflects the best estimate of the most likely amount, 
being the single most likely amount in a range of possible outcomes.

Non-current
Current
At 1 January 2019
Transition adjustment upon adoption of IFRS 16 Leases (note 36)
Created
Utilised
Arising on business combinations
Reclassification between categories
Transfer from other balance sheet categories
Reclassification as held for sale
Released
Net present value adjustments 
Foreign exchange adjustments
At 31 December 2019
Represented by:
Non-current
Current

Warranties  
and 
after-sales 
service 
£m
46
58
104
–
65
(42)
–
–
–
–
(14)
–
(3)
110

54
56
110

Legal, 
contractual  
and
environmental
£m
294
212
506
(31)
99
(57)
–
12
24
(8)
(105)
23
(11)
452

Reorganisations 
£m
51
30
81
–
29
(25)
–
–
–
–
(31)
–
(2)
52

18
34
52

266
186
452

Other 
£m
36
34
70
–
14
(12)
19
(12)
–
–
(10)
3
(1)
71

47
24
71

Total 
£m
427
334
761
(31)
207
(136)
19
–
24
(8)
(160)
26
(17)
685

385
300
685

Warranties and after-sales service 
Warranty and after-sales service provisions are generally utilised 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 provisions are generally utilised within one to three years. There is limited volatility around the timing and amount of the ultimate 
outflows related to these provisions. 

Other debtors includes £18m (2018 £46m) which is reimbursable in respect of reorganisation costs.

Legal, contractual and environmental 
Reflecting the inherent uncertainty within many legal proceedings, the amount of the outflows could differ significantly from the amount provided. 
While the timing of the outflows is also uncertain, the Group expects these provisions to be utilised over a period of approximately 25 years.

Other 
There are no individually significant provisions included within other provisions. 

211

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements25. Share capital and other reserves

Share capital

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

Issued and fully paid
At 1 January 2018, 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2019

3,467

87

1

1

87

Special Share
One Special Share of £1 in the Company is held on behalf of the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (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.

Treasury shares
As at 31 December 2019, 261,897,751 (2018 271,650,137) ordinary shares of 2.5p each with an aggregate nominal value of £6,547,444 
(2018 £6,791,253) were held in treasury. During 2019, 9,752,386 (2018 9,582,602) treasury shares were used to satisfy awards and options 
under the Share Incentive Plan, International Share Incentive Plan, Performance Share Plan, the Performance Shares and Restricted Shares 
elements of the Long-Term Incentive Plan, and the Executive Share Option Plan. 

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 December 2019. 

At 31 December 2019, the ESOP held 2,887,846 (2018 2,299,585) ordinary shares of 2.5p each, with a market value of £16m (2018 £11m). 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 December 2019 over shares within the Company’s share incentive plan 
trusts other than those shares owned beneficially by the participants.

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. 

Equity dividends

Equity dividends on ordinary share capital are recognised as a liability on the date that the shareholder’s right to receive payment is established. 
This is generally the date that the dividend is declared.

Prior year final 13.2p dividend per ordinary share paid in the year (2018 13.0p)
Interim 9.4p dividend per ordinary share paid in the year (2018 9.0p)

2019 
£m
423
301
724

2018 
£m
415
288
703

After the balance sheet date, the directors proposed a final dividend of 13.8p per ordinary share. The dividend, which is subject to shareholder 
approval, will be paid on 1 June 2020 to shareholders registered on 17 April 2020. The ex-dividend date is 16 April 2020.

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 7 May 2020.

212

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Notes to the Group accounts continued25. Share capital and other reserves continued

Other reserves

At 1 January 2018
Subsidiaries:

Merger 
reserve 
£m
4,589

Statutory 
reserve 
£m
202

Revaluation 
reserve 
£m
10

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 
£m
3

Hedging 
reserve 
£m
59

Translation 
reserve 
£m
1,227

Currency translation on foreign currency net investments
Net amounts charged to hedging reserve
Tax on net amounts charged to hedging reserve

Equity accounted investments, net of tax
At 1 January 2019
Subsidiaries:

Currency translation on foreign currency net investments
Reclassification of cumulative currency translation reserve 

on disposal

Net amounts charged to hedging reserve 

Equity accounted investments, net of tax
At 31 December 2019

–
–
–
–
4,589

–

–
–
–
4,589

–
–
–
–
202

–

–
–
–
202

–
–
–
–
10

–

–
–
–
10

–
–
–
–
3

–

–
–
–
3

Total 
£m
6,090

396
(25)
5
15
6,481

–
(25)
5
(1)
38

396
–
–
16
1,639

–

(322)

(322)

–
(1)
25
62

(8)
–
(19)
1,290

(8)
(1)
6
6,156

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. 

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 2019, the Group’s capital was £5,449m (2018 £5,580m), which comprises total equity of £5,511m (2018 £5,618m), 
excluding amounts accumulated in equity relating to cash flow hedges of £62m (2018 £38m). Net debt was £743m (2018 £904m).

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;
– investing in research and technology and pursuing other 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 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.

213

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements26. Operating business cash flow

Key Performance Indicator – Operating business cash flow
Definition Net cash flow from operating activities excluding taxation and including net capital expenditure and lease principal amounts, financial 
investment and dividends from equity accounted investments.

Purpose Allows management to monitor the operational cash generation of the Group.

Taxation is excluded because it is not relevant to the pre-tax operational cash generation of the Group.
Net capital expenditure, lease principal amounts and financial investment are included as a measure of the investment in the business to support 
the operational performance of the Group.
Dividends received from equity accounted investments are included as a measure of the operating cash generation of the Group’s equity 
accounted investments.

Reconciliation of net cash flow from operating activities to operating business cash flow

Net cash flow from operating activities
Add back Taxation paid

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 intangible assets
Equity accounted investment funding
Principal element of lease payments and receipts

Net capital expenditure, lease principal amounts and financial investment
Dividends received from equity accounted investments
Operating business cash flow

2019 
£m
1,597
252
(360)
(110)
21
1
(6)
(230)
(684)
142
1,307

2018  
£m 
1,200
200
(358)
(139)
34
–
(1)
–
(464)
57
993

Reconciliation of operating business cash flow to net cash flow from operating activities by reporting segment

Operating business 
cash flow

Deduct  
Dividends received 
from equity accounted 
investments

Add back  
Net capital expenditure, 
lease principal amounts 
and financial investment

Net cash flow from 
operating activities

2019
£m
672
68
241
408
150
(232)
1,307

2018
£m
431
85
(30)
666
67
(226)
993

2019
£m
(5)
–
(17)
(117)
(3)
–
(142)

2018
£m
(7)
–
(7)
(36)
(3)
(4)
(57)

2019
£m
166
31
81
206
142
58
684

2018
£m
151
11
68
89
126
19
464

2019
£m
833
99
305
497
289
(174)
1,849
(252)
1,597

2018
£m
575
96
31
719
190
(211)
1,400
(200)
1,200

Electronic Systems
Cyber & Intelligence
Platforms & Services (US)
Air
Maritime
HQ

Taxation paid1
Net cash flow from operating activities

1.  Taxation is managed on a Group-wide basis.

214

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Notes to the Group accounts continued27. Movement in assets and liabilities arising from financing activities

Non-cash movements

Non-cash movements

As at 
1 January 
2018 
£m

Cash 
(inflow)/
outflow 
£m

Foreign 
exchange 
movements 
£m

Fair value 
and other 
movements  
£m

As at 
31 December 
2018 
£m

Recognised 
on transition 
to IFRS 16 
Leases 
£m

Cash 
(inflow)/
outflow 
£m

Foreign 
exchange 
movements 
£m

Fair value 
and other 
movements  
£m

As at 
31 December 
2019 
£m

Non-current assets
Other financial assets1

Current assets
Other financial assets1

Non-current liabilities
Loans
Lease liabilities
Other financial liabilities1
Cash collateral2

Current liabilities
Loans
Lease liabilities
Other financial liabilities1

Interest paid
Net sale of own shares
Equity dividends paid
Dividends paid to 

non-controlling interests

Partial disposal of 
shareholding in 
subsidiary undertaking3

Net cash flow from 

financing activities3

79

12
91

(4,069)
–
(19)
(17)

(7)
–
(56)
(4,168)

–

(112)
(112)

–
–
–
(2)

7
–
106
111
(1)
203
(1)
703

28

(17)

915

–

–
–

(229)
–
–
–

–
–
–
(229)

41

187
228

784
–
10
–

(785)
–
(61)
(52)

120

87
207

(3,514)
–
(9)
(19)

(785)
–
(11)
(4,338)

–

–
–

–

(167)
(167)

–
(1,270)
–
–

–
(216)
–
(1,486)

–
–
–
(1)

782
239
127
1,147
980
233
–
724

56

(31)

1,962

–

–
–

117
17
–
–

3
1
–
138

(3)

87
84

377
137
3
–

(377)
(262)
(174)
(296)

117

7
124

(3,020)
(1,116)
(6)
(20)

(377)
(238)
(58)
(4,835)

1.  Excluding cash flow hedges, for which the cash flow is reported within cash flow from operating activities. See note 14 for an analysis of other financial assets and liabilities.
2.  Reported in other payables.
3.  2018 comparatives have been reclassified to present a cash inflow of £17m in respect of a partial disposal of the Group’s shareholding in a subsidiary undertaking within 

financing activities. This cash flow was previously presented in investing activities.

28. Net debt

Key Performance Indicator – Net debt
Definition Cash and cash equivalents, less loans and overdrafts (including debt-related derivative financial instruments).

Purpose Allows management to monitor the indebtedness of the Group.

Components of net debt

Cash and cash equivalents
Debt-related derivative financial instrument assets – non-current
Debt-related derivative financial instrument assets – current
Loans – non-current
Loans and overdrafts – current
Debt-related derivative financial instrument liabilities – non-current
Debt-related derivative financial instrument liabilities – current
Net debt 

Notes
18
14
14
21
21
14
14

2019 
£m
2,587
103
–
(3,020)
(377)
(6)
(30)
(743)

2018 
£m
3,232
87
78
(3,514)
(785)
–
(2)
(904)

215

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements29. 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 money market funds are calculated by multiplying the net asset value per share by the investment held at the balance 

sheet date. 

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
Equity investments at fair value through profit and loss
Other financial assets
Other financial liabilities
Current
Other financial assets
Money market funds
Other financial liabilities

Financial instruments not measured at fair value:

Non-current
Loans
Current
Cash and cash equivalents (excluding money market funds)
Loans and overdrafts 

2019

2018

Carrying 
amount 
£m

Fair 
value 
£m

Carrying 
amount 
£m

Notes

13
350
(227)

210
680
(232)

13
350
(227)

210
680
(232)

14
14

14
18
14

13
245
(104)

166
908
(74)

Fair 
value 
£m

13
245
(104)

166
908
(74)

21

(3,020)

(3,315)

(3,514)

(3,597)

18
21

1,907
(377)

1,907
(380)

2,324
(785)

2,324
(794)

All of the financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value are classified as level 2 using the fair value hierarchy, except for money market funds, 
which are classified as level 1. 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, which are held at amortised cost. The fair value of loans presented in the table above is derived from market prices, 
classified as level 1 using the fair value hierarchy.

216

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Notes to the Group accounts continued 
 
30. Share-based payments

The Group has granted equity-settled share options and Long-Term Incentive Plan arrangements which 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.

Details of the terms and conditions of each share-based payment plan are given in the Annual remuneration report on pages 109 to 130. 

Expense in year

Executive Share Option Plan 
Performance Share Plan
Restricted Share Plan 

2019 
£m
6
21
7
34

2018 
£m
7
13
7
27

The Group also incurred a charge of £40m (2018 £36m) in respect of the equity-settled all-employee Free Shares and Matching Partnership Shares 
elements of the Share Incentive Plan.

Executive Share Option Plan

2019

2018

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

Range of exercise price of outstanding options (£)
Weighted average remaining contracted life (years)
Weighted average fair value of options granted (£)

Performance Share 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 (£)

Number of 
 shares 
’000
36,164
11,610
(4,077)
(4,718)
38,979
12,476

Weighted 
average 
 exercise 
price 
£
5.44
4.89
4.62
5.46
5.36
4.74

Number of 
 shares 
’000
32,907
8,971
(3,174)
(2,540)
36,164
9,482

Weighted 
average 
 exercise 
price 
£
5.28
5.83
4.74
5.60
5.44
4.52

2019
3.01 – 6.49
7
0.64

2018
3.01 – 6.49
7
0.86

Performance Share Plan

Restricted Share Plan

2019 
Number of 
 shares 
’000
22,380
9,653
(964)
(8,574)
22,495
223

2019
5
3.89

2018 
Number of 
shares 
’000
20,758
7,851
(965)
(5,264)
22,380
250

2018
5
4.63

2019 
Number of 
 shares 
’000
4,100
2,084
(1,305)
(473)
4,406
8

2019
5
4.90

2018 
Number of 
shares 
’000
3,769
1,540
(1,012)
(197)
4,100
–

2018
5
5.83

The exercise price for the Performance Share Plan and Restricted Share Plan is £nil (2018 £nil).

217

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements30. Share-based payments continued

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
Performance Share Plan – Monte Carlo
Restricted Share Plan – Dividend valuation

Range of share price at date of grant (£)
Expected option/award life (years)
Volatility (%)
Risk free interest rate (%)

2019
4.85 – 5.63
3 – 10
19
0.3

2018
5.82 – 6.07
3 – 10
19
0.8

Volatility was calculated with reference to the Group’s weekly share price volatility, after allowing for dividends, for the greater of 30 weeks or for 
the period until vest date.

The average share price in the year was £5.21 (2018 £5.89).

31. Related party transactions

The Group has a related party relationship with its directors and key management personnel (see below), equity accounted investments (note 12) 
and pension schemes (note 23).

Transactions with related parties occur 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
FAST Training Services Limited
MBDA SAS
Panavia Aircraft GmbH
Reaction Engines Limited
Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land Limited
BAE Systems Pension Funds 

Trustees Limited3

Other

Sales to  
related parties

Purchases from  
related parties

Amounts owed by 
related parties

Amounts owed to 
related parties1

Management 
recharges1

2019 
£m
41
2
854
114
2
28
27
–
4

–
2
1,074

2018 
£m
38
1
1,028
101
2
23
32
1
–

–
–
1,226

2019 
£m
215
–
248
–
–
164
16
–
–

20
1
664

20182
£m
166
–
313
–
–
199
26
–
–

19
–
723

2019 
£m
–
1
41
–
–
8
1
–
–

–
2
53

2018 
£m
18
–
37
–
–
8
4
–
–

4
–
71

2019 
£m
35
13
42
–
–
1,041
–
–
–

225
3
1,359

2018 
£m
24
15
52
–
–
864
–
–
–

10
–
965

2019 
£m
–
–
–
–
–
19
–
–
–

–
–
19

2018 
£m
–
–
–
–
–
18
–
–
–

–
–
18

1.  Also relates to disclosures under IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures, for the parent company, BAE Systems plc. At 31 December 2019, £862m (2018 £869m) was owed 

by BAE Systems plc and £497m (2018 £96m) by other Group subsidiaries.

2.  2018 purchases from related parties have been restated to include £313m of purchases from Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH.
3.  Transactions with BAE Systems Pension Funds Trustees Limited represent lease arrangements for land and buildings leased by the Group. Amounts owed at 31 December 

2019 include £225m in respect of lease liabilities measured under IFRS 16. The undiscounted minimum lease commitments to this related party at 31 December 2018 were 
£297m, which is not included within amounts owed to related parties in the table above.

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 109 to 130. Total emoluments for directors and key management personnel charged to the Consolidated income statement were: 

Short-term employee benefits
Post-employment benefits
Share-based payments

218

2018 
2019 
£’000
£’000
15,140
18,163
1,127
1,275
8,538
6,578
27,976 22,845

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Notes to the Group accounts continued32. Contingent liabilities

Contingent liabilities are potential future cash outflows which are either not probable or cannot be measured reliably.

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. Various Group undertakings are parties to legal actions and claims which arise in the normal course of business. Provision 
is made for any amounts that the directors consider may become payable (see note 24).

The Group believes that any significant liability in respect of its guarantees and performance bond arrangements, and legal actions and claims 
not already provided for, is remote.

33. Acquisition of subsidiaries

Subsidiaries acquired during 2019
All acquisitions which took place during the year ended 31 December 2019 were immaterial, both individually and collectively.

Subsidiaries acquired during 2018
On 14 December 2018, the Group acquired 100% of the issued share capital of ASC Shipbuilding Pty (ASCS) for consideration of A$1. Following 
the acquisition, ASCS was awarded the contract for the Australian Hunter Class Future Frigate programme.

The Group determined that it controls ASCS; therefore the acquisition was accounted for as a business combination and its results and financial 
position have been consolidated from the date of acquisition.

The fair values of the assets and liabilities of ASCS at the date of acquisition were as follows:

Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables
Trade and other payables
Net identifiable assets acquired
Goodwill arising
Net assets acquired

£m
14
1
(15)
–
–
–

Acquisition-related costs of £1m were included in operating expenses in the Consolidated income statement in the year ending 31 December 2018.

ASCS contributed £1m to the Group’s revenue and £nil to the Group’s operating profit between the date of acquisition and 31 December 2018.

If ASCS had been acquired on 1 January 2018, the Group’s revenue and operating profit would have been £16,904m and £1,604m, respectively, 
for the year ending 31 December 2018.

219

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements34. 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 2019 
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. For companies incorporated outside of the United Kingdom, the country of incorporation is shown in the address. 
No subsidiary undertakings have been excluded from the consolidation.

Subsidiaries – wholly-owned
4219 Lafayette, LLC1
4219 Lafayette Center Drive, Chantilly VA 20151, United States

Aerosystems International Limited
Lupin Way, Alvington, Yeovil, Somerset BA22 8UZ,  
United Kingdom

Alvis Limited
Alvis Pension Scheme Trustees Limited2
Alvis Vickers Limited
Armstrong Whitworth Aircraft Limited2
ASC Shipbuilding Pty Limited
Level 2, 80 Flinders Street, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia

Australian Marine Engineering Corporation 
(Finance) Pty Limited
Evans Building, Taranaki Road, Edinburgh Parks, Edinburgh 
SA 5111, Australia

Avro International Aerospace Limited2
BAE Systems (Al Diriyah C4i) Limited2
BAE Systems (Aviation Services) Limited

BAE Systems (Canada) Inc.
220 Laurier Avenue West, Suite 1200, Ottawa ON K1P 5Z9, 
Canada

BAE Systems (Combat and Radar Systems) Limited
4th Floor, St. Paul’s Gate, 22-24 New Street, St. Helier JE1 4TR, 
Jersey

BAE Systems (Consultancy Services) Limited

BAE Systems (Corporate Air Travel) Limited 
BAE Systems (CS&SI – Qatar) Limited2
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 Four) Unlimited Company
Riverside One, Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2, Ireland

BAE Systems (Funding Three) Limited

BAE Systems (Funding Two) Limited

BAE Systems (Gripen Overseas) Limited 

BAE Systems (Hawk Synthetic Training) Limited
BAE Systems (Holdings) Limited2
BAE Systems (Insurance) Limited3 
15 Canada Square, London E14 5GL, United Kingdom

BAE Systems (International) Limited 

BAE Systems (Kazakhstan) Limited 

BAE Systems (Kuwait) Limited 
BAE Systems (Land and Sea Systems) Limited4
BAE Systems (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
Level 25 Menara Hong Leong, No. 6 Jalan Damanlela, 
Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

BAE Systems (MEH) Limited

BAE Systems (Military Air) Overseas Limited
BAE Systems (Nominees) Limited2
BAE Systems (Oman) Limited
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited5 
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

220

BAE Systems (Projects) Limited 

BAE Systems (Property Investments) Limited 

BAE Systems (Vehicles and Equipment) Limited
BAE Systems 2000 Pension Plan Trustees Limited2
BAE Systems AB6
Box 5676, SE-114 86 Stockholm, Sweden

BAE Systems Al Diriyah Programme Limited2
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 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 Limited9
9 Raffles Place #26-01, Republic Plaza, Singapore 048619

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 Applied Intelligence (Connect) A/S
c/o Kromann Reumert, Sundkrogsgade 5, Copenhagen East, 
2100, Denmark

BAE Systems Australia Defence Pty Limited10
Evans Building, Taranaki Road, Edinburgh Parks, Edinburgh 
SA 5111, Australia

BAE Systems Applied Intelligence (GCS) Limited
Surrey Research Park, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7YP, 
United Kingdom

BAE Systems Applied Intelligence (Germany) GmbH
Mainzer Landstrasse 50, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

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 (Japan) KK
12/F Ark Mori Building, 1-12-32 Akasaka, Minato-ku, 
Tokyo, 107-6024, Japan

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
c/o Kromann Reumert, Sundkrogsgade 5, Copenhagen East, 
2100, Denmark

BAE Systems Applied Intelligence Canada Inc.
1959 Upper Water Street, Suite 900, Halifax NS B3J 2X2, 
Canada

BAE Systems Applied Intelligence France SAS
19 Boulevard Malesherbes, 75008, Paris, France

BAE Systems Applied Intelligence GCS Inc.7
1676 International Drive, 10th Floor, Suite 1000,  
McLean VA 22102, United States

BAE Systems Applied Intelligence Inc.8
5th Floor, Suite 1920, 256 Franklin Street, Boston MA 02110, 
United States

BAE Systems Applied Intelligence Limited
Surrey Research Park, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7YP, 
United Kingdom

BAE Systems Applied Intelligence LLC1
5th Floor, Suite 1920, 256 Franklin Street, Boston MA 02110, 
United States

BAE Systems Applied Intelligence Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Level 25, Menara Hong Leong, No. 6 Jalan Damanlela, 
Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

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 Corp7
440 Wheelers Farms Road, Suite 202, Milford CT 06461, 
United States

BAE Systems Australia Holdings Limited2
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 Limited5
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 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 C-ITS AB
Box 5676, SE-114 86 Stockholm, Sweden

BAE Systems China (Exports) Limited 
BAE Systems Communications Limited2
BAE Systems Communications Solutions, LLC1
Knowledge Oasis, Building 4, Second Floor, 0402-Z427, 
Knowledge Oasis Muscat, PO Box 16, Postal Code 135, 
Muscat, Oman

BAE Systems Controls Inc.8
1098 Clark Street, Endicott NY 13760, United States

BAE Systems Creole Inc.11
3701 Outlet Ctr. Drive, Suite 15, Sealy TX 77474, United States

BAE Systems Datagate Holdings Limited

BAE Systems Datagate Limited
BAE Systems Deployed Systems Limited12
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 Limited2

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Notes to the Group accounts continuedBAE Systems Land & Armaments L.P.1
2000 North 15th Street, 11th Floor, Arlington VA 22201, 
United States

BAE Systems Land Systems (Finance) Limited

BAE Systems Saudi Arabia (Vehicles and 
Equipment Nominees) Limited2
BAE Systems Saudi Limited
PO Box 1732, Riyadh 11441, Saudi Arabia

34. Information about related undertakings continued

Subsidiaries – wholly-owned continued
BAE Systems Finance B.V.
c/o IQ-EQ, Hoogoorddreef 15, 1101 BA Amsterdam, 
Netherlands

BAE Systems Finance Inc.7
1101 Wilson Blvd, Suite 2000, Arlington VA 22209, United States

BAE Systems Flight Training (Australia) Pty Limited5
Evans Building, Taranaki Road, Edinburgh Parks, Edinburgh 
SA 5111, Australia

BAE Systems Funds Management2,13
BAE Systems GCS International Limited

BAE Systems Global Combat Systems Bridging Limited

BAE Systems Global Combat Systems Munitions Limited
BAE Systems Global LLC1
1101 Wilson Blvd, Suite 2000, Arlington VA 22209, 
United States

BAE Systems Hägglunds AB
SE-691 80, Karlskoga, Sweden

BAE Systems Hawaii Shipyards Inc.7
3049 Ualena Street, Suite 915, Honolulu HI 96819, United States

BAE Systems Holding GmbH
Hauptstrasse 48, 82433 Bad Kohlgrub, Germany

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 IQ-EQ, Hoogoorddreef 15, 1101 BA Amsterdam, 
Netherlands

BAE Systems Holdings Inc.8
1101 Wilson Blvd, Suite 2000, Arlington VA 22209, United States

BAE Systems Land Systems (Investments South Africa) 
Limited

BAE Systems Land Systems (Investments) Limited

BAE Systems Land Systems (Logistics) Limited

BAE Systems Land Systems (Ranges) Limited

BAE Systems Land Systems (Singapore Investments) 
Limited

BAE Systems Land Systems ATF Limited
BAE Systems Land Systems FMTV International Inc.11
1101 Wilson Blvd, Suite 2000, Arlington VA 22209, United States

BAE Systems Land Systems Pinzgauer (Holdings) Limited

BAE Systems Land Systems Pinzgauer 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 MAI Turkey Hava Sistemleri A.S¸
Üniversiteler Mahallesi, Beytepe Lodumlu Köy Yolu Cad. 
No: 5/348 Çankaya, Ankara, Turkey

BAE Systems Marine (Holdings) Limited 

BAE Systems Marine (YSL) Limited

BAE Systems Marine Limited 
BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair Inc.7
750 West Berkley Avenue, Norfolk VA 23523, United States

BAE Systems Holdings International LLC1
1101 Wilson Blvd, Suite 2000, Arlington VA 22209, United States

BAE Systems Oman LLC1
PO Box 74, Postal Code 111, Seeb, Oman

BAE Systems IAP Research LLC1
2000 North 15th Street, 11th Floor, Arlington VA 22201, 
United States

BAE Systems Ordnance Systems Inc.7
4509 West Stone Drive, Kingsport TN 37660-9982, 
United States

BAE Systems Imaging Solutions Inc.8
1841 Zanker Road, Suite 50, San Jose CA 95112, United States

BAE Systems Overseas Inc.7
1101 Wilson Blvd, Suite 2000, Arlington VA 22209, United States

BAE Systems India (Homeland Security) Private Limited14
#201, 2nd Floor, World Mark 2, Asset No. 8, Aerocity, NH-8, 
New Delhi – 110037, India

BAE Systems India (Services) Private Limited14
#201, 2nd Floor, World Mark 2, Asset No. 8, Aerocity, NH-8, 
New Delhi – 110037, India

BAE Systems India (Technology) Private Limited14
#201, 2nd Floor, World Mark 2, Asset No. 8, Aerocity, NH-8, 
New Delhi – 110037, India

BAE Systems India (Ventures) Private Limited14
#201, 2nd Floor, World Mark 2, Asset No. 8, Aerocity, NH-8, 
New Delhi – 110037, India

BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems 
Integration Inc.2
65 Spit Brook Road, Nashua NH 03061, United States

BAE Systems Insurance (Isle of Man) Limited
Tower House, Loch Promenade, Douglas, IM1 2LZ,  
Isle of Man, United Kingdom

BAE Systems Integrated System Technologies 
(KSA) Limited

BAE Systems Integrated System Technologies 
(Overseas) Limited
BAE Systems Integrated System Technologies GmbH3
Hans-Stießberger-Str. 2b, 85540 Haar, Germany

BAE Systems Integrated System Technologies Limited
BAE Systems International Inc.8
1101 Wilson Blvd, Suite 2000, Arlington VA 22209, United States

BAE Systems Jacksonville Ship Repair LLC1
8500 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville FL 32226, United States

BAE Systems Land & Armaments Holdings LLC1,7
2000 North 15th Street, 11th Floor, Arlington VA 22201, 
United States

BAE Systems Land & Armaments Inc.7
2000 North 15th Street, 11th Floor, Arlington VA 22201, 
United States

BAE Systems Pension Funds CIF Trustees Limited2
BAE Systems Pension Funds Investment 
Management Limited2,15
BAE Systems Pension Funds Trustees Limited2 
BAE Systems Project Services Limited

BAE Systems Projects (Canada) Limited 

BAE Systems Properties Limited 
BAE Systems Quest Limited2 
BAE Systems Regional Aircraft (Japan) KK7
Minami Azabu T&F Building 8th Floor,  
4-11-22 Minami Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan

BAE Systems Regional Aircraft Colombia SAS16
c/o Brigard & Urrutia, Calle 70 A No. 4-41, Bogota, Colombia

BAE Systems Resolution Inc.11
3701 Outlet Ctr. Drive, Suite 15, Sealy TX 77474-4904, 
United States

BAE Systems Rokar International Limited
PO Box 45059, 11 Hartom Street, Mount Hotzvim, 
91450 Jerusalem, Israel

BAE Systems S&S Operations Inc.7
3701 Outlet Ctr. Drive, Suite 15, Sealy TX 77474-4904, 
United States

BAE Systems San Diego Ship Repair Inc.7
2205 East Belt Street, Foot of Sampson Street, San Diego 
CA 92113, United States

BAE Systems Saudi America Limited
Business Gate Building 7, Floor 1, Riyadh 11482, 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) Limited2

BAE Systems Serviços de Aviônicos Ltda.
Rua Boa Vista, No. 254, 13th Floor, Suite 15, Centro, São Paulo, 
São Paulo 01014-907, Brazil

BAE Systems Share Plans Trustee Limited2 
BAE Systems Shared Services (Overseas) Limited
BAE Systems Shared Services Inc.7
11215 Rushmore Drive, Charlotte NC 28277, United States

BAE Systems Ship Repair Inc.7
750 West Berkley Ave., Norfolk VA 23523, United States

BAE Systems Southeast Shipyards AMHC Inc.7
8500 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville FL 32226, United States

BAE Systems Surface Ships (Holdings) Limited

BAE Systems Surface Ships (Overseas) Limited

BAE Systems Surface Ships (Projects) Limited 

BAE Systems Surface Ships Integrated Support Limited 

BAE Systems Surface Ships Intermediate Holdings 
Limited 
BAE Systems Surface Ships International Limited6 
BAE Systems Surface Ships Limited

BAE Systems Surface Ships Maritime Limited 
BAE Systems Surface Ships Portsmouth Limited6 
BAE Systems Surface Ships Projects (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
Level 14, West Block, Wisma Golden Eagle Realty, 142C, 
Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

BAE Systems Surface Ships Property Services Limited 
BAE Systems Surface Ships Support Limited5
BAE Systems SWS Defence AB
SE-691 80 Karlskoga, Sweden

BAE Systems Tactical Vehicle Systems LP1
3701 Outlet Ctr. Drive, Suite 15, Sealy TX 77474-4904, 
United States

BAE Systems Technology Solutions & Services Inc.7
520 Gaither Road, Rockville, MD 20850, United States

BAE Systems Training Services Limited
BAE Systems TVS Holdings Inc.7
3701 Outlet Ctr. Drive, Suite 15, Sealy TX 77474-4904, 
United States

BAE Systems TVS Holdings LLC1
3701 Outlet Ctr. Drive, Suite 15, Sealy TX 77474-4904, 
United States

BAE Systems TVS Inc.11
3701 Outlet Ctr. Drive, Suite 15, Sealy TX 77474-4904, 
United States

BAE Systems Zephyr Corporation8
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 Corporation8
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 Corporation8
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 Corporation8
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 Corporation8
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, Inc.7
1101 Wilson Blvd, Suite 2000, Arlington VA 22209, United States

221

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsThe Blackburn Aeroplane & Motor Co Limited2
The Bristol Aviation Company Limited2
The British & Colonial Aeroplane Co. Limited2
The Leeds Partnership Limited5
The Supermarine Aviation Works Limited2,4
Thomas Sopwith Aviation Company Limited2
VSEL Birkenhead Limited 

Warship Design Services Limited 
Westover Controls Incorporated7
1098 Clark Street, Endicott NY 13760, United States

34. Information about related undertakings continued

Subsidiaries – wholly-owned continued
Brabazon Limited 
British Aerospace (Far East) Limited17
Level 54, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen’s Road East, Hong Kong

British Aerospace (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd17
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) 
Limited2
British Aircraft Corporation Limited2
Buckfield Properties Limited
Cashhold Limited2,3,5
15 Canada Square, London E14 5GL, United Kingdom

CPS International, Inc.11
c/o Benedetti & Benedetti, Comosa Building, 21st Floor, 
Ave. Samuel Lewis, PO Box 850120, Panama 5, Panama

Creole (Nigeria) Limited5
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 Ireland Limited6
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

Detica Services, Inc.
5th Floor, Suite 1920, 256 Franklin Street, Boston MA 02110, 
United States

ETI Engineering, Inc.7
1676 International Drive, 10th Floor, Suite 1000,  
McLean VA 22102, United States

Gloster Aircraft Limited2
Granada Enterprises Limited
PO Box 1732, Riyadh 11441, Saudi Arabia

H-B Utveckling, H-B Development AB
Nybrogatan 7, SE-114 34 Stockholm, Sweden

Hadrian Holdings, Inc.14
521 Fifth Avenue, New York NY 101075, United States

Hadrian Trustees Limited2,14
Hägglunds Vehicle GmbH
Ernst-Grote Strasse 13, 30916 Isernhagen, Germany 

Hawker Siddeley Aviation Limited2
Hawker Siddeley Dynamics Limited2 
Hertfordshire Estates Limited5
HSA/HSD Pension Fund Trustees Limited2 
Hunter Aerospace Corporation Pty Limited
Evans Building, Taranaki Road, Edinburgh Parks, Edinburgh 
SA 5111, Australia

International Military Sales Limited
Jetstream Aircraft Limited2
Prestwick International Airport, Prestwick, Ayrshire KA9 2RW, 
United Kingdom

Lemacrown Limited18

MES Holdco Limited
4th Floor, St. Paul’s Gate, 22-24 New Street, St. Helier JE1 4TR, 
Jersey

MES Interco13
Meslink Limited

Newcombe Properties Limited 

Piper Group plc 

Pitch Technologies AB
Repslagaregatan 25, SE-582 22 Linköping, Sweden

Pitch Technologies Limited
Sweden House, 5 Upper Montagu Street, London W1H 2AG, 
United Kingdom

Port Solent Limited19 
Port Solent Marina Limited19
PT. BAE Systems Services7
Wisma 46, Kota BNI, 34th Floor, Suite 34.01.A,  
Jl. Jenderal Sudirman Kavling 71, Jakarta 10220, Indonesia

Representaciones SSTS, CA11
Ave Francisco de Miranda, Centro Lido El Rosal Oficina 71B, 
Caracas, Venezuela

Riptide Autonomous Solutions Canada Company
1300-1969 Upper Water Street, Purdy’s Wharf Tower II, 
Halifax, NS, BJ3 3R7, Canada

Royal Ordnance (Crown Service) Pension Scheme 
Trustees Limited 

Royal Ordnance B.V.
c/o IQ-EQ, Hoogoorddreef 15, 1101 BA Amsterdam, 
Netherlands

Royal Ordnance Senior Staff Pension Scheme 
Trustees Limited
Royal Ordnance Speciality Metals Limited2
RWT Limited2
Salford Electrical Instruments Limited 

Scentcivil Limited
Scottish Aviation Limited2
Prestwick International Airport, Prestwick, Ayrshire KA9 2RW, 
United Kingdom

Sepia, LLC1
4219 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

Silversky Technology Sdn. Bhd.
Level 25, Menara Hong Leong, No. 6 Jalan Damanlela, 
Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Stewart & Stevenson Operations (Nigeria) Limited11
Tapa House (2nd Floor), 45, Imman Dauda St (Abosede Kuboye 
Crescent Entrance), Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria

Stewart & Stevenson TVS UK Limited

Stratsec.net Sdn Bhd
Unit F-3-1, Blok F, Third Floor, CBD Perdana 3, Jalan Perdana, 
Cyber 12, 63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

Support Solutions General Services and Contracting 
Company/Limited Liability company1,16
House No. 145, Street No. 1, Qtr. 611, Al Andulous Area, 
Al Mansour, Baghdad, Iraq

TDS International Holdings Pty Limited20
Evans Building, Taranaki Road, Edinburgh Parks, Edinburgh 
SA 5111, Australia

TDS International Pty Limited
Evans Building, Taranaki Road, Edinburgh Parks, Edinburgh 
SA 5111, Australia

222

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Notes to the Group accounts continued34. Information about related undertakings continued

Subsidiaries – not wholly-owned
Advanced National Company for Aircraft Maintenance 
Limited (76.5%)
PO Box 1732, Riyadh 11441, Saudi Arabia

Aircraft Research Association Limited (92.8%)2
Manton Lane, Bedford MK41 7PF, United Kingdom

BAE Systems Saudi Development and Training 
Company Limited (74.9%)21
PO Box 67775, Riyadh 11517, Saudi Arabia

BAE Systems SDT (UK) Limited (74.9%)
Flight Control System Management GmbH (66.6%)22
PO Box 801109, 81663 Munich, Germany

Hadrian Properties, Inc. (95%)14
521 Fifth Avenue, New York NY 101075, United States

International Systems Engineering Company Limited 
(69.3%)
PO Box 54002, Riyadh 11514, Saudi Arabia

Overhaul and Maintenance Company Holding (76.5%)
PO Box 1732, Riyadh 11441, Saudi Arabia

Prismatic Limited (51%)
2 Omega Park, Alton GU34 2QE, United Kingdom

Saudi Maintenance & Supply Chain Management 
Company Limited (51%)
PO Box 1732, Riyadh 11441, Saudi Arabia

Saudi Technology & Logistics Services Limited (65%)2
PO Box 1732, Riyadh 11441, Saudi Arabia

SMSCMC (UK) Limited (51%)

Notes
1. 

 Unincorporated entity for which the address 
given is the principal place of business.

2.  Directly owned by BAE Systems plc.
3.  In members’ voluntary liquidation.
4.   Ownership held in class of A shares, B shares 

and preference shares.

5.  Ownership held in class of A shares and B shares.
6.   Ownership held in ordinary shares and 

preference shares.

7.  Ownership held in common shares.
8.  Ownership held in common stock.
9.  Year end 30 June.
10.  Ownership held in ordinary shares and 

redeemable preference shares.

11.  Ownership held in authorized shares.
12. 40% owned by BAE Systems plc.
13. Unlimited company.
14. Year end 31 March.
15. Year end 5 April.
16. In liquidation.
17.  Year end 30 September.
18.  Ownership held in ordinary shares and class 

of A shares.
19. In strike off.
20. Ownership held in class of A shares.
21. 1% owned by BAE Systems plc.
22. 33.3% owned by BAE Systems plc.
23. Ownership held in class of B shares.
24.  Ownership held in common shares and 

B Preferred shares.

Equity accounted investments
Abercromby Property International (20.42%)
521 Fifth Avenue, New York NY 101075, United States

Advanced Electronics Company Limited (38.2%)
PO Box 90916, Riyadh 11623, Saudi Arabia

Air Astana (49%)8
121 Kabanbay Batyr Avenue, Yessil District, Astana 010000, 
Kazakhstan

AMSH B.V. (50%)23
Weena 210-212, 3012 NJ Rotterdam, Netherlands

BAE Systems Strategic Aerospace Services WLL (49%)
Building 52, Floor 2, Area 23, Qatari Bin Al Fajaa, Doha, Qatar

BAeHAL Software Limited (40%)2,14
Airport Lane, HAL Estate, Bangalore 560010, India

BHIC Bofors Defense Asia Sdn Bhd (49%)
Level 21, Suite 21.01, The Gardens South Tower, Mid Valley 
City, Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Canadian Naval Support Limited (50%)24
3099 Barrington Street, Halifax NS B3K 5M7, Canada

CTA International SAS (50%)
13 Route De La Miniere, 78034 Versailles Cedex, France

Data Link Solutions L.L.C. (50%)1,17
400 Collins Ave, Cedar Rapids IA 52498, United States

Eurofighter Aircraft Management GmbH (33%)2,16
Am Soldnermoos 17, 85399 Hallbergmoos, Germany

Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH (33%)2
Am Soldnermoos 17, 85399 Hallbergmoos, Germany

European Aerosystems Limited (50%)2,20
FADEC International LLC (50%)1
1098 Clark Street, Endicott NY 13760, United States

FAST Holdings Limited (50%)14,20
FAST Training Services Limited (50%)14
FNSS Savunma Sistemleri A.S (49%)20
Og˘ ulbey Mahallesi, Og˘ ulbey Kumeevleri, No. 441/A, 441/B, 
Gölbas¸ ı, Ankara, Turkey

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%)23
Üniversiteler Mah, 1605.Cad, No:3/1-3, 06800, Ankara, Turkey

Panavia Aircraft GmbH (42.5%)2
Am Soldnermoos 17, 85399 Hallbergmoos, Germany

Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land Limited (45%)
Hadley Castle Works, PO Box 106, Telford TF1 6QW, 
United Kingdom

Saab Bofors Test Center AB (30%)
SE-691 80 Karlskoga, Sweden

Saab-BAe Systems Gripen AB (50%)2,3
SE-581 88 Linköping, Sweden

Sealand Support Services Limited (33.3%)10
MoD Sealand, Welsh Road, Sealand, Deeside, Flintshire 
CH5 2LS, United Kingdom

Spectrum Technologies Limited (20%)2,14
Western Avenue, Bridgend Industrial Estate, Bridgend,  
Mid Glamorgan CF31 3RT, United Kingdom

Winner Developments Limited (33.3%)

223

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements35. Events after the reporting period

In January 2020, the Group announced that it has entered into a definitive Asset Purchase Agreement to acquire Collins Aerospace’s Military 
Global Positioning System business for $1.9bn in cash, subject to customary closing adjustments. The Group has also entered into a definitive 
Asset Purchase Agreement to acquire Raytheon’s Airborne Tactical Radios business for $275m in cash, subject to customary closing adjustments. 
Completion of both acquisitions is subject to successful closure of the Raytheon-United Technologies Corporation merger, as well as customary 
regulatory approvals and conditions.

In October, six of the Group’s nine UK pension schemes (including the two largest schemes) were consolidated into a single scheme. 
Following that consolidation, the Company agreed with the new Trustee Board to bring forward the funding valuation of the combined 
scheme to 31 October 2019 from the previously scheduled date of 31 March 2020.

After consultation with The Pensions Regulator in the UK, the Group has reached agreement with the Trustee Board of the combined scheme 
on the accelerated funding valuation and revised deficit recovery plan.

At the 31 October 2019 funding valuation date, the deficit was £1.9bn. The current deficit recovery plan which runs to 2026 will be replaced 
by a new deficit recovery plan, under which a one-off payment of £1bn is to be made in the coming months, with approximately £240m 
of funding payable in the scheme year ending 31 March 2020 and approximately £250m by 31 March 2021.

36. Adoption of IFRS 16 Leases

IFRS 16 became effective from 1 January 2019 and has replaced IAS 17 Leases and related interpretations. It has resulted in almost all leases 
being recognised on the balance sheet by lessees, as the distinction between operating and finance leases is removed. Under the new standard, 
a right-of-use asset and a financial liability for future lease payments are recognised. The only exceptions are short-term leases, low-value leases 
and leases of intangible assets. 

The Group has applied the modified retrospective transition approach and has not restated comparative amounts for the year ended 31 December 
2018. In the majority of cases the Group has elected to measure right-of-use assets at the amount of the lease liability on adoption (adjusted 
for any lease prepayments or accrued lease expenses, onerous lease provisions, and leased assets which have subsequently been subleased). 
For a number of property leases the Group has elected to measure the right-of-use asset as if IFRS 16 had been applied since the start of the 
lease, but using the incremental borrowing rate at 1 January 2019, with the difference between the right-of-use asset and the lease liability taken 
to retained earnings. 

The Group has elected to adopt the following practical expedients on transition:
– not to capitalise a right-of-use lease asset or related lease liability where the lease expires before 31 December 2019;
– not to reassess contracts to determine if the contract contains a lease and not to separate lease and non-lease elements;
– where an onerous lease provision is in existence, to utilise this provision to reduce the right-of-use asset value rather 

than undertaking an impairment review;

– to use hindsight in determining the lease term; 
– to exclude initial direct costs from the measurement of the right-of-use asset; and
– to apply the portfolio approach where a group of leases has similar characteristics.

Impact of adoption of IFRS 16 Leases
Balance sheet
Upon transition on 1 January 2019, the Group recognised a right-of-use lease asset of £1,298m (after adjustments for onerous lease provisions, 
lease prepayments and accrued lease expenses at 31 December 2018), and lease liabilities of £1,486m (non-current £1,270m; current £216m), 
along with a deferred tax asset of £2m. A sublease finance receivable of £72m was also recognised. A transition adjustment of £92m was 
recognised as a debit to retained earnings. The Group did not capitalise low-value leases on transition, or those which expire before 31 December 
2019, and has opted not to apply IFRS 16 to leases relating to intangible assets. The right-of-use lease asset principally consists of property. 

Income statement
Under IFRS 16 the Group sees a different pattern of expense within the income statement, as the IAS 17 operating lease expense is replaced by 
depreciation and interest charges. In 2019, the Group’s EBITA metric has improved by approximately £50m under IFRS 16 as the new depreciation 
expense is lower than the IAS 17 operating lease charge; however the new finance costs have broadly offset this, such that net profit after tax and 
the underlying earnings metrics are not materially different compared to the previous IAS 17 reporting basis.

Cash flow statement
The change in presentation as a result of the adoption of IFRS 16 has seen an improvement in 2019 of approximately £46m in operating business 
cash flow, offset by a corresponding decline in cash flow from financing activities. There is no overall cash flow impact from the adoption of the 
new Standard.

Lessor accounting under IFRS 16 is largely unchanged from IAS 17.

Accounting policy
The accounting policy in respect of leases applied from 1 January 2019 is set out in note 10.

224

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Notes to the Group accounts continued36. Adoption of IFRS 16 Leases continued

Impact on Consolidated balance sheet at 1 January 2019 (extract)
The following table shows the effect of adopting IFRS 16 on the Consolidated balance sheet at 1 January 2019.

Non-current assets
Right-of-use assets
Investment property
Equity accounted investments
Finance lease receivable
Deferred tax assets

Current assets
Finance lease receivable
Trade, other and contract receivables

Total assets
Non-current liabilities
Lease liabilities
Provisions

Current liabilities
Lease liabilities
Trade and other payables
Provisions

Total liabilities
Net assets

Capital and reserves
Retained earnings
Total equity attributable to equity holders of BAE Systems plc
Non-controlling interests
Total equity

£m

1,255
43
(11)
62
2
1,351

10
(26)
(16)
1,335

(1,270)
24
(1,246)

(216)
28
7
(181)
(1,427)
(92)

(92)
(92)
–
(92)

The weighted average incremental borrowing rate applied to lease liabilities was 3.4%.

Reconciliation between operating lease commitments and lease liability
The following table explains the difference between the operating lease commitments disclosed applying IAS 17 at 31 December 2018 and the 
lease liability recognised on adoption of IFRS 16 at 1 January 2019.

Total minimum lease payments reported at 31 December 2018 under IAS 17
Change in assessment of lease term under IFRS 16
Leases outside the scope of IFRS 16
Impact of discounting lease liability under IFRS 16
Lease liability recognised on transition to IFRS 16 at 1 January 2019

£m
1,706
107
(81)
(246)
1,486

225

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements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 post-employment 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

Company statement of changes in equity  
for the year ended 31 December

2019
£m
874

2018
£m
890

(99)

(27)

1
(98)
776

2
(25)
865

At 1 January 2018
Profit for the year
Total other comprehensive income for the year

Total comprehensive income for the year
Share-based payments
Net sale of own shares
Ordinary share dividends2
At 31 December 2018
Profit for the year
Total other comprehensive income for the year

Total comprehensive income for the year
Share-based payments
Ordinary share dividends2
At 31 December 2019

1.  The non-distributable portion of retained earnings is £767m (2018 £707m).
2.  Details of ordinary share dividends are provided in note 25 to the Group accounts.

Notes

10

10

Issued share 
capital 
£m
87
–
–
–
–
–
–
87
–
–
–
–
–
87

Share 
premium 
£m
1,249
–
–
–
–
–
–
1,249
–
–
–
–
–
1,249

Other 
reserves 
£m
203
–
2
2
–
–
–
205
–
1
1
–
–
206

Retained
earnings1
£m
2,600
890
(27)
863
69
1
(703)
2,830
874
(99)
775
75
(724)
2,956

Total 
equity
£m
4,139
890
(25)
865
69
1
(703)
4,371
874
(98)
776
75
(724)
4,498

226

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Company balance sheet  
as at 31 December

Non-current assets
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Right-of-use assets
Investments in subsidiary undertakings and participating interests 
Other receivables
Post-employment 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
Lease liabilities
Other payables
Post-employment benefit obligations
Other financial liabilities
Provisions

Current liabilities
Lease liabilities
Trade and other payables
Other financial liabilities
Provisions

Total liabilities
Net assets

Capital and reserves
Issued share capital
Share premium 
Other reserves
Retained earnings1
Total equity

1.  The Company’s profit for the year is £874m (2018 £890m).

Approved by the Board of BAE Systems plc on 19 February 2020 and signed on its behalf by:

C N Woodburn 
Chief Executive 

P J Lynas 
Group Finance Director 

Registered number: 1470151

Notes

2019
£m

2018
£m

61
10
27
8,987
3
49
496
9,633

3,162
14
307
1,763
5,246
14,879

(1,075)
(29)
(21)
(361)
(385)
(126)
(1,997)

(1)
(8,007)
(356)
(20)
(8,384)
(10,381)
4,498

62
13
–
8,497
3
44
278
8,897

3,102
14
207
2,563
5,886
14,783

(1,102)
–
(22)
(228)
(164)
(105)
(1,621)

–
(8,645)
(126)
(20)
(8,791)
(10,412)
4,371

87
1,249
206
2,956
4,498

87
1,249
205
2,830
4,371

2

8
4

3

4

5

8
4
7

6
4
7

9

227

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsNotes to the  
Company accounts

1. Preparation
Basis of preparation
The financial statements of BAE Systems plc have been prepared on 
a going concern basis, as discussed in the Directors’ report on page 90, 
and in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard (FRS) 101, Reduced 
Disclosure Framework.

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;

– 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 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 requirements of the second sentence of paragraph 110 and 

paragraphs 113(a), 114, 115, 118, 119(a) to (c), 120 to 127 and 129 
of IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers;

– 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.

The Company intends to continue to prepare its financial statements 
in accordance with FRS 101.

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 and 
Company balance sheet.

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.

The Company recognises an increase in its investments in subsidiary 
undertakings in respect of the cost of share-based payment awards 
issued by the Company to employees of the Company’s operating 
subsidiaries, with a corresponding entry to equity.

Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings
Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings are stated at amortised 
cost including a provision for expected credit losses. The Company 
measures the provision at an amount equal to lifetime expected 
credit losses, but this is not material to the financial statements 
as the probability of default is insignificant.

Other significant accounting policies
Other significant accounting policies are consistent with the 
Group accounts.

Judgements and sources of estimation uncertainty
In the course of preparing the financial statements, no judgements 
have been made in the process of applying the Company’s accounting 
policies, other than those involving estimates, that have had a significant 
effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements.

There are no major sources of estimation uncertainty that have a 
significant risk of resulting in a material adjustment to the carrying 
amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year.

Changes in accounting policies
IFRS 16 Leases became effective on 1 January 2019 as described in 
note 36 to the Group accounts. The impact on the Company accounts 
was not material.

Several other standards, interpretations and amendments to existing 
standards became effective on 1 January 2019, as detailed on page 
159 of the Group accounts, none of which had a material impact 
on the Company.

2. Investments in subsidiary undertakings and participating interests

Cost
At 1 January 2019
Additions
At 31 December 2019
Impairment provisions
At 1 January and 31 December 2019
Net carrying value
At 31 December 2019
At 31 December 2018

228

£m

8,516
490
9,006

19

8,987
8,497

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 20193. Trade and other receivables

Current
Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings1
Amounts owed by Group joint ventures
Prepayments and accrued income
Other receivables

2019
£m

2018
£m

3,092
6
39
25
3,162

3,026
7
56
13
3,102

1.  Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings are repayable on demand. Whilst the majority of these receivables are interest free, certain balances bear interest priced 

on an arm’s-length basis.

4. Other financial assets and liabilities

Non-current
Other foreign exchange/interest rate contracts
Debt-related derivative financial instruments

Current
Cash flow hedges – foreign exchange contracts
Other foreign exchange/interest rate contracts
Debt-related derivative financial instruments

2019

2018

Assets
£m

Liabilities
£m

Assets
£m

Liabilities
£m

393
103
496

1
306
–
307

(379)
(6)
(385)

–
(326)
(30)
(356)

191
87
278

–
129
78
207

(164)
–
(164)

–
(126)
–
(126)

Disclosures in respect of the fair value of other financial assets and liabilities are provided in note 29 to the Group accounts.

5. Loans

Non-current
US$500m 4.75% bond, repayable 2021
£400m 4.125% bond, repayable 2022
US$400m 5.8% bond, repayable 2041

6. Trade and other payables

Current
Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings1
Amounts owed to Group joint ventures
Accruals and deferred income 
Other payables

2019
£m

377
399
299
1,075

2018
£m

392
399
311
1,102

2019
£m

2018
£m

6,909
862
156
80
8,007

7,555
869
140
81
8,645

1.  Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings are repayable on demand. Whilst the majority of these payables are interest free, certain balances bear interest priced 

on an arm’s-length basis.

229

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements7. Provisions

Non-current
Current
At 1 January 2019
Created
Utilised
Released
Net present value adjustments
At 31 December 2019
Represented by:
Non-current
Current

Contractual 
and other
£m
105
20
125
24
(5)
(1)
3
146

126
20
146

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, but the amount of the outflows could differ significantly from 
the amount provided and the timing of the outflows cannot be estimated reliably.

8. Post-employment benefits
The Company participates in all of the Group’s UK pension schemes. Regular contributions to the schemes are made in line with the schedule 
of contributions and a share of deficit funding is allocated to participating employers. The deficit allocation methodology is based on the relative 
payroll contributions of active members. Full disclosures relating to these schemes are given in note 23 to the Group accounts.

Amounts recognised on the balance sheet
The table below shows the Company’s share of the Group’s UK pension schemes after allocation to other participating employers. 

Present value of unfunded obligations
Present value of funded obligations
Fair value of scheme assets
Company’s share of net IAS 19 deficit
Represented by:

Post-employment benefit surpluses 
Post-employment benefit obligations 

9. Share capital and other reserves
Share capital
Disclosures in respect of the Company’s share capital are provided in note 25 to the Group accounts.

Other reserves

At 1 January 2018
Amounts credited to hedging reserve
At 31 December 2018
Amounts credited to hedging reserve
At 31 December 2019

2019
£m
(79)
(1,965)
1,732
(312)

49
(361)
(312)

2018
£m
(62)
(1,292)
1,170
(184)

44
(228)
(184)

Statutory 
reserve
£m
202
–
202
–
202

Capital 
redemption 
reserve
£m
3
–
3
–
3

Hedging 
reserve
£m
(2)
2
–
1
1

Total
£m
203
2
205
1
206

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.

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.

230

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Notes 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 109 to 130.

Executive Share Option Plan
Performance Share Plan

The average share price in the year was £5.21 (2018 £5.89).

2019

2018

Range of 
exercise price  
of outstanding 
options
£
3.01 – 6.49
–

Weighted 
average 
remaining 
contracted life
Years
8
5

Range of  
exercise price  
of outstanding 
options
£
3.01 – 6.49
–

Weighted  
average  
remaining 
contracted life 
Years
8
5

11. Employees
The total number of employees of the Company at 31 December 2019 was 1,729 (2018 1,509). All of the Company’s employees work within 
the Group’s HQ segment.

Total staff costs, excluding charges for share-based payments, were as follows:

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs – defined contribution plans 
Pension costs – defined benefit plans 

2019
£m
113
13
5
21
152

2018
£m
103
11
3
21
138

12. Other information
Company audit fee
Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for the audit of the Company’s annual accounts totalled £2,032,000 (2018 £2,000,000). Fees payable 
to Deloitte LLP and its associates for non-audit services to the Company are not required to be disclosed because the Group accounts disclose 
such fees on a consolidated basis (see note 2 to the Group accounts).

Related party transactions
Disclosures in respect of related party transactions are provided in note 31 to the Group accounts.

The Company also has amounts receivable from Aircraft Research Association Limited of £3m (2018 £4m) which is a partially-owned subsidiary.

The Company had amounts receivable from Aircraft Accessories and Components Co Limited (AACC) of £9m at 31 December 2018.

In January 2019, as part of a planned reorganisation of the Company’s portfolio of interests in a number of industrial companies in Saudi Arabia, 
the Company’s Overhaul and Maintenance Company (OMC) subsidiary disposed of its 85.7% shareholding in AACC to Saudi Arabian Military 
Industries (SAMI). As a result, AACC is not a related party at 31 December 2019.

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 £9,059,747 (2018 £6,997,880); 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 2019 as at the date of exercise was £140,961 (2018 £113,745) 
and the net aggregate value of assets received by directors in 2019 from Long-Term Incentive Plans as calculated at the date of vesting was 
£891,314 (2018 £908,911); 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 one director in respect of defined benefit schemes and to two directors 
in respect of defined contribution schemes.

Company guaranteed borrowings
Borrowings by subsidiary undertakings totalling £2,322m (2018 £3,197m), 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 34 to the Group accounts.

231

BAE Systems plc Annual Report 2019Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements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 email 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).

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. 
JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A. is the depositary. If you should have 
any queries please contact: 
JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A. 
PO Box 64504 
St Paul 
MN 55164-0504, USA 
Email: jpmorgan.adr@eq-us.com 
Telephone (toll free from within US and Canada): +1 800 990 1135 
Telephone from outside US and Canada: +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 email: help@sharegift.org 

Share price information
The middle market price of the Company’s ordinary shares on 
31 December 2019 was 564.8p and the range during the year 
was 443.9p to 588.2p. 

For more information
Visit the Shareholder information section of our website:  
investors.baesystems.com

Financial calendar

Financial year end
Annual General Meeting
2019 final ordinary dividend payable
2020 half-yearly results announcement
2020 interim ordinary dividend payable
2020 full-year results: 
– preliminary announcement 
– Annual Report
2020 final ordinary dividend payable

31 December
7 May 2020
1 June 2020
30 July 2020
30 November 2020

February 2021 
March 2021
June 2021

Beware of share fraud 
Investment scams are often sophisticated and difficult to spot.

Spot the warning signs
Fraudsters will often:
– contact you out of the blue;
– apply pressure to invest quickly;
– downplay the risks to your money;
– promise tempting returns that sound too good to be true; and
–  say that they’re only making the offer available to you or 

even ask you to not tell anyone else about it.

If you’re suspicious, report it
You can report the firm or scam to the FCA by contacting 
their Consumer Helpline on 0800 111 6768 or using the 
reporting form using the link shown below.

If you’ve lost money in a scam, contact Action Fraud 
on 0300 123 2040 or www.actionfraud.police.uk

How to avoid investment scams
Reject unexpected offers
Scammers usually cold call, but contact can also come by 
email, post, word of mouth or at a seminar. If you’ve been 
offered an investment out of the blue, chances are it’s a 
high risk investment or a scam.

Check the FCA Warning List 
Use the FCA Warning List to check the risks of a potential 
investment – you can also search to see if the firm is 
known to be operating without their authorisation.

Get impartial advice 
Get impartial advice before investing – don’t use an 
adviser from the firm that contacted you.

 Be ScamSmart and visit 
www.fca.org.uk/scamsmart

232

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 baesystems.com

BAE Systems plc 
6 Carlton Gardens 
London 
SW1Y 5AD 
United Kingdom 
T +44 (0)1252 373232 
baesystems.com

Registered in England and Wales, No. 1470151 
© BAE Systems plc 2020. All rights reserved 
BAE SYSTEMS is a registered trade mark of BAE Systems plc.